Embrace autumn with these 10 great ideas for days out around the county. Words by Rebekka O’Grady and Emma Mayoh
Until November 5
Autumn Adventures
For a great day out with the family, enjoy an autumn adventure to find the scarecrows hidden throughout Beeston Castle’s 40 acre woodland park. Once you have discovered them all, why not get creative and make your own. Beeston has plenty of picnic benches dotted about, and there is also a museum telling the history of the site dating back 4,000 years from the Neolithic period to the Civil War.
www.english-heritage.org.uk/beeston
November 11th and 16th
Opera Gala
The wonderful evening from Clonter Opera in Congleton features well loved opera arias, duets, and ensembles, followed by some musical theatre classics. Ideal for anyone who has not been to an opera before, this year’s gala will take place at the Clonter Opera Theatre as well as in the elegant 18th century ballroom, originally designed by Robert Adam, at the Lansdowne Club in London’s Berkeley Square. Performing will be sopranos Bianca Andrew, Mirjam Mesak and Lorena Paz Nieto alongside baritone Thomas Humphreys and tenor Eduard Mas Bacardit.
Open daily
Tatton Park
Tatton Park in Knutsford is one of the county’s favourite stately homes. Situated in 1,000 acres of deer park, it is a beautiful place to explore in autumn. Wander through the glorious gardens to see how the trees have changed their leaves, and take the children to meet very special rare breed animals at the working farm. The neo-classical mansion, former home to the Egerton family, is also worth having a look around.
November 12th-19th
Chester Literature Festival
This popular festival takes place in its new home, Storyhouse, in Chester. A plethora of talented writers will make this a huge celebration of what this new cultural venue has achieved in the past six months. A weekend of events and installations will be directed by award winning poet Hollie McNish and there will be inclusive, exciting, high quality events as well as the opportunity to get close to your favourite writers with appearances from Gordon Brown, Ben Fogle, Jeremy Vine, Lemm Sissay, Peter Snow and Ann MacMillan.
Until November 15
A Taste of Autumn
Something for foodies, wildlife lovers, walkers and more, Dunham Massey are celebrating all things autumn with their new seasonal programme. There will be regular events, such as a self-led deer discovery trail and the autumn park walk, as well as date specific events including early morning rut walks and makers workshops. Families will enjoy Hooty’s Autumn Festival Trail, where you follow Hooty’s special trail around the garden. Visit the website for dates and prices.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dunham-massey
Open daily
Sandstone Trail
Stretching for 34 miles, the Sandstone Trail offers a wealth of things to do for all this autumn. Starting in Frodsham and ending Whitchurch, there are plenty of destinations along the way to explore besides walking or cycling across the beautiful, unbroken and often elevated countryside. See the trees change colour in Delamere Forest, be the king of your own castle at the medieval Beeston Castle or find your perfect countryside pub at the many establishments. Frodsham starting point: Main Street, WA6 7DF
Until January 6th
The Macclesfield Portraits of Joseph Wright of Derby
The Old Sunday School in Macclesfield plays host to this special exhibition featuring two Joseph Wright portraits. The artist is renowned for his paintings of scientific discovery and industry but his portraits were also excellent. During his time he painted some of Macclesfield’s leading figures. Macclesfield Museums bought two last year of John Stafford and Barbara Tatton. This new display celebrates these people and their stories.
November 17th
The Sixteen Choir and Orchestra
The music of Johann Sebastian Bach is hailed for the skill of its construction, its beauty and spirituality. These longstanding artists, The Sixteen, present a concert devoted to Bach’s work at Manchester’s Brigewater Hall, concluding with his uplifting setting of Magnificat. Also on the programme are Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring and other memorable pieces. Conducted by Harry Christophers.
November 16
Walking to Health: Calves Croft Walk
Embrace the fresh autumnal air and enjoy a 1.5 mile walk through Lyme Park. You will join an experienced Lyme Park volunteer on a guided walk through the grounds of the National Trust property, taking in the beautiful scenery and getting the chance to explore the lesser known areas of the park. Dogs are welcome on a lead. After your walk, why not take a stroll around the 17-acre garden or play a game of croquet or boules with the family. You may even spot a red deer.
Open daily
Jodrell Bank
After exploring the wonders of the universe at the The Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre, head into their gardens to relax or learn more about the grounds, Galaxy Garden, Space Playground and parts of the arboretum. A family-friendly space, if you’re with children aged between four and ten then make sure to borrow one of the backpacks to discover the grounds via the Planet Path. Alternatively, follow the Telescope Pathway around the base of the Lovell telescope, where information boards along the way tell the story of the construction and the objects it observes. This month, until November 5th, you can also mark the turning of the season with a special autumnal celebration in the Jodrell Bank arboretum.
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