Why Autumn is the Perfect Time to Explore National Trust Gems in and Arround York

Promotional blog provided by National Trust

As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, North Yorkshire transforms into a tapestry of golden hues, rustling leaves, and misty mornings. Autumn is not just a season, it’s an invitation to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with nature. And there’s no better way to embrace the most colourful season than by visiting the region’s stunning National Trust properties.

Whether you're a local looking for a weekend escape or seeking authentic countryside charm, here are five inspiring reasons to explore these heritage treasures this autumn:

1. Nature’s grand finale

Autumn in North Yorkshire is a spectacle. From the fiery reds of ancient oaks to the mellow golds of beech trees, places like Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden offer breathtaking views that rival any painting. Wander through woodland trails, crunching leaves underfoot, and marvel at reflections dancing on tranquil ponds. 

At Beningbrough trees start to take on golden tones especially down the lime tree avenue, while ornamental vines climb over walls, gateways and the giant beech trees on the carriageway. 

Elsewhere, see how the seasons are changing in Nunnington Hall’s new Iris Garden and don’t miss your last chance to walk through the beautiful winding garden at Goddards. 

2. Serenity, spooks and scones (can’t forget the scones!)

With summer crowds long gone, autumn offers a quieter, more contemplative experience. Explore Brimham Rocks or Nunnington at your own pace, soaking in the serenity and stillness that only this season can bring. It’s the perfect time for mindful walks, photography, or simply sitting with a warm drink and watching the world go by.

In the centre of York find the peaceful gardens of Treasurer's House where you can sit amongst the autumn splendour and spot some otherworldly sculptures. The ghosts are back to quietly drift through the foliage and lawns. Until the end of October join a guided tour of the house- one of the most haunted houses in the UK and hear about a history spanning more than 2000 years. 

Need warming up from chills from a brisk walk or a spooky tale? This time of year National Trust cafés and tearooms come alive with comforting autumnal treats – think seasonal cakes, hearty soups, and locally sourced produce. After a brisk walk, there’s nothing better than warming up with a homemade scone or a reviving hot chocolate with all the trimmings. 

3. Harvest and heritage

At Beningbrough Hall, autumn is all about the harvest within a beautiful 18th century setting. Visit 15 October - 2 November to enjoy seasonal displays full of tumbling pumpkins, chard, apples and pears worthy of selfie or a photo with the whole family. On Wednesdays you can try some of the home-grown fruit and veg with tastings with the gardeners. Thursdays, rumbling tummies can sample chutneys, curds and jams with tastings with the retail team and on Fridays you can join a Walled Garden talk with the gardeners and try samples in the restaurant from the Hall’s own produce.

You can also see nature’s harvest ripe and ready at Nunnington Hall where the kitchen Garden is bursting with apples, pears and plums. Get inspiration to ‘grow your own’ in the kitchen garden and chat to gardeners about how to get the best out of an organic garden. 

Don’t forget Goddards, where the orchard and kitchen garden are tucking in for the winter. 

4. Wildlife wonders

Autumn is a time of transition for wildlife. At Studley Royal, deer rutting season is well underway. Hear the stags roaring across the 600-acre deer park and see antlers clashing – from a safe distance of course! In the gardens and parkland at Beningbrough Hall, birds migrate, and squirrels busily prepare for winter. Can you spot the peacocks preening at Nunnington Hall? Many National Trust sites offer guided walks or wildlife spotting opportunities, making it a great time for families and nature lovers to learn and explore.

5. Colour and culture 

Beyond the natural beauty, National Trust places are steeped in history and culture.  Visit the art gallery inside the Georgian interior of Beningbrough Hall.  See large-scale sculptures that seem impossibly large in the gallery. Step into a world where art and nature intertwine in a celebration of the Wilderness Garden, past and present in their new exhibition Whispers of Wilderness. 

Visit the top floor of Nunnington Hall where they proudly present ‘All the Wood’s a Stage’, a stunning exhibition created in collaboration with renowned photographers Joe Cornish and Simon Baxter. The new exhibition features new photographs that celebrate the beauty and vital significance of trees, woodlands, and forests across the UK.

At Fountains Abbey, inspired partly by the witch marks and dark history of Fountains Hall you can immerse yourself in Between Chaos and Light by Ed Kluz. Inspired by a world in a state of change, Ed's powerful installation explores the tumultuous chapter of history which saw the end of the Tudor era and beginning of the Stuart - a period caught between the aftermath of the dissolution and the expanded horizons of the enlightenment.

Make It a Season to Remember

Autumn is fleeting, but its beauty lingers in memory. So wrap up warm, grab your walking boots, and head out to discover the timeless charm of North Yorkshire’s National Trust treasures. Whether it’s a spontaneous day trip or a planned weekend adventure, you’ll find inspiration, beauty, and wonder waiting just beyond the gates. 

Different properties have different opening hours. 

Please check the websites for the most up to date information.