From bold autumn colours and fun photo opportunities to magical challenges and dinosaur trails, Knebworth House has plenty for the whole family to enjoy this October half term.
While the house is closed this autumn season, our gardens, Dinosaur Trail, and Garden Terrace Tea Room will be open from Saturday 24th to Friday 30th October, offering families the perfect autumnal day out in Hertfordshire.
Here are 5 things for families to enjoy at Knebworth House this autumn.
Autumn Walks Around Knebworth Gardens
Autumn brings a spectacular splash of colour to the grounds of Knebworth House this autumn. Take a stroll through 28 acres of formal gardens to enjoy the changing shades of red, orange and yellow. The Wilderness Garden is a great area to spot a mixture of bold colours, whereas the sunken lawn offers a fantastic view of our historic house overlooking ornate beds and vivid trees.
Magical Autumn Trails for Little Adventurers
Children aged between 3 – 8 can take part in five challenges around the formal gardens this season.
Each £2 trail includes:
- A trail sheet and pencil
- A small chocolate prize, with a dairy-free option available
- Two hands-on craft activities
Complete them all to earn your very own wizard title – Keeper of Autumn!
Explore Our Dinosaur Trail
Always a family favourite, our dino trail in the Wilderness Garden is open again this October half term. Over 70 life-sized dinosaurs and prehistoric creatures can be discovered amongst the shrubbery, and children will love learning about the T-Rex, the Woolly Mammoth and other fascinating prehistoric creatures. The trail also includes lots of sensory activities, from the wind-up sound boxes that make dinosaur noises to life-sized dinosaur footprints.
Enjoy Some Seasonal Treats
Why not enjoy a tasty treat in the Garden Terrace Tea Room during your visit? Our seasonally-designed menu offers daily specials with hot and cold food, including autumnal dishes using pumpkins and other crops harvested from our very own vegetable garden! Our gift shop will also be open, where you can pick up some festive gifts or get a head start on your Christmas shopping (although we also have the Knebworth Christmas Fair coming up…)
Get Lost in Our Historic Hedge Maze
Another much-loved feature of our formal gardens is our hedge maze. Inspired by Hampton Court Palace’s famous puzzle maze, it was reinstated in 1995, although our original Victorian maze was first established in the 1840s.
But as you try to escape the Knebworth Maze this season, take some time to consider the spooky mythology surrounding mazes and labyrinths. In British folklore, legend states that if you enter a hedge maze after dark, the layout will change and exits become dead ends – trapping you inside. So, make sure you get out before it gets dark!
Helpful Tips for Visiting Knebworth House and Gardens this Autumn
Knebworth Gardens and Dinosaur Trail will be open throughout the October Half Term, from Saturday 24th to Friday 30th October, from 10.30am to 4pm. The House, Adventure Playground and Exhibitions will be closed.
Tickets are £8 per person and include access to the Gardens and Dinosaur Trail. The Autumn Trail sheet (£2) is sold separately.
Children under 3 years enter free of charge but will require a trail sheet to receive a prize. General admission and the Autumn Trail Sheet are free for Season Ticket Holders.
Book tickets now at www.knebworthhouse.com.
