Right across Cumbria, National Trust places are gearing up for a busy autumn of events and activities.
At Allan Bank in Grasmere, daily pumpkin carving from October 29-31 is available to book from 10am-2.45pm with the 30-minute slots costing just £3 per pumpkin.
Meanwhile, as Christmas approaches there will be an opportunity to capture all the family in a festive Santa Paws photoshoot by professional dog photographer Shaun Barr.
Sessions take place on December 1 and 8 from 10am. Grasmere Glee will be singing carols in the house between 1.30 and 3pm.
Townend, a traditional Lakeland farmhouse located just outside of Ambleside, tells of the life and work of the Browne family. On October 30 and 31 and November 1 the Superstitions Guided tour of Townend shares the family’s superstitions, folklore and how they protected themselves from illnesses and spirits. Tickets costs £9.50 per adult and £4.75 per child. Alternatively, learn about the family’s Christmas traditions, including Victorian Christmas decorations and food on display at Christmas at Townend from December 6-21 at 11am.
Wray Castle is playing host to an ongoing Other Everests: One Mountain, Many Worlds exhibition which runs until November 24 and tells the story of the sherpas' contribution to the 1924 British Mount Everest expedition.
In nearby Hawkshead, the Wilder Lakes exhibition at Main Street Studio, formerly the Beatrix Potter Gallery, runs on weekends until September 29 and showcases local artists alongside artwork from children in the neighbouring schools.
Hill Top House, the former home of Beatrix Potter, pays homage to one of her most popular characters with a display of original artworks, manuscripts and scenes from the books. Tom Kitten, What a Pickle, will run until November 3.
Winter at Sizergh will be the first time the house has opened its doors to the public in winter and takes place from November 22 until December 24.
Highlights will include immersive light and sound installations, creative crafting and seeing how the magnificent property brings Christmas to life through decoration and festive food and shopping in the visitor centre.
Acorn Bank near Penrith will celebrate the humble apple throughout autumn, details of which can be found of the National Trust website.
Unless otherwise stated, all events are free, although general National Trust admission charges may apply. Some special events require advance booking. For more information visit https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/lake-district
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