We love National Trust Quarry Bank for a family day out, and this October half term, they’ve got plenty of seasonal fun planned for all ages.
From scarecrow spotting and autumn crafts to spooky storytelling and interactive folklore adventures, here’s what’s in store for autumn 2026.
Quarry Bank Scarecrow Festival
Saturday 3rd October to Sunday 1st November 2026
Quarry Bank is hosting its very first Scarecrow Festival, with a fun-filled trail, storytelling, crafts, games and activities for all the family.
Set off around Quarry Bank and see how many scarecrows you can spot along the way, from big to small and scary to friendly. There will also be a scarecrow field packed with seasonal activities, perfect for enjoying the crisp autumn weather.
Head indoors for even more fun, including an autumn-themed play area, crafts and storytelling. There will also be spooky tours of the Apprentice House and an interactive game inspired by British folklore.
The Scarecrow Festival runs daily from 10.30am to 5pm. Booking is not needed, although normal admission charges apply. The outdoor scarecrow trail costs £2.50 per person, with trail sheets available from Visitor Reception.
Scarecrow Festival October Half Term
Saturday 24th October to Sunday 1st November 2026
The scarecrow festival continues throughout October half term, with plenty of activities to keep the family entertained.
Help Sally Scarecrow on the trail around Quarry Bank, with trail sheets costing £2.50 per person and available from Visitor Reception.
There will also be an autumn-themed indoor play space for younger children, including craft activities and storytelling sessions. Over on the Scarecrow Field, families can enjoy daily activities, with no booking needed. Just turn up and join in.
The October half-term activities run from 10.30am to 5pm. Normal admission charges apply, and the event is free once you have paid for entry.
Stranger Folk
Saturday 3rd October to Sunday 1st November 2026
Children aged 7 to 12 can enjoy an immersive adventure inspired by British folklore with the Stranger Folk app.
The interactive game features goblins and other creatures that lurk at some of the historic houses cared for by the National Trust. The app is free to download from the Apple App Store and Google Play, and it is recommended that you download it before your visit. It can also be downloaded when you arrive, depending on the Wi-Fi signal.
Stranger Folk is available daily from 10.30am to 5pm. This is an outdoor activity, so make sure the children are dressed appropriately for the weather.
The activity is free, although normal Quarry Bank admission charges apply.
Apprentice House Spooky Tours
Saturday 24th October to Sunday 1st November 2026
If your children enjoy a little spooky fun, they can follow a ghoul guide on a tour of the Apprentice House, filled with surprises and stories about the ghosts that are said to still live there.
The spooky tours are suitable for children aged 6 and over. A selection of tour times will be available between 10.45am and 3.45pm.
You cannot pre-book the tours, and tickets are limited for each session. To avoid disappointment, arrive early and head to Visitor Reception to check availability. Quarry Bank opens to visitors at 10.30am.
The tours are free once you have paid the normal admission charge. National Trust members can enter for free.
Entry Ticket Prices at Quarry Bank, Wilmslow
Entry tickets are required to take part in the Quarry Bank autumn and October half-term activities. The 2026/2027 admission prices from 1st March 2026, without Gift Aid, are:
- £24.00 for adults aged 18+
- £12.00 for children aged 5 to 17
- Under 5s go free
- £60.00 for a family of 2 adults and up to 3 children
- £36.00 for a family of 1 adult and up to 3 children
For National Trust members, entry is free.
Please note that the Scarecrow Trail costs an additional £2.50 per person. The activities are subject to availability, and some take place outdoors, so dress appropriately for the weather.
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