Explore Autumn Activities at National Trust Sites Across Wiltshire

This autumn, visitors to Wiltshire can enjoy a variety of engaging activities at National Trust locations, including Avebury, Lacock, and Stourhead. From sculpture exhibitions to guided walks, these events offer opportunities to experience the natural beauty of the season while supporting the preservation of these historic sites.

Autumn Events at Avebury

At Avebury, the landscape transforms into a vibrant gallery with a number of events scheduled from September 4 to November 2, 2025. The Sculpture Exhibition in Avebury Manor Garden runs from September 4 to October 19 and features an array of sculptures set against the backdrop of autumn foliage. This event is free, though standard admission applies.

The Residency Exhibition by artist Sarah Hobley, running from September 6 to November 2, showcases her exploration of the Avebury landscape through short walks, with her experiences documented on ceramic pots. This exhibition is also free to attend.

On September 11, Hobley will lead a Guided Walk from 10:30 to 12:00, inviting participants to engage with the textures and colors of the landscape. This event is free, but booking is required.

As part of Heritage Open Days on September 12 and 13, visitors can enter Avebury Manor Garden and the Alexander Keiller Museum at no cost. These free days are an excellent opportunity to explore the historical significance of the area.

The Avebury Foraging Workshop on September 13 offers a hands-on experience with forager-herbalist Fred Gillam. Participants will learn to identify and use local plants and fungi. The workshop costs £55 per person and requires advance booking.

Other highlights include a Guided Tour of Avebury Manor Garden on September 18 for £10 per person, and a Guided Landscape Walk around the Waden Hill circuit on September 26, priced at £8. Both events require booking in advance.

Events at Lacock and Mompesson House

Further afield in Lacock, visitors can explore the Unseen Colour photography exhibition by Werner Bischof, running from September to November. This exhibition, in collaboration with Magnum Photos, is free to attend and showcases works that highlight previously unseen color photographs from the World War II photojournalist.

On September 20, the Illyria Theatre will present an outdoor performance of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice to celebrate her 250th birthday. Ticket prices vary, and booking is required.

The Sustainable Darkroom team will host two workshops on September 30: a Chemigrams with Plant-Based Photo Chemistry workshop in the morning and a Chromatography Workshop in the afternoon, each costing £45 per participant and requiring booking.

At Mompesson House, visitors can explore the Regency at Mompesson House exhibition from September 4 to November 2. This free event highlights the historical significance of the Portman family’s residence during the Regency era.

Heritage Open Days will also take place at Mompesson House from September 14 to 16, featuring pop-up performances commemorating the 30th anniversary of the film “Sense and Sensibility.”

In Stourhead, daily Walks & Talks guided tours are scheduled from September 4 to November 2 to discuss the history of the landscape garden. These tours are free, but standard admission applies.

The Alfred’s Tower Charity Abseil on September 27 and 28, and October 4 and 5, offers a unique fundraising opportunity for SOS Africa, requiring advance booking.

As the season progresses, Stourhead will host a variety of family-friendly activities, including Bats and Broomsticks and Bat’s Autumn Adventure Trail, both available from October 4 to November 2.

The National Trust invites everyone to explore these diverse autumn activities across Wiltshire. For more details on events, opening times, and bookings, please visit the official National Trust website.