Celebrate autumn at Buckland Abbey's Harvest Weekend

This October half term, the National Trust’s Buckland Abbey invites families to embrace the season with a bounty of activities celebrating squashes, pumpkins, and more during its Harvest Weekend.

From 26 to 27 October, the Great Barn will showcase a stunning display of produce, highlighting the hard work of the garden team in cultivating a variety of squashes and pumpkins. 

“Despite a challenging wet year, we’re very happy with the harvest at Buckland Abbey and can’t wait to show it off,” says Head Gardener, Sam Brown, “Buckland Abbey has always been a working  estate and this weekend we can focus on the best it has to offer this Autumnal season”. 

Visitors can indulge in seasonal treats in the café, made from some of the featured produce, after taking in the beautiful display. 

The festivities also include family-friendly activities on the lawn, such as sack races and apple-and-spoon races, as well as a chance to create leaf bunting.

On 26 October, families can join the Ranger Team to help restore the bug hotel at Buckland, affectionately known as BUGland Abbey, fostering a connection with nature while learning about the importance of insects. 

A guided Orchard Walk & Talk on 29 October will allow visitors to discover the significance of orchards and create an apple bird feeder to take home.

Throughout the half term, from 19 October to 3 November, visitors can participate in a baby dragon trail. Baby dragons have hatched and taken over Buckland Abbey, and families are invited to help find them, solve riddles, and learn about the magic behind the scenes.

Tudor cooking displays will be held in the Abbey on 26 and 29 October, where volunteers will prepare traditional seasonal dishes that reflect the culinary practices of the Tudor era.

Eleanor Hopkinson, Visitor Operations & Experience Manager, expressed her enthusiasm, saying, “We are looking forward to welcoming visitors to Buckland Abbey this October half term, and of course if anyone visiting would like to come in costume – that is definitely encouraged!” 

Buckland Abbey’s half term activities and Harvest Weekend event will run daily from 10am to 5pm.

Normal admission applies.

For more information and to book activities, visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/devon/buckland-abbey.