September’s Best Stately Home Experiences
As golden leaves begin their graceful descent and evening mists wrap around ancient turrets, Britain's stately homes transform into stages for extraordinary autumn adventures. This September, four remarkable venues beckon with experiences that capture the very essence of the season – from flickering candlelight concerts to mystical foraging expeditions, creative workshops to spine-chilling supernatural encounters.
A Night at the Movies: Candlelit Concert
Carlton Towers, Carlton, Yorkshire
Prepare to be transported as the magnificent Picture Gallery at Carlton Towers becomes a cinematic dreamscape bathed in the warm glow of hundreds of candles. This isn't just a concert – it's a magical fusion of visual spectacle and beloved film scores that will stir your soul.
The acclaimed Ebor String Quartet, in partnership with Ignite Concerts, will weave musical spells from cinema's most treasured moments. Feel the wonder of Harry Potter's magical world, the prehistoric majesty of Jurassic Park, the cosmic grandeur of Interstellar, and the epic heroism of Lord of the Rings – all brought to life in an intimate setting that transforms each note into pure emotion.
Your evening begins with a welcome glass of fizz (or soft drink alternative) as anticipation builds, and The Beaumont Bar remains open throughout for your comfort. Surrounded by flickering flames and architectural grandeur, this promises to be an evening where film and reality beautifully blur.
September 20th, 7pm arrivals
Book your candlelit concert experience at Carlton Towers
Autumn Foraging at Blair Castle
Blair Atholl, Scotland
Venture into the wild heart of the Scottish Highlands, where Blair Castle's ancient grounds hold secrets that have sustained generations. This isn't merely a walk – it's an initiation into the timeless art of living from the land, guided by experts who understand nature's generous but hidden offerings.
Over 2.5 transformative hours, you'll become a detective of the natural world, learning to identify the edible treasures and healing plants that flourish in autumn's embrace. Discover varieties of mushrooms tucked beneath fallen leaves, nutritious nuts ready for gathering, plump berries bursting with flavor, and medicinal plants that have been nature's pharmacy for centuries.
Your journey will wind through diverse landscapes – from mysterious woodlands where ancient trees whisper their secrets, to sun-dappled meadows alive with seasonal bounty, to hedgerows heavy with harvest, to carefully tended gardens where wild and cultivated merge. Each habitat tells its own story, and you'll learn to read the subtle signs and seasonal variations that mark a true forager.
The adventure culminates in Hercules Garden, where you'll savor wild tea and homemade treats while reviewing your newfound knowledge and learning preservation techniques. You'll leave with a personalized PDF guide containing everything you've discovered – a treasure trove for future foraging adventures.
September 20th and 21st, 10:30am to 1:30pm
Dahlia Season: Hand-tied Bouquet Workshop
Wolterton Hall, Wickmere, Norfolk
Welcome autumn's arrival with an enchanting celebration of the season's most spectacular blooms at the elegant Wolterton Hall. In the grandeur of the Marble Hall, you'll craft something truly beautiful while learning the artful secrets of sustainable floristry.
Under expert guidance, you'll master the graceful art of hand-tied bouquet creation, working with gorgeous dahlias in their full autumn glory alongside other seasonal treasures. This isn't just about following instructions – you'll develop your own unique style as you learn to select the perfect blooms, master the spiral technique, and discover the secrets of keeping your creation vibrant for days to come.
Every element reflects thoughtful sustainability, with locally sourced flowers including precious blooms from Wolterton's own gardens. Weather permitting, you'll stroll through the magnificent walled gardens – the largest in East Anglia – witnessing the exciting preparations for a major restoration that will transform this historic space.
Your morning begins with welcoming refreshments and continues with fascinating insights into the garden's evolution. If time allows, you'll also explore the Hall's stunning State Rooms, adding cultural richness to your creative journey. You'll depart with your beautiful creation, a special gift from Wolterton, and skills that will enhance every future floral arrangement.
September 23rd, 10am to 1pm in the Marble Hall
Create your autumn masterpiece at Wolterton Hall
Ghost Hunts
Gwrych Castle, Abergele, Wales
When darkness falls over the Welsh countryside, Gwrych Castle awakens with whispers from centuries past. This isn't entertainment for the faint-hearted – it's a genuine investigation into one of Britain's most actively haunted locations, where the boundary between our world and the next grows thin.
The castle's reputation precedes it: the phantom lady in red who commands visitors to leave, mysterious faces glimpsed in empty windows, and the chilling sounds that echo from the marble staircase when no living soul walks there. These aren't tales told for effect – they're experiences reported by countless witnesses who've encountered Gwrych's restless spirits.
Your supernatural adventure begins with a safety briefing and rapid tour of the castle's restored areas, where you'll hear the fascinating history and meet the infamous specters who refuse to rest. You'll be equipped with professional paranormal investigation tools: dowsing rods that respond to unseen presences, K2 meters that detect spiritual energy, and the knowledge to conduct table tipping and divination sessions.
As the night deepens, vigils throughout the castle will test your courage and open your mind to possibilities beyond the physical world. Whether you're a seasoned ghost hunter or curious newcomer, this investigation offers a rare chance to explore the mysteries that haunt one of Wales' most atmospheric ruins.
Come prepared for an authentic paranormal experience: layered clothing for dropping temperatures, comfortable non-slip shoes for navigating in darkness, and a torch for the unlit locations. Cameras are welcome – you might capture something extraordinary. Light refreshments will be available, but alcohol is strictly forbidden during investigations.
September 28th, 9pm to 2am (Ages 16+)
Each of these remarkable venues offers something unique for autumn adventurers. Whether you choose the romance of candlelit music, the wisdom of ancient foraging traditions, the satisfaction of creative craftsmanship, or the thrill of supernatural investigation, this September promises experiences for everyone.
