The National Trust launched a campaign encouraging people to listen to five minutes of birdsong during the depths of winter to combat the gloomy effects of short, dark, cold days. When the accompanying audio guide was downloaded over 10,000 times, it became

with natural materials. Time: 1.30pm–3.30pm. Cost: £2.50 per child, plus normal admission charges (£12.89 adult, £6.40 child for access to Mill, Apprentice House and Garden). Ages: 5–11. Booking essential. Tel: 01625 445896; www.nationaltrust.org.uk5. Follow

harvest whilst everyone enjoys locally sourced homemade soup and refreshments.The Alternative Village FeteOctober 15,16Join in a very different type of village gathering this autumn at Tattershall Castle in Lincolnshire as part of the National Trust's Dark

. A Celtic Celebration Of Hallowe’enOctober 29–30Step back over 2,000 years at this spooky family fun day at Castell Henllys, an Iron Age hill fort set within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. The ghosts of times long since past will be overseeing

and handcrafted greetings cards.Jam JamboreeOctober 1–2Enjoy the remnants of a late summer glut and bring the whole family along to Plas Newydd Country House And Gardens for a celebration of jam. Work up an appetite exploring the elegant 18th century house

of wild activities.Halloween SkiesOctober 24Those who are afraid of the dark may wish to avoid this special celestial event at The National Maritime Museum. Sit back and relax as an astronomer from the Royal Observatory guides you through the night sky

’t forget to pack A kite for flying on the beach. Holiday events… Explore Formby in a different way by taking part in the Orienteering Challenge on August 7, 11am–4pm. Cost: £5. For further information, e-mail formbylearning@nationaltrust.org.uk Cost

children can indulge their inner monster with plenty of Halloween themed games and creepy crafts.Tractor Spooktacular October 13, 27Ancient Blair Castle in the stormy Scottish highlands is the perfect setting for a ghoulish family adventure. Children

-tingling spooky story then sink your fangs into some devilishly delicious nibbles in the café at The Yorkshire Museum Of Farming, Murton Park.Spooky SpidersOctober 28Get to grips with the creepy crawly creatures who lurk within The Moors National Park Centre

.Banks of the Foyle Halloween carnival, October 29–31Since 1986, the Banks of the Foyle Carnival in Londonderry has played host to a week long calendar of spooky events and now attracts up to 40,000 revellers each year. The agenda includes music, magic, storytelling