Experience Nature in All 5 Senses With the National Trust – From Crunching Leaves to Roaring Stags

From crisp, cool mornings to golden afternoons, autumn is pure magic – experience the best of it with the National Trust.

The cold seasons are made for slowing down and soaking it all in. Yorkshire’s National Trust sites are bursting with colour, texture and life. Think tree-lined paths glowing amber, the scent of dew in the morning and that irresistible crunch of leaves under your feet. Here’s everything that’s waiting for you right now.

Witness a season painted in gold

© Copyright National Trust Images/Rebecca Hughes

Autumn is a season that shows off Beningbrough’s now-golden lime trees, while crimson leaves climb the garden walls. Across Yorkshire, gardens everywhere are overflowing with fruit and veg after a warm, dry summer – expect pumpkins, gourds and more in every shade you can think of.

At Wentworth Castle Gardens, Lady Lucy’s Walk bursts with colour besides cool evergreens. Wander through the parkland to capture views well worth a place on your social feed. With the low sun casting amber glows, it’s golden hour, all day long.

In a nutshell: Golden hues and picture-perfect scenery.

Feel the crunch of autumn

© Copyright National Trust Images/Annapurna Mellor

If there’s one sound that sums up autumn, it’s the crunch of leaves. You’ll find plenty to stomp on at Hardcastle Crags near Hebden Bridge, with over 400 acres of woodland and 15 miles of path to explore. The air is cool and fresh as you follow the Mill Walk through the woods and take in the sweeping views across Hebden Valley.

At Nunnington Hall, everything is alive with texture and growth. Feel the rough bark of the fruit trees or the soft soil in the vegetable patch. Take a look at the composting system and wormery to see how the garden team tend to the land naturally.

In a nutshell: Crunchy leaves and cool air.

Breathe in earth and spice

© Copyright National Trust Images/Arnhel De Serra

There’s nothing like the smell of autumn. The air is full of damp earth, moss and the scent of harvest from the walled garden. At Nostell in Wakefield you can enjoy it on a wellness trail, created in collaboration with Mindful Movers, a Wakefield-based mental health walking group.

Across Yorkshire, you’ll notice the smell after rain and the fresh woodiness from pine trees. Visit a National Trust shop and you’ll find candles and diffusers inspired by the same scents – a lovely way to bring a slice of autumn home with you.

In a nutshell: Earthy, nostalgic and comforting.

Taste the flavours of the harvest

© Copyright National Trust Images/Rebecca Hughes

Autumn tastes as good as it looks. At Beningbrough, the walled garden is full of apples, pears and other fruits from the harvest. Visit the Stables on Thursdays to try jams, curds and chutneys made with home-grown ingredients – perfect for gifts or your own kitchen.

At East Riddlesden Hall, the tearoom is a cosy spot for tea, cakes and hearty snacks after an autumn walk. In the centre of York, Treasurer’s House is known for its rich hot chocolate and scone of the month. The best bit? Every item you buy helps support National Trust’s work, so you can indulge yourself, guilt-free.

In a nutshell: Warm treats, orchard fruit and comforting flavours.

Hear nature’s autumn symphony

© Copyright National Trust Images/Chris Lacey

Autumn has its own music too. At Wentworth Castle Gardens you’ll hear the swish of grass, the crunch of leaves and the flutter of migrating birds overhead. Cross the Ha-Ha Bridge and you might catch the sound of conkers falling onto frosty ground.

At Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal, things get wilder. The deep roar of stags marks the start of the deer rut – a powerful sound that echoes across the parkland. More than 300 red, sika and fallow deer live here, and autumn is one of the best times to see them.

In a nutshell: Leaves crunching, grasses swaying and the sounds of wildlife all around.