Lotherton Hall in Leeds makes a fine autumn day out for all ages

Lotherton Hall in Leeds offers a full day out in one place: an Edwardian country house, gardens, woodland and a busy calendar of events. It has been open to the public since 1969, and 2026 has given visitors plenty of fresh reasons to return.

One of the year's big stories has been the revival of the hall's Edwardian walled garden. In April, Leeds City Council invited people with a passion for flowers to sponsor a rose and become part of the legacy of the famous garden as its restoration takes root.

Inside the house, the exhibition Botanically Beautiful: Art and Design Inspired by Nature opened in March. It explores how colourful depictions of flowers, fruits, leaves and trees have found their way into art, design and fashion, a natural partner to the work going on outdoors.

The events programme has been varied too. Over the summer, visitors could step back in time at the Florence Nightingale Experience in June, hear a talk on Napoleon and see classic cars at the Northern Alfa Day. A studio pottery experience followed in September and a flamenco concert in early October.

Guided tours have also been a popular way to see the house, with a historic tour of what organisers call Yorkshire's Edwardian gem running through the summer.

This half term, Lotherton turns its attention to families. Spellbound, a magical day trail, runs from 24 October to 1 November, with entry included in general admission to the country house. A scarecrow trail runs daily, and a Halloween Day takes place on 31 October from 11am to 3pm, with no booking needed.

Older children and tweens aged nine and over can take on Once Upon A Nightmare as darkness falls, an immersive scare trail with live actors and twisted fairy tales in the woodland.

Looking further ahead, family winter tours are listed for the colder months, so there is good reason to come back once the leaves have fallen.

Whether you are drawn by the gardens, the house or the half-term fun, Lotherton is well worth the trip. Opening times and booking details are published by Leeds Museums and Galleries.