THERE are plenty of ways to make the most of the new season at National Trust sites in the area.

From late September through to October and November, the countryside, gardens and parks cared for by the National Trust dazzle with fiery foliage.

If your autumn is more about food and drink, however, you can celebrate the season’s produce with harvest fairs, festivals and apple days.

Across the South West, National Trust cafes will also be serving hearty dishes and comforting drinks inspired by the plums, pumpkins and apples of the season.

In addition, for good-value days out, the National Trust’s new filter on its website makes it easier to discover places which are free to visit.

From top autumn colour spots and harvest celebrations to half-term adventures, these National Trust places celebrate the best of the new season.

Autumn scent

Autumn may be famous for its leaf-peeping opportunities, but what about leaf-sniffing?

The fallen heart-shaped leaves of the katsura tree give off a sweet, sugary perfume, reminiscent of burnt sugar or candy floss.

Katsura trees can be sniffed out in the in the Pool Garden at Dyrham Park near Bristol.

Red squirrels

Autumn is the best time to see red squirrels with fewer leaves on the trees, making them easier to spot as they gorge on berries and gather nuts ahead of the winter.

Thanks to the work of the National Trust and other wildlife charities, there are locations across England, Wales and Northern Ireland to spot our only native squirrel.

Pumpkins at Tyntesfield (Image: Supplied)

Fungi

Often hidden amongst the trees, nestled into roots, or growing in nooks and crannies, there’s a whole world of fungi waiting to be discovered.

From rock hard, black fungi named after the legend of King Alfred’s burnt cakes to tiny orange ones that look like pieces of orange peel, the sheer variety of British fungi is astonishing.

If you do find some interesting fungi at National Trust places, please leave it where you found it and just take a picture instead.

Fungi play their part in the habitats they are found in, and we need to do all we can to protect the ecology of our woodlands and parks.

Deer ruts

One of nature's seasonal spectacles is the autumn deer rut, when male deer lock antlers in competition for female deer.

Deer ruts are best viewed with binoculars from a safe distance.

It’s best to leave your dog at home, and please look out for any signs put up around parks where deer are cared for.

In the South West, a new herd of 26 deer was introduced to the ancient parkland at Dyrham in the spring, and the team are looking forward to the first rut.

With over 270 acres of parkland, it’s a great place to walk and explore the great outdoors, with far-reaching views right across to Wales.

There are a range of guided and set walks, but you're free to wander at leisure too.

Apple days and harvest celebrations

At Tyntesfield in Somerset, join its rangers for the annual medlar harvest and pick your own to take home.

They have a bumper crop of this weird but wonderful fruit, ready to be picked this autumn when still unripe, hard and bitter.

They’ll teach you how to store your harvest for several weeks to ripen until they are dark brown, soft, sweet and aromatic.

You can then enjoy them with cheese and port or turn them into a delicious jelly.

All are welcome to join them on Friday, October 25 from 11am to 12.30pm.

Tyntesfield will also host its annual Autumn Harvest Display in the Orangery from Saturday, October 26 to Friday, November 15, which promises to be bigger and better than ever.

October half term events

Dyrham Park

There is a half-term bat trail at Dyrham Park from October 26 to Sunday, November 3.

Swoop your way around the park with the bat-themed trail around the 270-acre site.

There will be clues and facts about the upside-down creatures to tie in with the half-term holiday and Halloween.

Normal admission applies, though the trail costs £2.50 (including for members) which will include a prize at the end.

There is free admission for under-fives and members.

Lacock Abbey

Enjoy Autumn Adventures at Lacock Abbey in Wiltshire this October half term.

Mini gardeners and nature-lovers can get to know the trees of Lacock and their fallen leaves.

Pick up a Leaf Detective trail sheet from Visitor Reception and match the leaves to their trees, find mini rakes and wheelbarrows on the Sphinx Lawn and help the gardeners collect the autumn confetti.

Pick your favourite leaf and pin to the nature bunting in the Orchard, and find nature crafts and colouring sheets in the Botanic Garden.

These events are free, but normal admission applies.

Tyntesfield

At Tyntesfield, there is a Halloween Trail from October 26 to November 3.

Gertrude - the witch who lives in Tyntesfield’s woods - is having a very bad day.

Her mischievous cat Whiskers has torn her Book of Spells & Potions, and now she can’t finish making Frog Fudge for her Halloween party.

Have fun trying the activities at each of the seven stations on the trail then return to see Gertrude.

If you can tell her the ingredients she needs, she may even give you a prize.

For more information on National Trust properties in the area, visit nationaltrust.org.uk