You can enjoy the magic of autumn as a family with a whole host of adventures and activities at National Trust places in Lincolnshire, with heaps of fun for all the family this October half term. 

Running from now until Sunday November 1, families can take part in The Very Hungry Caterpillar trail at Belton House, presented by the award-winning creator of interactive theatrical events, Bakehouse Factory.

Enhanced by illustrated trail markers, giant food posts, activities and games, children can learn about days of the week, counting and the lifecycle of a butterfly. Wriggle along the trail in the Italian garden to spot juicy fruits, tasty snacks and uncover hands-on activities, before emerging as a beautiful butterfly, inspired by Eric Carle’s famous book.

Also during half term, free family crafts will be on offer on Thursday and Saturday October 29 and 31, making leaf bunting and colourful prints of fungi. A brand-new trail across the parkland has just opened too, all about the amazing moths and butterflies found around the estate. Plus, the return of the Stranger Folk app is bringing spooky interactive fun with physical play prompts to enjoy while exploring together. And finally, Belton’s mystery guide is back, offering the chance for visitors to work together, putting on their detective caps to solve The Puzzling Case of the Missing Plum Cakes, with riddles to unfurl while walking through the stunning gardens.

More information at: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/belton

- Families can flap into fun this half-term with Gunby Estate, Hall and Garden’s exciting Bat Trail. Young explorers aged between 3 and 11 are all invited to join the Battle of the Bats from October 17 to November 12 at the hallnear Spilsby, discovering some of Britain's most amazing bats while tackling six fun activities around the estate. Trail sheets cost £2 and offer more fun when returning home, as children can cut cards out of them to play Battle of the Bats top cards with family and friends.

For Halloween weekend, on October 30 and 31 , things will take an even spookier turn at Gunby with the Halloween Haunted Hall, decked with devilish decorations and frightful fun, opening its doors.

Throughout October, visitors can also get involved with The Big Draw, collecting free sketching bags from Visitor Welcome in the car park and contributing to a giant collaborative drawing board in the garden.

More information at: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/gunbyhall

- Tours and trails will invite visitors to uncover spooky tales and mesmerising mysteries this half term at Tattershall Castle. The Mystery of the Medieval Mice Trail costs £2.50 per trail sheet and follows six brave mice who live deep within the castle walls, holding secret roles in the kingdom. Each of their doors hides a spooky challenge revealing clues to solve the final code and unlock a prize.

On Saturdays throughout October at 11.30am and 1.30pm, visitors can step into the shadows of the castle on a spine-tingling family tour. Tattershall's Ghostly Tales and Tower Secrets sees 'Will the peasant' guide participants through centuries of history, mystery and ghostly tales, exploring the castle's ancient rooms and winding staircases and hearing stories that once occurred within the medieval walls.

More information at: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/tattershall