6 October 2023

Our top five “listed” days out for adults this autumn

By Julie Talbot Insurance Advisor
Listed property insurance UK

As the cool air rolls in and crunchy leaves are under foot, our team at Abode have come up with our top five autumnal days out for you to enjoy. And they just so happen to be in listed buildings too.

Foraging workshop at Arley Hall

You might recognise Arley Hall from our listed buildings in film and TV article as it’s featured in the popular Peaky Blinders series’. However, the country house is open to the public and has lots on for you to enjoy during the colder months.

On Thursday 19 October, there’s a four-hour workshop with a foraging expert, including identification guidance, finding, and tasting wild ingredients, finished with a walk at Grade II-listed Arley Hall. They promise lots of samples of food and drink along the way, so this workshop is a great way to get outside, learn something new, and taste some seasonal and unique flavours. All topped off with getting to walk the beautiful gardens of Arley Hall.

Secure your place here: Introduction to Autumn Foraging – Foraging Workshop and Walk at Arley Hall Tickets, Thu 19 Oct 2023 at 10:00 | Eventbrite

Seasonal decoration themed photo relevant to home insurance promotions

Autumn wreath-making at Harewood House

Grade I-listed Harewood House is a member of the “Treasure Houses” of England, which is a marketing association for ten of the most historic homes in the country. Located in West Yorkshire, the house also has several features in its grounds which are listed Grade I, II and II*. In other words – this property is a “must visit” for heritage lovers like us at Abode!

There’s lots to do at Harewood House, but if you’re looking for something seasonal then their autumn wreath-making could be for you. On Saturday 7 October, they’re holding a workshop where participants will discover the techniques used in floral harvesting, drying, and making. You’ll leave with a new skill, opening the potential of using dried flowers and other materials for wreath-making at home.

Book your tickets here: Autumn Wreath Making – Harewood House

Floral pumpkin workshop at Harewood House

With Harewood House holding so much history, we just had to mention another one of their autumnal workshops. On Saturday 14 October, there’s a relaxing floral pumpkin workshop where using fresh and dried seasonal flowers, you’ll create a beautiful pumpkin arrangement to take home with you. Just in time for some bespoke Halloween decorating.

A ticket to the workshop will also get you access to Harewood’s grounds, garden, and house so you can take the time to explore while you’re there and learn about some of the fascinating history.

Find out more and book in here: Floral Pumpkin Workshop – Harewood House

Murder-mystery dinner at Oxford Castle and Prison

Grade I-listed Oxford Castle and Prison may be more than a thousand-years-old, but this autumn it’s hosting a Victorian-themed murder-mystery dinner on Friday 29 September. This is an exclusive event with Prosecco on arrival and a two-course meal (no gaol gruel will be served). Following clues, you’ll work your way through the prison interrogating its residents. You’ll then sit down to discuss and share your theories over a dinner before the “big reveal”.

This is a fun and interactive way of getting to see the prison at Oxford Castle, learning its history alongside a light-hearted evening.

Make sure you don’t miss out: Victorian Murder Mystery & Dinner – Oxford Castle & Prison (oxfordcastleandprison.co.uk)

Escape room at Dover Castle

Dover Castle is a Grade I-listed Medieval castle in Dover, Kent. It’s been described as the “key to England” due to its defensive significance throughout history. There’s a lot to see and do at Dover Castle, but if you’re looking for something different on a rainy day you might want to check out its very own escape room.

The “Bunker” is a fully immersive escape room set within the wartime tunnels of the castle. The experience will put you and your family/friends in a scenario based on the real-life history of the building. You’ll work together to solve puzzles and find clues to make it out of the bunker safely.

You can get your tickets here: The Bunker: Escape Room at Dover Castle | English Heritage (english-heritage.org.uk)

Listed buildings are something to be celebrated and it’s even better if you can have a bit of fun at the same time. At Abode, we’ve always got recommendations and advice for all things listed, so contact us today for a chat or free insurance quote on 01622 476433 or email us at info@abode-insurance.com.