Sudeley Castle and Gardens launches Autumn Wildlife Trail

With experts predicting one of our most colourful autumns yet, there couldn’t be a better time to visit the spectacular Sudeley Castle and Gardens, to experience the new Autumn Wildlife Trail.

Running daily from now until October 25, the trail will see families from far and wide follow the footprints of Sudeley’s resident wildlife around the grounds, and learn a thing or two about these charming creatures that call our countryside home.

From badgers, hedgehogs and red foxes, to red deer and stoats, the trail offers a chance for little ones to get closer to British wildlife, whilst soaking up all the shades of autumn across Sudeley’s 10 award-winning gardens, based a ten minute drive from the centre of Cheltenham, in Winchcombe.

Did you know that badgers can run up to 20 mph? Or that hedgehogs travel up to a mile each night in search of food? Or a stoat’s fur changes colour with the season, from red-brown in summer to pure white in winter? Discover all this and more fun facts along the trail this season at Sudeley!

Trail sheets will be offered to keep track of each animal discovery, and include a crayon rubbing and colouring activity too.

Once visitors have completed the trail, there’s much more to explore at Sudelely Castle, including an adventure playground and fun fort that’s perfect for role-playing.  Rember to pack your wellies to splash in muddy puddles, collect leaves for crafting fun back at home, bring binoculars for a spot of bird-watching, or simply enjoy an autumnal sunset against the majestic backdrop of the Cotswold castle.

Kim Gibbon, Head of Visitor Services, said: “Autumn is such a wonderful time to visit Sudeley Castle and Gardens, with its explosion of colour and opportunities to spot signs of life. Our new Autumn Trail is a great way to explore nature with the little ones, and introduce them to a variety of great British wildlife. 

“Forestry England experts are predicting a particularly abundant year for fruit and nuts too, following the wet and warm summer we had, so we’re expecting to see more of our resident four-legged friends than usual!

“Sudeley is a great day out for all ages, come rain or shine, with our array of magical gardens, historic royal residence, collection of rare pheasants and exciting exhibitions, which includes the ‘Women of Sudeley’ throughout September.”

The on-site Castle Kitchen Restaurant serves up a locally-sourced, seasonal menu of hot meals, light lunches, sandwiches and cakes, not forgetting delightful afternoon teas. While families are also welcome to pack a picnic to enjoy in the designated picnic area too.

Plus, friendly staff are always on hand to guide visitors around the picturesque grounds, and the on-site gift shop is a must for those looking for a keepsake to remember their visit by, including homeware, books, toys, postcards and a range of local food - even honey collected from the Sudelely Castle Estate!

Autumn Wildlife Trail at Sudeley Castle & Gardens details: 

The Autumn Wildlife Trail is included in the ticket price, and families can save 10% on admission by booking in advance online - with children under three being admitted free.

For more information visit www.sudeleycastle.co.uk or call 01242 604244.