From Saturday 22nd October, we are holding an exciting week of autumnal-themed activities and events for all the family at Nene Park, tying in with the school half term break. There is something for everyone to enjoy, from our scarecrow and broomstick making activities to our archery and ever-popular holiday trail. In addition, we have our daily watersports pay and play activities at Nene Outdoors and boat trips on Overton Lake, as well as the chance for the last camping trip of the year and a visit to Longthorpe Tower before it closes for the season.
Find out what’s happening and when, with our guide to family fun in the Park
Daily:
Complete a trail at Ferry Meadows: There will be a trail up around Ferry Meadows for the half term holiday week. Pick up a trail sheet from the Visitor Centre, Gift and Farm shop for £1, hunt for questions as you walk around the Park and return to the Visitor Centre to claim your prize.
Pay & Play watersports at Nene Outdoors: Make a splash with our full range of Pay and Play activities on Gunwade Lake, with activities available between 11am and 5pm each day. Daily watersports activities include swan pedalos and row boats, stand up paddle boards, kayaks and canoes, dinghies and windsurfing. Buoyancy aids are included with hire and our friendly and experienced members of staff are always on hand to offer advice and ensure you are safe at all times.
Hire a bike: Hire a bike from Nene Outdoors and discover miles of traffic-free cycling paths, lakeside trails and woodland routes in the Park. Cycle hire is available daily during the half term break from 10am to 5pm. Book your cycle hire online.
Take a boat trip: Take a trip around Overton Lake in our eco passenger boat and enjoy unique views of the lakes and the River Nene around Ferry Meadows. Boat trips will run at various intervals daily throughout the week, apart from 27th and 28th October. Book tickets online.
Enjoy a night under canvas: Book one of our bell tents on ‘Lakeview Campsite’ or book a camping pitch at ‘The Glade’ – just before the campsites pack up until next spring. Find out more and book on the Nene Park website.
Ride the Ferry Meadows Railway: Sit back and enjoy the ride as you pass through meadows while taking in views of Overton and Lynch Lakes. The carriages include a wheelchair coach which allows people to ride the train while remaining in their wheelchairs. To see if trains are running on the day of your visit please call 07779 031764 or go to the Ferry Meadows Railway website.
Dates for your diary:
Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd October: Visit Longthorpe Tower. Come and discover the surviving tower of a 14th century fortified Manor House. It contains the finest set of medieval wall paintings in a domestic setting in Western Europe, giving a rare insight into the medieval mind. Book your 1-hour tour with our knowledgeable volunteers between 10am – 4.30pm at weekends. Booking essential.
Sunday 23rd October: Sign up in a group to come and make a scarecrow, which will be on display in the Park for the half term week. All materials: straw, newspapers and a sack head are provided. Members of the public will be invited to vote for their favourite scarecrow and there will be a prize for the scarecrow (makers) with the most votes. This event is suitable for all ages and costs £8 per scarecrow.
Monday 24th October: Our monthly Nature Tots group meets this morning 10-11.30am for pre-school aged children and their carers so book a place to take part in messy autumnal crafts, time to explore the beautiful outdoors, story and song time. Cost is £4 per child.
Tuesday 25th October: The first of our Tree Hunt and Broomsticks events is today in Bluebell Wood. The witch has lost her belongings in the trees. Find the trees, find the items and she’ll reward you with your very own broomstick to fly away home on. Children will make their broom stick from the Park’s wood resources. This event is suitable for 5 yrs+ and you need to book for a group (max. of 4 including one adult) at a cost of £10 per group. We are also holding Archery sessions throughout the day on Oak Meadow, so why not book to have a go? Suitable for 8 yrs+ and costs £10 per person.
Wednesday 26th October: Our Tree Hunt and Broomsticks event is also on today again – in Thorpe Meadows this time. Or why not come on our special extended Wildlife Boat trip where you might see a kingfisher, heron or otter while you glide around Overton Lake and out onto the river Nene. This boat trip is suitable for 8yrs+ and is £14 per person. Or why not meet like-minded people on a seasonal walk with the Social Walking group.
Friday 28th October: Take part in our final Tree Hunt and Broomsticks event which comes to Ferry Meadows this time. Hunt for the witch’s belongings in the trees and make your very own broomstick! Please book in advance with a group of up to 4 people.
Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th October: Visit Longthorpe Tower. Come and discover the surviving tower of a 14th century fortified Manor House. It contains the finest set of medieval wall paintings in a domestic setting in Western Europe, giving a rare insight into the medieval mind. Book your 1-hour tour with our knowledgeable volunteers between 10am – 4.30pm at weekends. Booking essential.
Booking for events can be made via our events page. Contact 01733 234193 or email visitor.services@neneparktrust.org.uk for more information, accessibility advice or directions.
Please donate if you can!
As you know, Nene Park Trust is a charitable organisation and relies on public support to manage the upkeep of our beautiful green spaces for all of the community to enjoy. Any support you can give to ensure the continuation of our services will help considerably. Please go to www.nenepark.org.uk/donate if you are able to support us
