#Ad- We were invited along to enjoy complimentary entry to Thorp Perrow, we paid for a Halloween Trail pack, all thoughts and views are my own.
Located close to Bedale in North Yorkshire you can find a wonderous, colourful place covering 100 acres. Thorp Perrow Arboretum boasts one of the largest collections of shrubs and trees in the North of England, including 5 National Collections. As well as the Bird of Prey and Mammal Centre which offer fascinating flying demonstrations and the chance to meet mammals such as meerkats, wallabies and pygmy goats.
We visited on the first day of the Spook-tacular Halloween Trail and it was a lovely dry autumn day, perfect for exploring. From the car park, you are greeted with some gorgeous displays of colour and the girls collected around 30 conkers just walking across the car park.
On entering we purchased a trail pack, they are £2 each. Standard entrance charges apply they are below.
ADMISSION PRICES
Admission prices include both the Arboretum and Bird of Prey & Mammal Centre
| Adults | £9.95 |
| Concession* | £9.10 |
| Child (4-16) | £6.40 |
| Family (2 + 2) | £30.95 |
| Family (2 + 3) | £36.95 |
OPENING TIMES
10am to 5pm Every Day
Bird of Prey Display
Meet the Owls at 11.30am
Flying Display at 1:30pm and 3:30pm
We noticed plenty of picnic benches int he area near the entrance a tea room, and an outdoor cafe with more seating areas.
You can find the menus here.
The trail itself starts from the Bog Garden which is located just next to a fabulous woodland-inspired play park set amongst the trees with something for all ages.
The girls had lots of fun in here and with arriving for opening we had the place pretty much to ourselves. It does get quite busy understandably, such a fun area for the children to climb, swing and slide in.
As you make your way around Thorp Perrow you can also spot a host of carved wooden animals to enjoy.
We had a fantastic time following the Halloween trail, expect shrieks of delight, maybe even some of the fear, as your children explore many brilliant displays. With some nestled high in the trees or down at your feet, you need to keep your eyes peeled to spot all the fantastic decorations.
Some have clap activation, I loved the anticipation on the girl’s faces waiting to see what it will do. They have a sheet to fill in with the letters that are hidden around the trail, again some are well hidden. Make sure you get the children to press the button on the little house, this one certainly seemed to be bringing in the most scares for the children!
Here are a few of my favourite displays from the trail.
Halloween Trail Details
When
Saturday 12th October – Sunday 3rd November
Price
£2 per child for the Halloween Trail Pack (standard entry charges apply)
Where
Bedale – Postcode – DL8 2PS
Set within the Bog Garden and trailing through the Arboretum towards the Bird of Prey Centre, the spooky and frightful walk will be sure to make you jump at some point along the way!
Oh and a trip here may well have the kids rather tired out! Winner!!
A few more photos just to show you what else you have to enjoy whilst visiting. As you come to the end of the trail it brings you close to the entrance to the Bird of Prey Centre and Mammal Centre. There is a huge display of birds of prey to admire with meet the owls and flying displays at various times throughout the day.
As you walk from the birds of prey centre into the mammal area you go through a little gift shop where you can purchase little bags of food to feed the wallabies, goats and hens as well as food for the meerkats.
The girls and I had such a lovely day exploring Thorp Perrow after enjoying the Halloween Trail and Bird of Prey Centre and Mammal Centre, we took time to explore what else this place has to offer, we’ve still not managed to see it all. The colours are stunning at the moment. Lots of conker collecting, mushroom spotting and fun in the leaves.
Highly recommend a visit to Thorp Perrow at this time of year it is a delight to the eyes and has such a great Halloween trail to enjoy.
