AS SUMMER fades into autumn it’s a great time to stroll through the gardens to enjoy the last of the summer sun before the clocks go back.

You’ll begin to notice the change in season as shades of bronze and gold slowly start to appear and bursts of purple add a deep contrast.

The spindle tree (Euonymus europaea) in the formal garden will be laden with scarlet fruits that open up to expose orange seed heads. The trees that line the paths are weighed down with apples, pears and figs, waiting to be picked and enjoyed by both visitors and wildlife.

If you’re thinking of visiting us this September, here are some things that you might not want to miss:

Greener Gardening, every Tuesday, 2.30-3.30pm

Join our gardening team and tap into over 50 years collective experience. Take a wander through the gardens and learn about how you can combine good design and colour with wildlife conservation.

Come away with inspirations for your own garden and hints and tips towards greener gardening. Along the way we’ll share with you how the gardens have evolved and grown over time.

Booking isn’t needed, but numbers are limited so we recommend arriving early for this popular walk.

Natural fabric dyeing, every Wednesday and Sunday 1-3pm

Red, yellow, pink, and green... there’s a rainbow of colours waiting to be discovered in the garden. You can come along and have a go at natural fabric dyeing with the help of our volunteers.

Learn about the natural methods of dyeing with pigments and stains from crushed flowers, berries, roots and bark. Use tie dyeing techniques to create beautiful Shibori patterns.

Behind the scenes conservation tour, Saturday September 22, 9.30-10.30am

Would you like to experience the morning ritual of opening up this 400-year-old house? Join us for a true behind the scenes look. You’ll be welcomed into the house by the team and given the opportunity to view the house before its open to the public.

Discover why we choose to flood certain rooms with light and leave others cloaked in darkness. Understand how we balance the conservation and visitor needs of this listed building.

The cost is £15 per person. A light breakfast is included. Booking is essential and tours a limited to a maximum of 10 people. Please call 0344 249 1895 to book.

Butter in the barn, Sunday September 23, 2-3pm

Join the dairymaid in the Great Barn to see how butter was made before the time of electricity and kitchen appliances. Have a go at making your own butter using traditional techniques and join the race to be the fastest butter-maker.

This fun, hands-on activity can be enjoyed by the whole family. The cost is £2 per participant plus admission.

Entry to the house and garden is free for National Trust members and under fives. General admission prices apply for non-National Trust members.

East Riddlesden Hall is open daily between Saturdays and Thursdays, 10.30am–4.30pm; last admission is at 4pm. Visit nationaltrust.org.uk/riddlesdenhall for further information.