I CAN’T believe that October is upon us already and that the house will soon be closing for the annual winter conservation work.

It’s been a busy year so far, with over 31,000 visitors, and as the property starts to wind down, the gardening team become as busy as ever.

During the autumn and winter months they brave all weathers to prepare the gardens for the following spring.

Autumn is my favourite season, and I love to wrap up warm and head outdoors on a crisp day to see the shift in light and change of colour in the garden.

Flowers are dropping their petals and leaves are beginning to litter the floor.

Crunching through dry leaves in the grounds is a simple pleasure that never seems to lose its charm.

The change of colours in the garden isn’t unique to East Riddlesden Hall but it’s particularly beautiful here.

As we move through October the red oak tree to the side of the drive becomes impressive with its red flame-like leaves beginning to appear.

The flowers in the formal garden are starting to take on more golden and bronze colours and richer shades of purple.

The house, which has a normally moody exterior, takes on a more atmospheric feel at this time of year

The lack of lighting in the house combined with darker days gives off a feeling of not being alone.

As Halloween draws closer, East Riddlesden Hall is the perfect place to put your nerves to the test.

Come along during half-term to hear spooky stories in the barn, and make Halloween-themed crafts in the house. This half term we’re making pompom pumpkins, ghosts and spiders.

The ever-popular children’s Halloween party in the barn will be taking place on Sunday, October 28 at 11am, 2pm and 5pm

We’d love for lots of little ghosts and ghouls to come along and party with us in the barn.

There’ll be a disco, balloon modelling, party games, face painting and colouring to keep children of all ages entertained.

Tickets for the two-hour event cost £5 for children and £2 for adults.

A hot dog, bun and unlimited soft drinks are included in the children’s tickets, and the bar will be open for adults.

Even though it still feels too early to be mentioning Christmas, our wreath-making workshops that run on weekends from November 17 are filling up fast.

Tickets are £20 and include tea/coffee and a slice of cake from the tea-room.

We’ll be using natural materials gathered from the garden, including dried flowers that we’ve collected throughout the year, as well as fresh holly and ivy.

Pine cones, ribbons and cinnamon sticks will add the finishing touches. Please call 0344 249 1895 or see online to book a place on one of the sessions.

East Riddlesden Hall is open every day except Fridays between 10.30am and 4.30pm (last admission at 4pm). General admission prices apply; free entry for National Trust members and under-fives.

For more information, please visit nationaltrust.org.uk/riddlesdenhall or call 01535 607075 to speak to someone during office hours.