Seasonal Events

The Autumn Orchard Festival sets to celebrate the harvest from Norton Priory’s extensive orchards, including the National Collection of Tree Quince, the only one of its kind in the UK.

Visitors can enjoy an artisanal market in the museum building with gifts and treats from local suppliers, as well as lots of produce from Norton Priory’s orchards and the Walled Garden. A pop-up bar selling mulled cider and other seasonal drinks can be found in the atmospheric setting of the medieval Undercroft. There will also be live performances from local bands.

Find fun outdoor games and activities on the croquet lawn in the Walled Garden including pumpkin ring toss and skittles. You can also take part in an autumnal trail around the garden.

*NEW for 2026* Don’t miss out on the very first Norton Priory Bake-Off at the Walled Garden where a grand selection of homemade apple and quince cakes will compete for the title of Best Bake. More details to come.

This event is included with General Admission, with up to 3 children free per paying adult! Book online ahead of time for a discount. Pre-booking closes at 11.45pm the night before your visit. Or pay General Admission on arrival. 

Can you find all 10 Grumpy Pumpkins?!

Pick up a trail sheet and head out to find the grumpiest, lumpiest, bumpiest pumpkins lurking in the museum grounds and woodland.

Each pumpkin guards an ingredient to a spell that the Witch of the Wood needs to wake up her old friend Haystack Jack! Find all 10 ingredients, unscramble the magic word, and win a delicious surprise from Jack and the Witch for your help.

This event is included as part of a visit to Norton Priory between 10am and 5pm. 

Dates Available:

Sat 24th Oct / Sun 25th Oct

Mon 26th Oct - if you would also like to book Frightfully Fascinating Workshop with Animal Teach as well as Grumpy Pumpkins for this date, please click here for tickets.

Tues 27th Oct

Thurs 29th Oct - if you would also like to book Spooky Stories for Little Monsters with Rogan Mills as well as Grumpy Pumpkins for this date, please click here for tickets.

Fri 30th Oct / Sun 1st Nov

£1 child entry includes trail sheet. 

Telling ghost stories is one of humanity’s oldest traditions, found in every culture around the world. This spooky season at Norton Priory, we are keeping up with tradition and invite you to a special storytelling event where the peculiar tales of the paranormal from this 900-year-old site will be recounted, including recent staff testimonials. Everyone in attendance will also have the opportunity to share their own eerie experiences.

Whether you’re a believer or a sceptic, seen a full body apparition or just heard an odd noise, we’d love to hear your encounters with the spooky and strange.

This is an interactive event, and we encourage everyone who is comfortable to tell a story, as well as expect all attendees to be respectful of each other, ask questions, and be curious with no judgement.

What’s included:

• A guided ghost tour of Norton Priory’s museum building and medieval ruins.
• Storytelling session including paranormal testimonials of Norton Priory and a fictional ghost story reading.
• Open discussion segment with the opportunity to share your own spooky stories, whether real or made-up.
• Hot drinks and sweet treats.

Please note that this event is not suitable for children younger than 16.

Spindly legs, fur and fangs, scales and exoskeletons… prepare to be amazed by a host of strange and wonderful creatures this Halloween!

Join Animal Teach for a fun, interactive workshop where you’ll get to learn about and meet snakes, toads, and other spooky friends.

Timeslots:

10:30am - 11:30am

12:00pm - 1:00pm

1:30pm - 2:30pm

All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Every child ticket includes a Grumpy Pumpkins trail sheet!

See the museum grounds and woodland light up in the dark with pumpkin lanterns and more at this special evening event!

This event is also available to book on Thursday 29th October as part of Spooky Stories for Little Monsters - click here for tickets.

All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Important: This event takes place at night and is predominantly outdoors with level access throughout, though some areas of the woodland can become uneven. Please dress suitably for the weather and take caution in areas with low visibility. 

In the dark, dark museum… there’s a dark, dark room where you can listen to the most spooktacular and silly stories for Halloween!

Join Rogan Mills in the Undercroft at Norton Priory this half term for a special storytelling session. Come dressed up in your best creepy costume and listen to all your favourite spooky tales. Everyone dressed in a costume will get a sweet treat to take home!

Afternoon Session - 3:30pm - 4:30pm: Includes admission and activity sheet for the Grumpy Pumpkins Halloween Trail. Storytelling begins at 3:30pm, you may complete the trail at any time within opening hours beforehand. Adult: £13.95 | Child (3-16yrs): £7 | Adult Member: FREE | Child Member: £5

Evening Session - 5:30pm - 7:30pm: Includes admission to Jack-o'-Lanterns Light Walk. Storytelling begins at 6:30pm, you may complete the light walk at any time from 5:30pm. Adult: £15 | Child (3-16yrs): £12 | Adult Member: £13.50 | Child Member: £10.80

All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Begin your festive season with this fun and creative workshop where you will create your own wooden house scene and a hanging decoration that will make the perfect additions to your Christmas decs or two wonderful homemade gifts.

You will be given support and guided through the workshop with simple instructions suitable for all - no prior experience is needed.

The class is run by Becci Moore from Quill Paper Scissors who has been running wooden house workshops for 10 years across Cheshire and the Wirral. As a former primary school teacher, Becci is able to run these classes on a level that suits all abilities.

Workshop runs for 2 1/2 hours with a short break in the middle. All materials plus tea & coffee will be provided.

This free workshop has been made possible by a Culture 26: Made in Halton Aspire Grant, providing accessible and inclusive cultural events to the borough of Halton. (similar workshops provided by Quill Paper Scissors typically cost approx. £40 per person)

Kick off the festive season and find the perfect gifts for family and friends at Norton Priory's annual Christmas Gift Fair.

Wander through stalls brimming with one-of-a-kind treasures and beautiful handmade creations from local crafters and independent suppliers.

Enjoy the sounds of the season with performances from choirs and brass bands, filling the air with Christmas cheer.

Savour a glass of mulled wine with a classic mince pie while you soak up the cosy festive atmosphere.

In partnership with Heathfields Orchards, Norton Priory offers a practical and theory-based workshop on winter fruit tree pruning. The workshop uses the Norton Priory orchards to provide practical hands-on experience, with expert tuition and guidance. The workshops are designed to be both educational and enjoyable, making them an excellent choice for anyone looking to enhance their knowledge and skills in fruit tree care.

All equipment will be provided, although you may like to bring aling your own gardening gloves. 

TICKETS COMING SOON!