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Autumn Family Stays at Larchfield Estate – Where Cosy Luxury Meets Seasonal Fun

Sep 06 2025

There’s something magical about autumn in Northern Ireland. The air turns crisp, leaves crunch underfoot, and families begin to crave getaways filled with fresh air, wholesome food, and quality time together. Just 25 minutes from Belfast, Larchfield Estate offers the ideal family break near Belfast, blending luxury self-catering cottages with seasonal activities.

The Gate Lodge Heritage Self Catering Property Larchfield Estate Co Down
The Gate Lodge with its spacious kitchen, lounge, hot Tub, Garden, private parking and multiple bedrooms is ideal for families or groups of friends to rent for a night or two..

Family-Friendly Stays with Space to Relax

At Larchfield, we know every family is different. That’s why our accommodation is perfect for Belfast family holidays, ranging from:

No. 23 – a five-bedroom home-from-home with hot tub and private garden, ideal for multi-generational gatherings.

Cosy cottages like The Willows and Rose Cottage, perfect for smaller families.

Myrtle The Glamping Truck – perfect for 2 guests looking for a relaxing getaway


Glamping Truck with Sauna at Larchfield Estate co Down
Book Myrtle the Luxury Glamping truck and enjoy a sauna overlooking the woods.

Each stay comes with access to our Walled Garden, the company of our friendly alpacas & donkeys, and plenty of open space to let little ones explore.

Lake at Heritage Luxury accommodation Northern Ireland
The Lake is stunning at Larchfield Estate in Autumn

Seasonal Activities Right on the Doorstep

Families staying with us can easily dip into local events and traditions that celebrate the season, making Larchfield one of the best family friendly Northern Ireland stays.

Laganvale Farm Harvest Festival (11th–12th October)

A short drive from Larchfield, Laganvale Farm comes alive every autumn with its harvest festival. At Laganvale Farm, Pumpkin Days run right through the Halloween season. Families can pick their perfect pumpkin – one of the best spots for pumpkin picking in Northern Ireland – carve it together.

Hillsborough Castle & Gardens Autumn Trails

Just minutes from the estate, Hillsborough Castle offers beautiful gardens that truly glow in autumn. Their seasonal family trails encourage children to discover nature’s changes from conker collecting to leaf spotting, all set against the backdrop of one of Northern Ireland’s most iconic estates.

Seasonal Dining at The Pheasant

After a day of exploring, nothing beats warming up over a hearty seasonal menu. Just down the road, The Pheasant serves up autumnal comfort food, from game dishes to rich, locally-sourced flavours. It’s an easy family dinner option that pairs beautifully with a day of pumpkin picking or exploring the castle gardens.

Cosy Fire at The Gate Lodge Larchfield Estate Northern Ireland Luxury Accommodation
Cuddle up around the Fire in one of our family friendly Cottages (or dip in the hot tub!)

On-Site Comforts to Make You Feel at Home

Back at Larchfield, autumn evenings are made for gathering. Think hot chocolate in hand, children playing games by the fire, or parents soaking in the hot tub while the stars twinkle above. Guests can also pre-order artisan hampers or arrange for a private chef, ensuring the focus stays firmly on family time, not the washing up – just what you’d expect from luxury family accommodation near Belfast.

Donkeys at Larchfield Estate Co Down
Say Hello to the Miniature Donkeys (we have alpacas too!) during your stay

Suggested Autumn Itinerary for Families

Day One (Arrival):

  • Settle into your cottage
  • Explore the Walled Garden and meet the alpacas & donkeys
  • Enjoy a cosy takeaway delivered to your door.


Walled Garden Outdoor Wedding Ceremony Larchfield Estate Northern Ireland near Belfast
Aerial view of the Walled Gardens at Larchfield Estate - adjacent to the Courtyard Cottages and available for guests to walk around.

Day Two:

  • Morning: Head to Laganvale Farm Harvest Festival (if visiting in October).
  • Afternoon: Relax in Hillsborough village, with coffee and treats.
  • Evening: Movie night in your cottage with hot chocolate and board games.


Rose Cottage is a one bedroomed cottage with two bathrooms, patio and bbq area, aga kitchen and stunning gardens
Relax by the fire having enjoyed a meal at the local gastro pub or heated a pre prepared meal in the aga in the kitchen

Day Three:


Larchfield Hamper in Rose Cottage
Order one of our Breakfast hampers with local artisan produce and our own Larchfield Apple Juice

Day Four (Departure):

  • Slow breakfast in your cottage.
  • A final walk around the estate before heading home, refreshed and reconnected.

autumn-family-friendly-stays-larchfield-estate-belfast
Family Games in the Greenhouse at Larchfield Estate, Nr Belfast

Why Autumn Is the Perfect Time for a Family Stay at Larchfield

  • Seasonal experiences nearby – from harvest festivals to pumpkin picking.
  • Picture-perfect scenery – the estate gardens and surrounding countryside are awash with golden colours.
  • Cosy evenings together – whether in a hot tub, by the fire, or over a board game.
  • Easy access to Belfast – museums, the zoo, and cultural attractions just 25 minutes away.
Easy access to Belfast – museums, the zoo, and cultural attractions just 25 minutes away, making it perfect for autumn family getaways Belfast.


Book Your Autumn Escape Today


Larchfield Estate (check us out here on Instagram) offers the perfect balance of countryside calm and easy access to family-friendly attractions near Belfast. With cottages, glamping options, and seasonal activities on the doorstep, your family can enjoy a truly magical autumn break.

Ready to create new autumn memories?  Book your family stay with us today.

Autumn Colours at Larchfield Estate Co Down Events and Self Catering cottages
Autumnal colours at Larchfield Estate
Family Group Stays Belfast Northern Ireland Catered accommodation
Family fun at Larchfield Estate - ideal for all ages
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