A chance to see all the stunning colours of the season for yourself.
The National Trust is giving families the chance to visit its dozens of sites across England for free of charge this autumn, reports The Manc.
Autumn in Leeds is a wonderful thing, and and our region is filled with places to appreciate the beauty of this much-loved season - but if you were looking for a reason to travel a little further afield to experience everything nature has to offer and see the leaves change colour, then it doesn't get much better than this.
The heritage and land conservation organisation says autumn's one of the best times to "get out and about" into nature.
This is why it wants to give people the chance to "experience the awe of the season" at no extra cost.
So no matter how you like to "find your escape", whether that be through woodland walks, watching the birds go buy, or even taking your friends and family somewhere new surrounded by nature, then the National Trust's select number of autumn passes mean you can get yourself free entry to a place of your choice.
The pass allows free entry for two adults and up to three children, one adult and up to four children, or just two adults on their own.
The National Trust is giving you the chance to visit for free this autumn / Credit: National Trust
To claim your free pass, you'll just need to pre-book online.
When booking, you'll need to select the free member’s ticket option and use the code ESCAPEINTOAUTUMN2023 when asked for your membership number, but it's worth nothing that some National Trust places are exempt from this offer, so it's advised that you check before planning your visit.
Once redeemed, the single-use pass would need to be used anytime from now until 20 October 2023.
It means you can see all the stunning colours of the season for yourself / Credit: National Trust
It's also worth keeping in mind that some of the places the National Trust manages may require advanced booking to visit, and may be busier at certain times and on certain days that others too.
Mamma Mia! continues to resonate with audiences through its themes of love, identity and belonging.
More than 25 years after it first premiered in London's West End, Mamma Mia! remains one of musical theatre's greatest success stories.
Created by Catherine Johnson and built around the timeless songs of ABBA, the musical has become a global phenomenon, spawning countless international productions and two blockbuster films. Far from feeling dated, the 2026 UK tour, which arrived at Leeds Grand Theatre and Opera House on Wednesday 17 June, served as a vibrant reminder of why this feel-good favourite continues to captivate audiences.
From the opening bars, the production embraces everything that has made Mamma Mia! such an enduring crowd-pleaser. Packed with beloved hits from ABBA's catalogue, the evening is overflowing with nostalgia, joy and infectious energy.
Image: Supplied
Classics including "Dancing Queen", "Voulez-Vous" and the title number are delivered with enthusiasm and flair, earning enthusiastic reactions from an audience eager to revisit songs that have become part of popular culture.
While the music provides the soundtrack, it is the relationships at the heart of the story that give the production its emotional depth. Lydia Hunt's Sophie Sheridan is portrayed with a clear sense of character, her mannerisms and youthful curiosity making her quest to discover her father entirely believable.
Image: Supplied
Opposite her, Jenn Griffin brings warmth and vulnerability to Donna Sheridan, balancing strength with the anxieties of a mother whose past unexpectedly returns. Together, the pair share a natural chemistry that grounds the production and ensures the emotional stakes remain genuine. Their performances highlight that Sophie's journey is not simply about discovering who her father is, but understanding herself and appreciating the family she already has.
Comedy is never far away, and some of the evening's biggest laughs come courtesy of Sarah Earnshaw and Rosie Glossop as Tanya and Rosie. Their chemistry injects humour throughout the production, with much of the show's lighter side relying on the antics and personalities of Donna's lifelong friends.
Image: Supplied
However, it is "Does Your Mother Know" that emerges as one of the evening's defining moments. Sarah Earnshaw's Tanya commands the stage with confidence and charisma, while Joseph Vella's Pepper matches her energy perfectly, creating a number brimming with playful humour and infectious fun. Their comic timing and exaggerated flirtation are executed with precision, allowing the audience to fully embrace the absurdity of the situation.
More than simply providing laughs, the sequence encapsulates what makes Mamma Mia! such an enduring piece of musical theatre. The number is staged with a sense of joy and theatricality that transforms a familiar ABBA hit but also memorable moments from the film we all recognise and love.
Image: Supplied
The audience's reaction throughout demonstrated just how effectively the show uses comedy to complement its emotional moments, and the chemistry between Earnshaw and Vella ensures that "Does Your Mother Know" becomes far more than a novelty number. Instead, it stands as one of the production's finest examples of how Mamma Mia! expertly balances humour, character and musical performance, delivering a sequence that is both hilarious and quintessentially entertaining.
Visually, the production retains the sun-soaked charm that audiences have come to expect. Colourful costumes, energetic choreography and the idyllic Greek island setting create an atmosphere of escapism, transporting the audience from Yorkshire to the Mediterranean in an instant. The pace rarely falters, allowing the musical numbers and quieter moments to complement one another seamlessly.
Beneath the glitter, platform boots and familiar melodies, however, lies a surprisingly poignant message. Mamma Mia! is ultimately a story about identity, family and accepting that life does not always provide neat answers.
Image: Supplied
Sophie's search for her father reveals that the versions of ourselves we think we need to find may not be the answers we are searching for after all. Instead, the musical celebrates love, friendship and the families we create, reminding audiences that happiness often comes from embracing what is already in front of us rather than chasing perfection.
More than two decades after its debut, Mamma Mia! The Musical continues to prove why it has become a modern classic. Blending iconic songs, heartfelt performances and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, this latest touring production leaves audiences exactly as it should: smiling, singing and perhaps viewing the meaning of family a little differently.
Running at Leeds Grand Theatre and Opera House from 16 June to 27 June, you can get your tickets here.
A huge football fan zone with space for up to 1,000 fans has opened in Leeds
Clementine Hall
Trinity Leeds is transforming Trinity Kitchen into the ultimate space to watch all the World Cup 2026 action together.
Looking for somewhere to cheer on England in the 2026 World Cup? Don’t fret, we’ve got you covered.
Foodie hotspot Trinity Kitchen has been completely transformed into the ultimate fan zone with space for up to 1,000 cheering fans.Â
And they’ve made sure that nobody misses out on the action.Â
There are three super-sized 5x3m screens dotted around the space, so wherever you go you won’t miss out on a goal.Â
Images: The Hoot Leeds
There’s also a brand-new bar courtesy of local favourites Northern Monk named the ‘Northern Monk Trinity Tap’.Â
The tap will feature two, seven-metre bars with a whopping 20 beer taps to keep you refreshed and hydrated during the tournament, because cheering the lads on really can be thirsty work.Â
If you don’t fancy a beer there’s also cocktails, wine and soft drinks on offer as well - so nobody has to miss out.Â
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Feeling peckish? Of course there’s 11 street food vendors serving match day meals and snacks to keep you fuelled through the games.
Choose from Caribbean jerk chicken from Jerk Junction, Indian street food from Rolawala and loads more.Â
Entry is completely free but if you’re after a reserved seat on a table, tickets cost just £10.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Josie Towning, Food and Beverage Manager at Trinity Leeds, said: “Trinity Kitchen will operate as normal during the day, transforming into a football fan zone in the evening.
“It will be one of the biggest World Cup venues in Leeds with three huge screens showing the games live and more dotted around Trinity Kitchen. There will be live roaming brass bands and DJs turning every England fixture into a true celebration.
“Fans can turn up and grab a space for free and we will also be offering table bookings for England games for those who want to guarantee the best spots to watch the drama unfold.
“Our line-up of street food vendors will serve bold flavours from around the world, while the all-new Northern Monk Trinity Tap will pour award-winning craft beers across 20 taps, making Trinity Kitchen the ultimate place to eat, drink and experience every unforgettable World Cup moment."
It’s all kicking off on Wednesday 17 June for England v Croatia. So rally your mates together, get your England shirts on and grab your tickets here.
Emily Sergeant -
21st September 2023 
