Members' Event: A Festive Tour at Warkworth Castle
5 Dec
This outdoor guided tour explores how people at Warkworth Castle celebrated Christmas in medieval times, bringing the castle’s history to life.
Near Warkworth Hermitage
Warkworth Hermitage is a historic 14th-century chapel and priest's house carved into a sandstone cliff on the River Coquet bank, featuring religious carvings and accessible by ferry from Warkworth Castle, managed by English Heritage.
Discover With Us: Craft Activities & Demonstrations
27 Oct, 29 Oct
Visitors can drop in to the East Stables for seasonal natural-craft activities and demonstrations, including making friendship bracelets, herb sachets, felted flowers, paper crafts and willow wreaths. Activities vary by date and are suitable for all ages, with children accompanied by an adult.
Near Hardwick
Hardwick Hall is an Elizabethan country house in Derbyshire notable for its Renaissance architecture, large windows, and rich historical associations including as a WWII parachute brigade formation site. The venue offers house tours with period furnishings and tapestries, plus extensive gardens and the ruins of the Old Hall. Visitors can enjoy a significant indoor historic experience alongside outdoor exploration of the estate grounds.
Selfies in the costume studio
30 Oct
Visitors can browse costumes and choose a Halloween persona, then take spooky selfies with family. The activity takes place at Walmer Castle on 30 October 2026.
Near Walmer Castle
Walmer Castle in Kent is a historic 16th-century artillery fort built by Henry VIII, now managed by English Heritage. Visitors can explore its well-preserved interiors with exhibitions on military and political history, enjoy extensive formal gardens including the Queen Mother's Garden, and dine at tea rooms within the castle grounds.
Located in Deal
Deal is a historic coastal town in Kent, England, known for its maritime heritage, Tudor castles, and vibrant arts and cultural scene. It offers a walkable town centre, museums, a pier, and a seaside resort atmosphere attracting tourists.
Pokémon joins Fountains Abbey’s Summer of Play
30 Aug–6 Sep
Pokémon joins Fountains Abbey's Summer of Play with activity stations on the ball games field including Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution play zones, soft archery, space hopper racing, balance bike races and a play area for children. The event runs from 18 July to 6 September with standard admission charges applicable at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden.
Near St Mary's, Studley Royal
The Church of St Mary, Studley Royal, is a Victorian Gothic Revival church built in Early English style by architect William Burges. Situated within Studley Royal Park near Fountains Abbey, North Yorkshire, it was constructed as a memorial to Frederick Vyner. The church is renowned for its rich interior, fine stained-glass windows, and status as a Grade I listed building.
Behind closed doors: Audley End’s Forgotten Interiors
8 Oct–30 Nov (another 52 days)
An exhibition of photographs by Lachlan French and Clive Downes reveals Audley End’s usually closed second-floor rooms, once used as guest bedrooms and servants’ quarters. The images explore the rooms’ faded interiors and traces of life in the house.
Near Audley End House
Audley End House is a grand early 17th-century Jacobean English country house near Saffron Walden, Essex, set within Capability Brown-designed parkland with historic gardens. It served as a royal residence and was used by the Special Operations Executive during WWII. Visitors can explore the extensive interiors, grounds and gardens, which have been featured in film and television.
Summer of Play: Harrogate Town AFC
3 Sep
Summer of Play: Harrogate Town AFC is a series of outdoor sports activities for children led by Harrogate Town AFC Community Foundation. It includes football and cricket sessions with drills, mini-games, and friendly matches. The sessions alternate weekly and aim to teach skills in a safe, supportive environment during the school summer holidays.
Wow! I didn't know that! walk
9 Sep
A guided walk at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden where participants discover unusual facts about the trees and wildflowers, exploring wildlife and nature. The walk is suitable for adults and young naturalists aged 11 and above and lasts about 1 hour 30 minutes.
Near Fountains Abbey
Fountains Abbey is a historic ruined Cistercian monastery near Ripon, North Yorkshire, with architecture dating from the 12th century. It is part of Studley Royal Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring landscaped gardens and industrial heritage. The site is owned by the National Trust and maintained by English Heritage, offering visitors extensive ruins, exhibitions, and scenic outdoor areas.
castle
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Folk Dancing Workshop with De Mowbray's Musicke at Gainsborough Old Hall
27 Oct
De Mowbray's Musicke lead a workshop teaching traditional English folk dances in the Assembly Room at Gainsborough Old Hall.
Near Gainsborough Old Hall
Gainsborough Old Hall is a well-preserved Tudor manor house in Lincolnshire, showcasing medieval architecture, historic interiors including a medieval kitchen, and intriguing features like witches' marks and a reputed haunting. It is managed by English Heritage and open as a museum for visitors.
Located in Gainsborough
Gainsborough is a historic market town in Lincolnshire, England known for its medieval Old Hall, riverside charm, historic churches, cultural venues, and river heritage.
Festive Fun at Audley End House and Gardens
5–6 Dec
A family-focused festive day at Audley End House and Gardens, with seasonal activities to explore. Visitors can book an additional experience to meet Father Christmas.
Christmas Market at Avebury
28–29 Nov, 5–6 Dec…
The Christmas Market at Avebury features local makers selling handmade goods, including jewellery, ceramics and engraved wood. Visitors can browse the stalls and listen to carols and festive music.
Sculpture exhibition in Avebury Manor Garden
5 Sep–18 Oct (another 9 days)
An outdoor sculpture exhibition displays works by more than 20 artists across the 11 garden rooms at Avebury Manor. Visitors can explore the sculptures among the garden’s seasonal planting; the works are also available to buy.
Near Avebury Manor and Garden
Avebury Manor & Garden is a historic National Trust property featuring a Grade I listed early 16th-century manor house with period interiors and meticulously designed formal gardens, located in the village of Avebury near the famous neolithic henge monument. The venue offers both indoor exploration of historical interiors and outdoor enjoyment of the gardens, reflecting centuries of architectural and garden design history.
Create With Us: Creative Writing Workshop
2 Aug, 19 Sep…
Participants create poems and short stories through writing exercises themed around seasonal celebrations, literacy and women in history. The workshops are part of a series held on selected dates throughout the year.
Near Stainsby Mill
Stainsby Mill is a restored 19th-century flour watermill in Derbyshire, England, now operated by the National Trust within the Hardwick Hall estate. Visitors can experience both the historic indoor milling machinery and the scenic outdoor mill pond and surroundings.
Ancient Pathways paintings exhibition
5 Sep–1 Nov (another 23 days)
An exhibition of paintings by Avebury’s 2026 Artist in Residence, Georgie Weedon, exploring themes of place, memory and connection through the ancient stone circle, surrounding landscape, and historic spaces of Avebury.
Near Alexander Keiller Museum, Avebury
Alexander Keiller Museum in Avebury showcases key prehistoric artefacts from the Avebury World Heritage Site, featuring indoor exhibits in the Stables and Barn Galleries. The venue offers wheelchair access, a café, and family-friendly facilities including play spaces, and welcomes dogs on leads. Parking is available in the National Trust car park and the village with disabled spaces.
Halloween half-term at Whitby Abbey
24 Oct–1 Nov
A Halloween half-term event at Whitby Abbey with family activities including interactive storytelling, spooky games, a themed trail and a fancy-dress competition.
Near Whitby Abbey
Whitby Abbey is a historic 7th-century Benedictine abbey ruin overlooking the North Sea on the East Cliff in Whitby, North Yorkshire. The substantial ruins are a Grade I listed building cared for by English Heritage, featuring a site museum in Cholmley House. The abbey is known for its role in the Synod of Whitby and for inspiring Bram Stoker's Dracula.
Located in Whitby
Whitby is a historic coastal town in North Yorkshire, England, known for its iconic abbey ruins, maritime heritage, and literary connections including Bram Stoker's Dracula. It offers a mix of cultural experiences, scenic cliffs, beaches, and vibrant festivals.
Members' Event: Diwali Lantern-making Workshop at Audley End House
27 Oct
Surtal Arts leads a hands-on Diwali lantern-making workshop where participants create a decorative lantern to take home. The activity is for families and is suitable for children aged 5 and over.
LJ Ross’ Inspired Festive Tour at Belsay Hall
1 Dec
An exclusive Christmas-decorated tour of Belsay Hall explores locations that inspired LJ Ross’s crime novel *Belsay*, with stories about the Hall and its links to the book. The experience includes a welcome drink and a festive turkey stottie served in the Tea Room.
Near Belsay Castle
Belsay Castle is a 14th-century medieval pele tower with attached manor house ruins, situated in Northumberland and managed by English Heritage, offering visitors a mix of historic architecture and garden party history.
Pokémon joins Hardwick's Summer of Play
30 Aug–6 Sep
Pokémon joins Hardwick's Summer of Play at Hardwick offers Elizabethan themed outdoor activities and Pokémon inspired zones for children and families, including costume play, music, sports competitions, soft play, and craft workshops on select weekdays, with normal venue admission fees applicable.
Storytime with St Nicholas
5–6 Dec, 12–13 Dec…
Families can meet St Nicholas in Avebury’s historic dovecote and listen to a Christmas story among decorated trees and twinkling lights. The event is aimed at children aged 4–8, and each child receives a small gift.
Near Avebury
Avebury is a prehistoric Neolithic henge monument in Wiltshire, England, featuring the largest megalithic stone circle in the world. The site includes multiple stone circles and is part of a larger prehistoric landscape with significant archaeological and cultural value. Managed by the National Trust, Avebury is also recognized as a World Heritage Site and holds contemporary religious importance for Pagan communities.
Rooftop tours
1–2 Sep, 9–10 Sep…
Rooftop tours at Hardwick Hall offer an exclusive guided experience to explore panoramic views over the Derbyshire countryside. Participants learn about Bess of Hardwick's history while ascending through the hall to the roof to see local landmarks and visit Bess' rooftop banqueting room. The tour requires booking and admission payment, lasts approx 1 to 1.5 hours, involves climbing steps and is suitable for those over 16 years only.
Lord Mansfield: Slavery and Justice Guided Tour at Kenwood
13 Oct, 25 Oct
A guided tour at Kenwood explores Lord Mansfield’s role in the abolition of slavery, including the James Somerset case, the 18th-century abolition movement and London’s Black community.
Near Kenwood
Kenwood is a historic house located on Hampstead Heath featuring breathtaking interiors and a world-class art collection that visitors can enjoy for free. The venue includes tranquil landscaped gardens, children's activities, and a café, offering both indoor cultural experiences and extensive outdoor grounds to explore. It hosts seasonal events such as immersive Christmas light trails and exhibitions that appeal to families and art lovers alike.
Day in the life of a monk family tour
1 Sep, 5 Sep
The Day in the life of a monk family tour at Fountains Abbey offers a free guided family tour exploring what life was like for the monks. Attendees can try to keep a vow of silence, follow abbey rules, and learn about daily life in the past. Family members can borrow robes to wear during the tour, which lasts about an hour. The event takes place outdoors around the abbey ruins and requires attendees to dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes.
Near Markenfield Hall
Markenfield Hall is a well-preserved medieval moated manor house in North Yorkshire, offering limited guided tours that explore historic rooms and vaulted areas. The house provides wheelchair access to the ground floor and a tranquil, authentic visit focused on history and heritage without modern distractions like cafes or shops. It is free for Historic Houses members on select days, with tours including traditional tea and cakes.
Halloween half-term at Framlingham Castle
24 Oct–1 Nov
A Halloween half-term event at Framlingham Castle with family activities including interactive storytelling, spooky games, a themed trail and a fancy-dress competition.
Near Framlingham Castle
Framlingham Castle is a large historic Norman castle in Suffolk, England, notable for its extensive medieval curtain walls with mural towers, Tudor period features, and surrounding deer park and lakes. It has served many roles including noble residence, poorhouse, and military defense, and is managed by English Heritage as a public tourist attraction.
Located in Framlingham
Framlingham is a historic market town in Suffolk, England, known for its medieval castle, traditional market, and cultural heritage, attracting tourists with its scenic walks and festivals.
Festive Fun at Dover Castle
5–6 Dec
A festive family day out at Dover Castle, where visitors can explore the castle and enjoy seasonal activities. Visitors can also book separately to meet Father Christmas.
Near The White Cliffs of Dover
The White Cliffs of Dover offer dramatic cliff-top walks with stunning views over the English Channel, historic WWII tunnels tours, and a striking Victorian lighthouse. Visitors can enjoy walking trails, a café with panoramic views, and a play area, making it suitable for families and history enthusiasts alike.
Located in Dover
Dover is a historic English town and major ferry port in Kent, known for its White Cliffs, castle, maritime heritage, and vibrant cultural and retail scene, accessible by train and local transport.
Father Christmas at Audley End House and Gardens
5–6 Dec
Children can join a group seasonal storytelling session with Father Christmas, meet him afterwards, take photographs and receive a traditional present. The event runs on weekends in December, with several timed sessions each day.
Walk With Us: Wider Estate Walks
8 Oct, 15 Oct…
Join a guided group walk exploring one of Hardwick’s longer routes through its historic estate parkland. Four routes are offered, ranging from 5.5 to 8 miles.
Christmas Wreath Making at Marble Hill
30 Nov–3 Dec
An adult Christmas wreath-making workshop at Marble Hill, where the gardens team will guide participants in making a wreath from natural materials and seasonal foliage.
Near Turner’s House
Turner's House in London is a restored historic house offering guided tours, exhibitions, and accessible grounds reflecting the artist J.M.W. Turner's life and work. Visitors can explore both indoor spaces and the garden, with facilities accommodating mobility issues.
Abbey tour
7 Oct–1 Nov (another 23 days)
Join a volunteer guide for a one-hour tour of Fountains Abbey’s monastic ruins, exploring the abbey’s history and the daily routines of the monks who lived there.
Intesa Duo at Kenwood
25 Nov
Intesa Duo perform a programme for voice and viol, bringing folk and early music together with European and Armenian traditions.
Near Fenton House, Hampstead
Fenton House is a 17th-century merchant's house in Hampstead, North London, featuring historically significant interiors, a notable collection of early keyboard instruments, paintings, and porcelain, alongside extensive walled gardens including an orchard and kitchen garden. It offers visitors a combined indoor and outdoor heritage experience.
Meet costumed re-enactors
24–25 Oct
Meet costumed re-enactors presenting demonstrations and workshops inspired by illuminated manuscripts and medieval monastic life. The re-enactors move around the estate, so visitors can ask the welcome team where to find them.
Halloween half-term at Battle Abbey
24 Oct–1 Nov
A family Halloween event at Battle Abbey featuring interactive storytelling, spooky games, a themed trail and a seasonal selfie spot. Visitors can also enter the daily fancy-dress competition.
Near Battle Abbey
Battle Abbey is a historic Benedictine abbey site in East Sussex, England, built on the site of the Battle of Hastings. Visitors can explore the abbey ruins, enjoy the visitor centre with exhibitions and film, participate in audio tours of the battlefield, and use child-friendly facilities including a discovery room and playground.
Located in Battle
Battle is a historic market town in East Sussex famous for the 1066 Battle of Hastings and its medieval abbey, with a charming high street, cultural heritage, and scenic walking opportunities.
Make a Mini Scarecrow
27 Oct, 29 Oct
Children can make a miniature spooky scarecrow using pre-cut elements or by creating their own design from recycled materials and decorations.
2 miles from Deal Castle
Deal Castle is a well-preserved 16th century artillery fort in Kent, England, featuring stone bastions, a moat, and a historic keep. Built by Henry VIII to defend the Downs anchorage, it offers visitors both indoor historical exhibits and outdoor exploration of the castle grounds and fortifications.
Garden and abbey tour
30 Aug–6 Sep
Join a volunteer-guided tour at Studley Royal Water Garden, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to learn about the garden and abbey, their historical and landscape significance. The tour lasts 1 hour 30 minutes and runs twice daily until 1 November 2026.
Guided Tree Tours at Marble Hill
9 Oct, 13 Nov
Volunteer guides lead a walk around Marble Hill Park, introducing its varied tree collection and explaining work to help the trees thrive.
Near Marble Hill
Marble Hill House is an early 18th-century Neo-Palladian villa in Twickenham, London, famous for its architectural design and historical associations with British royalty. Visitors can explore its richly decorated interiors and extensive parklands offering leisure and sports facilities, with a restored Georgian ambiance.
Walking with The Snowman™ at Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens
7 Nov–9 Dec
Visitors can follow an outdoor sculpture trail through the grounds, discovering twelve Snowmen decorated by different artists around the theme of The Twelve Days of Christmas. A trail map and letter-collecting activity are available to help reveal a festive word.
3 miles from Wallington
Wallington Hall is a Grade I listed Palladian country house with rococo interiors and historic murals set in 100 acres of parkland and gardens in Northumberland, featuring wildlife reintroductions and cultural heritage exhibits.
Uncover the mysteries of the masons' marks
8 Oct, 22 Oct
A volunteer guide leads an interactive tour of the masons’ marks carved into Fountains Abbey’s ruins, exploring their different forms and possible meanings.
Abbey tour
30 Aug–6 Sep
Join a volunteer guide for an outdoor one-hour tour to discover the history and monastic secrets of Fountains Abbey, the largest and most complete monastic ruins in the UK, located within a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tours run twice daily at 1pm and 3pm, seven days a week until 1 November 2026, meeting at the abbey cloister. The tour is weather dependent and may be cancelled if guides are unavailable.
Halloween half-term at Eltham Palace and Gardens
24 Oct–1 Nov
A Halloween half-term event at Eltham Palace and Gardens featuring family activities and entertainment, including interactive storytelling, spooky games, a themed trail and a fancy-dress competition.
Near Eltham Palace
Eltham Palace in southeast London is a historic royal residence featuring a medieval great hall with the third-largest hammerbeam roof in England and an attached Art Deco house from the 1930s. Visitors can explore both the indoor period rooms and outdoor gardens with ruins, making it a unique architectural and historic experience.
Father Christmas at Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens
5–6 Dec
Children can join Father Christmas for a seasonal storytelling session, then meet him, take photographs and receive a traditional present.
3 miles from Whalton Manor
Whalton Manor offers a historic East Wing holiday rental featuring period interiors and a large garden originally designed by renowned landscape architects. It provides a unique combination of indoor historic ambiance and extensive outdoor gardens, though it is not dog friendly and not free to enter.
Wintertide Storytelling and Folk Carols with Storyfolk
19–20 Dec
Storyfolk present festive folk carols and Elizabethan tales about winter in a museum room at Hardwick Hall. The performance lasts one hour.
Create your own mask
28 Oct
Children can design and make a spooky mask, creating a Halloween alter ego. The activity costs £2 per participant and tickets can be purchased in advance or on the day.
Architecture Tour
12–13 Sep
The Architecture Tour is an outdoor guided walk at Hardwick Estate exploring the architectural features of the Stableyard, Old Hall and Hardwick Hall. The tour includes history about Robert Smythson, an early English Renaissance architect, and details about stone work and Masons' marks. Booking is essential and normal admission charges to the venue apply.
The Paddington Trio at Kenwood
27 Nov
The Paddington Trio performs a concert of classical music and contemporary works, featuring violin, cello and piano.
Near 2 Willow Road
2 Willow Road is a Modernist terraced house in Hampstead, London, designed by architect Ernő Goldfinger, featuring a notable spiral staircase and a collection of 20th-century art, open to the public under the National Trust.
Halloween half-term at Pendennis Castle
24 Oct–1 Nov
A family Halloween event at Pendennis Castle featuring interactive storytelling, spooky games, a themed trail, a seasonal selfie spot and a daily fancy-dress competition.
Near Pendennis Castle
Pendennis Castle is a historic 16th-century artillery fort near Falmouth, Cornwall, built by Henry VIII as part of coastal defence. Visitors can explore the original Device Fort including the keep, gun platforms, and extensive ramparts with bastions, as well as later defensive structures and batteries. The site offers a blend of indoor castle tours and outdoor historic fortifications overlooking the Carrick Roads. It is managed by English Heritage as a tourist attraction with a rich military history spanning several centuries.
Located in Falmouth
Falmouth is a historic port town in Cornwall, England, known for its deep natural harbour, maritime heritage, cultural institutions, and scenic coastal beaches, attracting tourists for its arts, history, and waterfront activities.
Festive Fun at Kenilworth Castle and Elizabethan Garden
5–6 Dec
Visitors can explore Kenilworth Castle and take part in seasonal festive activities. A separate ticket is available to meet Father Christmas.
Near Kenilworth Castle
Kenilworth Castle in Warwickshire is a large medieval and Tudor castle ruin managed by English Heritage featuring historic architecture, extensive water defences, an Elizabethan garden reconstruction, and exhibitions. It is accessible to visitors with indoor and outdoor experiences and significant historical importance including the longest medieval siege.
Located in Kenilworth
Kenilworth is a historic market town in Warwickshire, England, known for its significant medieval castle ruins, heritage sites, and a vibrant arts and cultural scene, making it a notable destination for history and culture enthusiasts.
Deer walk
17 Oct, 24 Oct…
Join wildlife volunteers for a walk through the deer park to see the deer and learn about the Red, Sika and Fallow Deer that live at Studley Royal.
Festive Fun at Brodsworth Hall and Gardens
5–6 Dec
A festive family day out at Brodsworth Hall and Gardens, with seasonal activities to enjoy while exploring the property. Visitors can also book separately to meet Father Christmas.
Near Brodsworth Hall
Brodsworth Hall is a Grade I listed Victorian country house near Doncaster, featuring original interiors, extensive gardens, and a notable collection of Italian sculptures, offering both indoor and outdoor experiences for visitors.
Autumn Animals Half-term Trail
22 Oct–1 Nov
Visitors can follow an autumn wildlife trail around Avebury Manor Garden, discover facts about animals and make a wildlife mask to take home.
Near Kennet Avenue
West Kennet Avenue is a prehistoric stone avenue in Wiltshire, England, featuring standing stones dating to around 2200 BC. Visitors can explore the outdoor ancient archaeological site, which is part of the Stonehenge and Avebury World Heritage Site and managed by the National Trust and English Heritage. The site is free to visit and offers a glimpse into Neolithic British history.
Pop-up Winter Market at Wrest Park
14–15 Nov
A pop-up winter market in the State Rooms at Wrest Park, featuring more than 20 local community traders selling seasonal goods, gifts and festive treats.
Near Wrest Park
Wrest Park is a Grade I listed country estate in Bedfordshire featuring a historic English country house with early Rococo Revival interiors and extensive formal gardens with notable landscaping by Capability Brown. Visitors can explore both indoor historic interiors and outdoor formal gardens, with the estate also serving as a filming location for various productions.
Carols by Candlelight
6 Dec, 13 Dec
A festive carol service in St Mary's Church, with a local school choir leading traditional carols for attendees to sing along to by candlelight.
Summer of Play: Storytelling with Ripon Library
4 Sep
Summer of Play: Storytelling with Ripon Library is a quiet, calm storytelling event held every Friday during the Summer of Play at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden. Attendees can drop by the Chill Zone on the ball games field for this storytelling session from 10:30 to 12:30. The event is free, but normal venue admission charges apply. Children must be accompanied by an adult. The setting is outdoor with level access paths nearby, but possibly difficult terrain in wet weather.
Dusk deer walk
9 Oct
Join wildlife volunteers for an evening walk through Studley deer park to learn about its red, fallow and sika deer and see and hear the rut as the season begins.
Ink Quills and Writing Workshop
26 Sep
This event is a workshop at Hardwick Estate where participants learn heritage ink making using traditional medieval recipes, hear folklore tales, and engage in a writing workshop with a local poet to create quill-written poems and artwork.
Trick or Treat
31 Oct
Visitors can dress up for Halloween and explore the castle gardens trick-or-treating for sweets. Wristbands are provided to participants, and treat ingredients and allergen information are available at each station.
Walking with The Snowman™ at Wrest Park
7 Nov–9 Dec
Families can follow a winter sculpture trail through the grounds at Wrest Park, discovering twelve Snowmen inspired by The Twelve Days of Christmas. Each sculpture hides a letter, and collecting all twelve reveals a Christmas word.
2 miles from De Grey Mausoleum
The De Grey Mausoleum in Flitton, Bedfordshire, is a significant historic mausoleum housing many monuments to the De Grey family, featuring architecture from the early 17th to 18th century. It is open to the public under English Heritage and is a Grade I listed building and scheduled monument.
Hallowtide Storytelling with Storyfolk
30 Oct
Storyfolk present an after-hours performance of myths, legends and history inspired by Hardwick’s collection. The 1.5-hour storytelling takes place in the High Great Chamber.
Specialist Craft Open Days
12 Sep
Specialist Craft Open Days at Hardwick feature members of the specialist craft teams, including carpenters and masons, who care for National Trust collections and historic properties. Attendees can talk to the teams and learn about their skilled work. The event takes place on selected days during spring and summer, with sessions open from 10am to 3pm.
Bright Winter Nights at Bolsover Castle
26–27 Nov
Bright Winter Nights features light installations, colourful projections, soundscapes and immersive artworks at Bolsover Castle, including works co-created with local community groups. Visitors can explore the installations and a special display of stories celebrating Junction Arts’ 50th birthday.
2 miles from Sutton Scarsdale Hall
Sutton Scarsdale Hall is a Georgian Georgian ruined stately home near Chesterfield in Derbyshire, England. The Grade I listed site is an outdoor historical attraction preserving the shell of a once grand mansion, managed by English Heritage.
Monasteries, Mansions, Marriage and Mayhem
14 Oct, 21–22 Oct
Volunteers perform stories about the people and events that shaped Audley End. The performance accompanies an exhibition of paintings about three generations of the family connected with the house.
Supper Club at Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings
16 Oct (next Friday)
A monthly supper club at the Flaxmill Café, where guests can choose a two- or three-course meal prepared by the in-house chef. The next listed supper club is on Friday 16 October 2026.
Near Darwin Shopping Centre
Darwin Shopping Centre is the principal indoor shopping destination in Shrewsbury featuring a variety of high street retailers across four floors with easy access to public transport and parking.
Located in Shrewsbury
Shrewsbury is the historic market town and county town of Shropshire, England, renowned for its medieval street plan, historic castle, rich cultural heritage, and beautiful River Severn setting.
Members' Event: Bayeux Tapestry Workshop at Battle Abbey
7 Nov
Members can take part in a hands-on embroidery workshop at Battle Abbey, creating a textile piece inspired by the Bayeux Tapestry. The session is suitable for beginners and experienced stitchers.
Near Battle of Hastings
The Battle of Hastings site near Battle, East Sussex, marks the location of the pivotal 1066 battle between the Normans and Anglo-Saxons that shaped English history. Visitors can explore the battlefield, Battle Abbey ruins, and learn about this decisive Norman victory and its aftermath.
The Pikachu Art Adventure
7 Oct–1 Nov (another 23 days)
A Pokémon-themed art trail at Hardwick featuring 30 Pikachu cards illustrated by different artists, with facts about Pikachu and an opportunity to design a trading card.
Father Christmas at Eltham Palace
5–6 Dec
Children can listen to Father Christmas tell seasonal stories, meet him for photographs and receive a traditional present. Sessions take place on weekends in December.
3 miles from Ranger's House
Ranger's House is a Grade I listed Georgian mansion in Blackheath, London, adjacent to Greenwich Park, housing the Wernher Collection of fine art and decorative objects from the Renaissance to the 19th century. Visitors can explore its historic architecture and rich art collection inside the mansion, reflecting its history as an official residence of the Ranger of Greenwich Park.
Dover Youth Festival Autumn Wander & Create
27 Oct
Young people aged 11–19 explore Dover Castle’s chalk grassland and use nature as inspiration to create autumn-themed artwork in the Education Room.
Near South Foreland Lighthouse
South Foreland Lighthouse, located on the White Cliffs of Dover, is a Victorian lighthouse famed for its role in maritime safety as the first with an electric light. Visitors can explore the lighthouse via guided tours, enjoy the vintage-themed tea room, and take part in family-friendly outdoor activities including games and nature art. The site offers striking views of the English Channel, the French coast, and surrounding countryside.
Halloween half-term at Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens
24 Oct–1 Nov
A Halloween half-term event at Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens with family activities including interactive storytelling, spooky games, a themed trail and a daily fancy-dress competition.
Christmas Fair at Eltham Palace
5–6 Dec
A Christmas fair at Eltham Palace featuring local makers’ work in the Great Hall, a wreath trail in the gardens, marshmallow toasting and selected free garden tours.
3 miles from Lewisham Shopping Centre
Lewisham Shopping Centre is a major indoor shopping mall in Lewisham, London, featuring around 70 stores, a street food market, and the Migration Museum, with plans for extensive redevelopment including new homes and public spaces.
Mill tour
13 Oct (next Tuesday)
A volunteer-led tour of Fountains Mill explores the estate’s oldest building, its 12th-century origins and how it has changed over the years.
Bess's Dream
7 Oct–1 Nov (another 23 days)
Bess’s Dream is a display in Bess of Hardwick’s bedroom exploring her life and the thoughts and memories that may have featured in her dreams near the end of her life. It features her letters, a 400-year-old gown and an eight-minute film.
Guided by Nature: Veteran Tree Walk
2 Dec
Join an expert ranger for a 3.5–4 mile walk exploring Hardwick’s veteran trees, their place in the historic landscape and their importance as habitats for wildlife. The walk lasts approximately 2.5 to 3 hours.
Monastic bread, beer and wool tour
15 Sep, 6 Oct
The Monastic bread, beer and wool tour at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden invites visitors to join a volunteer guide to learn about how monks sustained themselves through food, drink, clothing, and trade. The tour starts at Porter's Lodge and lasts for approximately one hour. It covers the history and economy related to the estate's mill and its products. The tour is free but requires payment of usual venue admission, and does not require advance booking. The event takes place indoors and outdoors with some parts involving walking on uneven ground.
Guided by Nature: Bird Walk for Beginners
21 Oct
Join a guided beginner birdwatching walk around Hardwick’s ponds and wood pastures, learning about local birds and looking for seasonal visitors and woodland species.
Father Christmas at Wrest Park
5–6 Dec
Children can join a group session of seasonal stories told by Father Christmas, then meet him, take photographs and receive a traditional present. One accompanying adult is permitted per child.
Fountains by Floodlight
9–10 Oct, 16–17 Oct…
Explore Fountains Abbey after dark, with floodlighting and projected animations bringing the ruins’ history to life. The event also includes guided tours, live choral performances and Gregorian chant.
Little Bird Made artisan Christmas market
29 Nov
Browse gifts and handmade crafts from Yorkshire makers, artists and food producers at an outdoor Christmas market organised by Little Bird Made Artisan Markets.
Halloween half-term at at Carisbrooke Castle
17 Oct–1 Nov
A Halloween half-term event at Carisbrooke Castle featuring family activities including interactive storytelling, spooky games and a themed trail. Visitors can also take part in a daily fancy-dress competition.
Near Carisbrooke Castle
Carisbrooke Castle is a historic motte-and-bailey castle on the Isle of Wight known for its 13th-century buildings, Elizabethan fortifications, and as the prison of King Charles I. Visitors can explore the castle's interiors, the Isle of Wight Museum, and outdoor earthworks including a well with a working donkey wheel.
Located in Newport
Newport is the county town of the Isle of Wight, known for its historic centre, Roman villa, arts and culture venues, and river quay, offering visitors a lively market town experience with annual music festivals.
A Community Christmas at Tynemouth Priory and Castle
6 Dec
A community Christmas day at Tynemouth Priory and Castle featuring live music, entertainment, food and festive activities. Attendees can also take part in activities with Tynemouth Volunteer Life Brigade and get water safety advice.
Near Tynemouth Priory and Castle
Tynemouth Priory and Castle is a historic coastal site featuring medieval priory ruins and a fortified castle gatehouse, offering visitors both indoor exploration of architectural remains and outdoor coastal scenery. It showcases early Gothic architecture, historic military fortifications, and a rich monastic history dating back to the 7th century.
Located in Tynemouth
Tynemouth is a historic coastal town in Tyne and Wear, England, known for its medieval priory and castle, popular beaches, vibrant cultural scene, and accessible transport links including a metro station. It offers a mix of heritage, seaside attractions, and community festivals.
Boxing Day Pilgrimage
26 Dec
An annual Boxing Day pilgrimage retraces the route from Ripon Cathedral to Fountains Abbey, recalling the monks who founded the abbey. Attendees can join a Eucharist service at the cathedral, walk about four miles to the abbey and take part in carols and prayers in the Cellarium.
Members' Event: Tom Licence - Harold: Warrior King Talk
19 Nov
Historian Tom Licence discusses and signs his book *Harold: Warrior King*, exploring the Anglo-Saxon king and the events surrounding the Battle of Hastings.
Near 1066 Battle of Hastings, Abbey and Battlefield
1066 Battle of Hastings, Abbey and Battlefield offers a combined indoor and outdoor historical experience including a visitor centre with interactive displays, battlefield walks with audio tours, abbey ruins, and a gatehouse exhibition, alongside a café and children's playground.
Christmas Family Craft
18–23 Dec, 27 Dec 2026–3 Jan 2027
Children aged 4–8 can collect a craft pack at the barn and make a wooden wreath to take home.
Near West Kennet Avenue, Avebury
West Kennet Avenue in Avebury is a prehistoric avenue originally made of around 100 pairs of standing stones forming a 1.5 mile ritual link between monuments. It is an outdoor heritage site free to visit, featuring ancient stones and maintained by National Trust and English Heritage, with nearby facilities including a museum, toilets, and café.
Music at the abbey
28–29 Nov, 5–6 Dec…
Listen to festive music performed by choirs and bands in the abbey’s cellarium, then stroll around to see the abbey and trees illuminated with colourful lights.
Monastic wealth tour
20 Oct
Join a volunteer guide for a tour exploring how Fountains Abbey became a wealthy and self-sufficient Cistercian monastery, including the products it made and the systems it used.
Members' Event: Lino Printing Christmas Card Workshop at Pendennis Castle
28 Nov
Participants learn lino printing with artist Maya Jonah and create a collection of festive Christmas cards to take home.
2 miles from St Mawes Castle
St Mawes Castle is a well-preserved 16th-century artillery fort in Cornwall built by Henry VIII to defend against invasions. Visitors can explore its historic stone keep, decorated with carvings and gun batteries, as well as outdoor terraces and gardens overlooking the Carrick Roads waterway. The site offers a mix of indoor historic rooms and outdoor fortifications.
Father Christmas at Brodsworth Hall and Gardens
5–6 Dec
Children can join a group session to hear Father Christmas tell seasonal stories, then meet him, take photographs and receive a traditional present.
2 miles from Hooton Pagnell Hall
Hooton Pagnell Hall is a historic house in Yorkshire offering elegant accommodation in nine individually decorated bedrooms within a private estate, featuring cosy and luxurious amenities for a comfortable stay.
Wreath Making at Audley End House and Gardens
30 Nov–4 Dec
Participants will make a festive wreath using greenery from the estate, guided by Head Gardener Louise Ellis. The day also includes lunch in the Housekeeper’s Room and hot drinks.
Christmas trail
28 Nov–3 Dec, 5–10 Dec…
A festive outdoor trail through the ruins of Fountains Abbey and the water gardens. Visitors pick up a trail sheet and follow clues to discover seasonal highlights across the estate.
Halloween half-term at Bolsover Castle
24 Oct–1 Nov
A Halloween half-term event at Bolsover Castle featuring interactive storytelling, spooky games, a themed trail and a seasonal selfie spot. Children can also take part in a daily fancy-dress competition.
Near Bolsover Castle
Bolsover Castle is a historic 17th-century castle built on medieval ruins in Bolsover, Derbyshire. Visitors experience both indoor historic rooms and outdoor gardens and earthworks. The castle features notable architecture by Robert Smythson, rich history including royal events, and is maintained by English Heritage as a popular tourist site.
Located in Bolsover
Bolsover is a historic market town in Derbyshire known for its castle, model village, and connections to coal mining history, offering cultural and walking experiences.
Knitting Group at Marble Hill
13 Oct, 20 Oct…
A weekly adult knitting group where crafters work on their own projects alongside one another and enjoy a knit and natter at the Coach House Cafe.
Near Ham House
Ham House is a well-preserved 17th-century Stuart era house in London known for its rare survival of original interiors, lavishly furnished state apartments, and extensive formal gardens along the River Thames. Visitors can explore the historic interiors, art collections, and enjoy the restored gardens, with facilities including a café. It is also a popular location for film and television productions.
Traditional games
21–23 Dec, 26 Dec 2026–3 Jan 2027
Visitors can play a collection of traditional games at Swanley Grange, including backgammon, charades and Pictionary, and use the puppet theatre. The games are available for all ages.
Festive Fun at Osborne
5–6 Dec
Festive Fun at Osborne is a family-oriented Christmas day out with seasonal activities to enjoy around Osborne.
Near Osborne
Osborne House is a former royal residence in East Cowes, Isle of Wight, built as a summer home for Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Visitors can explore the grand Italianate architecture, royal apartments, extensive gardens, and enjoy the unique historic setting including a private beach and the Durbar Room with Indian influences. The site offers a mix of indoor and outdoor experiences with historic interiors and landscaped grounds.
Located in East Cowes
East Cowes is a historic town on the Isle of Wight known for its royal connections, maritime heritage, and walking routes along the River Medina. It features landmarks such as Osborne House and Norris Castle, along with a lively town center and transport links via ferry and bus services.
Carols around the Christmas Tree
6 Dec, 13 Dec…
Join in singing festive favourites around the Christmas tree in the courtyard, with live choirs performing on selected dates.
Members' Event: Animate Arts - Bee Creative at St Augustine's Abbey
16 Nov
Families take part in an arts-and-crafts workshop with Animate Arts, making flowers and a cardboard garden to bring a handcrafted bee hive to life. The session includes storytelling and imaginative play for children aged five and up.
Near Whitefriars Shopping Centre
Whitefriars Shopping Centre is a large indoor shopping mall in Canterbury, Kent, featuring over 70 shops across three floors and a large multi-storey car park. The centre combines modern retail with historical significance, located on a former monastic site and includes specialized shopping arcades.
Members’ Event: Unexpected Osborne
18 Oct, 20 Oct…
An outdoor walking tour of Osborne for members, exploring less familiar features of the estate and sharing surprising stories and hidden details.
2 miles from Rosetta Cottage
Rosetta Cottage is a Victorian manor house in Cowes, Isle of Wight, known for its connection to Winston Churchill's parents' marriage proposal. It comprises two holiday cottages managed by the National Trust and is part of the island's Churchill Trail.
Garden and abbey tour
7 Oct–1 Nov (another 23 days)
A volunteer-guided tour explores Studley Royal Water Garden and the abbey ruins, explaining the garden’s design and its place in the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The tour lasts about 90 minutes.
Antoine Preat at Kenwood
26 Nov
Franco-British pianist Antoine Preat performs a concert of classical music at Kenwood.
2 miles from O2 Centre
The O2 Centre is an indoor shopping and entertainment centre on Finchley Road in north-west London, featuring supermarkets, a cinema, gym, and various retail shops and eateries.
Halloween half-term at Kenilworth Castle and Elizabethan Garden
24 Oct–1 Nov
A family Halloween event at Kenilworth Castle featuring interactive storytelling, spooky games, a themed trail and a seasonal selfie spot. Visitors are invited to dress up and take part in a daily fancy-dress competition.
3 miles from Stoneleigh Abbey
Stoneleigh Abbey is a magnificent Grade 1 listed stately home in Warwickshire, built on the remains of a 12th-century Cistercian abbey, featuring guided tours of the house and extensive grounds designed by Humphry Repton. Facilities include a cafe, shop, and wheelchair accessibility with free parking.
Summer of Play: crafty Mondays
31 Aug
Summer of Play: crafty Mondays is a crafting workshop event held every Monday at Swanley Grange, Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden. It is led by volunteers and open without booking. The event is free to attend but normal venue admission charges apply. The event runs from 10:00 to 16:00.
Illuminated Whitby Abbey
23–31 Oct
Visitors explore Whitby Abbey’s illuminated ruins after dark, encountering four performance stations with stories inspired by Victorian Gothic horror, local folklore and maritime history. The event also includes interactive family performances and food and drink from local vendors.
Jacobean Choral Singing at Kenwood
18 Oct (next Sunday)
The Thames Chamber Choir performs two identical 30-minute concerts of music by Byrd, Tallis and other composers from the Jacobean era, alongside the William Larkin portraits from the Suffolk Collection.
3 miles from Brent Cross Shopping Centre
Brent Cross Shopping Centre is the UK's first out-of-town, American-style indoor shopping centre in Hendon, North London, featuring over 120 stores including Fenwick, John Lewis and Marks & Spencer, with extensive parking and public transport links.
Summer of Play: The music workshop
30 Aug, 6 Sep
Summer of Play: The music workshop at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden is an interactive music workshop by The Music Workshop Company. Attendees can drop in any time between 10am and 4pm on specified dates to learn different drumming patterns from around the world. The event is free but normal venue admission charges apply.
Stranger Folk at Hardwick
7–31 Oct (another 22 days)
Visitors use the free Stranger Folk app to follow Old Mal’s directions and find folklore creatures around Hardwick’s outdoor estate, solving a riddle to begin and helping to seal a gap between worlds. The activity is recommended for children aged 7–12 and includes spooky themes.
Festive Fun at Bolsover Castle
5–6 Dec
Festive event at Bolsover Castle, with visitors invited to explore the castle and enjoy seasonal activities for the whole family.
Festive Fun at Walmer Castle and Gardens
5–6 Dec
A festive family day out at Walmer Castle and Gardens, where visitors can explore the castle and take part in seasonal activities.
Members’ Event: King Edward VII Convalescent Home Tour at Osborne
19 Oct, 23 Oct
A 45-minute tour at Osborne explores its history as the King Edward VII Convalescent Home for Military Officers. Visitors hear about the home’s century-long story and visit areas normally closed to the public.
Ghost Tours at Gainsborough Old Hall
11 Oct, 25 Oct…
Visitors join a guide for a tour of Gainsborough Old Hall featuring accounts of its reported ghostly happenings.
2 miles from Beckingham Marshes
Beckingham Marshes is a nature reserve featuring wet grassland and hay meadows supporting breeding wading birds, diverse wildlife, and native hedgerows in the Trent Valley. It offers outdoor walking trails and wildlife watching with free public access.
Pumpkin Hunt and Paint at Marble Hill
28 Oct, 30–31 Oct
Participants search the grounds of Marble Hill for a pumpkin, then paint it in a creative workshop with guidance from Drawn Heritage. The pumpkin and painting materials are provided, and the finished pumpkin can be taken home.
2 miles from East Sheen Common
East Sheen Common is a spacious urban park in London featuring woodland, sports facilities including a cricket field, tennis courts, and a bowling green, as well as a newly added woodland play area and nature trail for children.
Apple Pressing
27 Oct
Visitors can learn how estate-grown cider apples are turned into juice and try traditional apple pressing themselves at Swanley Grange. Apple juice and mulled cider will also be available to taste and buy.
Curators Tour at Apsley House
5 Nov, 3 Dec
The Keeper of the Wellington Collection leads a specialist guided tour of the first Duke of Wellington’s home and its art collection.
Near Handel Hendrix House
Handel Hendrix House in London offers visitors an indoor experience across restored Georgian rooms where Handel lived and key spaces in Jimi Hendrix's flat. The venue features exhibitions on their legacies, is mostly wheelchair accessible, free for Historic Houses members, and includes facilities like a shop and accessible toilets.
Summer of Play: Family Minibeasts Safari in the Garden
1 Sep
Summer of Play: Family Minibeasts Safari in the Garden is an outdoor family activity event for children aged 4-12 held in the formal gardens of Hardwick. Participants can explore and learn about minibeasts and their role in the ecosystem on a guided safari through the gardens. The event is free but normal admission charges to the venue apply.
Halloween Half-Term at Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings
24 Oct–1 Nov
Children can make Halloween decorations to take home at free drop-in craft sessions, and visitors can follow a rat trail in the exhibition to learn about Dorothy Clayden and her wartime work at the Flaxmill Maltings.
Near Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings
Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings is an industrial heritage site featuring the world's first multi-storey iron-framed building with a self-guided exhibition on its history and digital activities for visitors of all ages, plus a café open mid-week to weekend.
Halloween Half-Term at Stonehenge
17 Oct–1 Nov
A Halloween half-term event at Stonehenge with family activities including interactive storytelling, spooky games, a themed trail and a daily fancy-dress competition.
Near Stonehenge
Stonehenge is a world-famous prehistoric monument featuring the iconic Stone Circle and a museum exhibition showcasing 4,000 years of history. Visitors can explore the outdoor landscape and take part in guided tours inside the stone circle outside normal hours. The site offers a café, shop, and family-friendly facilities, making it a compelling cultural and educational day out.
Halloween half-term at Dover Castle
24 Oct–1 Nov
A family Halloween event at Dover Castle featuring interactive storytelling, spooky games, a themed trail and a seasonal selfie spot. Visitors can also dress up and take part in a daily fancy-dress competition.
Near Dover Castle
Dover Castle is a medieval Norman castle in Dover, Kent, England, notable for its extensive history from the Iron Age through the Roman era to the present. Visitors can explore both the castle's interiors including the keep and regimental museum, as well as outdoor defensive structures and historic tunnels used in World War II.
Worm Weekend at Down House
24–25 Oct
Families can learn about earthworms and Charles Darwin’s experiments on their behaviour, including taking part in hands-on worm sampling in the gardens at Down House.
Near Down House
Down House is the historic home of naturalist Charles Darwin where he developed his theory of evolution. Visitors can explore the restored Georgian house with original furnishings, Darwin's greenhouse, and extensive gardens including the Sandwalk woodland path. The site offers both indoor historical exhibits and outdoor natural landscapes.
George Roberts and Edward Picton Turbervill Perform at Kenwood
24 Nov
Baritone George Roberts and pianist-composer Edward Picton-Turbervill perform a concert at Kenwood. Roberts is noted for his interpretations of Gilbert and Sullivan, musical theatre and Kurt Weill.
3 miles from The Mall Wood Green
The Mall Wood Green is a large indoor shopping centre in north London with over 100 retail shops and market stalls. It is known for its unique layout where a main road runs through the complex and has ample parking facilities. The centre forms a major commercial hub for the London Borough of Haringey.
Round Table Fireworks Spectacular at Kenilworth Castle
7 Nov
Kenilworth Round Table’s annual charity fireworks event at Kenilworth Castle features a mini display followed by a main fireworks display, with food and drink stalls also available.
Halloween half-term at Brodsworth Hall and Gardens
24 Oct–1 Nov
A Halloween half-term event at Brodsworth Hall and Gardens, with family activities including interactive storytelling, spooky games, a themed trail and a fancy-dress competition.
3 miles from Dearne Valley Adwick Washland
Adwick Washland is a nature reserve in the Dearne Valley featuring wet grassland and marshes, home to diverse wildlife. Visitors can enjoy outdoor trails, panoramic views, and riverside walks in a tranquil natural setting.
Father Christmas at Kenwood
5–6 Dec
Children can join Father Christmas at Kenwood for seasonal stories, meet him and take photographs, and each child will receive a traditional present.
3 miles from London Zoo
London Zoo, the world's oldest scientific zoo located in Regent's Park, London, offers both indoor and outdoor experiences featuring a vast collection of animals across multiple exhibits including Gorilla Kingdom, Tiger Territory, and Land of the Lions. Visitors can explore historic architecture, specialized habitats, and child-friendly play areas, making it a renowned attraction for families and wildlife enthusiasts alike.
Christmas Craft Fair at Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens
21–22 Nov
A Christmas craft fair at Belsay Hall featuring handmade gifts and crafts from local makers and independent traders, alongside food and refreshments.
Organs and Strings Concert by Saraband at Kenwood
10 Oct (this Saturday)
Saraband performs a concert at Kenwood featuring chamber organ, violins and cello.
3 miles from Foundling Museum
The Foundling Museum in London tells the history of the 18th-century Foundling Hospital, featuring art collections and historic interiors, with full wheelchair accessibility and facilities for children.
Festive Fun at Eltham Palace and Gardens
5–6 Dec
A family-oriented festive event at Eltham Palace and Gardens, with seasonal activities to enjoy while exploring the site. Visitors can also book separately to meet Father Christmas.
3 miles from Charlton House & Gardens
Charlton House & Gardens is a historic Jacobean manor house in London featuring original architectural elements, diverse interiors, and gardens. It offers an accessible visit with facilities like a cafe and parkland, reflecting 400 years of history including wartime use and notable owners.
Members' Event: Christmas Card Making at Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens
7 Nov
An adults-only Christmas card-making workshop where participants reuse pages from second-hand books to create handmade cards. Refreshments and a sweet treat are included.
Craft Workshop and Cream Tea at Kenilworth Castle
18 Oct, 24 Oct
Participants will be guided through making a folded book vase and paper flowers, then enjoy a cream tea. All materials are provided, and no previous experience is needed.
On the hoof
5 Dec, 13 Dec…
Visitors can watch wild deer feeding near St Mary's Church, examine antlers and speak with the wildlife team. A deer ranger will explain how to distinguish Red, Sika and Fallow deer and describe managing the herd.
Eleanor and Gus Perform at Kenwood
23 Nov
Eleanor Grant and Gus McQuade perform a concert at Kenwood, combining voice, guitar and double bass across music ranging from lute songs to folk, jazz and original compositions.
3 miles from Brunswick Centre
The Brunswick Centre is a Grade II listed brutalist residential and shopping complex in Bloomsbury, London, featuring 560 flats, a range of shops, cafés, restaurants, a Waitrose supermarket, and a Curzon cinema in an architecturally significant setting.
Wreath Making and Afternoon Tea at Eltham Palace
24 Nov, 26 Nov…
Participants make a Christmas wreath using natural greenery, guided by the Eltham Palace gardeners, followed by a festive afternoon tea. The house and gardens are not open during the event.
Twilight Halloween Tales at Eltham Palace and Gardens
24 Oct, 29 Oct
An after-hours Halloween tour of Eltham Palace explores its history, spooky associations and ghost stories, alongside the history of Halloween and supernatural beliefs.
3 miles from The Glades (Bromley)
The Glades is a large indoor shopping centre in Bromley, Greater London, featuring 135 stores including major brands, a restaurant terrace, and extensive parking. It offers a comprehensive retail experience with an array of shops and eateries.
Summer of Play: Free Weekly Crafts
22 Jul, 29 Jul…
Summer of Play: Free Weekly Crafts is a series of self-led craft activities held in the Summer of Play zone at Hardwick for children, with a different creative theme each week.
Festive Menu at Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings Flaxmill Café
1–9 Dec
The Flaxmill Café offers a festive menu for pre-booked tables during December. Food choices must be submitted seven days in advance, and evening servings can be arranged for groups of at least 35.
Near The Old House, Shropshire
The Old House in Shrewsbury is a historic family home offering guided tours of its principal downstairs rooms and garden, featuring Tudor-era artwork and views of the town's original walls. Visitors can explore both indoors and outdoors, with a knowledgeable family member leading the tours. The property is located in the town centre but is not wheelchair accessible and does not allow pets except guide dogs by prior arrangement. Refreshments are not provided on-site.
Members’ Event: Statues Tour at Osborne
18 Oct, 20 Oct…
An outdoor guided tour of the statues and sculptures at Osborne, exploring who they represent and what they reveal about Queen Victoria, Prince Albert and their family.
Members' Event: Watercolour Christmas Card Workshop at Down House
28 Nov
An adults’ watercolour workshop at Down House where participants will learn watercolour techniques and paint their own festive Christmas cards to take home.
Bah, Humbug! A Christmas Carol at Fountains Hall
28–29 Nov, 5–6 Dec…
Visitors can wander through Fountains Hall, decorated as a Victorian Christmas inspired by Charles Dickens’ *A Christmas Carol*, and see festive scenes, hear carols and explore rooms evoking the story.
Kitchen Garden Sale at Marble Hill
8 Oct, 15 Oct…
A weekly sale of seasonal produce grown by Marble Hill’s volunteer gardeners, including fresh vegetables and cut flowers. Visitors can browse and buy produce at the north-east corner of Marble Hill Park.
2 miles from Syon House
Syon House is a historic Tudor mansion remodelled by Robert Adam, featuring stunning interiors and set in extensive gardens and parkland with a domed conservatory. Visitors can explore both the house and outdoor gardens with guided tours and enjoy facilities including a cafe and picnic areas.
Father Christmas at Kenilworth Castle
5–6 Dec
Children can hear Father Christmas share seasonal stories, meet him for photographs and receive a traditional present. The event runs in timed sessions on weekends in December.
Shadows of the Abbey: A Halloween History Tour at St Augustine's Abbey
31 Oct–1 Nov
A one-hour guided history tour of St Augustine’s Abbey explores stories from its past with a Halloween theme, ending on the Campanile Mound. The event is suitable for ages 12 and over.
Near St Augustine's Abbey
St Augustine's Abbey in Canterbury, Kent, is the ruins of a historic Benedictine monastery founded in 598 AD, notable for its extensive archaeological remains and historical significance as part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors explore the outdoor abbey ruins, which reflect over 900 years of monastic history and royal connections.
Members' Event: Experience Yorkshire - Whitby Walking Tour
10 Nov
A guided walking tour of Whitby led by Blue Badge Guide Sarah Milne-Day, exploring the town’s history, industries and notable characters, from the abbey down the 199 steps to the town and harbour.
Wreath Making Workshop at Wrest Park
2–3 Dec
Participants make a Christmas wreath using seasonal foliage and natural materials, with guidance from Wrest Park’s Head Gardener. The day also includes a festive afternoon tea in the Mansion Dining Room.
Halloween half-term at Wrest Park
24 Oct–1 Nov
A Halloween half-term event at Wrest Park with family activities and entertainment, including interactive storytelling, spooky games, a themed trail and a fancy-dress competition.
Halloween half-term at Audley End House and Gardens
24 Oct–1 Nov
A family Halloween event at Audley End featuring interactive storytelling, spooky games, a themed trail and a seasonal selfie spot. Visitors can also enter the daily fancy-dress competition.
From the Archives - Wartime Belsay at Belsay Hall
15 Nov
A hands-on living-history event exploring Northumberland during the Second World War. Visitors can try activities such as building Anderson shelters and military drills, examine wartime artefacts, and hear stories about the period.
Members’ Event: Emma Gaggiotti Talk at Osborne
21 Oct
Dr Christopher Warleigh-Lack gives a 45-minute talk about painter Emma Gaggiotti, women artists in the 19th century, and Queen Victoria and Prince Albert’s support for female artistic talent.
Autumn craft
26–30 Oct
Join artist Alice Dunsmore at Swanley Grange for autumn-themed craft workshops, making leaf fairies, toadstools and seasonal decorations from natural materials gathered around the site.
The Duke's Guest at Apsley House
21 Nov
An evening at Apsley House introducing guests to Regency-era ball etiquette and entertainment. Attendees can dance, try cards and dice, and enjoy a welcome drink.
Near Burlington Arcade
Burlington Arcade is a historic covered shopping arcade in London, known for its luxury retail shops, elegant Regency decorum, and traditional beadles. It offers a unique upmarket shopping experience in a heritage setting dating from 1819.
Festive Fun at Wrest Park
5–6 Dec
A festive family day out at Wrest Park, with seasonal activities to explore. Visitors can also book an additional ticket to meet Father Christmas.
The Pikachu Art Adventure at Fountains Abbey
7 Oct–1 Nov (another 23 days)
Follow a trail of 30 Pikachu trading-card artworks around Fountains Abbey, discover facts about the character and design your own card. Visitors can collect a gallery sheet and use a Pikachu stamper at Fountains Mill.
Father Christmas at Dover Castle
5–6 Dec
Children can join Father Christmas at Dover Castle for a seasonal storytelling session, then meet him, take photographs and receive a traditional present.
Near Western Heights, Dover
Western Heights at Dover features Napoleonic-era coastal defences including the Drop Redoubt fort and North Centre Bastion. Visitors can explore the exterior any reasonable daylight hours for free and take occasional tours of the Drop Redoubt. The site offers a steep cliff-side location with extensive historic fortifications and free parking nearby.
Landscape Tours at Marble Hill
6 Nov, 4 Dec
Join a volunteer-led walk at Marble Hill to learn about its historic landscape and how it has changed over time.
2 miles from Syon Park
Syon Park is a partner garden featuring a large and beautiful Great Conservatory glasshouse with diverse plant collections, formal gardens, water meadows grazed by cows, and notable trees. It offers a combination of indoor and outdoor experiences with refreshments available and free access for RHS members on specified days.
Heritage Open Day
12–13 Sep
Heritage Open Day at Hardwick offers free entry on 12 and 13 September 2026 with demonstrations in natural dyeing techniques, specialist crafts, architecture tours (booking needed for tours), and access to Stainsby Mill. The event includes exploring the hall, gardens, and parkland. It is held both indoors and outdoors throughout the day from 09:00 to 18:00.
Ancient Pathways: The Living Landscape, a journey through sound, colour and nature
14 Oct (next Wednesday)
Artist Georgie Weedon and sound practitioner Mia MacAllister lead an evening combining an immersive sound installation, a contemplative walk and guided meditation in Avebury Manor Garden, and a sound journey among paintings inspired by Avebury. The event ends with herbal tea in the gallery.
Near Windmill Hill, Avebury
Windmill Hill is a Neolithic causewayed enclosure in Wiltshire, England, known as the largest of its type in Britain and part of the Avebury World Heritage Site, featuring ancient ditches and archaeological significance.
Father Christmas at Marble Hill
5–6 Dec
Children can join Father Christmas for seasonal storytelling, meet him and take photographs, and receive a traditional present. One accompanying adult is permitted per child.
3 miles from Osterley Park
Osterley Park is a Georgian era country estate in west London featuring a historic house with notable neoclassical interiors by Robert Adam and extensive parkland open to visitors. The National Trust manages the property, which includes a café, formal gardens, and woodland footpaths suitable for outdoor walks and cultural exploration.
The Great British Braid Off at Stonehenge
24–26 Oct, 30 Oct–1 Nov
Visitors can contribute to a braided rug inspired by prehistoric skills and materials, and try other prehistoric crafts such as pinch-pot and bracelet making. The event also explores everyday life in the prehistoric period.
2 miles from Stonehenge Landscape
The Stonehenge Landscape is a National Trust estate in Wiltshire, encompassing over 2100 acres around the prehistoric Stonehenge monument. It features extensive ancient earthworks, burial mounds, and open access chalk grassland reversion areas, preserving historic and natural heritage.
A Very Avebury Christmas
28 Nov–23 Dec, 27 Dec 2026–3 Jan 2027
A seasonal display at Avebury Manor featuring handcrafted installations inspired by the manor’s history, wildlife and festive traditions. Visitors can wander through the decorated rooms and explore stories connected with the place.
Near Silbury Hill
Silbury Hill is a prehistoric artificial chalk mound near Avebury, Wiltshire, England, known as the second tallest prehistoric man-made mound in Europe. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site Stonehenge, Avebury and Associated Sites and represents a remarkable feat of Neolithic engineering and cultural significance, managed by English Heritage. The site offers outdoor exploration of ancient history and rich chalk grassland habitat.
Seasonal Garden Tours at Marble Hill
21 Oct
A member of the gardens team leads a guided tour of Marble Hill’s restored eighteenth-century gardens, highlighting seasonal features and explaining the gardens’ care and history.
3 miles from Treaty Centre
The Treaty Centre is an enclosed shopping mall in Hounslow, Greater London, offering over 270,000 square feet of retail space with 51 stores including Wilkinsons, and ample parking.
Have a Go Sessions: Knitting at Gainsborough Old Hall
10 Oct (this Saturday)
A free knitting session at Gainsborough Old Hall where craft volunteers help attendees learn the basics or build their knitting skills and confidence. Materials are provided.
Bess: Unframing the family
7 Oct–1 Nov (another 23 days)
An exhibition about Bess and her family brings together portraits and other collection objects, exploring their creation, conservation and investigation. Visitors can learn about the technical analysis used on the portraits, watch a short conservation film and follow displays through the Hall.
Writers' Retreat
22 Oct, 26 Nov…
A day-long writers’ retreat at Hardwick Park, where attendees can work on their own writing projects with quiet writing time, facilitator-led group check-ins and opportunities to connect with other writers. Breaks include time to explore the parkland, and refreshments and lunch are provided.
Bridgewater Primary Art Exhibition at Belsay Hall
8 Oct–1 Nov (another 23 days)
An exhibition of artwork by Bridgewater Primary School pupils, inspired by nature and Belsay Hall. It features sunflower and tree-themed works, alongside photography and collage created with local artist Lindsey Robinson.
Diwali at Marble Hill
24 Oct
Diwali at Marble Hill celebrates the Festival of Lights with illuminations, dancers, dhol drummers, giant puppets and other activities. Attendees can also take part in a lantern-making workshop, booked for a selected timeslot.
3 miles from Osterley Park and House
Osterley offers one of London's last country estates featuring an 18th-century house surrounded by extensive parkland, formal gardens with rare plants, and historic garden structures.
Hallowtide Half Term Activities
17–31 Oct
Families can take part in Hallowtide-themed half-term play activities at Hardwick, including witches’ hat hoopla, a barefoot broomstick walk and traditional apple games. Visitors with a House and Gardens ticket can also follow the Apple Jack trail in the orchard.
Halloween half-term at Scarborough Castle
24 Oct–1 Nov
A Halloween half-term event at Scarborough Castle with family activities including interactive storytelling, spooky games and a themed trail. Visitors can also take part in a daily fancy dress competition.
Near Brunswick shopping centre
The Brunswick Shopping Centre is a modern indoor shopping mall in Scarborough, North Yorkshire featuring over 30 shops, a distinctive bow-front design inspired by local period architecture, and the Bathing Belle statue at its entrance.
Located in Scarborough
Scarborough is a historic seaside town in North Yorkshire, England, known for its sandy beaches, castle, cultural venues, and vibrant tourism and fishing industries.
Scarecrow Trail
17 Oct–1 Nov
Visitors can explore Walmer Castle’s gardens on a scarecrow trail themed around myths and legends, featuring creations by local groups. Attendees can vote for their favourite scarecrow before leaving.
Members’ Event: Battlements guided tour at St Mawes Castle
19 Oct, 23 Oct
A guided tour of the 12 PDR battlements at St Mawes Castle, exploring the castle’s history and giving attendees access to restricted areas not usually open to the public.
Near St Anthony Head
St Anthony Head is a National Trust site at the southern tip of Cornwall's Roseland Peninsula, featuring a historic battery and lighthouse with scenic views over one of the world's largest natural harbours and designated protected natural areas.
5K Fun Run at Osborne
1 Nov
A 5K fun run, jog or walk around the Osborne estate, following a route that passes through its grounds and scenic areas. The course is described as suitable for runners of all abilities.
Battle of Hastings at Battle Abbey
10–11 Oct (this weekend)
A large-scale re-enactment of the Battle of Hastings, with Saxon and Norman soldiers, living history camps, falconry displays, traditional music and a performance telling the story of the Bayeux Tapestry. Children can take part in sword school and a re-creation of the battle.
3 miles from Fore Wood
Fore Wood is a peaceful ancient woodland near Crowhurst, East Sussex, renowned for its wildlife and rare plants including bluebells and orchids. It offers outdoor nature trails through varied terrain and is managed for conservation as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. The reserve is free to access but has limited facilities and accessibility challenges.
Origin Weekend at Down House
21–22 Nov
A weekend at Down House marking the anniversary of Charles Darwin’s *On the Origin of Species*. The programme includes talks and tours across both days.
Halloween Crafts at Gainsborough Old Hall
17 Oct, 24 Oct…
Visitors can drop in to make Halloween-themed decorations to take home, with different craft activities offered on each date, including spooky silhouettes, masks and bunting, conker pumpkins, leafy ghosts and spiders.
Wintertide Workshop Wreath Making
5 Dec
A guided wreath-making workshop where participants weave a willow wreath base and decorate it with fabric flowers and ribbons to create a festive wreath.