"The Countess"
17 Oct (next Saturday)
Two volunteers bring to life the story of Countess Rivers and the events leading up to the sacking of Melford Hall during the Civil War, presenting the events from different perspectives.
Essex
Essex is a historic county in East England known for Roman heritage, scenic coastline, charming market towns, and good transport links.
Walk for Wellness
8 Oct, 15 Oct…
A gentle guided walk around the park, offering time to move, enjoy the fresh air and connect with nature at your own pace.
Near Melford Hall
Melford Hall is a historic Grade I listed stately home in Suffolk with 16th-century origins and Tudor architecture. Owned by the National Trust and open to the public seasonally, it offers a blend of both indoor historic house tours and extensive outdoor grounds hosting events.
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.
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.
Carvery Lunch
18 Oct (next Sunday)
A two-course carvery lunch at Hilltop Lodge, with a choice of roast meats or a vegetarian Wellington followed by dessert. The event takes place on 18 October 2026.
Near RHS Garden Hyde Hall
RHS Garden Hyde Hall is a large garden in Essex featuring extensive collections of plants and shrubs, wide-open views of the countryside, and accessible paths. Visitors can enjoy on-site dining at two cafés and a garden centre offering plants and gifts. Entry requires a ticket or RHS membership, with discounts for car-free travel.
Stranger Folk
17–18 Oct, 21–25 Oct…
Stranger Folk is a Halloween adventure game inspired by British folklore, set at Melford Hall. Families use one mobile phone to follow a story and take part in physical play, for a short session or a longer adventure.
2 miles from Kentwell Hall
Kentwell Hall is a moated Tudor country house in Suffolk featuring extensive formal gardens and grounds, a rare breeds farm, and a variety of historical exhibitions and events. Visitors can explore the house interiors as well as outdoor gardens, with facilities supporting accessibility and on-site dining.
Rainham October Discovery Walk
15 Oct (next Thursday)
Join National Trust staff and volunteers on a gentle circular walk from Rainham Hall, exploring the garden and the hidden history of Rainham Village.
Near Rainham Hall
Rainham Hall is a well-preserved Georgian merchant's house in London with historic interiors, exhibitions, and an on-site café, showcasing a unique blend of domestic and commercial history from the 18th century onwards.
Specialist Talk - Wreck of The Phoenix
18 Oct (next Sunday)
A 30-minute specialist talk about the wreck of the Phoenix, captained by Admiral Hyde-Parker II, and the seafaring adventures of the Hyde Parker family.
3 miles from Rectory Manor
Rectory Manor is a Victorian rectory with Georgian appearance and parts over 1,000 years old, set in a quaint English village near Lavenham, Suffolk. Visitors can enjoy the historic house, extensive gardens, and bed and breakfast facilities including a tennis court and swimming pool.
The Positive Necessities of Life
8–9 Oct, 15–16 Oct…
An exhibition at Red House presents personally significant domestic objects selected by architects, designers, local residents and young people from Bexley, exploring the memories and stories connected with everyday possessions. It can only be visited as part of a guided tour of the house.
Near Red House
Red House in Bexleyheath, London is a seminal Arts and Crafts building designed by William Morris and Philip Webb, featuring medieval-inspired architecture and original Pre-Raphaelite art. It serves as a historic house museum managed by the National Trust, showcasing Morris' pioneering design ethos and craftsmanship.
Breathwork in the Forest
18 Oct, 1 Nov…
A breathwork class in Hatfield Forest using a variety of breathing techniques to promote relaxation, manage stress and support emotional wellbeing.
Near Hatfield Forest
Hatfield Forest is a 403-hectare medieval Royal Hunting Forest in Essex, managed by the National Trust, offering extensive woodlands, ancient trees, diverse wildlife, archaeological sites, and accessible walking trails in an outdoor nature reserve experience.
Afternoon Tea
11–27 Oct (next week)
Guests can enjoy classic afternoon tea in the Thatched Barn, with sandwiches, savoury bakes, cakes, scones, tea and coffee. Gluten-free, vegan and children’s menu options are also listed.
3 miles from Danbury Common
Danbury Common is a large biological Site of Special Scientific Interest in Essex featuring heathland, woodland, ponds, and uncommon species, with areas managed by the National Trust and Essex Wildlife Trust.
Autumn Trails
17–18 Oct, 21–25 Oct…
Visitors can follow an autumn activity trail through Melford Hall, finding woolly pumpkins and rearranging hidden letters, then search for pumpkins and play garden bingo outdoors.
Constable 250: Flatford Guided Tour
8 Oct–1 Nov (another 23 days)
Join a guided outdoor tour around Flatford to learn about John Constable’s life and work and see the views that inspired paintings including The Hay Wain and Flatford Mill.
Near Bridge Cottage
Bridge Cottage is a 16th-century thatched cottage in Flatford, Suffolk, part of the National Trust properties, featuring an exhibition on John Constable and access to scenic River Stour walks.
Forest Bathing
18 Oct (next Sunday)
Forest Bathing is a guided woodland session using mindful walking, focused attention and sensory activities to help participants slow down and connect with nature.
Near Hatfield Forest
Hatfield Forest is an ancient royal hunting forest managed as a National Nature Reserve featuring ancient trees, historic landscapes including a Georgian lake and Shell House, and offers extensive outdoor activities like walking, rowing, and family events. It welcomes dogs and provides accessible amenities including designated parking and an accessible outdoor cafe.
Exhibition: Filming Sense and Sensibility at Rainham Hall
8–10 Oct, 15–17 Oct…
An exhibition at Rainham Hall explores how the house was transformed for the film Sense and Sensibility, displaying costumes and props and documenting the filming process.
Near Rainham Marshes
Rainham Marshes is a nature reserve near London offering diverse marshland habitats for birds and wildlife. Visitors can explore flat and accessible trails, enjoy wildlife hides, and children can use the toddler play area. The site features picnic areas and guided walks, making it an engaging outdoor destination for families and nature enthusiasts.
Carvery Lunch
18 Oct (next Sunday)
A two-course carvery lunch at the Hilltop Lodge, with a choice of roast meats or a vegetarian Wellington, vegetables and a selection of desserts.
3 miles from Danbury Commons and Blakes Wood
Danbury Commons and Blakes Wood is a large natural reserve featuring ancient woodland, heathland, and historical military sites. Visitors can enjoy diverse wildlife, scenic walking trails, and explore the rich heritage of this Essex ridge-top location.
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.
‘Introduction to Garden Design’ Course
14 Oct (next Wednesday)
An intensive course covering the stages of designing a garden, from site surveying and drawing plans to landscaping and planting design. It is aimed at people planning their own garden and those considering a career in garden design.
Near Green Island Gardens
Green Island Gardens is a wildlife-friendly garden featuring National Plant Collections, diverse themed gardens, and seasonal highlights. Visitors can enjoy autumn colours, rare plants, and an educational wildlife centre.