Greater London is an extensive metropolitan area in England featuring historic landmarks, vibrant cultural scenes, and excellent transport connections including rail and park-and-ride options.
24 Oct, 7 Nov
C-Change West London is running creative writing workshops for people aged 16–30, exploring poetry, prose and fiction through writers, techniques and prompts. Participants will also have the opportunity to share work at a poetry evening.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
17 Nov
An outdoor course led by RHS Garden Wisley’s Fruit Team demonstrating winter pruning techniques for apple and pear trees, including formative pruning and work on established and neglected trees.
RHS Garden Wisley in Surrey is a renowned horticultural garden offering extensive outdoor garden grounds with world-class plant displays, accompanied by multiple dining options and a garden centre. It provides a rich outdoor experience for visitors seeking to explore diverse flora and enjoy seasonal food offerings.
24 Oct–1 Nov
Visitors can explore Ham House’s decorative cabinets through sensory activities, including listening to music and smelling spices, and look for cabinet keys. The event also includes activities and toys in the Garden Room, seasonal garden exploration, and a 17th-century musical performance on 1 November.
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.
18 Nov
RHS horticultural advisor James Lawrence discusses sustainable planting combinations, including schemes designed for different conditions and environmental benefits. The talk takes place live online and includes an opportunity to submit questions.
The River Wey and Godalming Navigations offer a 20-mile navigable waterway in Surrey, featuring historic locks and scenic towpaths managed by the National Trust, with connections to other canals and a visitor centre at Dapdune Wharf showcasing historic barges.
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.
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.
9 Oct
A talk exploring the history of wet-nursing in England and its role in feeding babies brought to the Foundling Hospital. Attendees can hear about the experiences of wet nurses and infants, followed by an opportunity to ask questions; the talk is available in person or online.
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.
28 Oct, 25 Nov…
An informal crochet session at The Stables Café where participants can learn basic crochet and yarn skills, with materials provided. Attendees can make something to take home or donate their creation to 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.
25 Nov
Intesa Duo perform a programme for voice and viol, bringing folk and early music together with European and Armenian traditions.
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.
29 Oct
Visitors can choose a pumpkin and carve it using the tools provided, creating a decoration to take home for Halloween. The activity takes place during the October half-term at Morden Hall Park’s Stableyard.
Morden Hall Park is a large National Trust park in Morden, London, featuring historic buildings including Morden Hall, snuff mills, and a garden centre, set on the River Wandle with extensive parkland, footbridges, and a dog-friendly café.
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.
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.
5–6 Dec, 12–13 Dec…
Children aged up to 8 can visit Father Christmas in his grotto, write him a note and receive a wrapped gift selected by the elves. The experience includes festive music and takes place in a covered area of the Garden Centre.
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.
Coombe Conduit is an historic Tudor waterworks site in Kingston upon Thames, open on select days, showcasing a rare surviving structure of a system that supplied water to Hampton Court Palace. The outdoor grounds are uneven and not wheelchair accessible, with no on-site facilities.
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.
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.
7 Nov
Young Rangers is a monthly session for children aged 6 to 12, offering gardening and nature-based activities where they can learn skills and meet other young people. A parent or carer must remain on site.
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.
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.
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.
28 Nov–24 Dec, 27 Dec 2026–3 Jan 2027
Visitors follow a Christmas trail around Morden Hall Park, finding six missing pieces of Father Christmas’s sleigh before collecting a gift from the Garden Centre. The trail also includes an opportunity to take a photo with the sleigh in the Stableyard.
16–20 Nov, 23–27 Nov…
A Christmas lunch at the Potting Shed Café, with a choice of starters, turkey or vegan mains, desserts, a hot drink and a mince pie.
13 Oct, 20 Oct
A beginner-friendly salsa class followed by social dancing, led by the Salsa Got Soul team. Sessions are suitable for complete beginners and improver-level dancers, and no partner or prior experience is needed.
11 Nov
An RHS horticulture session covering seasonal gardening tasks for November and December, including dividing plants, pruning, taking cuttings and winter vegetables. Participants can try some practical tasks and take a walk outside in the garden.
Painshill Park is a large award-winning 18th century landscape garden in Surrey featuring winding paths, mystical follies including the Crystal Grotto, and beautiful parkland. It offers accessible routes, family-friendly facilities, a café, and seasonal food, making it ideal for a full-day outdoor visit.
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.
Charles Dickens Museum is the only surviving family home of Charles Dickens in London, featuring extensive collections related to the author and offering educational workshops. Visitors can explore a historic Grade I listed house with accessible facilities and a café.
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.
10 Nov
An introductory gardening session with RHS experts covering seasonal tasks for November and December, including pruning, dividing plants, taking cuttings and winter vegetables. The course includes practical activities and an outdoor walk in RHS Garden Wisley.
West Horsley Place is a Grade I listed medieval manor house and estate in Surrey, rich in history with royal visits including Henry VIII and Elizabeth I. It remains largely untouched for decades and offers tours and commercial events.
18 Oct (next Sunday)
A volunteer-led tour of Fenton House’s garden explores its history and development, including its seasonal blooms and ongoing garden work.
26 Nov
Franco-British pianist Antoine Preat performs a concert of classical music at Kenwood.
28 Oct
Children aged 3–6 and their accompanying adults can take part in storytelling, rhythm, movement and a simple craft activity inspired by Mami Wata, the West African water spirit. Participants will make a greetings card to take home.
25 Nov
A science-focused workshop for home-educated children and families explores plants, including their lifecycles, habitats and adaptations. Led by an Education Officer, the workshop takes place almost entirely outdoors.
24 Oct–1 Nov
A family Halloween trail in the gardens explores the origins and legends of Halloween, including traditions such as carving pumpkins. Visitors can follow the trail and learn at activity points along the way.
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.
24 Oct
A British Sign Language tour led by Alan Murray MBE explores the Foundling Museum’s history and main collection. The ticket also includes entry to the temporary exhibitions.
The Charterhouse is a historic complex in Clerkenwell, London, featuring a museum, chapel, and Tudor mansion with rich history dating back to the 14th century. Visitors can explore indoor heritage displays and outdoor gardens, enjoy guided tours, seasonal events, and a unique community almshouse still in use today.
7–11 Oct, 14–18 Oct…
An exhibition of intricately embroidered wedding shawls, baghs and phulkaris from the Karun Thakar Collection, displayed in the neoclassical rooms at Osterley. The textiles were made by young women in undivided Punjab for ceremonial use.
10 Dec, 12–13 Dec…
Participants learn step by step how to make a wreath for their home, using a wreath base, foliage and dried decorations provided by the organisers. They can bring their own additional decorations and secateurs.
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.
14 Oct (next Wednesday)
Children aged 7 and over can take part in a 90-minute workshop exploring how plants and pollinators interact, with activities matching pollinators to flowers, using UV light to discover patterns and identifying foods that depend on pollinators.
8–25 Oct (another 16 days)
An exhibition explores J.M.W. Turner’s painting *Margate (?), from the Sea* and the history of his bequest to the nation. Visitors can see the painting alongside archival documents, letters and works by artists influenced by Turner.
6 Nov
An immersive theatrical tour explores women’s lives and hidden feminist history in 18th-century London, followed by a tutored tasting of three styles of gin and related cocktails. The event includes a welcome gin cocktail and is for over-18s only.
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.
Chiswick House is a Neo-Palladian villa in London with historic gardens designed by William Kent, featuring notable architecture and a significant cultural heritage, now maintained by English Heritage and open to visitors.
7 Oct–1 Nov (another 23 days)
Families can follow an interactive garden trail based on Rachel Bright’s children’s book, helping squirrels Cyril and Bruce work together to find the last nut of the season. The trail includes games and takes place along the pathway around the lake.
16–17 Oct
A nature guide introduces the lives and ecological role of spiders before leading a gentle evening walk to look for them around Morden Hall Park. The event is aimed at curious children and adults.
9 Jun, 7 Jul…
A Heritage Volunteer leads a one-hour guided walk around Claremont Landscape Garden, exploring a different tree-related subject each month. Attendees can learn about the garden’s trees and see areas of the grounds along the way.
Chessington World of Adventures Resort is a large resort destination in Greater London featuring a theme park with various rides, a zoo with over 1,000 animals, a Sea Life Centre, and two themed hotels. It offers immersive family-friendly experiences across multiple themed lands including Wild Woods, Land of the Dragons, and World of Jumanji, with events throughout the year.
20 Oct
A beginner-level course exploring fungi and their role in garden ecosystems. Participants take a guided fungi walk around Wisley and practise identifying fungi in hands-on activities.
11 Oct (this Sunday)
A Jane Austen-inspired Regency day at Rainham Hall, with activities including gentle Regency dancing, flower arranging, period card games, pomander making, calligraphy and simple sewing. Visitors can also try bonnets and Georgian clothing.
2 Dec
An online evening talk with RHS Plant Health expert Dr Helen Latham exploring plant pathology, including the team’s research into honey fungus. Attendees can submit questions during the talk.
26 Oct
Children aged 5–12 learn about Olympic athletes Tommie Smith and John Carlos and their Black Power Salute, then make and bake Olympic Gold Cookies to take home.
2 Dec
An RSPB guide leads a winter woodland walk and talk about which birds remain and which migrate, with opportunities to observe birdlife.
Petts Wood and Hawkwood is a large woodland area near London offering peace, wildlife, and scenic walking paths with historical memorials. Visitors can explore diverse natural habitats and enjoy organized events focused on nature.
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.
27 Oct
A playful African djembe drumming workshop for children aged 2–6, featuring an interactive story, rhythm-making, dancing and animal-inspired movement. The session explores how drums can communicate and introduces children to African drumming and culture.
15 Dec
A gentle, guided sensory walk exploring festive highlights in the ground floor of Ham House and its gardens. The walk is designed for people living with dementia and those who support or care for them.
20 Oct
A monthly, gentle-paced guided sensory walk through the gardens at Ham House, designed for people living with dementia and those who support or care for them. Volunteer guides lead the group to explore seasonal highlights in nature.
22 Oct
A guided walk around Belvedere Mount at Claremont Landscape Garden, exploring the building from a different perspective and looking closely at the trees in the area.
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.
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.
23 Oct, 20 Nov…
A volunteer heritage guide leads a one-hour walk exploring the history of Claremont Landscape Garden. Walks take place on selected Fridays.
The Homewood is a striking early 20th-century Modernist country villa near Esher, Surrey, designed by architect Patrick Gwynne. Open for pre-booked guided tours of its house and gardens from April to October, this unique property offers visitors a chance to explore architectural history alongside landscaped gardens in a private residence setting.
20–22 Nov
MorrisFest 2026 is a three-day festival exploring William Morris’s ideas and influence through talks, panel discussions, workshops and craft demonstrations. The programme also includes the Kelmscott Lecture, a Christmas artisan market and an exhibition of finalists for the Useful & Beautiful Art Prize.
16 Oct (next Friday)
Obsidian Baroque perform instrumental chamber music by women composers of the Baroque era, alongside a new work by a contemporary female composer. The concert also explores the composers’ stories and their place in music history.
11 Oct (this Sunday)
A guided walking tour through Bloomsbury explores stories of people and events that shaped the area, including its literary and LGBTQ+ history. The tour starts outside the Kimpton Fitzroy Hotel and ends at the Foundling Museum.
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.
24–25 Oct, 28–30 Oct
Visitors can design and carve a pumpkin to take home for Halloween, with materials provided, and follow a Halloween ghost trail around the garden. Children must be supervised.
1 Nov
Join an early-morning walk around RHS Garden Wisley with the RSPB North West Surrey Group to look for and identify the birds in the garden. The walk focuses on autumn birdlife, including winter visitors.
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.
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.
16 Oct (next Friday)
A volunteer musician guides visitors through Fenton House’s rare plucked-string keyboard instrument collection, with musical demonstrations and serenades along the way.
25 Oct
An outdoor evening screening of the Halloween film *Hocus Pocus* at Osterley Park and House. Attendees can bring a picnic and are encouraged to wear fancy dress.
Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery is a historic John Soane house featuring contemporary art exhibitions set within Regency-styled parkland, offering both indoor tours and outdoor park exploration, including a cafe and children's facilities.
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.
10 Oct (this Saturday)
Saraband performs a concert at Kenwood featuring chamber organ, violins and cello.
29 Oct
Young people aged 11–18 can spend a day volunteering with the Rangers at Morden Hall Park, helping care for the park and its nature. Lunch is provided.
23 Oct
A cut-flower-growing workshop covering suitable flower varieties, sowing and growing techniques, and how to cut and condition flowers for longer-lasting displays.
10 Oct (this Saturday)
Join the Osterley ranger team for a guided dusk walk to learn about bats, listen to their echolocation calls using bat detectors and watch for them as they emerge.
20 Mar–11 Apr, 22 May–6 Jun…
A preview of Claremont Landscape Garden’s 2027 programme, including family-themed garden trails, a sculpture exhibition, outdoor theatre performances and a dog-themed celebration day.
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.
27 Nov
The Paddington Trio performs a concert of classical music and contemporary works, featuring violin, cello and piano.
21 Oct
Join an RHS Wisley Garden Manager for an outdoor walk and talk exploring the garden’s autumn display, the plants that are in season and what to look out for in the coming months.
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.
16 Oct (next Friday)
A six-musician ensemble performs rarely heard British anti-slavery songs from the late 18th and early 19th centuries, alongside readings from Black writers of the period. The concert concludes with an open discussion about the music’s legacy, memory and ongoing struggles for justice.
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.
The William Morris Society is a museum in the coach house and basement of Kelmscott House, showcasing original textiles, wallpapers, and designs by William Morris. Visitors can explore the accessible main floor exhibits, garden, library, and printing room located on the Thames riverfront in London.
7–8 Nov, 11–15 Nov…
A family-friendly Diwali festival at Osterley celebrating the Festival of Lights through interactive craft activities, a community-made rangoli and a light projection. Visitors can explore Diwali’s stories and craftsmanship around the house and gardens.
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.
17 Oct–1 Nov
An October half-term event at RHS Garden Wisley invites visitors to explore a spooky plants trail and discover the secrets of plants, with additional activities also offered.
4–8 Nov
Browse contemporary craft and jewellery and silversmithing fairs at RHS Hilltop, featuring work by designer-makers, jewellers and silversmiths.
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.
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.
3 Dec
Students aged 11 and over can take part in a guided science workshop exploring biomes, plant adaptations, plant life cycles and habitats. The session is aimed at home-educated students studying KS3 and KS4 science and geography.
28 Nov 2026–3 Jan 2027
Visitors can follow a festive trail around the lake, find their elf name, track down Father Christmas’s reindeer and take on elf fitness training and other Christmas challenges.
The Homewood is a Grade II listed modernist house near Esher, Surrey, designed by architect Patrick Gwynne and preserved by the National Trust. Visitors can explore its distinctive modern architecture, flexible living spaces, original furnishings and artworks, as well as its terrace, garden with ponds and swimming pool. The house offers a unique insight into mid-20th century English modernist design combined with a harmonious integration of indoor and outdoor spaces.
25 Oct
An outdoor screening of the Halloween film *The Lost Boys* on Osterley Park’s lawn. Attendees can watch the film under the stars, with fancy dress encouraged and picnics welcome.
29 Oct
Families can take part in arts and crafts activities, including colouring, cutting and sticking, with creations themed to Osterley’s events. The session is held outdoors in good weather and indoors when it rains or is cold.
5–6 Dec, 12–13 Dec…
Children aged up to 8 can visit Father Christmas in his grotto, write him a note and receive a wrapped gift selected by the elves. This relaxed-hour session is intended to offer a calmer atmosphere for families with additional needs.
Grove House is a Grade II* Georgian mansion set in fifteen acres of parkland with original Georgian and Victorian features, including a large lake, mausoleum, grotto, and sham bridge. The house is closed to the public but available for private hire, while the gardens and grounds are open to visitors free of charge during daylight hours.
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.
25 Oct
A guided walking tour of the City of London’s gardens, exploring their history and visiting churchyards, gardens belonging to Livery Companies and other green spaces.
Stationers’ Hall is a historic venue in London offering guided tours that explore the history of the City of London's book trade. The tours include refreshments and support a registered charity, featuring accessible and pet friendly facilities suitable for visitors including schools.
3 Nov
A beginner-level course on pruning woody plants, covering routine and formative pruning, renovating overgrown shrubs, and choosing suitable methods for different plants. It also includes a guided garden walk to see pruning principles applied in the garden.
8–11 Oct (another 2 days)
A seasonal event at RHS Garden Wisley featuring a food and drink market, grow-your-own inspiration, talks, cookery demonstrations and live music.
10 Sep–11 Oct (another 2 days)
Past Made Present is an exhibition of projects and prototypes by emerging designers from Kingston University’s MA Product & Furniture Design programme. Inspired by Ham House’s historic interiors and gardens, the work explores accessibility, materials and storytelling, with displays in the house and garden.
28 Nov
A beginner-level workshop at RHS Garden Wisley covering ways to collect rainwater, retain water in the garden and water plants efficiently. Participants will learn practical approaches to water conservation in gardening.
7 Oct–1 Nov (another 23 days)
A digital folklore adventure in which groups use the Stranger Folk app to follow magical tasks, find mythical creatures and decide their fate while exploring Morden Hall Park. It is designed for children aged 7–11 to play with imaginative adults.
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.
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.
17 Oct–1 Nov
Visitors can view more than 20 decorative cabinets and writing desks from Ham House’s collection opened for display, including examples of marquetry, lacquer and veneers. From 19 to 23 October, volunteer guides may also give short pop-up talks in the Long Gallery.
17 Oct (next Saturday)
Dr Michelle Asantewa gives a talk and reflection on the film *Sinners*, exploring African spirituality, ancestry, ritual and cultural memory. The event does not include a screening of the film.
12 Oct, 19 Oct…
Park Explorers is a term-time outdoor group for children aged 2–5 and their parents or carers. Sessions explore the natural world at Morden Hall Park through led activities and stories, with a different theme each week.
23 Oct
An introductory talk exploring motherhood, pregnancy, loss and gendered expectations through Renaissance paintings, including Madonna and Child images and portraits of pregnant women. It is offered live at the Foundling Museum or online.
Strand Lane Baths in London comprise a 17th-century water cistern later converted into a Georgian cold plunge bath, reputed but not actually Roman, preserved by the National Trust, and accessible to the public primarily during special events like Open House London and guided tours.
17 Oct, 31 Oct
A beginner-level gardening course covering plant types, planting and care, propagation, cultivation, pruning and lawn care. Across two sessions, attendees take part in lecture-based teaching and indoor and outdoor practical activities.
4 Nov
An online talk with RHS researcher Dr. Tijana Blanusa about how urban gardens and hedges can improve city environments, drawing on RHS research into planting and ecosystem benefits. Attendees can submit questions during the talk.
15–16 Oct
A two-day garden design drawing course with designer Andrew Wilson. Participants will practise improving hand-drawn garden plans, rendering colour and character, and using one- and two-point perspective to create three-dimensional drawings.
28 Nov–23 Dec, 26 Dec 2026–3 Jan 2027
Explore Ham House’s Christmas decorations while following a robin’s story through the rooms, with festive displays, songs and family activities including dressing up and letter writing. Visitors can also take a winter stroll in the gardens.
1 Dec
Participants will learn willow weaving techniques and make a large Christmas star and tree, with instruction and demonstrations by willow weaver Emma Wetherell. All materials, tea, coffee and a light lunch are provided.
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.
13 Dec
A Christmas market featuring stalls run by young makers and creatives selling handcrafted gifts, with a performance of Christmas music by Barnes Concert Band and a hands-on activity to make mini wreaths from natural materials.
10 Oct (this Saturday)
Participants will make an autumn wreath using a willow base and dried flowers and foliage grown at Wisley, with guidance from florist Emily Luker of Paper and Sprig.
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.
Camden Place is a historic house in Chislehurst where Napoleon III lived in exile. Visitors can explore the impressive architectural evolution of the house, learn about its imperial history through tours, and also enjoy the golf clubhouse setting. The venue offers both indoor and outdoor experiences, accessible facilities, and a café on site.
9 Oct
Kate Cotterill of She Grows Veg introduces heirloom vegetables, explaining what makes these heritage varieties special and how to grow them. Attendees can bring questions for an interactive vegetable-gardening Q&A.
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.
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.
Winchester Palace is the historic ruins of a 12th-century bishop's palace in London, notable for its surviving great hall and rose window. The site is managed by English Heritage and reflects medieval and Tudor architecture, offering visitors a glimpse into its rich history as the London townhouse of the Bishops of Winchester.
19 Oct
A local naturalist leads a woodland walk to observe fungi and share information about individual specimens, including possible sightings of Fly Agaric and Magpie Inkcap.
Petts Wood is a suburban town in south-east London known for its large National Trust-managed woodland and local parks, offering outdoor natural and recreational experiences. It has a historic background with development dating to the 19th and 20th centuries and features notable green spaces for public enjoyment.
2–6 Nov, 9–13 Nov…
Visitors can join a 50-minute behind-the-scenes tour of Ham House to see conservation work, explore its historic rooms and learn how the house and its objects are cared for.
1 Nov
The Morley Consort performs 17th-century music on historical instruments in Ham House’s Long Gallery, alongside the Cabinets Unlocked event. The programme includes music connected to the English Civil War and pieces from Playford’s English Dancing Master.
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.
14 Nov
A beginner workshop at RHS Garden Wisley introduces the principles of composting garden and household waste. Attendees learn how to make fertile compost for their garden.
4 Dec
A hands-on workshop exploring Victorian Christmas craft traditions. Participants will make decorations and gifts, including tin decorations, pomanders, beeswax candles, gilded nuts and Christmas crackers.
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.
20 Nov
A beginner-level gardening course about soil texture and chemical balance, with guidance on improving soil for healthy plants. Attendees will bring a soil sample from their garden for testing.
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.
Apsley House is the London townhouse of the Dukes of Wellington, featuring neoclassical architecture and serving as a museum with historic artworks and memorabilia related to the 1st Duke of Wellington. It is a Grade I listed building located at Hyde Park Corner in London and includes public museum rooms as well as private family apartments.
14 Oct (next Wednesday)
A home education open day at RHS Garden Wisley for home-educating groups and families, with planting, seed exploration, herbarium sessions, talks, mini-beast activities, pond dipping, habitat mapping, leaf activities and access to library collections. Most activities are drop-in, while herbarium sessions require booking.
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.