Who's in Your Book?
7 Oct–8 Nov (another 30 days)
Families can follow an interactive trail through The Vyne’s gardens, searching for characters from Tom Fletcher’s Who’s In Your Book? series and completing playful challenges.
Hampshire
Hampshire is a historic county in South East England known for its diverse landscapes, rich heritage sites, maritime cities, and vibrant cultural and outdoor activities.
Near The Vyne
The Vyne in Hampshire is a historic Tudor mansion with royal connections set within extensive gardens, meadows, and ancient woodlands. Visitors can explore opulent state rooms, enjoy family-friendly outdoor activities, and attend outdoor theatre and cinema events. On-site facilities include a tea-room and a gift shop, with accessibility features and dog-friendly areas.
The social season: A Regency year at Mompesson House
9–13 Oct, 16–20 Oct…
Explore Mompesson House dressed to reflect the Portman family’s time there and learn about Regency life and the family’s social calendar. Visitors can see a Regency parlour and children’s playroom, take part in activities, and follow a spotter trail around the house.
Near Mompesson House
Mompesson House is an 18th-century Queen Anne style historic house in Salisbury, Wiltshire, owned by the National Trust. Visitors can explore its carefully restored Georgian interiors and collections of 18th-century decorative arts. The house was also a filming location for the movie Sense and Sensibility.
A Christmas Wish at Hinton Ampner
14 Nov 2026–3 Jan 2027
Visitors follow a Christmas-themed story through Hinton Ampner’s decorated rooms, meeting characters and discovering their wishes, then explore the gardens’ illuminated displays. Families can also take part in an elf adventure with games and photo opportunities.
Near Hinton Ampner
Hinton Ampner is a National Trust country house and garden estate in Hampshire, featuring a neo-Georgian mansion with rich interiors and extensive 20th-century gardens, alongside a historic village and church. Visitors can explore both the indoor historic house museum and the outdoor gardens and parkland.
Christmas Wreath Workshop
28 Nov
Participants make a festive wreath using foliage gathered from the woodlands around Stansted House, with guidance from a florist. Materials and refreshments are provided, and attendees may bring their own ribbons to personalise their wreath.
Stansted Park: Scandal and Society
16 Oct (next Friday)
A talk by Stansted Park’s Collections Coordinator explores the people who owned the estate before the Earls of Bessborough arrived in 1924, and the historical events and stories associated with them. Tickets include a drink on arrival.
Near Stansted Park
Stansted Park is an Edwardian country house set within 1800 acres of landscaped parkland and forest, offering visitors house tours, gardens, a chapel, woodland walks, and various outdoor attractions including a maze and light railway. Facilities include accessible parking, a café, and buggy service, with family-friendly activities and seasonal guided tours.
A Gingerbread Christmas at Winchester City Mill
19–22 Nov, 26–29 Nov…
Visitors can see Winchester City Mill decorated for Christmas, with decorated trees, garlands, lights and gingerbread-themed decorations reflecting the mill’s flour-production heritage.
Near Winchester City Mill
Winchester City Mill is a restored watermill from 1744 in Winchester, offering historical water-powered flour milling, weekend demonstrations, a café, and wildlife viewing including otters.
Tour: ‘Taste, Design, & the Georgian Gentleman’
7 Oct, 10 Oct…
A volunteer-led tour exploring Georgian owner John Chute’s life, relationships and influence on The Vyne’s architecture and interiors. Visitors see highlights including the Neo-classical portico, historic chapel features and Tudor Oak Gallery.
Christmas garden trail
21 Nov–23 Dec, 26 Dec 2026–3 Jan 2027
Families can follow a Christmas garden trail featuring ten games inspired by the Twelve Days of Christmas, with playful photo opportunities along the way.
Near The Vyne
The Vyne is a historic 16th-century Tudor country house near Basingstoke, Hampshire, showcasing a blend of Tudor and classical architecture with notable features such as the earliest classical portico in England, a Tudor chapel, an early long gallery, and a grand imperial staircase. The house is set within landscaped grounds including a lake, and is open to the public as a National Trust property.
Halloween Under The House
28–31 Oct
Visitors explore the usually closed South Undercroft of Stansted House, where dark vaulted cellars and passageways contain animatronics and costumed actors. Each session lasts about 20 minutes and includes a drink in the Crypt afterwards.
3 miles from Staunton Country Park
Staunton Country Park is a Grade II listed Regency Landscape garden spanning 200 acres featuring formal gardens, an ornamental lake, a walled garden, and a notable collection of trees. It includes facilities for children, refreshment options, and welcomes dogs, making it a family-friendly outdoor destination with historical and botanical interest.
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.
Christmas at Uppark
6–8 Dec, 13–15 Dec…
Christmas at Uppark features festive decorations in the mansion house, including Christmas trees, garlands and a decorated dining room. Visitors can also stroll through the garden and meadow, and browse the second-hand bookshop.
Near Uppark
Uppark is a Grade I listed 17th-century historic house museum in West Sussex, open to the public as a National Trust property. It features extensive collections from the 18th century, has been carefully restored after a major fire in 1989, and holds historical significance including ties to writer H. G. Wells.
Walking in Stanley Spencer's Footsteps
23 Oct
A guided circular walk around Burghclere explores places associated with painter Stanley Spencer and the inspirations behind his paintings, including his First World War-themed work at Sandham Memorial Chapel. The walk lasts about 90 minutes and includes opportunities to ask questions.
Near Sandham Memorial Chapel
Sandham Memorial Chapel is a Grade I listed chapel in Burghclere, Hampshire, featuring a series of World War I inspired murals by artist Stanley Spencer, run by the National Trust as a historic site open to the public.
A special storyteller event celebrating We're Going on a Ghost Hunt!
10–11 Oct, 25 Oct…
Children can join a storyteller-led session based on *We're Going on a Ghost Hunt*, following the Bunnies of Hoppity Hill on a gentle, spooky adventure with pumpkins, bats, owls, music and storytelling.
Near Mottisfont
Mottisfont Abbey is a Grade I listed historic estate and former priory in Hampshire, featuring a historic house museum, extensive gardens with a renowned rose collection, riverside walks, and seasonal cultural and children's activities. Operated by the National Trust, it combines meaningful indoor and outdoor experiences with art exhibitions and family-friendly events.
Twelve Days of Christmas
21 Nov–23 Dec, 26 Dec 2026–3 Jan 2027
The Vyne’s Twelve Days of Christmas brings the carol to life with festive displays and handcrafted decorations in the house. Visitors can play Christmas Bingo indoors and follow an interactive trail through the gardens.
3 miles from Calleva Atrebatum
Calleva Atrebatum is an ancient Roman town site in Hampshire, England, featuring extensive visible Roman town walls, a large amphitheatre, and thermal bath remains. Open to the public without charge, visitors can explore the historic outdoor ruins and earthworks that reflect its significance as a major Roman crossroads and settlement.
Guided Tour of Stansted House
9 Nov
A guided tour of Stansted House explores its state rooms, the home of the Earls of Bessborough, and the servants’ quarters. Guides share the history of the people who lived and worked in the house.
Armistice Talk with Major General James Cowan CBE DSO, CEO The HALO Trust
5 Nov
Major General (Ret’d) James Cowan gives the annual Armistice Talk, “On the Frontline: Life as a Soldier and Humanitarian,” followed by a question-and-answer session and an opportunity to speak with him.
Christmas at Stansted House
6 Dec
Visitors can explore Stansted House’s decorated Edwardian rooms and servants’ quarters, learning about Christmas traditions through the centuries and how the Earls of Bessborough celebrated. The event also covers Queen Elizabeth’s 1939 visit to Stansted Park and the origins of Boxing Day.
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.
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.
Remembrance Service 2026
11 Nov
An annual church service in the orchard at Sandham Memorial Chapel to remember fallen First World War soldiers, led by an ex-Army Padre and a National Trust volunteer. Attendees may lay a wreath or wooden cross by arranging this with the organisers beforehand.
2 miles from The Chase
The Chase is a 143-acre nature reserve near Woolton Hill, Hampshire, offering woodland, meadow, and heathland walks with wildlife including freely grazing horned cattle. It provides a quiet outdoor experience for walkers and nature enthusiasts.
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.
A Jack and the Beanstalk Christmas at Mottisfont
21 Nov 2026–3 Jan 2027
Visitors can explore Mottisfont transformed around the Jack and the Beanstalk story, with decorated rooms, themed games and activities, and a festive family trail.
3 miles from Sir Harold Hillier Gardens
Sir Harold Hillier Gardens is a large botanical garden in Hampshire featuring an extensive collection of champion trees, national plant collections, and a notable Winter Garden. Visitors can explore 180 acres of diverse woody plants, arboretum, and themed areas with refreshments and plant sales available on site.
Quiet Time at Sandham Memorial Chapel
11 Oct (this Sunday)
Quiet Time is a monthly quieter visiting hour at Sandham Memorial Chapel, intended to offer a more peaceful experience for visitors who are neurodivergent, living with dementia, or seeking spiritual solace in Stanley Spencer’s paintings.
2 miles from Highclere Castle
Highclere Castle is a historic Victorian mansion in Hampshire, famous as the filming location for Downton Abbey. Visitors can tour the state rooms and Egyptian Exhibition, explore extensive gardens, and enjoy onsite cafes and shops. The venue offers good wheelchair accessibility across most areas, including outdoor lawns and certain exhibits, though motorised wheelchairs are restricted inside the Castle.
A Regency Autumn
9–13 Oct, 16–20 Oct…
A Regency-themed event exploring autumn social life in Salisbury, including the harvest, the social season and the Glorious Twelfth. It also covers Regency-era All Hallows’ Eve, Gothic literature and folklore.
Wedding Showcase
1 Nov
The Wedding Showcase at Mompesson House invites prospective couples to explore the house and walled garden, meet local wedding suppliers and discuss wedding plans and packages with the Events Team.
Near Sarum College
Sarum College is a historic college located in Salisbury Cathedral Close offering accessible accommodation with modern amenities, views of the cathedral, and proximity to cultural sites and city shops. Visitors can enjoy a mix of historic ambience and contemporary comfort within a largely wheelchair accessible environment.
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.
We’re Going on a Ghost Hunt™ Halloween Adventure
5 Oct–1 Nov (another 23 days)
A Halloween trail based on the children’s books, in which families follow the Bunnies of Hoppity Hill as they search for hidden ghosts around Mottisfont. Activities include choosing a bunny name, playing Halloween hoopla and racing broomsticks before a celebration party.
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.
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.
Exhibition - 'The Art & Craft of Print'
5 Oct–1 Nov (another 23 days)
An exhibition of limited-edition prints by leading British printmakers, presented with fabrics, wallpaper and furniture to create an immersive gallery setting. Visitors can also see tools and film demonstrating printmaking techniques such as woodblock printing and lino cutting.
Pumpkin displays at Hinton Ampner
17 Oct–1 Nov
Visitors can discover more than 500 pumpkins arranged around the grounds of Hinton Ampner, including an archway of gourds and pumpkins in the Walled Garden, with seasonal photo opportunities.
Stansted After Dark
28–31 Oct
Stansted After Dark takes visitors through the maze for a ghost tale before continuing into the haunted undercrofts of Stansted House. The experience features live actors, animatronics and jump scares.
Winter Birdwatching Walks
17 Oct, 29 Nov…
A guided winter walk through Newtown’s meadows, saltmarsh and creeks, with opportunities to learn about over-wintering birds, identify species and pick up birdwatching techniques.
Near Newtown National Nature Reserve and Old Town Hall
Newtown National Nature Reserve on the Isle of Wight offers a unique blend of ancient woodlands, wildflower meadows, and a picturesque harbour filled with diverse birdlife. Visitors can explore peaceful walking trails, enjoy guided historical and wellbeing walks, and take part in water activities like canoeing. The 17th-century Old Town Hall nearby adds a historical element to the natural setting. The site is dog-friendly, wheelchair accessible on certain paths, and has food available at the Visitor Point.
Servants Tour of Stansted House
19 Oct
A 90-minute guided tour of Stansted House’s servants’ quarters, exploring the lives and stories of the people who worked at the estate.
Guided Tour of Stansted House
19 Oct
A guided tour of Stansted House explores its state rooms, the former family home of the Earls of Bessborough, and its extensive servants’ quarters. Guides discuss the people who lived and worked in the house.
Centenary exhibition detailing the building of Sandham Memorial Chapel .
7–11 Oct, 14–18 Oct…
An exhibition exploring the design and construction of Sandham Memorial Chapel and its adjoining almshouses, including how Stanley Spencer’s artistic vision interacted with the architects’ practical and financial considerations.
Christmas at Mompesson
20–24 Nov, 27 Nov–1 Dec…
Christmas at Mompesson House brings the Regency story of The Nutcracker and the Mouse King to the house, with themed rooms to explore and a free children's spotter trail.
Near Arundells
Arundells is a Grade II Listed historic house and garden in Salisbury, former home of Sir Edward Heath, showcasing art, memorabilia, and peaceful gardens with cathedral views. Visitors can explore the accessible house interior, extensive gardens, and enjoy cultural events.
Requiem Mass at Sandham Memorial Chapel
4 Nov
A Requiem Mass led by the Rector of Burghclere honours those who died in the First World War and subsequent campaigns, as well as members of the local church community and remembered figures depicted in the chapel paintings.
Highlights Tours 2026
15 Oct (next Thursday)
A one-hour guided tour of Sir Stanley Spencer’s paintings at Sandham Memorial Chapel, highlighting their meanings and details.
Exhibition: Seen in the Trees – Tansy Lee Moir
8–26 Oct (another 17 days)
An exhibition of Tansy Lee Moir’s drawings, paintings and monoprints inspired by trees and their histories. Visitors can view works made with charcoal, natural pigments and mixed media.
2 miles from Old Sarum
Old Sarum Castle is an 11th century motte-and-bailey castle ruin in Salisbury, Wiltshire, set within an ancient Iron Age hillfort and managed by English Heritage, offering visitors an outdoor historical experience of medieval fortifications and earthworks.
Talk: Who cut up The Vyne's cathedral book?
2 Oct, 18 Oct
A talk explores why sections were cut from Sir William Dugdale’s 1658 history of St Paul’s Cathedral and how the book connects to The Vyne and one of its former owners. Attendees can ask questions and see the volume on display in the house afterwards.
3 miles from Silchester Roman City Walls and Amphitheatre
Silchester Roman City Walls and Amphitheatre in Hampshire features well-preserved Roman town defenses and amphitheatre remains set in an accessible outdoor archaeological site free to the public during daylight hours.
Halloween Family fun at Hinton Ampner
17 Oct–1 Nov
A Halloween family event in the gardens, with spooky games and challenges such as broomstick racing and tossing eyeballs into a cauldron. It is described as suitable for children aged 4–7.
Guided garden tours
6 Oct, 8 Oct…
Join a volunteer-led tour of the gardens at Hinton Ampner to learn more about them. Tours take place on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays in October 2026.
Stranger Folk Digital Adventure
7 Oct–8 Nov (another 30 days)
A mobile-app adventure for ages 7–12 in The Vyne’s gardens, where teams follow a guide and complete creative tasks to find the Stranger Folk and decide their fate.
Stansted House: Celebrating the 1920’s
10 Oct (this Saturday)
Visitors can explore Stansted House as it was in the late 1920s, seeing archival items and learning about the Bessborough family and life among the servants. The day includes piano performances, drop-in Charleston workshops, a children’s trail, an exhibition about Stansted Theatre and talks.
Exhibition: “Taste, Design, and the Georgian Gentleman”
27 Jun–1 Nov (another 23 days)
A house-wide exhibition exploring Georgian owner John Chute’s influence on The Vyne and its interiors. Visitors can see historic decorative features and objects, including Venetian glass plates, an Italian casket and works of art.
Vintage tea room
8–11 Oct, 15–18 Oct…
A pop-up tea room in the exhibition cottage where visitors can help themselves to tea or coffee served in vintage cups, with a biscuit.
See Winchester City Mill’s New Waterwheel Turning
17 Oct, 25 Oct…
Visitors can watch Winchester City Mill’s newly installed historic waterwheel turn during test sessions, ahead of the Mill’s return to milling.
Near Wolvesey Castle (Old Bishop's Palace)
Wolvesey Castle is the ruinous remains of a 12th century medieval bishops' palace located near Winchester Cathedral, open daily without charge. Visitors can explore extensive outdoor ruins that reflect its historical importance and grandeur.
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.
Servants Tour of Stansted House
9 Nov
A 90-minute guided tour of Stansted House’s servants’ quarters, exploring the lives and stories of the people who worked at the estate.
Hinton Ampner: Unseen
5–18 Oct (another 9 days)
Hinton Ampner: Unseen is an exhibition revealing rarely displayed objects, hidden areas and stories from the historic house. Visitors can explore furniture, the China Store and the conservation work involved in caring for the collections.
Deep Dive into Paintings and First World War Poetry
10 Oct, 1 Nov…
Visitors can hear a short talk exploring one of Stanley Spencer’s paintings, followed by a reading of poetry by First World War poets in the Chapel.
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.
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.
Stranger Folk at Mompesson House
16–20 Oct, 23–27 Oct…
Families can use the Stranger Folk app to follow the Crone through an interactive folklore adventure at Mompesson House, completing magical challenges to help close a rift between the human and spirit worlds.
3 miles from Wilton House
Wilton House Gardens feature a mix of formal gardens and open parkland with historical architectural elements and diverse garden highlights including a water garden, arboretum, and a labyrinth maze.