Lecture | Thomas Wentworth’s Wives and Other Women
14 Oct (next Wednesday)
Dr Fiona Pogson gives a lecture about the women in Thomas Wentworth’s life, including how they supported his work and shaped his public image.
Near Wentworth Garden Centre and Historic Gardens
The RHS Partner Garden at Wentworth Woodhouse offers restored historic gardens with a formal Italian Garden, canal pond, woodland, Japanese garden, and a maze, providing a scenic outdoor experience. The garden is accessible, dog friendly, and has refreshments and plant sales on site.
Indian Block Print at Bowood House & Gardens
9 Oct
Participants learn the traditional art of Indian block printing through a demonstration and guided practice, then create a table runner, napkins or other textile items to take home.
Autumn Wreath at Bowood House & Gardens
15 Oct (next Thursday)
Participants learn to design and make a personalised autumn wreath using seasonal plant materials, with guidance from Bowood’s florist and an opportunity to pick flowers and foliage in the Walled Garden.
Near Bowood House & Gardens
Bowood House & Gardens in Wiltshire features extensive gardens and historic parkland centered around a remodelled classical house with rich art and antiques collections. Visitors can experience both indoor tours of the house and outdoor exploration of the Capability Brown landscape, terraces and adventure playground for children. Facilities include a cafe, picnic area, shop, and free parking.
Lino Print Winter Workshop
22 Nov
Participants will create a multi-layered winter-inspired lino print in a one-day workshop led by printmaker Alexandra Buckle. Attendees should bring images to work from; printing materials are provided.
Near Stowe House
Stowe House is a lavish historic English country house known for its pioneering 21st-century restoration project, set within the renowned Stowe landscape with enchanting gardens. Visitors can explore the interior of the house and enjoy accessible facilities and food options onsite.
Wedding & Accommodation Open Day
1 Nov
Doddington Hall’s Wedding and Accommodation Open Day invites visitors to explore its wedding venues, wedding suite and holiday cottages, and meet the team and a selection of recommended wedding suppliers.
Near Doddington Hall & Gardens
Doddington Gardens in Lincoln feature restored Elizabethan gardens with formal East Front and West Garden, a Wild Garden, and a productive Kitchen Garden, alongside wildlife planting and seasonal colors. The gardens offer accessible facilities, refreshments, and parking, with free access for RHS members on specified days.
An evening of Ghost Stories at Coventry Charterhouse
17 Nov
Actor Jonathan Goodwin performs classic ghost stories by M.R. James inside Coventry Charterhouse, with the audience choosing a different selection of tales each night. The performance includes a wander through the historic building.
Mistletoe and Holly Wire Workshop
13 Nov
A festive wire-craft workshop where participants learn to shape wire and beads into mistletoe and holly decorations, stars or Christmas card embellishments. Materials, tea, coffee and mince pies are provided.
Near West Orchards Shopping Centre
Coventry is a historic cathedral city in the West Midlands, England, known for its iconic Coventry Cathedral with both a war-ravaged old spire and a modern new building. The city features cultural attractions including the Herbert Art Gallery, Coventry Transport Museum, and numerous theatres. Visitors can enjoy parks, festivals, and rich heritage linked to industry and the arts. Coventry also offers diverse shopping and dining experiences, and is celebrated as the UK City of Culture 2021.
Stowe and Sir John Vanbrugh: Architecture, Politics and Power
19 Oct–1 Nov
An exhibition about Sir John Vanbrugh’s life, architecture and connection to Stowe House, featuring historic illustrations, commissioned photographs and original plans. Visitors can also discover surviving Vanbrugh-designed features in the Stowe gardens.
Near Stowe Gardens
Stowe Gardens in Buckinghamshire are a prestigious English landscape garden featuring extensive parkland, architectural monuments, classical temples, and historical structures designed by prominent 18th-century architects and gardeners. Managed by the National Trust, the gardens offer a significant outdoor visitor experience with preserved landscapes and classical architecture, a visitor centre, and a rich heritage of garden design.
Online Event: Elizabeth Gaskell V George Eliot – The Moorland Cottage V The Mill on the Floss
18 Nov
Dr Sherry Ashworth and Professor Ruth Livesey compare Elizabeth Gaskell’s *The Moorland Cottage* with George Eliot’s *The Mill on the Floss*, exploring how the novels portray family loyalty and personal desires in rural Victorian society. The online talk will also be recorded for ticket holders.
Near Elizabeth Gaskell’s House
Elizabeth Gaskell’s House in Manchester is the former home of the English novelist, offering a unique experience with period rooms, a re-imagined garden, interactive Victorian house activities, and a Tea Room. The venue is wheelchair accessible and provides engaging tours and facilities for families and groups.
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.
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.
Festive Bauble Embroidery Workshop
19 Nov
A festive embroidery workshop led by textile artist Beth Power, where attendees make a fabric bauble using embroidery stitches, fabrics and trims. The session is suitable for beginners and those with stitching experience.
Halloween Activity: Magic Shows with Professor Hiccup
26 Oct
Children join Professor Hiccup for a Halloween-themed magic show, with visual effects, tricks and opportunities to learn and demonstrate magic as his apprentices.
Near Borde Hill
Borde Hill is a Grade II* listed English Heritage Garden set within 383 acres of woodland and parkland, famous for its diverse collection of unusual trees and shrubs and distinct garden 'rooms'. Visitors can enjoy scenic views, wheelchair accessible facilities, and family-friendly amenities including a cafe and picnic area.
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.
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.
Exhibition | Quilts for the Longest Day: A Sewing Group’s Accidental Journey
8 Oct–14 Nov (another 36 days)
An exhibition in the Old Hall presents handmade quilts created by a local sewing group to support veterans, sharing the project’s craftsmanship and stories.
Near Wentworth Woodhouse
Wentworth Woodhouse features the largest country house in the UK with extensive gardens including ancient trees, woodland, follies, and a restored Camellia House. Visitors can explore accessible gardens, enjoy food overlooking scenic spots, and find activities for children and wellbeing.
Halloween craft club
28–29 Oct
Children can rotate between making stations at this Halloween-themed craft workshop and create several seasonal crafts to take home. Sessions run on 28 and 29 October, with three session times available each day.
Near Watts Gallery
Watts Gallery is an arts and crafts gallery and historic house in Surrey showcasing works of Victorian painter and sculptor George Frederic Watts, with extensive woodland gardens, a historic chapel, craft activities for families, and a tea shop.
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.
Christmas at Doddington
11 Nov–9 Dec
Visitors explore Doddington Hall’s rooms, each transformed with handcrafted installations inspired by classic Christmas films. The visit is self-paced, with volunteers available to chat, and ticket holders may also explore the gardens during their visit.
Holding the Child: Mothers, Madonnas & Loss in Renaissance Art
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.
Near 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.
Halloween Slime Lab
27 Oct
Children can make their own Halloween slime in a hands-on workshop, choosing between cauldron slime and pumpkin slime to take home. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
2 miles from Buckingham Chantry Chapel
Buckingham Chantry Chapel is a historic 15th-century chapel in Buckingham, noted for its Norman doorway and status as the oldest building in town. Owned by the National Trust, it is currently open to the public as a second-hand bookshop, offering visitors insight into medieval ecclesiastical architecture and local heritage.
Cobwebs & Cream Tea Tours
8–18 Oct (another 9 days)
A guided behind-the-scenes tour of Burton Constable Hall explores hidden corridors, derelict rooms and the former servants’ quarters. The ticket also includes a self-guided Hall visit and a choice of cream tea or traditional afternoon tea.
Near Burton Constable Hall & Parkland
Burton Constable Hall & Parkland is a magnificent Elizabethan country house in Yorkshire featuring historic interiors and an extensive Capability Brown landscaped park. Visitors can explore grand rooms, art collections, and outdoor parkland with trails, a play area, and picnic spaces, offering a blend of indoor and outdoor experiences.
NextGen Rewilders Drop-off
27 Oct
A drop-off outdoor adventure day for young people aged 8–15 at Wilder Doddington. Participants will take part in nature-based challenges, team activities and practical outdoor skills while exploring the seasonal landscape.
Christmas Wreath Making Workshop
3 Dec
Participants make a festive wreath using fresh seasonal foliage gathered from Belmont’s gardens. The workshop is described as suitable for beginners and includes a hot drink and mince pies.
Near Belmont House
Belmont House is a beautifully preserved Georgian neo-classical country house in Kent featuring impressive collections of clocks and furniture. Visitors can explore both the historic interiors and the surrounding gardens, with guided tours available and facilities including a cafe, picnic area, and events for children.
Autumn Foraging Walk
6 Nov
Join a two-hour guided autumn walk through Borde Hill’s South Park woodland, learning about wild plants, trees, fungi and berries, including their edibility, uses, folklore and history.
Folde Deeper – Wellbeing Retreat
17 Oct (next Saturday)
A full-day wellbeing retreat led by movement teacher Carl Faure, combining guided movement, breathwork and relaxation with a seasonal lunch, woodland sauna and cold plunge, time outdoors and a closing fire circle. No previous experience is needed.
3 miles from Wakehurst
Wakehurst is a historic estate in West Sussex featuring a late 16th-century mansion, extensive botanic gardens, and the international Millennium Seed Bank. Visitors can explore the gardens and mansion, enjoy the woodland and wetland conservation areas, and dine onsite. It offers a rich horticultural experience including the largest Christmas tree in England and national plant collections.
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.
Wreath making at Coventry Charterhouse
29 Nov–1 Dec
Participants make a Christmas wreath using seasonal foliage and natural decorations, with guidance on arranging and styling it. The workshop includes prosecco and a mince pie, and attendees take their wreath home.
Near Coventry Charterhouse
Charterhouse in Coventry is a historic house with extensive gardens featuring accessible routes and interactive exhibits perfect for families. Visitors can enjoy a café, an adventure playground, and free parking when registered. The venue offers indoor and outdoor experiences including art, history, and outdoor play areas, with good accessibility for wheelchair users.
Christmas Crackers and Hats
17 Nov
A paper artist leads a Christmas workshop where participants make eight paper crackers and matching traditional crowns to take home, with materials and templates provided.
3 miles from Faversham Stone Chapel
Faversham Stone Chapel is a unique medieval chapel built atop a Romano-British mausoleum, combining Roman architectural remains with historic church features in Kent. The site presents both indoor historical structures and an outdoor setting for visitors to explore.
Celebrate USA 250 at Knowsley Hall with ‘Dinners of Diplomacy: Dialogue Not Division’
29–30 Oct
Dinners of Diplomacy: Dialogue, Not Division explores the events leading to American Independence and the legacy of Yorktown, hosted by the Countess of Derby.
Near Knowsley Hall
Knowsley Hall is a historic aristocratic mansion set within a vast private estate in Merseyside, offering guided tours on limited open days, exclusive use stays, and hosting events in a grand setting with distinguished interiors and a fine art collection.
Meet Pepperpot the Mole
2–6 Sep, 9–13 Sep…
Meet Pepperpot the Mole is an outdoor sculpture event at Coventry Charterhouse featuring a 4-metre-high mole sculpture by Bruce Asbestos. Visitors can follow a family-friendly trail around the walled garden to discover Pepperpot's locations and learn about moles and the natural world at their own pace. The event is outdoors and suitable for families.
Near The Weaver’s House
The Weaver's House is a restored 1540s historic weaver's cottage in Coventry showing how John Croke lived and worked, featuring a medieval garden, replica loom, and open days with live demonstrations and talks. Access is limited due to age of property; some wheelchair access available in garden and ground floor.
Charlotte Brontë & Elizabeth Gaskell Twilight Tour
29 Oct
A twilight tour of Elizabeth Gaskell’s House explores the friendship between Charlotte Brontë and Elizabeth Gaskell, and the controversies and personal relationships that shaped their lives and writing. An expert guide leads visitors through the restored Victorian rooms and introduces rare books and objects.
2 miles from The Triangle, Manchester
Corn Exchange, Manchester is a historic Baroque-style building that originally served as a corn exchange and now functions as a vibrant food court with numerous food outlets in central Manchester. It retains its heritage as a grade II listed building and offers visitors an indoor dining and social experience in a unique architectural setting.
Canopy Tree Climbing
29–31 Oct
Canopy Tree Climbing offers one-hour recreational climbing sessions in Borde Hill’s woodland, where participants use specialist equipment and are guided by experienced instructors. The activity is open to climbers aged six and over, including families and adults.
3 miles from High Beeches Woodland & Water Garden
High Beeches Woodland & Water Garden in West Sussex is a 27-acre botanical garden featuring rare and exotic plants, woodland glades, water gardens, and an ancient wildflower meadow. Visitors can enjoy seasonal displays, owner guided tours, a picnic area, and accessible facilities in a peaceful outdoor setting.
Goldsmiths North
13–15 Nov
Goldsmiths North exhibitors will display and sell handmade silverware and jewellery at Wentworth Woodhouse. Visitors can browse the exhibition and shop for handcrafted items.
2 miles from Dearne Valley Bolton Ings
Bolton Ings is a nature reserve in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, part of the Dearne Valley network, offering outdoor trails and bird watching opportunities with views of pools and reedbeds. It has no onsite facilities, and dogs are welcome under control.
Abolition Song and its Legacies
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.
Near 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.
Wand Making
27 Oct
Children can make and personalise a wand during a supervised Halloween activity, with the chance to try casting spells. The session is led by Nature Nurture Sussex, and children must be accompanied by an adult.
3 miles from Nymans
Nymans is a Grade II* listed English garden in West Sussex, featuring extensive woodland, rare plants, and the picturesque ruins of a mock-medieval stone manor. Managed by the National Trust, it showcases a variety of historic horticultural styles and plant collections.
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.
Spooky Tours at The Merchant’s House
29 Oct
An evening event exploring beliefs about harmful magic, spells, curses and witchcraft in 17th-century England, with a talk by Nichola Abraham followed by a candlelight tour of The Merchant’s House.
Near The Merchant’s House
The Merchant's House in Marlborough is a rare preserved 17th-century middle class silk merchant's house featuring nationally acclaimed wall paintings and decorative features. Visitors can tour furnished historic rooms, enjoy a recreated period garden, and visit a gift shop. Guided and self-guided tours are available, with good wheelchair accessibility, food on site, and programs for children.
Located in Marlborough
Marlborough is a historic market town in Wiltshire, England, famed for its wide high street, prehistoric Marlborough Mound, annual fairs, and cultural heritage. It offers visitors a rich blend of history, architecture, and local events.
Women, Gin & ‘Sin’: Immersive Tour & Gin Tasting
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.
Near Charles Dickens Museum
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.
Sir John Vanbrugh and the Making of Stowe
15 Oct (next Thursday)
Michael Bevington gives a lecture on Sir John Vanbrugh’s work at Stowe, including archaeological evidence for his buildings and his contribution to the landscape vision developed with Lord Cobham and Charles Bridgeman. The 60-minute talk is followed by audience questions.
Jazz Night – KoKo Collective
27 Nov
KoKo Collective perform New Orleans-inspired jazz at Doddington Hall’s Grain Store, accompanied by a seasonal three-course set menu featuring estate-grown and locally sourced produce.
Military Uniform Collection Tour
20 Oct
A guided tour of the MC Tsen Military Uniform Collection, featuring historic uniforms and related accessories, explores the collection’s military history and craftsmanship. The tour takes place in a purpose-built space above the Doddington Farm Wagon Collection.
Watts Tots
6 Nov, 4 Dec
Watts Tots offers monthly sessions for young children, with age-based activities including stories, songs, sensory play, art hunts and hands-on creative projects. The November session explores fireworks through art and sensory play, while December's session focuses on seasonal crafts and stories.
2 miles from Loseley Park
Loseley Park’s Walled Garden in Guildford offers a summer garden experience with diverse themed sections including a rose garden, white garden, and organic vegetable garden, set within two and a half acres of pathways. The garden has parking, refreshments, and plant sales available but only allows assistance dogs.
Bloomsbury’s Best-Kept Secrets Walking Tour
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.
Near The Charterhouse
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.
Halloween Activity: Spooky Spiders & Slithering Snakes
30 Oct
Children can take part in a 45-minute Halloween craft session with Nature Nurture Sussex, making and decorating a wooden spider or snake to take home using child-safe tools and craft materials.
Artisan Christmas Fair
21–22 Nov
A seasonal craft fair at Coventry Charterhouse featuring local makers and artists selling handcrafted gifts, including jewellery, glasswork, festive home décor and original artwork.
Christmas Craft Fair
14–15 Nov
A two-day Christmas craft fair featuring more than 50 regional crafters and local artisans, with festive food and handmade gifts on display.
Near Ushaw: Historic House, Chapels and Gardens
Ushaw is a historic house, chapels, and gardens near Durham City offering visitors both indoor heritage spaces and extensive outdoor parkland. Designed by Augustus Pugin with accessible facilities, it features events, a cafe, and family friendly amenities including dog-friendly grounds.
Falconry Displays
25 Oct, 28 Oct…
Falconry displays at Bowood feature flying demonstrations and a static display where visitors can meet the birds up close.
2 miles from Bowood Woodland Gardens
Bowood Woodland Garden is a 30-acre historic garden featuring classic family mausoleum architecture, extensive rhododendron walks, and a collection of rare plants, set in a scenic woodland environment.
Extinction
8 Oct–8 Nov (another 30 days)
An exhibition exploring extinction, from the demise of dinosaurs and ice age mammoths to the effects of human activity on wildlife. Visitors can explore information panels, replica objects, interactive displays and historic engravings, including images of prehistoric life.
3 miles from Crook Hall, Durham
Crook Hall Gardens offers interlinked gardens with varied plantings, tranquil water features, and views of Durham Cathedral close to the city centre. The garden showcases seasonal flowers, a walled garden, an orchard, and a living maze, providing a peaceful outdoor experience for visitors.
Exhibition – Unfinished Business: The Mystery of Margate and Turner’s Bequest
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.
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.
Needle Felting Workshop
21 Oct
Participants will learn needle felting to make two toadstools and a sleeping dormouse, then arrange them into a woodland display on a wooden base. Materials and light refreshments are provided, and the workshop is suitable for beginners.
3 miles from Maison Dieu
Maison Dieu is a historic timber framed building in Kent, England, commissioned in 1234 by King Henry III. It served as a hospital, monastery, hostel, and royal lodge and now functions as a museum displaying Roman artefacts. The venue is managed by English Heritage and open to visitors primarily on weekends and Bank Holidays from Good Friday to October.
Shadow Puppet Creatures Parade
28 Oct
Join or watch a shadow puppet parade around the grounds of Coventry Charterhouse. Visitors can bring puppets made at the shadow puppet workshops or attend as spectators.
Haunted Raby: Ghost Walk Tour
24 Oct–1 Nov
A torchlit guided tour of Raby Castle explores reported hauntings, ghost stories and accounts of past residents. The route begins in the walled garden and continues through castle rooms, including some not usually open to the public.
Near Raby Castle, Park & Gardens
Raby Castle is a medieval fortress set in 200 acres of parkland in County Durham, offering historic interiors, a restored walled garden, deer parks, a woodland adventure playground, dining at The Vinery cafe, and a shop. Visitors can explore both indoor castle rooms and the extensive outdoor grounds featuring wildlife and gardens.
Willow Workshops
6 Dec
Participants can learn traditional willow-weaving techniques in one of two festive workshops: making a willow angel in the morning or a starburst wreath in the afternoon.
3 miles from Durham University Botanic Garden
A 25-acre University Botanic Garden featuring diverse plant collections, accessible glasshouses, woodland areas, and a children's play area, with food available on-site and partial wheelchair accessibility. Access is free for RHS members on select days.
Santa’s Grotto & Christmas Kids Trail
5–9 Dec
Families can follow Ivy’s Christmas story trail around the garden, while children can also book a festive session with Elf Training Camp activities and a visit to Santa’s grotto.
Discover Big Library
6 Nov, 4 Dec
Explore Ushaw’s Big Library at your own pace and view historic books and manuscripts, including rare editions and changing items from the collection. The introductory experience runs on the first Friday of each month.
Wilder Walk: Meet the Piglets
21 Oct
Join a two-hour guided walk with Wilder Doddington’s Conservation Adviser to explore the changing estate landscape and learn how grazing animals support nature recovery. The walk includes a visit to meet the piglets.
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.
Herbal Christmas Gift
4 Nov
A seasonal workshop with herbalist Mandy Rickard, where attendees make festive herbal tea blends, bath salts and body butter using botanicals. Materials are provided, along with a non-alcoholic mulled drink and mince pies.
3 miles from Doddington Place Gardens
Doddington Place Gardens is a 10-acre outdoor garden located in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty featuring diverse planting styles, rock and sunken gardens, champion trees, and panoramic countryside views, welcoming visitors with refreshments and accessible facilities.
Autumn Art & Mindful Monsters
30 Oct
Children aged 5–12 can take part in an outdoor session combining mindful sensory activities, gentle movement and autumn art inspired by nature. They will use natural materials and seasonal patterns to create their own artworks and creatures.
Bowood Halloween Adventures
22 Oct–1 Nov
Bowood Halloween Adventures offers a family day out with a pumpkin trail, falconry displays, arts and crafts activities, and an autumn stroll through the Arboretum. Visitors can also search the grounds for a hidden ghost on 31 October and 1 November.
The Witches Kitchen at The Merchant’s House
29 Oct
An evening event exploring beliefs about harmful magic, spells, curses and witchcraft in 17th-century England. It includes a talk with Nichola Abraham followed by a candlelight tour of The Merchant’s House.
3 miles from Piggledene
Piggledene is a 4.7 hectare biological and geological Site of Special Scientific Interest in Wiltshire, owned by the National Trust since 1908, offering an outdoor natural heritage experience.
Pick Your Own Pumpkins at Doddington
8–31 Oct (another 22 days)
Visitors can choose from around 30 varieties of pumpkins, squashes and gourds at Doddington’s pumpkin patch, reached by a spooky walk through the Kitchen Garden. There are also hidden golden-bottomed pumpkins to find and a giant pumpkin on display in the Farm Shop.
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 Curiosity Garden Exhibition
8 Oct–1 Nov (another 23 days)
An exhibition exploring William Constable’s eighteenth-century collection of dried plants, the Burton Constable Herbarium and its connections to the estate’s landscape. Visitors can see the Herbarium displayed across several rooms in Burton Constable Hall.
Paper Star Workshop
10 Nov
A beginner-friendly workshop with paper artist Nicola Chatten, where participants learn to make different styles of paper stars with step-by-step guidance. Materials and printed instructions are provided, and the workshop includes a mince pie.
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.
Christmas Wreath Making Workshop
25–26 Nov, 2–3 Dec
A two-hour Christmas wreath-making workshop led by a professional florist. Participants make and decorate a moss-based wreath using seasonal foliage and other materials.
‘Halloween and Maleficium: Magic, Fear, and Belief’ in 17th century England
29 Oct
An evening event exploring beliefs about harmful magic, spells, curses and witchcraft in 17th-century England. It includes a talk with Nichola Abraham followed by a candlelight tour of The Merchant’s House.
3 miles from Lockeridge Dene and Piggledene
Lockeridge Dene and Piggledene are scenic sheltered valleys in Wiltshire featuring intriguing sarsen stone boulder streams, rare wildlife including lichens and wild flowers, and a 6-mile walking trail through woodland and valley with views over the downland.
The Rebels of Raby Talk with Castle Curator
10 Oct (this Saturday)
Raby Castle’s curator gives a talk exploring the castle’s connections to the Rising of the North, the Wars of the Roses and the political life of Sir Henry Vane the Younger. The ticket also grants access to the castle, deer park and gardens for the remainder of the day.
Stillness Session with The Soul Collective
15 Nov
A guided meditation and gentle journaling session with The Soul Collective, offering attendees time to pause, reflect and reconnect.
Beastly Boring Tours
26–29 Oct, 31 Oct
Costumed guides lead family-friendly morning tours exploring the grisly stories, customs and characters of Burghley’s history. The interactive experience is aimed at children aged 6 to 11 and their grown-ups.
Near Burghley House
Burghley House is a grand 16th-century Elizabethan stately home in Lincolnshire featuring magnificent State Rooms, historic art collections, extensive gardens, and adventure play areas for children. Visitors can explore both indoor historical interiors and outdoor parkland with deer and landscaped vistas, alongside facilities including a café and picnic spots.
Located in Stamford
Stamford is a historic market town in Lincolnshire renowned for its well-preserved 17th- and 18th-century stone and timber-framed buildings, medieval churches, and annual cultural festivals, with access to rail, buses, and walkable central streets.
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.
Screen Printing Workshop
19 Oct
Participants begin with a garden tour to gather inspiration, then learn design principles and screen-printing techniques to create layered-colour prints in the Orangery.
Folde Deeper – Wellbeing Retreat
14 Nov
The Homecoming is a day retreat featuring guided movement and yoga, gentle breathwork, conversation, reflection and periods of rest. It also includes a seasonal lunch, time in nature and use of a woodland sauna.
Cobwebs and Cream Tea Tours at Christmas
24 Nov–9 Dec
Visitors can explore Burton Constable Hall’s hidden spaces on a guided behind-the-scenes tour, alongside a self-guided visit to the Hall and access to the parkland and stables. The experience concludes with a cream tea or afternoon tea in the Stables Kitchen.
Meet the Experts: Wet-Nursing the Foundling Babies
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.
Near Stationers’ Hall and Garden
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.
Stories That Made Us exhibition
7–11 Oct, 14–18 Oct…
Stories That Made Us is an exhibition featuring new work by artists Hardish Virk and Shaniece Martin, inspired by Coventry Charterhouse and its surrounding communities. Personal reflections and immersive installations explore identity, memory and belonging.
Falconry Displays
25 Oct, 28 Oct…
Falconry displays at Bowood feature birds of prey, including a static display where visitors can meet the birds up close.
Halloween Fun with Tomfoolery
28 Oct
Children and families can watch Tomfoolery’s 45-minute Halloween show, featuring comedy, magic, spooky surprises and audience participation.
Autumn Spice Workshop
14 Oct (next Wednesday)
Participants make a seasonal herbal spiced tincture and discuss simple kitchen remedies, then explore the herb beds to discover plants for a home garden pharmacy.
Watts Tots
6 Nov, 4 Dec
Watts Tots is a monthly creative session for young children, with age-specific activities including stories, sensory play, art exploration and hands-on making. The November session features fireworks-inspired art and play, followed by festive crafts and keepsakes in December.
3 miles from Dapdune Wharf
Dapdune Wharf is a historic former industrial wharf and boat-building yard on the Wey and Godalming Navigations in Guildford, now managed by the National Trust. Visitors can explore a complex of boatyard buildings, view rare Wey barges, enjoy interactive displays, and take boat trips on the navigation.
Hidden Gardens of London Walking Tour
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.
2 miles from 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.
An Evening with Dr David Starkey CBE
12 Nov
Historian Dr David Starkey CBE gives a lecture on the debate over whether there was a Tudor revolution in government, followed by a question-and-answer session.
Autumn Wreath Making Workshop
17 Oct (next Saturday)
Participants make a 14-inch moss-based autumn wreath in a two-hour workshop led by a florist and gardener, using sustainably sourced foliage and seasonal materials. Materials are provided, and the ticket includes refreshments and Garden entry.
WILD: The Drone Light Show
30–31 Oct
An open-air drone light show featuring synchronised drones that create illuminated images of animals in the night sky, choreographed to a cinematic soundtrack.
3 miles from Dearne Valley Old Moor
Dearne Valley - Old Moor is a nature reserve featuring diverse birdwatching across seasons, with facilities including accessible paths, family-friendly play areas, and an onsite cafe. Visitors can explore indoor visitor centre exhibits, hides, and shop, as well as enjoy outdoor nature trails and wildlife spotting.
Falconry Displays
25 Oct, 28 Oct…
Falconry displays at Bowood include live displays and a static display where visitors can meet the birds up close.
Erkenwald Service at Soulton Hall (Free limited tickets but requiring password)
14 Nov
An ecumenical service commemorating St. Erkenwald will be led by Prior Matthew Jarvis, O.P. in Soulton Hall’s Prayer Room, followed by light refreshments. People of all backgrounds, faiths and denominations are invited.
Near Soulton Hall
Soulton Hall is a historic Elizabethan residence near Wem, Shrewsbury, known for its connections to Sir Rowland Hill, the Geneva Bible, and Shakespearean inspiration, offering indoor tours that explore its rich history and secret features such as concealed chapels and Renaissance codes.
The Haunting By Moonlight – Murder Mystery at Knowsley Hall
10–11 Oct (this weekend)
An immersive Halloween murder mystery at Knowsley Hall, where guests investigate a fictional haunting and murder over drinks and a three-course dinner. The offering also includes an overnight stay and breakfast.
2 miles from Knowsley Safari Park
Knowsley Safari in Merseyside is a large safari park where visitors can drive through animal habitats including lions, giraffes, elephants, and tigers, plus explore walking trails and enjoy attractions like a railway tour and amusement rides.
Women of Oxford Road Walking Tour
8 Oct
A guided walking tour explores the stories of women associated with Manchester’s Oxford Road Corridor, including Elizabeth Gaskell. The walk finishes at Elizabeth Gaskell’s House, where attendees can visit the house.
2 miles from Manchester Arndale
Manchester Arndale is a major indoor shopping centre in Manchester, England, featuring over 210 shops, a large food court, and connections to major department stores. It is known as one of Europe's largest city-centre malls with extensive retail space and has undergone significant redevelopment since a major bombing in 1996. The centre attracts millions of visitors annually and offers a comprehensive urban shopping experience.
The Wreckers
30 Oct
The Wreckers is a supernatural ghost-story performance by writer Tom Needham, set around a haunted cottage and a shipwreck linked to maritime wreckers. It takes place in Burton Constable Hall’s Great Hall and is recommended for ages 12 and over.
Autumn Fused Glass Workshop
9 Oct
A beginner-friendly fused glass workshop introducing basic glass-fusing skills. Participants can create coasters or light catchers and small hangers or keyrings; finished pieces are available to collect from Belmont House 14 days later.
Floristry Workshops
27–28 Nov, 5 Dec
Participants can make a Christmas door wreath or table decoration in a floristry workshop led by professional florist Sue McGhee. Complimentary hot drinks, mulled wine and mince pies are provided.
MorrisFest
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.
Near The William Morris Society
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.
Online Talks: The Art of Wallpaper
13 Oct, 20 Oct
This online series features talks by historians, artists, designers and conservation specialists exploring wallpaper, its design history, craftsmanship and production, and the legacy of Morris & Co. Attendees can book individual live Zoom talks, which are also recorded for later viewing.
3 miles from River Wey and Godalming Navigations and Dapdune Wharf
River Wey and Godalming Navigations and Dapdune Wharf in Guildford offer a historic river navigation experience with an award-winning visitor centre, boat trips, riverside tea-room, and a second-hand bookshop. Visitors can enjoy walking trails, wildlife, and family-friendly activities including an adventure playground.
Visionary Landscapes: Ink and Wash Masterclass
12 Nov
Artist Eleanor May Watson leads an ink-and-wash workshop inspired by autumn landscapes and the work of Samuel Palmer. Participants will explore drawing and painting techniques and create an artwork to take home.
Online Talk: Victorian Gothic – Haunted Houses and Night-time Terrors
28 Oct
An online talk with Dr Emma Liggins exploring Victorian Gothic fiction, including stories of haunted houses, curses, ghosts and psychological terror by British and American writers.
2 miles from Castlefield Viaduct
Castlefield Viaduct is a historic 330-meter-long former railway viaduct in Manchester, now transformed into an elevated sky park open to the public, offering a unique urban green space and heritage experience.
The Christmas Cavity Calamity! Mini Panto at Penshurst Place
5–6 Dec
A short Christmas pantomime tells the story of Mother Christmas and her evil twin’s plot to cause a cavity calamity. The performance lasts about 25 minutes and is aimed at children aged 0–12 and anyone who enjoys Christmas.
Near Penshurst Place and Gardens
Penshurst Place features 11 acres of historic formal gardens divided into unique themed rooms including an Italian garden and rose gardens, with facilities such as a children's play area and refreshments, offering visitors a rich outdoor horticultural experience.
Guided Fungi Walk with Senior Gardener Elliot Chandler
18 Oct (next Sunday)
A guided walk through High Beeches Garden led by senior gardener Elliot Chandler, with opportunities to identify autumn fungi and learn how the gardens are managed to support wildlife. Participants can explore the rest of the garden after the tour.
2 miles from Tilgate Nature Centre
Tilgate Zoo is a small accredited zoo located in Tilgate Park, Crawley, featuring 74 animal species across geographical zones with interactive experiences and conservation programs.
The East Riding Yeomanry Exhibition
8 Oct–1 Nov (another 23 days)
An exhibition marking the 80th anniversary of VE Day presents artefacts from the Neil Hutty Collection to tell the story of the East Riding Yeomanry and its members. Visitors can view uniforms, medals, service records, documents and personal items.
Fungi Walk
10 Oct (this Saturday)
A local mycologist leads a circular walk through the woods and meadows of Borde Hill’s South Park to explore fungi. Afterwards, attendees can ask questions over tea, coffee and cake inside the Ginkgo Coffee Shop.
Christmas Candle Making Workshop
12 Nov
A festive candle-making workshop at Borde Hill House where participants make and decorate three scented soy-wax votive candles, with guidance on candle-making and fragrance blending.
Wellbeing walk at Coventry Charterhouse
15 Oct, 12 Nov
A guided wellbeing walk led by the Charterhouse Head Gardener through Charterhouse Heritage Park and its gardens, focusing on the area’s nature, beauty and distinctiveness.
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.
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.
Online Talk: The Shadows of Salem – Myth V Reality in Lois the Witch and Other Tales
14 Oct (next Wednesday)
Author Livi Michael gives an online talk exploring how Elizabeth Gaskell used the Salem witch trials in her novella *Lois the Witch*, and how historical fact and Victorian fiction intersect in stories about witches.
3 miles from Salford Shopping Centre
Salford Shopping Centre is a large indoor shopping mall located in Pendleton, Salford, Greater Manchester. It features 81 stores, an indoor market, a Tesco superstore, Aldi, and KFC, offering a comprehensive retail experience in an urban setting.
Wilder Autumn Explorers
28 Oct
Children aged 5–12 can explore autumn habitats on a guided walk at Wilder Doddington, looking for fungi and wildlife and taking part in sensory activities. The session also includes nature-inspired art and activities about how wildlife prepares for winter.
October half term: Monsters, magic & mischief
20–25 Oct, 27 Oct–1 Nov
Families can explore the gallery, house and woodland through a Halloween-themed trail, potion-making and monster-crafting activities, self-led sketching and crafts, and spooky storytelling on select weekdays.
3 miles from Tunsgate
Tunsgate is a Grade II listed neoclassical building in Guildford, originally a corn exchange, now serving as the entrance to a shopping centre featuring a historic mosaic floor.
Stars at Stowe Stargazing
31 Oct
Stars at Stowe Stargazing combines a talk about the solar system with an outdoor stargazing session at the South Front. Attendees can use shared telescopes to observe planets and constellations with guidance from UK Astronomy experts.
October half term at Coventry Charterhouse
24–25 Oct, 28–31 Oct
A family half-term event at Coventry Charterhouse featuring a pumpkin trail, seasonal crafts and Halloween activities, plus dog agility and a best-dressed dog competition in the walled garden.
Stars at Stowe Stargazing
31 Oct
A family-friendly stargazing evening with a talk about the solar system, followed by outdoor telescope viewing of planets and constellations with guidance from astronomy experts.
Online Event: Elizabeth Gaskell V Anne Brontë – Monsters and Madmen
21 Oct
An online talk exploring how Elizabeth Gaskell and Anne Brontë used Gothic fiction to examine abusive men and women’s lives in Victorian society. Speakers discuss works including Gaskell’s “The Grey Woman” and Brontë’s “The Tenant of Wildfell Hall.”
Burghley Christmas Fair
26–29 Nov
Burghley Christmas Fair is a festive shopping fair with around 200 stalls selling artisan gifts, decorations, clothing and homewares, alongside food and drink. Visitors can also enjoy seasonal entertainment, including a carousel, helter skelter and evening drone shows on Friday and Saturday.
3 miles from Priest's House, Easton on the Hill
Priest's House is a 15th-century historic building showcasing fascinating local architecture and a museum dedicated to Easton's industrial past and slate mining history.
Winter Birdwatch
15 Nov
Join expert birders Matt Capper and Matt Vickers for a guided winter birdwatch through Wilder Doddington, looking for winter visitors, wetland birds and farmland species. The session includes walking beyond the public footpaths and is suitable for ages 16 and over.
Adventure Cinema
16–18 Oct (next weekend)
Adventure Cinema presents a programme of film screenings outdoors on the West Front Lawn, including family films, cult classics and blockbusters. Attendees can bring a picnic and watch screenings from Friday 16 to Sunday 18 October.
3 miles from Dearne Valley Wombwell Ings
Dearne Valley - Wombwell Ings is a small outdoor conservation reserve featuring grazing horses, wildfowl, and wading birds, with a footpath for walking and a hide overlooking the water. It offers natural wildlife viewing and peaceful walks with no entrance fee and limited facilities on-site.
Silver Jewellery Workshop at Bowood House & Gardens
10 Oct (this Saturday)
Participants are guided by artist Marianne Donohoe through making a piece of fine silver jewellery, with materials and tutoring provided. No previous skills are required.
The Art of Wallpaper: Morris & Co.
8 Oct–9 Dec (another 61 days)
An exhibition exploring William Morris and Morris & Co.’s wallpaper designs, craftsmanship and influence on Victorian and modern interiors. Visitors can view original wallpapers, a film and a contemporary artwork, and try a hands-on pattern-tracing activity.
3 miles from Shalford Mill
Shalford Mill is an 18th-century historic watermill in Surrey featuring preserved mill machinery and timber-framed architecture, set beside the River Tillingbourne. Visitors can explore both indoor exhibits and outdoor surroundings reflecting its working history and connection with the National Trust.
BSL Tour of the Foundling Museum
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.
2 miles from 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.
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.
Online Event: A Victorian Christmas with Lucinda Dickens Hawksley
2 Dec
An online talk by Lucinda Dickens Hawksley explores Victorian Christmas traditions, including the influence of A Christmas Carol, festive customs and how Charles Dickens and Elizabeth Gaskell celebrated. Ticketholders also receive a link to the recording after the event.
‘Forest Floor’ – Botanical Art Class with Penny Sanderson
8 Oct
A two-hour watercolour workshop led by botanical artist Penny Sanderson, exploring autumn subjects such as fungi, conkers, leaves and seeds. Participants will work on composition and drawing and learn watercolour techniques; materials are provided.
A playful summer at Coventry Charterhouse
31 Aug
A playful summer event at Coventry Charterhouse offers families summer holiday activities including badminton and outdoor games in the walled garden, discovering a large Pepperpot Mole sculpture, a family trail through the grounds, nature craft workshops, indoor crafts for children, playground and open green spaces. Visitors can also enjoy wildlife spotting, learn history of the Charterhouse, and relax with food and drinks from the café.
Reimagining the world of Turner: landscapes, life & legacy
13 Nov
A morning event exploring J. M. W. Turner’s world and Victorian art through a researcher’s talk, literary readings and discussion, a creative workshop inspired by his seascapes and skies, and an interactive gallery activity connecting Turner with G. F. Watts.