Family Christmas crafting
14–15 Nov, 21–22 Nov…
Families can make Christmas paper decorations inspired by the Muses, choosing from a festive wreath, paper-ball reindeer or lolly stick toy soldier. Materials and instructions are provided.
Oxfordshire
Oxfordshire blends historic university city charm with scenic countryside and heritage sites.
A Christmas concert at Upton House
16 Dec
An evening concert featuring Christmas carols and seasonal songs performed by the Community Choir of Oxhill, Tysoe and Shenington in Upton House's Picture Room. Mulled wine or a non-alcoholic alternative will be available afterwards in the Old Kitchen.
Near Upton House and Gardens
Upton House and Gardens in Warwickshire is a 1930s honey-coloured country house featuring a world-renowned art collection and fine Chelsea porcelain, set within dramatic terraced gardens designed for leisure and pleasure. Visitors can explore the accessible ground floor of the house, extensive gardens, enjoy the Pavilion Café, and take part in family-friendly outdoor activities and seasonal events.
Christmas Storytime
15 Dec
Children aged 0–5 and their grown-ups can listen to several festive stories in a seated circle in the Second-Hand Bookshop.
Near Canons Ashby
Canons Ashby House is a Grade I listed Elizabethan manor house located in Northamptonshire, featuring notable Jacobean plasterwork, historic family interiors, formal gardens, and the remains of a medieval priory church. It combines rich history with architectural and artistic heritage.
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.
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.
Guided Tours: Secrets of Coleshill
10 Oct (this Saturday)
A guided tour around Coleshill explores the lost Coleshill House, the estate’s secret Second World War training history and the former Model Farm, now home to the Heritage and Rural Skills Centre. The tour includes a walk of approximately 1 km and a chance to look around an exhibition afterwards.
Near Buscot and Coleshill Estates
Coleshill Village & Parkland is a historic rural estate offering walking trails through farmland and parkland, alongside indoor experiences such as tours of a replica Second World War bunker and a traditional watermill. Visitors can enjoy heritage skills courses, a café, and a country pub on site.
Christmas dinner at Basildon Park: 16 to 26 November
16–19 Nov, 23–26 Nov
Enjoy a festive Christmas lunch in the Garden Room at Basildon Park, choosing a two- or three-course meal from a seasonal menu.
Near Basildon Park
Basildon Park is a Grade I listed Palladian country house in Berkshire featuring neoclassical interiors and extensive landscaped grounds. Visitors can explore both the grand historic interiors and the outdoor parkland, with exhibits including a nostalgic 1950s kitchen. The house has been restored and is open to the public, offering a rich glimpse into English country house history and architecture. It has also served as a location for several notable films.
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.
Santa Paws Community Dog Walk (in collaboration with Tails on the Trails and Inspiring Tails)
5 Dec
A festive community dog walk through the grounds at Stowe Gardens, with advice from Tails on the Trails and Inspiring Tails on topics including lead walking, enrichment and building confidence with dogs.
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.
Christmas dinner at Basildon Park: 30 November to 17 December
30 Nov–3 Dec, 7–10 Dec…
Guests can enjoy a festive Christmas lunch in the Garden Room at Basildon Park, choosing a two- or three-course meal with seasonal dishes, a mince pie and a hot drink.
2 miles from Lardon Chase, the Holies and Lough Down
Lardon Chase, the Holies and Lough Down is a National Trust countryside property in Berkshire offering expansive chalk grassland, woodland, and scenic walks with diverse flora and butterfly species. Free public access is available for nature enthusiasts, with notable views over the Thames Valley and historic landscapes.
Carols in the Courtyard with Eboracum Baroque
28 Nov
Eboracum Baroque singers perform a festive concert in the courtyard, with music ranging from medieval works to more recent arrangements. Attendees can join in with familiar Christmas carols and tunes.
A Festive evening visit
2 Dec
Visitors can explore Upton House’s Christmas decorations after dark, hear live singing from a local community choir and meet members of the team who created the festive displays.
Near Upton House, Warwickshire
Upton House is a Grade II* listed stately home near Banbury, Warwickshire, noted for its extensive gardens, art collection including old master paintings and fine porcelain, and unique Art Deco interiors. It offers both indoor and outdoor experiences primarily as an art gallery and garden attraction managed by the National Trust.
Coleshill Mill and River Cole Tour
10 Oct (this Saturday)
A guided walk exploring the history of Coleshill Mill and the River Cole, including how the river powers the mill and the lives of its millers. If water levels allow, visitors can see the historic machinery operating and learn about restoration plans for the river.
2 miles from Badbury
Badbury Hill is a scenic outdoor woodland area featuring an ancient Iron Age hill fort, notable bluebells and beech trees, and family-friendly walking trails with play areas. It offers historical and natural exploration opportunities in a peaceful setting.
Festive Handbell Ringing in the Church
5 Dec
Listen to the Launton Handbell Ringers perform festive music in the Priory Church, with the performance taking place between 11:30am and 12:30pm.
Merlin's Magic Christmas Trail
18 Nov–24 Dec
Families can follow a Christmas trail around the paddock, searching for ingredients for Merlin’s spell and collecting a small gift when they finish.
We’re Going on a Ghost Hunt™ Halloween Adventure Storytelling Sessions
24 Oct
The Bunnies of Hoppity Hill lead a Halloween-themed storytelling adventure featuring hidden ghosts, pumpkins, bats and owls, with music and gentle spookiness. Three half-hour sessions are scheduled throughout the day.
5K Santa Run
6 Dec
A festive 5K Santa-themed run or walk around the gardens, with participants encouraged to dress up as Santa.
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.
David Garrick: His life, his times and his Temple
11 Oct (this Sunday)
A fully illustrated talk by Ellis Jones explores the life of actor David Garrick, his Temple to Shakespeare, and his connections with France and the Huguenots. The talk takes place at the Dairy at Waddesdon Manor.
Near Waddesdon
Waddesdon Manor in Buckinghamshire is a French Renaissance-style château set in expansive Victorian gardens featuring ornate fountains, a rococo aviary, and a woodland playground. Visitors can explore the impressive art collection inside the manor, enjoy family-friendly outdoor activities, guided garden walks, and dine at onsite restaurants and cafes.
5K Zombie Run
1 Nov
A 5K Halloween-themed run or walk around the gardens, with participants encouraged to dress in spooky costumes. The ticket also includes all-day access to the gardens.
Behind the Scenes Tour
18 Oct (next Sunday)
A 60-minute guided tour of the rooms where Waddesdon Manor’s servants lived and worked, including how those spaces are used today and how the collection is conserved. The tour also visits the academic apartments, Treasury and Wine Cellars.
Near Waddesdon Manor
Waddesdon Manor is a Grade I listed Neo-Renaissance country house in Buckinghamshire, England, managed by the National Trust and owned by the Rothschild Foundation. It features remarkable art collections, formal gardens, an aviary, and historic wine cellars, with public access including exhibitions, dining, and child-friendly activities.
Diwali at Stowe
6–10 Nov
Celebrate Diwali at Stowe, see a volunteer-made Rangoli display in the Temple of Venus, and visit a selfie station. Diya painting is available on Saturday 7 November only.
Belle of the Ball – Cosplay Evening at Claydon House
12 Dec
A Regency-inspired evening at Claydon House featuring a live string quartet, dance displays and caller-led dance workshops, with time for free dancing. Guests are required to wear Regency or Georgian costume, with black tie permitted for men.
A Rothschild Treasury: Tours
10 Oct (this Saturday)
A 45-minute guided tour explores selected objects in A Rothschild Treasury, sharing stories about their history and the Rothschild family’s collecting tradition.
3 miles from Nether Winchendon House
Nether Winchendon House is a Grade I listed Medieval and Tudor manor house in Buckinghamshire, featuring historic architecture and surrounded by extensive gardens and parkland. Visitors can tour the house on selected dates by pre-booking.
Spooky Storytime
27 Oct
Children aged 0–5 and their grown-ups can sit in a circle in the Second-Hand Bookshop to listen to several spooky stories.
A Christmas Quest
28 Nov–24 Dec
Visitors can explore Christmas decorations inspired by Arthurian legends and John Dryden’s family connection to Canons Ashby. Children can follow a Christmas Quest trail, finding ingredients to help Merlin complete a spell.
Saved for the Nation
7–11 Oct, 14–18 Oct…
A display celebrating the transfer to the National Trust of two paintings by Sir Joshua Reynolds: portraits of Joanna Leigh and the actor David Garrick. It also explains the Acceptance in Lieu scheme through which the works entered the national collection.
Standing with Giants
21–25 Oct, 28 Oct–1 Nov…
Standing with Giants returns to Waddesdon Manor with its D-Day 1475 installation. The display honours those who gave their lives and aims to raise understanding and appreciation of freedom.
Upton social walks
19 Mar, 17 Apr…
Volunteer-led social walks explore the countryside around Upton House, with routes introducing participants to the local landscape, its nature and history. Two routes of different lengths and difficulty alternate throughout the year.
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.
Decorate a spooky candle holder
29–30 Oct
Families can decorate a ceramic bat or hedgehog tea-light holder with the Canons Ashby team. The activity takes place outdoors under a gazebo.
Guided woodland walks at Basildon Park
23 Oct, 30 Oct…
A volunteer-led walk through the woodlands and estate at Basildon Park, exploring seasonal nature, local flora and fauna, and the estate’s history. The walk lasts around one to two hours.
Christmas wreath-making workshop
28 Nov, 30 Nov–2 Dec
An adult wreath-making workshop led by a florist, where attendees make a Christmas wreath using greenery from the gardens and other provided materials.
David Garrick and Huguenot music in England
11 Oct (this Sunday)
Bloomsbury Baroque present a concert celebrating actor David Garrick and his connections with France and the Huguenot community. Music by distinguished composers is interspersed with short narratives about Garrick and the Huguenots.
Grow with Stowe: Daffodil Bulb Planting
24 Oct–1 Nov
Visitors can plant daffodil bulbs at Stowe Gardens alongside other participants, helping to create a spring display.
Relaxed House Openings
9 Oct
A relaxed opening of Waddesdon Manor’s historic house, with reduced noise, no videos and flexible entry and exit times for visitors who would benefit from a calmer visit. It is designed for neurodivergent adults and children, along with their family, friends or carers.
Halloween nature crafts
26–30 Oct
Children can make a bouncing bat, a leafy jack-o’-lantern and spider-web bunting using provided materials and guidance. The crafts take place during autumn half term, with children accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Christmas with the Muses at Upton House and Gardens
14 Nov–24 Dec, 27 Dec 2026–3 Jan 2027
Explore decorated rooms at Upton House featuring displays inspired by the nine Greek Muses and the house’s Chelsea porcelain collection, bringing together art, music, poetry and Christmas themes.
Christmas at Greys Court
21 Nov–23 Dec, 26 Dec 2026–3 Jan 2027
Christmas at Greys Court brings beloved childhood stories into the house and gardens, with visitors able to explore story-themed displays, find characters among the garden greenery and play games on the Old Tennis Court.
Christmas at Basildon Park
14 Nov–23 Dec, 26 Dec 2026–3 Jan 2027
Christmas at Basildon Park features festive decorations inspired by famous musicals, with singing, dancing and acting opportunities inside the mansion. In the gardens, visitors can explore musical displays, play a giant piano and try copying dance moves.
Christmas candle-making workshop
5 Dec, 12 Dec
Participants are guided through making a festive soy wax candle, choosing a fragrance and learning about natural soy wax and wooden wicks. Materials and light refreshments are included.
The Rothschild Story
7–11 Oct, 14–18 Oct…
An interactive display explores the history and family tree of the Rothschild family, including their connections to Waddesdon Manor and their interests in art, horticulture, nature and sustainability.
Exclusive Behind the Scenes House Tour with Cream Tea
16 Oct (next Friday)
A guided after-hours tour of Canons Ashby mansion led by the House and Collections Officer and an experienced House Guide. Attendees will see spaces and objects not usually open to visitors and hear about conservation work, followed by a cream tea.
Christmas Wreath Making at Canons Ashby
24–25 Nov
Participants make a Christmas wreath using greenery from the grounds of Canons Ashby, with materials and a hot drink included. The workshop takes place in the tea-room.
Second World War Walk
28 Oct, 11 Nov
A guided walk explores Coleshill’s role as the headquarters of the Second World War Auxiliary Units, visiting surviving wartime features around the village, including a replica underground bunker.
2 miles from Buscot Park
Buscot Park is an 18th-century neoclassical country house near Faringdon, Oxfordshire, surrounded by extensive formal gardens, woodland, and lakes. It houses a notable art collection including works by Rembrandt and Edward Burne-Jones. The estate is open to the public each summer under the National Trust and offers a blend of historic interiors and outdoor landscapes.
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.
Christmas at Stowe
21 Nov 2026–3 Jan 2027
Explore Christmas traditions from around the world at New Inn, then follow a festive trail through Stowe Gardens to discover seasonal facts, collect stamps and take photos.
Tiny Tots Halloween Trail
9 Oct–1 Nov (another 23 days)
A Halloween activity trail around New Inn for children aged six and under, with playful actions such as walking like a mummy, flapping like a bat and meowing like a cat.
Meet the Authors of 60 Remarkable Rooms of the National Trust
26 Nov
Authors Elizabeth Green, Lucy Porten and James Rothwell discuss their book *60 Remarkable Rooms of the National Trust*, followed by a Q&A and book signing. Attendees can then explore Claydon House and its gardens.
Guided Tours at Stowe Gardens
31 Mar–2 Apr, 7–9 Apr…
Join a volunteer-led guided tour at Stowe Gardens to learn about the gardens’ history. Tours last approximately one hour to 90 minutes and begin at Bell Gate.
Autumn Book Fair
23 Oct–1 Nov
The Autumn Book Fair at Stowe features donated fiction, non-fiction, vintage and collectable books, including signed editions and older volumes. Visitors can browse and buy books, with proceeds supporting the care of the Stowe landscape.
We’re Going on a Ghost Hunt™ Halloween Adventure
24 Oct–8 Nov
Families can follow a Halloween trail based on the Bunnies of Hoppity Hill books, searching for hidden ghosts around Basildon Park. The route includes activities such as Halloween hoopla and broomstick racing, followed by a celebration party and sticker.
Decorate a Christmas Crown
12 Dec
Families can decorate a gold crown with festive stickers and gems, then see Christmas decorations inspired by the legends of King Arthur in the church.
A Christmas trail with the Muses
14 Nov–24 Dec, 27 Dec 2026–3 Jan 2027
Families can follow a Christmas trail featuring the Muses, completing creative challenges to help Calliope bring a festive story to life.
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.
Poisons, Potions and Plants Trail
17 Oct–1 Nov, 5–8 Nov
Visitors can follow an outdoor trail at Canons Ashby and discover spooky stories about plants such as deadly nightshade and witch hazel. The trail is aimed at families and includes a small gift at the end.
Meet Rembrandt: A slow looking experience
7 Oct–8 Nov (another 30 days)
Visitors can spend time looking at Rembrandt van Rijn’s *Self-portrait in a Feathered Bonnet* with a free audio guide as part of a slow-looking experience at Upton House.
Trust 10K Run
25 Oct, 22 Nov…
A monthly 10K trail run through the grounds of Stowe Gardens, open to runners seeking either a training run or a sociable jog. Participants run the course together, with registration at 8:30am and a 9am start.
Men in Sheds
25 Oct
Men in Sheds is a pop-up stall at New Inn selling handmade, locally crafted gifts. Visitors can browse and meet the stall’s makers.
Gratitude woodland walks at Greys Court
5 Nov, 3 Dec
A guided, meditative woodland walk led by Deborah Lewis, with participants walking quietly in a small group and taking time to contemplate and appreciate nature.
Near Greys Court
Greys Court is a Tudor country house with historic interiors and extensive gardens featuring a medieval castle tower, a walled garden with a maze, and ornamental plants, open to the public under the National Trust.
Zombies of Lamport Trail
9 Oct–1 Nov (another 23 days)
Follow a zombie-themed trail through Stowe Gardens, solving puzzles to help a scientist find an antidote and clear the zombies from Lamport. The trail is designed for children aged 6 and over.
Monthly Dog Walks
21 Oct, 18 Nov…
A monthly guided walk through the gardens at Stowe, led by a walk leader and welcoming people and their dogs. Dogs must be kept on leads, and participants may leave the walk early if needed.
Christmas at Claydon House: House of Bells
14 Nov–20 Dec
House of Bells is a multi-sensory Christmas experience at Claydon House, combining bells, candlelight, scent and stories. Visitors can explore festive displays throughout the historic house.
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.
Located in Buckingham
Buckingham is a historic market town in Buckinghamshire, England, known for its charming Georgian streetscapes, a longstanding market tradition, and cultural landmarks including the University of Buckingham and the Buckingham Old Gaol museum.
The Knight Before Christmas Evening Tour
11 Dec
An after-hours evening tour of Canons Ashby, exploring the house’s Christmas decorations inspired by Arthurian legend, with knights, wizards and dragons. The ticket includes a mulled cider or hot chocolate and a mince pie.