Warwickshire is a historic rural county in England known for Shakespeare's heritage, beautiful market towns, Warwick Castle, and well-connected public transport.
30 Oct–1 Nov, 6–8 Nov…
Baddesley After Dark is an evening tour of Baddesley Clinton, taking visitors through the house by lamplight while a guide shares stories of its history, including tales of revenge, alleged murder and unexplained happenings.
Baddesley Clinton is a moated 13th-century manor house near Warwick, England, known for its historic architecture, secret priest holes, and beautiful formal gardens. Managed by the National Trust, it offers visitors indoor exploration of the house and outdoor enjoyment of the surrounding parkland and gardens.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
1 Dec, 3 Dec…
Enjoy breakfast at the Garden Kitchen Café, then take an early-morning tour of Packwood House and its Christmas decorations themed around Baron Ash’s travels.
Packwood House is a historic 16th-century Tudor manor house near Lapworth, Warwickshire, featuring fine period furniture and tapestries, alongside its renowned yew tree garden with symbolic topiary. Visitors can explore both the indoor historic house and the extensive outdoor gardens managed by the National Trust.
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.
3 Dec, 8 Dec…
An after-hours guided tour of Baddesley Clinton’s festively decorated house, followed by a Christmas dinner at the Baddesley Barn Restaurant. The evening also includes the opportunity to browse the shop.
Kenilworth Castle in Warwickshire is a large medieval and Tudor castle ruin managed by English Heritage featuring historic architecture, extensive water defences, an Elizabethan garden reconstruction, and exhibitions. It is accessible to visitors with indoor and outdoor experiences and significant historical importance including the longest medieval siege.
16 Oct, 23 Oct…
A three-week beginner course led by local artist Kitty McLeod introduces practical drawing exercises and watercolour techniques. Participants will start filling a sketchbook with drawings in and around Snowshill Manor.
Snowshill Manor is a 16th-century Cotswold manor house in Gloucestershire, owned by the National Trust and housing an extensive collection amassed by Charles Paget Wade. Visitors can explore unique indoor collections and enjoy Arts and Crafts style outdoor gardens with terraces, ponds, and more.
12 Nov
Rukhsana Sardar discusses her move from the fast-fashion industry to sustainable upcycling, sharing ideas for reusing and rethinking clothing and textiles. Attendees can ask questions and bring an upcycling project for advice.
JW Evans Silver Factory in Birmingham is a preserved 19th-century historic silver factory showcasing original tools and equipment. The venue offers guided tours only on Fridays with advance booking. It features indoor exhibits and a permanent exhibition accessible by ramp, located in the Jewellery Quarter known for its jewellery and silver production. Parking is available on-road and nearby with charges, but the factory has limited wheelchair access.
5–6 Dec
Children can hear Father Christmas share seasonal stories, meet him for photographs and receive a traditional present. The event runs in timed sessions on weekends in December.
Stoneleigh Abbey is a magnificent Grade 1 listed stately home in Warwickshire, built on the remains of a 12th-century Cistercian abbey, featuring guided tours of the house and extensive grounds designed by Humphry Repton. Facilities include a cafe, shop, and wheelchair accessibility with free parking.
Kenilworth is a historic market town in Warwickshire, England, known for its significant medieval castle ruins, heritage sites, and a vibrant arts and cultural scene, making it a notable destination for history and culture enthusiasts.
26 Sep–1 Nov, 6–8 Nov…
Visitors can follow a Brambly Hedge story trail through Hidcote, helping Primrose the mouse find her way home. The experience begins inside the Manor House and continues in the gardens, with miniature mouse homes, story scenes and interactive displays.
Kiftsgate Court Gardens is a family-run garden in the Cotswolds known for its rare plants, the renowned Kiftsgate rose, and beautifully designed garden areas across different seasons. Visitors can explore extensive outdoor gardens with spectacular views, enjoy a cafe, and shop on-site.
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.
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.
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.
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.
30 Nov–4 Dec, 7–11 Dec…
Enjoy a two- or three-course Christmas lunch with seasonal dishes and a hot drink in the Garden Kitchen Café at Packwood House.
7 Oct–8 Nov (another 30 days)
Families can follow an interactive outdoor trail through Baddesley Clinton’s gardens, finding characters from Tom Fletcher’s Who’s in Your Book? series and completing playful challenges. The trail ends with a photo opportunity in a giant book cut-out.
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.
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.
15 Nov
A guided meditation and gentle journaling session with The Soul Collective, offering attendees time to pause, reflect and reconnect.
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.
3 Oct–8 Nov (another 30 days)
A mobile-app adventure for ages 7–12 in Baddesley Clinton’s gardens, where teams follow a guide and complete creative tasks to find the Stranger Folk and seal a rift between worlds.
24 Oct–1 Nov
A family Halloween event at Kenilworth Castle featuring interactive storytelling, spooky games, a themed trail and a seasonal selfie spot. Visitors are invited to dress up and take part in a daily fancy-dress competition.
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.
12 Sep
Birmingham Heritage Week - Open Day offers free entry to Birmingham Back to Backs to explore historic houses and a courtyard, with volunteers sharing the history and an exhibition by Birmingham City University students showcasing local culture. Booking is recommended. The event is suitable for children and includes indoor and outdoor activities.
Mailbox Birmingham is a mixed-use development in Birmingham city centre featuring luxury shopping, BBC studios with an accessible public area, restaurants by the canal, office spaces, hotels, and a cinema, offering a modern indoor urban experience.
7 Nov, 28 Nov
A Tai Chi and Qigong session led by Debbie from Swan School of Tai Chi & Qigong, introducing Tai Chi as a form of exercise. The session takes place in Hidcote’s garden and is suitable for participants aged 16 and over.
Hidcote Bartrim is a Grade I-listed Arts and Crafts-inspired garden in Gloucestershire featuring 10.5 acres of garden rooms with diverse atmospheres and named plant varieties, gifted to the National Trust by its creator Major Lawrence Johnston.
5–6 Dec
Visitors can explore Kenilworth Castle and take part in seasonal festive activities. A separate ticket is available to meet Father Christmas.
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.
7 Nov
Visitors can chat with the team as they assess and record repairs needed for the replica models of Wolf's Cove, created by Charles Wade in 1935. Attendees can also find out about joining the volunteer model-making team.
Stanway House is a Jacobean manor house set in Gloucestershire with historic interiors, a water garden featuring the highest gravity fountain in the world, and extensive parkland. Visitors can explore the house, gardens, and enjoy the fountain shows in summer months.
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.
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.
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.
28–29 Nov
A weekend artisan bazaar at Packwood featuring handcrafted jewellery, pottery, glassware, board games and other goods, alongside a visit to the house decorated for Christmas.
7 Oct–8 Nov (another 30 days)
Visitors can explore 30 Pikachu cards illustrated by different artists, discover facts about the character and design their own Pokémon trading card.
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.
7 Oct–1 Nov (another 23 days)
An exhibition presents garments from Charles Wade’s Snowshill Costume Collection, exploring clothing, cultural identity, personal expression and social history.
Hailes Abbey is a ruined Cistercian monastery in Gloucestershire founded in the 13th century, notable for its historical pilgrimage significance due to a relic of the Holy Blood. Visitors can explore the abbey ruins and an on-site museum with artefacts, as well as a nearby historic medieval church with notable wall paintings.
28 Nov–23 Dec, 26 Dec 2026–3 Jan 2027
Christmas at Baddesley Clinton presents festive scenes around the house, including a Christmas feast in the Dining Room and a winter wonderland display in the Great Parlour.
7–8 Nov, 14–15 Nov…
A guided tour explores the refreshed ‘Threads of Identity’ exhibition and selected pieces from Snowshill Manor’s costume collection. The experience includes a short walk to the Manor and a complimentary café drink afterwards.
Chipping Campden Market Hall is a historic 400-year-old landmark in the heart of a charming Cotswold town, showcasing ancient trade heritage and local architecture, managed by the National Trust for public appreciation.
29–31 Oct, 5–7 Nov
Participants can drop in to make a traditional Diya lamp from air-dried clay as part of a Diwali celebration with the local community.
Birmingham Back to Backs is a historic court of 19th-century back-to-back houses in Birmingham, preserved and restored as a museum showcasing working-class industrial town housing with guided tours across different eras.
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.
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.
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.
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.
7 Oct–8 Nov (another 30 days)
A mobile-app adventure at Charlecote Park sends teams through the park and gardens to complete magical tasks and find the Stranger Folk. The story is aimed especially at children aged 7–12, though teens and adults can also take part.
Charlecote Park is a historic 16th-century English country house with Tudor and Victorian features, set in extensive deer park and landscaped grounds by Capability Brown. Visitors can explore the richly decorated interiors, including family portraits and historic artifacts, as well as enjoy the outdoor parkland and gardens.
1 Nov
NeuNoir presents an intimate reading of Algernon Blackwood’s supernatural tale *The Listener*, about a lodger whose cheap London rooms become increasingly unsettling. The story is read by Richard Usher.
The Roundhouse in Birmingham is a rare Victorian industrial heritage site featuring a crescent-shaped former depot and stables, now hosting tours including kayaking, cycling, and walking on the adjacent canal, along with business enterprise spaces.
24 Oct–1 Nov
Families can follow a woodland trail along the Welly Walk, searching for autumn treasures and spooky surprises. The event also includes themed crafts and a prize for completing the trail.
7 Oct–1 Nov (another 23 days)
View a community-crafted autumn display of knitted, crocheted and handmade pumpkins and gourds in the Victorian Kitchen at Charlecote Park.
10 Oct–1 Nov, 7–8 Nov…
Explore British folklore through a Halloween adventure at Snowshill Manor and Garden, using the Stranger Folk app to follow a guide and help close the gaps between the worlds. The trail runs outdoors as well as wherever the adventure takes you around the site.
Upton Wold Garden is a hidden private garden in the Cotswolds with an exceptional collection of trees and plants, including national collections. Visitors can enjoy the garden, special snowdrop walks, and seasonal opening times with free entry for Historic Houses members.
18 Apr–13 Nov (another 35 days)
An exhibition exploring the creative life and legacy of Georgiana, Lady Chatterton, through words, sound and images, including an art exhibition curated by visitors. The event also includes a special opportunity to meet Poet in Residence Beth Calverley and contribute to an audio piece on 18 April.
24 Oct
Visitors can talk with creator Beth Calverley about their interests and dreams while she uses a nineteenth-century typewriter in the Poetry Machine to create a bespoke poem for them.
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.
28 Nov–23 Dec, 26 Dec 2026–3 Jan 2027
Visitors can explore Packwood House’s rooms decorated for Christmas, themed around Baron Ash’s travels, and enjoy the house and gardens during the festive season.
24 Sep
An evening event called 'Poem in Your Pocket' in collaboration with The Hearth Centre for Healing Arts Festival, featuring a selection of poetry and prose readings to lift spirits. Attendees are invited to share their own poems and enjoy a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Teas and coffees are included in the ticket price.
21 Yateley Road is a Grade I listed Arts & Crafts house in Edgbaston, Birmingham, offering guided tours of the house and gardens. Visitors can explore the well-preserved interiors reflecting the original 1899 design and enjoy light refreshments during the 2.5-hour tours.
7–9 Oct, 12–16 Oct…
Guests can enjoy a traditional sweet or savoury afternoon tea in Winthrop’s Café at Hidcote, with sandwiches, savoury items, scones, cakes and tea or coffee.
Dover's Hill is a natural amphitheatre in the Cotswolds offering expansive views, historic Olympic Games traditions, ancient Roman vineyard remains, and a rich mix of wildlife and plants. Visitors can enjoy scenic walks, annual events, and eco-friendly refreshments in a dog-friendly outdoor environment.
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.
7 Nov
Kenilworth Round Table’s annual charity fireworks event at Kenilworth Castle features a mini display followed by a main fireworks display, with food and drink stalls also available.
18 Oct, 24 Oct
Participants will be guided through making a folded book vase and paper flowers, then enjoy a cream tea. All materials are provided, and no previous experience is needed.