Wassail celebration at Dyrham Park
2 Jan
A wassail celebration to bless Dyrham Park’s pear trees for a good harvest in 2026. Visitors can make wassail sticks, hear traditional music and join a procession around the garden.
Near Dyrham Park
Dyrham Park is a Grade I listed baroque country house and extensive parkland in Gloucestershire, England, featuring historic interiors with Dutch art, 274 acres of gardens, an orangery, and a stable block now a tea room. It offers public access with events and has been a filming location for notable productions.
Exploring Clay Day
10 Oct (this Saturday)
Meet professional artists demonstrating clay techniques, ask questions, and try hands-on creative activities and clay making. The event includes interactive challenges and sessions for adults and children.
Near Newark Park
Newark Park is a Grade I listed Tudor hunting lodge and country house near Ozleworth, Gloucestershire, set within a 700-acre estate featuring formal deer park and landscaped grounds. Visitors can explore both the historic indoor interiors and the scenic outdoor areas surrounding the house. The site is managed by the National Trust and open to the public seasonally.
Cwrdd â'r awdur a'r darlunydd | Meet the author and illustrator – Mhara Starling and Rowynn Ellis
24 Oct
Meet illustrator and author Rowynn Ellis and author Mhara Starling to hear about their work, creative process and Welsh folklore. Visitors can watch an illustration demonstration, design a mythical creature and chat over a free cup of tea or coffee.
Near Conwy Castle
Castell Conwy is a magnificent medieval fortress in Wales, offering visitors extensive outdoor exploration of its well-preserved battlements, royal apartments, and town walls. Visitors can climb restored towers and enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding town and mountains. It is a significant historic site built by King Edward I and is part of a World Heritage Site.
Located in Conwy
Conwy is a historic walled market town in Wales famous for its medieval castle, town walls, suspension bridge, and preserved Elizabethan architecture, offering rich cultural heritage and picturesque riverside views.
Christmas Lunch at Bodiam Castle
30 Nov–4 Dec, 7–11 Dec…
A two- or three-course Christmas lunch with hot drinks and a mince pie, served in the Wharf Tea-room at Bodiam Castle. Guests can choose from seasonal starters, main courses and desserts.
Near Bodiam Castle
Bodiam Castle is a 14th-century moated castle in East Sussex, England, known for its distinctive quadrangular design with towers and battlements. Set in a landscaped environment with an ornamental moat, it showcases medieval architecture and history. The castle is a ruin open to the public under the care of the National Trust and has been featured in films and television.
Christmas Guided tour of the House at Chartwell
30 Nov–4 Dec, 7–11 Dec…
Visitors join a volunteer guide to explore selected rooms decorated for Christmas and learn about Winston Churchill's development as a painter and his life at Chartwell.
Near Chartwell
Chartwell is a historic English country house near Westerham, Kent, best known as the home of Sir Winston Churchill for over forty years. Visitors can explore the restored interiors, including Churchill's study and memorabilia, as well as extensive gardens and lakes designed by Churchill himself. The site includes a restaurant, shop, and exhibitions reflecting the life and legacy of Churchill.
Festival of Lights Celebration
15 Nov
A Diwali celebration featuring performances by the tabla and flute duo Soulful Sangeet, alongside traditional crafts and games. Attendees can experience the festival’s colours and lights and learn more about its story.
Near Dunstable Downs
Dunstable Downs, the highest point in Bedfordshire, is a chalk escarpment in the Chiltern Hills offering outdoor activities like gliding and kite flying, with rich natural history and ancient archaeological sites. It is managed by the National Trust and accessible via walking trails.
Volunteering day: Beech thinning
4 Oct
Volunteering day: Beech thinning is an outdoor conservation event at Hardcastle Crags where participants help Rangers remove small beech saplings to boost biodiversity. The event includes a 30-minute walk from the upper car park at Midgehole to the work site and requires suitable clothing and gloves. Older children accompanied by an adult are welcome, but the event is not suitable for young children.
Near Hardcastle Crags
Hardcastle Crags is a large woodland beauty spot in West Yorkshire featuring more than 15 miles of trails, historic Gibson Mill with its sustainable off-grid building housing a café and bookshop, and a variety of outdoor activities including orienteering and wildlife watching. The site offers facilities for dogs and is accessible with an emphasis on natural and industrial heritage.
Mr Straw's House Worksop Walk
30 Oct
A volunteer-led walk through Worksop explores the town’s history and its connections with the Straw family, following their footsteps from home to work and their final resting place. The walk lasts around three hours and includes a refreshment break.
Near Mr Straw's House
Mr Straw's House is an Edwardian historic house museum in Worksop showcasing a largely unchanged family home from the 1920s, offering visitors a unique glimpse into period life with original furnishings and personal belongings.
Located in Worksop
Worksop is a historic market town in Nottinghamshire known for its Priory, canal leisure activities, proximity to Sherwood Forest, and ties to coal mining and timber industries.
Three Cheers for Pooh! Garden Story Trail
30 Aug–6 Sep
Three Cheers for Pooh! Garden Story Trail is a family-friendly outdoor trail event set within Tatton Park's historic landscaped summer gardens. Attendees can follow a story-led trail featuring classic Winnie-the-Pooh characters and imaginative spaces, exploring and enjoying the gardens in the sunshine. The event celebrates 100 years of Pooh and invites families to slow down and discover Pooh, Tigger, and Poohsticks Bridge along the way.
Near Tatton Park
Tatton Park is a historic estate in Cheshire featuring a neoclassical mansion, extensive formal and natural gardens, a large deer park, and a working farm showcasing rare breeds. Visitors can enjoy indoor tours of the mansion, outdoor exploration of gardens and parkland, and family-friendly activities including a children's playground and various events throughout the year.
Meet Father Christmas at Clumber Park
28–29 Nov, 5–6 Dec…
Families visit Father Christmas in his cosy living room at Clumber Park, with time for children to share their Christmas wishes and receive a coin to spend in the Elves’ toyshop.
Near Clumber Park
Clumber Park is a large National Trust country park in Nottinghamshire with extensive outdoor natural areas, gardens, a serpentine lake, and a historic Grade I listed Gothic Revival chapel. Visitors can enjoy indoor exhibitions at the Discovery Centre and the Duke's Study café, alongside exploring vast outdoor parklands and gardens featuring rare plant collections and wildlife habitats.
Meet Father Christmas at Newark Park
28–29 Nov, 5–6 Dec…
Children can meet Father Christmas in his grotto on the ground floor of Newark Park house, receive a small gift and have a chat with him. Visits are arranged in 30-minute time slots, with up to eight children per slot.
3 miles from Kingswood Abbey
Kingswood Abbey Gatehouse is the only surviving part of the historic Cistercian Kingswood Abbey in Gloucestershire, with origins dating back to 1139. Visitors can explore the medieval gatehouse, a Grade I listed building, located in the village of Kingswood and managed by English Heritage.
Metal Embroidery Workshops
30 Sep, 8 Oct…
A three-session course introducing metal thread embroidery, also known as goldwork. Participants learn and practise embroidery techniques, with Thursday sessions for beginners and those with some basic experience, and Wednesday sessions for those looking to develop existing skills.
Near Grantham House
Grantham House is a historic town house built in 1380, owned by the National Trust, featuring architectural elements from several centuries and set within extensive gardens. Open daily as a community space with free entry, a café, and a second-hand bookshop, it offers visitors a blend of indoor and outdoor experiences with rich historical significance.
Located in Grantham
Grantham is a historic market town in Lincolnshire known for its rich heritage including the birthplace of Margaret Thatcher and education of Isaac Newton. It offers cultural attractions, historic architecture, riverside walks, and a lively town centre with shops, pubs, and restaurants.
Forest Bathing
18 Oct (next Sunday)
Forest Bathing is a guided woodland session using mindful walking, focused attention and sensory activities to help participants slow down and connect with nature.
Near Hatfield Forest
Hatfield Forest is a 403-hectare medieval Royal Hunting Forest in Essex, managed by the National Trust, offering extensive woodlands, ancient trees, diverse wildlife, archaeological sites, and accessible walking trails in an outdoor nature reserve experience.
Free guided wildlife walks at Hindhead
7 Nov, 5 Dec
A volunteer-led guided walk at Hindhead Commons exploring local plants and the wildlife they support, including insects, birds, reptiles and mammals. The route distance varies according to the walkers.
Near Devil's Punch Bowl
The Devil's Punch Bowl is a large natural amphitheatre and Site of Special Scientific Interest in Surrey, offering scenic heathland landscape with panoramic views and car parking facilities. It is managed by the National Trust and features walking paths and a café, making it a popular outdoor visitor attraction with natural beauty and wildlife.
[SOLD OUT] Beginners' Festive Calligraphy workshop
4 Nov
A beginner-friendly festive calligraphy workshop where participants practise basic shapes and the modern calligraphy alphabet, then create their own pieces to take home. A calligraphy kit and other materials are included.
Near Cotehele
Cotehele is a Grade I listed medieval and Tudor manor house in Cornwall with extensive historic gardens, a working restored mill, and riverside quay, offering both indoor and outdoor historic experiences. It features original Tudor interiors, chapels, and has been used as a film location.
Meet the Gardener at Melford Hall
9 Oct
Meet the gardeners at Melford Hall for an informal session where you can ask questions about the garden and gardening at home.
Near Melford Hall
Melford Hall is a historic Grade I listed stately home in Suffolk with 16th-century origins and Tudor architecture. Owned by the National Trust and open to the public seasonally, it offers a blend of both indoor historic house tours and extensive outdoor grounds hosting events.
Toddler Tuesdays
6 Oct, 13 Oct…
Toddler Tuesdays is a term-time session for under-fives and their carers, with nature play, stories, crafts and gentle walks.
Near Fyne Court
Fyne Court is a National Trust nature reserve and visitor centre in Somerset, featuring historic estate grounds with woodland, ponds, meadows, and remnants of a 19th-century country house. Visitors can explore outdoor natural habitats as well as indoor visitor facilities including a café and shop.
Apple Pressing
27 Oct
Visitors can learn how estate-grown cider apples are turned into juice and try traditional apple pressing themselves at Swanley Grange. Apple juice and mulled cider will also be available to taste and buy.
Near St Mary's, Studley Royal
The Church of St Mary, Studley Royal, is a Victorian Gothic Revival church built in Early English style by architect William Burges. Situated within Studley Royal Park near Fountains Abbey, North Yorkshire, it was constructed as a memorial to Frederick Vyner. The church is renowned for its rich interior, fine stained-glass windows, and status as a Grade I listed building.
Family games: Summer of Play
31 Aug
Family Games: Summer of Play at Gibside is an outdoor family event featuring classic school sports-day games such as egg-and-spoon race, parachute challenge, foam javelin throws, space hopper races, and blindfold games. Participants can drop by without booking to take part in the family challenge on the grass, with the meeting point at Green Close Field beside Gibside Hall. The event requires normal venue admission fee and runs on 31 August 2026 from 13:30 to 15:30.
Near Gibside
Gibside is a historic Georgian country estate in Tyne and Wear featuring landscaped parkland, architectural ruins, and restored buildings such as the Palladian chapel and Banqueting House. Visitors can explore both outdoor grounds and significant indoor heritage structures.
Heritage Open Days
18–19 Sep
Heritage Open Days at Nunnington Hall offers free entry during the two-week festival with the hall open on Friday 18 and Saturday 19 September 2026. Visitors can explore the historic house, learn about its history and collections, and enjoy the gardens, orchard, and riverside setting. No booking is needed, and the tour includes areas upstairs without lift access.
Near Nunnington Hall
Nunnington Hall is a Grade I listed 17th-century country house in North Yorkshire featuring rich historic interiors, art collections, and period furniture. The hall sits beside the River Rye and is surrounded by organically managed gardens and orchards. It is managed by the National Trust and open to visitors interested in English heritage, architecture, and gardens.
Traditional Wreath Making Workshop
2 Dec, 5–6 Dec
Participants make a reusable willow wreath base and decorate it with foliage collected from the Petworth grounds. The workshop is suitable for all skill levels and includes a hot drink and mince pie.
Near Petworth
Petworth House and Park in West Sussex features a 17th-century historic house with a renowned art collection, extensive Capability Brown landscaped gardens, and a large deer park. Visitors can explore the house interiors including historic kitchens, enjoy woodland and garden walks, and relax in the on-site café. The venue offers activities suitable for families and dog walking in designated outdoor areas.
House Tours at Wentworth Castle
4 Sep, 2 Oct…
Volunteer-led house tours at Wentworth Castle offer an opportunity to see inside the grand house on select dates. The tours showcase intricate ceilings and grand staircases through a selection of the house's finest rooms, lasting around 75-90 minutes. Booking and admission are required, and the route involves staircases and uneven floors.
Near Wentworth Castle
Wentworth Castle is a Grade I listed historic country house in South Yorkshire, England, featuring extensive gardens, parkland, and a notable sham ruin folly. The site includes indoor heritage and outdoor landscaped gardens managed by a partnership including the National Trust. Visitors can explore restored historic interiors, formal gardens, and naturalistic landscapes.
Father Christmas at Sunnycroft | 16-23 December
16–23 Dec
This 20-minute Christmas experience takes visitors through Sunnycroft house, where seasonal scenes recreate the homes and story of The Wind in the Willows. It ends with children meeting Father Christmas and receiving a gift.
Near Sunnycroft
Sunnycroft is a Victorian suburban villa in Wellington, Shropshire, featuring a rare unaltered interior, an elaborate conservatory, and extensive grounds including stables, pigsties, gardens, and a tree-lined avenue. It is owned by the National Trust and open to the public by appointment or on limited occasions.
Located in Telford
Telford is a planned new town in Shropshire, England, known for its strong industrial heritage and proximity to the Ironbridge Gorge UNESCO World Heritage Site. It features a bustling town centre with shopping, cultural amenities, and extensive parkland, surrounded by historic towns and scenic landscapes.
Adult Beginners Needle Felting Workshop - Pumpkins
17 Oct (next Saturday)
An adult beginners' needle-felting workshop where participants learn basic techniques and make a pumpkin, with the option to add shading and a Jack o’ Lantern face.
Near Wightwick Manor
Wightwick Manor is a Victorian era Arts and Crafts house near Wolverhampton, showcasing original William Morris designs and a significant Pre-Raphaelite art collection, set in 17 acres of gardens and woodland with an additional De Morgan Gallery in the adjoining Old Manor. It is owned by the National Trust and open to the public with a café and shops onsite.
Christmas at Hughenden: A Victorian Voyage of Discovery
28 Nov 2026–3 Jan 2027
Visitors explore Hughenden decorated for Christmas as a Victorian voyage of discovery, with themed spaces inspired by the night sky, distant deserts, jungles and oceans. A family trail takes place in the gardens.
Near Hughenden
Hughenden Manor is a Victorian mansion and former country house of Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli, featuring historic rooms, memorabilia, and extensive gardens in Buckinghamshire. Now owned by the National Trust, it offers visitors a blend of indoor historical experience and outdoor natural beauty with views over the valley.
Full-day photography experience with Phil Morley
27 Jun, 25 Jul…
A full-day photography workshop with professional photographer Phil Morley at Anglesey Abbey, covering landscape photography in the morning and close-up nature photography in the afternoon. Participants can practise their skills in the garden using a camera or phone.
Near Anglesey Abbey, Gardens and Lode Mill
Anglesey Abbey offers extensive 35 acres of formal gardens and wildflower meadows with seasonal highlights including spring bulbs, roses, and a winter garden. The venue features outdoor attractions for nature lovers and families, including a children's play area and refreshments available on site.
From Garden to Pantry at Quebec House
17–18 Oct, 21–25 Oct…
Explore harvest-themed displays and seasonal crafts at Quebec House, with a look at how an 18th-century household prepared garden produce for winter. Younger visitors can use a dressing-up station and spot crocheted squirrels, and weekend visitors can sample autumn-inspired treats.
A Woodland Realm – Christmas at Quebec House
20–22 Nov, 27–29 Nov…
Quebec House is decorated as a woodland realm for Christmas, with visitors invited to explore rooms and follow a festive story of friendship and adventure. Seasonal drinks and treats are available in the Coach House.
We're Going on a Ghost Hunt storytelling sessions
27–28 Oct
The Bunnies of Hoppity Hill lead a Halloween storytelling adventure as they search for hidden ghosts and discover pumpkins, bats and owls. The sessions include music and gentle spooky elements.
Near Quebec House
Quebec House is a Grade I listed historic house museum in Westerham, Kent, featuring exhibitions and memorabilia related to General James Wolfe. Visitors can explore the historic interiors, 18th century styled gardens, and enjoy a tea room and bookshop on site.
Located in Westerham
Westerham is a historic market town in Kent known for its medieval church, connections to Winston Churchill, and featuring picturesque streets and cultural heritage sites.
Community Festival walk: Belton House to Bellmount Tower Circular Guided Walk
6 Sep
Join one of the Walk Leaders for a circular guided walk from Belton House to Bellmount Tower, exploring areas of historical significance from WWI and WWII. The walk is part of Belton's Community Festival and offers free access to the estate for the weekend, focusing on local heritage and environment education.
Near Belton House
Belton House is a Grade I listed English country house in Lincolnshire, surrounded by formal gardens and a deer park. It offers indoor attractions including historic rooms, exhibitions, and a restaurant in the restored stables, alongside outdoor experiences in its extensive gardens, parkland, and adventure playground for families.
Social walks with the National Trust
2 Oct, 16 Oct…
A volunteer-led social walk across Cookham Commons, taking in heathland, woodland paths and countryside views. Participants can learn about the area and its care while walking at a relaxed pace and meeting others.
Near Maidenhead and Cookham Commons
Maidenhead and Cookham Commons is a vast natural reserve in Berkshire offering diverse outdoor landscapes including riverbanks, woodlands, meadows, and walking trails. Ideal for families and dog walkers, the commons provide historical and natural exploration amidst open countryside.
Community Festival walk: Architecture and Historical Graffiti Walk
5 Sep
The Community Festival walk: Architecture and Historical Graffiti Walk is an immersive 60-minute guided tour at Belton Estate that uncovers stories about architecture and historical graffiti, offering insights into how architecture shapes culture and the narratives told by graffiti. The walk is part of Belton Community Festival with free entry to the Estate at the time.
Journeys - Global Blickling Tour
16 Oct (next Friday)
A curator-led guided tour exploring Blickling Estate’s international connections and how global trade, travel and cultural exchange shaped its history and collections. The tour also introduces textiles from Karun Thakar’s collection and the stories behind the Journeys project.
Near Blickling Hall
Blickling Hall is a Jacobean stately home in Norfolk with a significant historic library and extensive gardens, managed by the National Trust with on-site exhibitions including a WWII RAF museum.
Ilam Park: Highlighted Event: Summer of Play
31 Aug–6 Sep
Summer of Play 2026 at Ilam Park is a free outdoor event celebrating playful activities in the countryside for all ages with various games and activities including Frisbee Golf, Mud Kitchen, and a rainbow ribbon Maze, running during summer holidays with drop-in sessions.
Near Ilam Park
Ilam Park is a 158-acre National Trust country park in Staffordshire featuring the historic Ilam Hall, a Gothic Revival style Grade II* listed building now used as a youth hostel, set amid ancient woodland and scenic river walks.
Write your own story Christmas trail
21–23 Nov, 28–30 Nov…
Visitors follow an outdoor Christmas trail, spinning a wheel at each stop to choose a character, face challenges and shape the ending of their own story. A five-stop route is offered for younger children, alongside a full eight-stop adventure.
Near Arlington Court
Arlington Court is a neoclassical country house in Devon featuring historic architecture, period interiors, and a notable collection of horse-drawn carriages, set within registered Grade II* gardens. It offers indoor tours of the house and carriage museum along with outdoor exploration of the estate and gardens. The venue also provides dining facilities and activities suitable for children.
Castle Coole’s Housekeeper’s Room & Meet the Authors
13 Oct (next Tuesday)
Explore Castle Coole’s Housekeeper’s Room with National Trust curators, who will discuss its history, design and significance. The event also includes a tour of other servants’ spaces, ending in the Kitchen with tea and coffee.
Autumn Half-Term at Florence Court
26 Oct–1 Nov
Visitors can explore Florence Court’s house, decorated with the harvest, and see scarecrows created by local schools in the Kitchen Garden. House tours run at 11:30am, 1:30pm and 3:30pm.
3 miles from Castle Coole
Castle Coole is a historic late-18th-century neo-classical mansion set within a large wooded estate in Northern Ireland. Visitors can explore the richly decorated interiors, including original furniture, extensive basement service areas, and the surrounding natural landscape with lakes and ancient woodlands. The site offers guided tours, a gift shop, and insight into aristocratic life and architecture.
Smartphone Photo Editing Workshop
25 Sep
The Smartphone Photo Editing Workshop at Tatton Park is a hands-on editing workshop with professional photographer Jane Burkinshaw. The 3.5-hour session teaches attendees how to transform their photos using free phone apps like Snapseed, focusing on fixing common issues and enhancing style. Suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and small business owners, the workshop includes practical exercises and is held partly outdoors in the parkland and partly indoors in a historic barn classroom (with no lift access).
Near Tatton Park
Tatton Park in Cheshire is a vast historic estate featuring an opulently decorated 18th-century mansion, extensive landscaped gardens including Japanese and Italian styles, a working rare breed farm, and 1,000 acres of deer park with wildlife and trails. Visitors can enjoy dining, shopping, and a variety of family-friendly outdoor and indoor activities.
Belton's Landscape – Geology, History and Nature Walk
20 Oct
A guided 8.5 km walk exploring Belton’s geology and how it has shaped the landscape, wildlife habitats and human history. Topics include ancient land formation, fossils and the effects of ice ages.
Tour: ‘Taste, Design, & the Georgian Gentleman’
7 Oct, 10 Oct…
A volunteer-led tour exploring Georgian owner John Chute’s life, relationships and influence on The Vyne’s architecture and interiors. Visitors see highlights including the Neo-classical portico, historic chapel features and Tudor Oak Gallery.
Near The Vyne
The Vyne in Hampshire is a historic Tudor mansion with royal connections set within extensive gardens, meadows, and ancient woodlands. Visitors can explore opulent state rooms, enjoy family-friendly outdoor activities, and attend outdoor theatre and cinema events. On-site facilities include a tea-room and a gift shop, with accessibility features and dog-friendly areas.
Autumn Colour Photography Workshop: Beginners
17 Oct (next Saturday)
A beginner photography workshop at Sheffield Park and Garden, led by professional photographer Roger Bloxham. Attendees can practise in the garden’s early morning light and develop their photography skills and techniques.
Near Sheffield Park and Garden
Sheffield Park and Garden is a large landscape and woodland garden in East Sussex, originally designed by Capability Brown. It features a significant collection of rare plants and trees, natural ponds, and extensive grounds for outdoor exploration. The garden remains a National Trust property and offers visitors a serene and historic natural environment.
The World's Tallest Bedded Christmas Tree
28 Nov–23 Dec, 27 Dec 2026–3 Jan 2027
Visitors can see Cragside’s living Giant Redwood Christmas tree illuminated with more than 1,300 lights. The tree is presented as a festive outdoor spectacle against the winter sunset.
Near Cragside
Cragside is a Victorian Tudor Revival country house in Northumberland, renowned as the first house powered by hydroelectricity. It features innovative hydraulic technology, distinctive historic interiors, and extensive gardens with woodland and rhododendrons. Visitors can explore both the house's indoor heritage and the surrounding outdoor grounds and estate.
Wellbeing Walks in Comer Woods
11 Oct, 13 Oct…
A volunteer-guided wellbeing walk through Comer Woods, offering gentle exercise and time to enjoy the woodland and chat with other walkers. Participants can visit the café for tea and cake afterwards.
Near Dudmaston Estate Comer Woods
Comer Woods is a large working woodland within the Dudmaston Estate in Shropshire offering outdoor activities such as walking, running, cycling, and natural play for families. The site is dog-friendly, accessible with powered mobility vehicle hire, and features a takeaway café with seating. It hosts various family-focused events during the summer and has free access with parking charges for non-members.
Conservation Cleaning Tour and Breakfast at Rufford Old Hall
15 Jan, 19 Feb
Enjoy breakfast in the tearoom before joining a guided behind-the-scenes tour of Rufford Old Hall during its winter conservation cleaning. The tour offers a chance to see the historic house and learn how its objects are cared for.
Near Rufford Old Hall
Rufford Old Hall is a Grade I listed Tudor and Jacobean hall house in Lancashire featuring richly decorated interiors, a notable sixteenth-century carved wooden screen, extensive Victorian gardens with topiary squirrels, and historical collections of arms and rural memorabilia. The site offers both indoor historical architecture and outdoor garden experiences.
The Great Pumpkin Parade Trail
17 Oct–1 Nov
Follow a map around the garden to find eight pumpkins and complete spooky challenges with the Halloween Friends before the Great Pumpkin Parade.
Near Biddulph Old Hall
Biddulph Old Hall is a historic Elizabethan mansion and medieval hunting lodge with guided tours covering its rich history, gardens, ruins, and former uses as an artist's home and Buddhist retreat. Visitors can explore both the house interior and extensive grounds, enjoying seasonal gardens and refreshments.
Located in Biddulph
Biddulph is a picturesque market town in Staffordshire Moorlands known for its historic sites including Mow Cop Castle, Biddulph Grange gardens, and scenic valley setting between Mow Cop and Biddulph Moor.
October half term at Lanhydrock
24 Oct–1 Nov
October half-term activities at Lanhydrock include a folklore-themed interactive quest, book and story activities, craft-making, outdoor nature activities and storytelling performances based on a Cornish legend.
Near Lanhydrock
Lanhydrock is a historic Victorian family country house set within a large estate featuring beautiful formal gardens, parkland and woodlands. Visitors can explore the Jacobean mansion interior with its rich history and also enjoy extensive outdoor activities such as walking, cycling, and family-friendly events. Cafes and shops provide food and shopping options on site.
The Dig: A Story Unearthed
7 Oct–15 Nov, 21–22 Nov…
This temporary exhibition explores the real people behind the film The Dig and the 1939 excavation of the Great Ship Burial. Visitors can see original film costumes, jewellery and props, read personal histories, and hear contemporary interviews connected to the site.
Near Sutton Hoo
Sutton Hoo is a historic estate featuring the Anglo-Saxon Royal Burial Ground with a viewing tower, Tranmer House museum, and the High Hall exhibition. Visitors can explore woodland trails, enjoy on-site food and shopping, and participate in family-friendly activities including an adventure playground.
Young Makers' Christmas Market
13 Dec
A Christmas market featuring stalls run by young makers and creatives selling handcrafted gifts, with a performance of Christmas music by Barnes Concert Band and a hands-on activity to make mini wreaths from natural materials.
Near Morden Hall Park
Morden Hall Park is a large National Trust park in Morden, London, featuring historic buildings including Morden Hall, snuff mills, and a garden centre, set on the River Wandle with extensive parkland, footbridges, and a dog-friendly café.
Killerton Harvest
3–4 Oct, 10–11 Oct
Killerton Harvest celebrates the estate’s apple-growing heritage with apple-themed games, apple pressing demonstrations, local produce stalls and vintage machinery displays. The programme also includes Morris dancing and live folk music, with apple picking available at Sparrow Park orchard.
Near Killerton
Killerton is an 18th-century Georgian country house in Devon with extensive gardens and an estate including ancient hill forts and Roman sites, open to the public under the National Trust with historical costume displays indoors and scenic outdoor walks and landscapes.
Stranger Folk Digital Adventure at Wentworth Castle Gardens
7 Oct–1 Nov (another 23 days)
A digital folklore adventure for groups, recommended for ages 7 and up, in which players follow audio-led prompts and complete magical tasks around Wentworth Castle Gardens. The app guides participants as they encounter fictional folk creatures and decide their fate.
2 miles from Alhambra Shopping Centre
The Alhambra Shopping Centre is Barnsley's main indoor shopping venue featuring 41 shops, a mix of major chains and independent stalls, with convenient location next to Barnsley Market.
Garden Tours - Mornings
8–9 Oct, 12–16 Oct…
Join a guided tour through Sizergh’s garden and plant collection. Guides discuss the garden’s history and development, current and future projects, and seasonal highlights.
Near Sizergh
Sizergh Castle is a Grade I listed stately home and historic house museum in Cumbria, England, featuring Elizabethan and Georgian architecture with notable oak interiors and portraits. Visitors can explore both the castle's historic indoor spaces and its extensive outdoor gardens and estate, which includes the largest limestone rock garden held by the National Trust.
Festive spotter trail: Help Santa find his reindeer!
12–23 Dec
Families can follow a spotter trail around the visitor centre and along the path to Chute Wood, finding 12 hidden reindeer and collecting words to complete a Christmas crossword. Participants can return to the Visitor Hub for a festive treat.
Near Whipsnade Tree Cathedral
Whipsnade Tree Cathedral is a 9.5-acre garden in Bedfordshire laid out in the form of a cathedral using various tree species. It serves as a living tribute and a place of reflection with chapels for each season and is managed by the National Trust.
Belton Acorns
20 Oct, 3 Nov…
Belton Acorns is a session for children under five featuring themed crafts, play, songs and occasional outdoor activities. Themes include planting an acorn, caterpillars, autumn and Christmas.
Coffee afternoon by the sea with Age Concern Tyneside South
8 Oct, 15 Oct…
A dementia-friendly coffee afternoon hosted by Age Concern Tyneside South at Whitburn Coastal Conservation Centre. Attendees can chat with others or take part in activities such as games, knitting, arts and crafts.
Near Souter Lighthouse and The Leas
Souter Lighthouse is the UK's first electric lighthouse, offering indoor historical exhibits and outdoor coastal walks including The Leas and Whitburn Coastal Park. Visitors can enjoy a café, bookshop, rockpooling, wildlife watching, and family events in a scenic coastal setting.
Christmas at Packwood House
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.
Near Packwood House
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.
Heritage Open Days at Moseley Old Hall - Free entry
12–13 Sep
Heritage Open Days at Moseley Old Hall is a free event on 12 and 13 September 2026 where visitors can explore the 17th-century farmhouse, learn about King Charles II's dramatic escape, meet the Lace Guild with lacemaking demonstrations, and engage in traditional crafts related to wool. The event includes knowledgeable guides and costumed interpreters, children's craft activities, and access to the grounds and tea room.
Near Moseley Old Hall
Moseley Old Hall is a historic house and museum in Staffordshire, notable as a hiding place of Charles II during his escape in 1651. Visitors can explore the restored early 17th-century hall with period furniture and an enclosed 17th-century-style garden, all managed by the National Trust.
Stranger Folk at Lydford Gorge
2 Oct–1 Nov (another 23 days)
Visitors use the Stranger Folk app to follow a folklore-themed adventure around Lydford Gorge, guided by the Crone and taking on a mission to seal a rift between the spirit and human worlds. The app also shares facts about local folklore along the waterfall trail.
Near Lydford Castle
Lydford Castle is a medieval castle in Devon, England, historically significant as an early purpose-built prison and a centre for forest and stannary law enforcement. Visitors can explore the castle ruins managed by English Heritage and the adjacent Anglo-Saxon earthworks owned by the National Trust, reflecting law, order, and medieval authority in the region.
Stranger Folk digital adventure at Winkworth Arboretum
10 Oct–8 Nov (next week)
A digital folklore adventure at Winkworth Arboretum for children aged 7–12 and adults to play together. Using the Stranger Folk app, teams follow magical prompts and complete tasks to find the creatures and decide their fate.
Near Winkworth Arboretum
Winkworth Arboretum is a National Trust-owned arboretum in Surrey featuring over 1000 species of trees, extensive azalea and rhododendron collections, and landscaped garden lakes across 95 acres of outdoor woodland.
Decoding the Treshams: Lives Through Letters
7 Oct–22 Nov (another 44 days)
An exhibition at Lyveden explores the Tresham family through letters discovered concealed within the walls of Rushton Hall, revealing details of their relationships, lives and historical context.
Near Lyveden
Lyveden is a historic Elizabethan manor in Northamptonshire with an unfinished garden lodge, rare garden landscapes, and tranquil moats. Visitors can explore both the indoor manor exhibition and extensive outdoor gardens, enjoy seasonal events and workshops, and relax in the café.
Lizard Walks - Poltesco & Cadgwith
23 Oct
A volunteer-led circular walk from Ruan Minor taking in Poltesco, Cadgwith and the surrounding coast and countryside, including the old serpentine works. The walk is approximately 3.5 miles and takes around three hours.
Near Lizard Point
Lizard Point in Cornwall is the most southerly part of mainland Britain known for its dramatic cliffs, rich wildlife, and historical radio communication heritage. Visitors can explore coastal paths, watch wildlife such as seals and birds, visit the volunteer-run wireless station, and enjoy guided walks led by volunteers. The site offers diverse outdoor activities and beautiful natural scenery.
Delaval Discoveries: Potted History Talk
30–31 Aug
Delaval Discoveries: Potted History Talk is a daily 30-minute talk at Seaton Delaval Hall introducing the history of the Delaval family and the architecture of Sir John Vanbrugh's 300 year old masterpiece. The event does not require booking and is free, but attendees must pay the venue's normal admission charges.
Near Seaton Delaval Hall
Seaton Delaval Hall is a Grade I listed English Baroque country house in Northumberland, designed by Sir John Vanbrugh in 1718. Visitors can explore its historic architecture, fire-damaged central block, extensive 18th-century gardens, and estate features like a stone mausoleum and orangery. The venue is owned and maintained by the National Trust and offers both indoor and outdoor experiences.
Halloween Craft Sessions
29–31 Oct
Children and families can take part in a Halloween craft session at Shugborough Estate, making their own flying bat.
Near Shugborough Estate
Shugborough Estate in Staffordshire offers a blend of indoor and outdoor experiences including tours of a Georgian mansion, expansive gardens, parkland, and a working model farm. It features accessible facilities, food outlets, family-friendly activities, and dog-friendly grounds across 900 acres of historic and natural landscapes.
Christmas at Killerton
28 Nov 2026–3 Jan 2027
Christmas at Killerton features a traditionally decorated house recreating a 1924 Christmas, an outdoor play trail with activities for children, and community-decorated Christmas trees displayed around the property.
2 miles from Clyston Mill
Clyston Mill is a historic agricultural watermill in Devon where visitors can explore the mill's ground floor with level access, enjoy the adjacent orchard by the River Clyst, and experience a nearby scenic cycle path. Access to upper floors is limited due to steep stairs, and the mill features an original 1880 waterwheel. Entry is free for National Trust members, with a small charge for non-members.
Twilight, Stones & Sweet Indulgence: An Exclusive Giant's Causeway Experience
8 Oct
This adults-only evening begins with a guided twilight walk to the Giant’s Causeway stones, followed by a chocolate-tasting masterclass and a live truffle-making demonstration paired with local gin. The experience also includes hot chocolate and a chocolate bar to take home.
Near Giant's Causeway
The Giant's Causeway in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, features approximately 40,000 unique interlocking basalt columns formed by ancient volcanic activity. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a national nature reserve, offering visitors the experience of walking on natural basalt formations at the coast with notable geological and wildlife interest. Access to the natural site is free of charge, managed largely by the National Trust.
Little leaf collectors at Wallington
24 Oct–1 Nov
Children can join Wallington’s gardening team in the courtyard, using a wheelbarrow and rake to collect autumn leaves and add them to the compost bin.
Near Wallington
Wallington Hall is a Grade I listed Palladian country house with rococo interiors and historic murals set in 100 acres of parkland and gardens in Northumberland, featuring wildlife reintroductions and cultural heritage exhibits.
Sculpture exhibition in Avebury Manor Garden
5 Sep–18 Oct (another 9 days)
An outdoor sculpture exhibition displays works by more than 20 artists across the 11 garden rooms at Avebury Manor. Visitors can explore the sculptures among the garden’s seasonal planting; the works are also available to buy.
Near Avebury Manor and Garden
Avebury Manor & Garden is a historic National Trust property featuring a Grade I listed early 16th-century manor house with period interiors and meticulously designed formal gardens, located in the village of Avebury near the famous neolithic henge monument. The venue offers both indoor exploration of historical interiors and outdoor enjoyment of the gardens, reflecting centuries of architectural and garden design history.
Festive Wreath Making Workshop
5 Dec
Participants learn to make a bespoke festive wreath under the guidance of a florist, using supplied materials alongside foliage, ribbon and decorations they bring themselves. The workshop is suitable for all abilities.
Near Alfriston Clergy House
Alfriston Clergy House is a modest 14th-century Wealden hall house in East Sussex, notable as the first property acquired by the National Trust. It features timber framing, a thatched roof, and a historic cottage garden, offering visitors an authentic glimpse into medieval domestic architecture.
Willow Weaving (Willow Hare)
14 Oct (next Wednesday)
Participants follow willow weaver Catherine Tregaskes's guidance to weave a willow hare in a full-day workshop. The session takes place in the Marshall Room at the Old Rectory Restaurant.
Near Wimpole Estate
Wimpole Hall is a historic country estate near Cambridge featuring a grand 17th-century hall with significant architectural and garden designs, a large working farm with rare animal breeds, extensive landscaped grounds, and a range of family-friendly activities and events.
Victorian Kitchen Tours (weekends)
10 Oct, 17 Oct…
A guided tour takes visitors through Dunster Castle’s Victorian kitchen and larders, with stories about the cooks, maids and other staff who worked there.
Near Yarn Market, Dunster
The Yarn Market in Dunster, Somerset, is a historic Grade I listed octagonal building from the early 17th century, originally built to support the local wool and cloth trade, featuring a unique central pier with timber roofing and marked by Civil War history.
Local Treasure, Global Connections: Museum Room Display
7 Oct–1 Nov (another 23 days)
A museum room display at Calke Abbey showcasing the Chinese silk hangings from the State Bed. Visitors can look at the hangings and explore the symbolism and meanings in their imagery.
Near Calke Abbey
Calke Abbey is a historic country estate in Derbyshire offering a unique visit with its Baroque mansion in decline, extensive parkland with ancient trees and deer, a vibrant walled garden, and accessible walking and cycling trails. The venue provides family-friendly outdoor play areas, guided tours, cafés, shops, and accessibility features including wheelchair access and mobility aids.
Stargazing planetarium show
31 Oct
A 40-minute pop-up planetarium show offers an immersive introduction to stargazing, projecting a field of 10,000 stars onto the dome and showing features including shooting stars and the moon.
Near Woolsthorpe Manor
Woolsthorpe Manor, near Grantham in Lincolnshire, is the historic birthplace and family home of Sir Isaac Newton, featuring his famous apple tree and interactive exhibits on his scientific experiments. The 17th-century manor is preserved by the National Trust and offers visitors both indoor historic house tours and outdoor garden experiences.
Skellies and Wellies in the Gardens
24–25 Oct, 27 Oct–1 Nov
Visitors can follow a Halloween scavenger hunt through Tatton Park’s gardens, finding ten themed skeleton displays and using a free activity sheet. The trail includes photo opportunities and pun-based jokes.
Near Tatton Park
Tatton Park in Cheshire is a historic estate featuring a Medieval Old Hall, Neo-Classical Mansion, extensive gardens, a rare-breed farm, and a large deer park. It offers diverse experiences including indoor mansion tours, outdoor parkland exploration, and family-friendly activities like an adventure playground and farm visits.
Autumnfest celebrations at Arlington Court
10 Oct–1 Nov (next week)
Autumnfest at Arlington Court features an animal-themed community scarecrow trail, autumn decorations around the grounds, and harvest and floral displays in the house and gardens.
3 miles from Exmoor Zoo
Exmoor Zoo is a conservation centre in North Devon, specializing in rare and smaller animals with a focus on conservation breeding programmes. It offers outdoor animal exhibits including rare carnivores and birds, alongside visitor facilities including the African Café. The zoo provides an engaging family-friendly experience in a scenic national park setting.
Display of the Sir Philip Burne-Jones portrait of Rudyard Kipling
5 Oct–31 Dec (another 83 days)
A portrait of Rudyard Kipling by Sir Philip Burne-Jones goes on display in Kipling’s Study at Bateman’s, alongside the portrait of his wife, Caroline. The display marks the start of a three-year loan from the National Portrait Gallery.
Near Bateman's
Bateman's is a 17th-century Jacobean house in Burwash, East Sussex, known as the home of Rudyard Kipling. Visitors can explore the house preserved as it was in Kipling's time, including his study and collections, as well as the garden and the historic water mill on the estate.
Castle Weird Hallowe'en Trail
24 Oct–1 Nov
Visitors can follow a Hallowe’en trail through Castle Ward’s garden, encountering spooky details and learning about Mary Ward and her “creepy crawly” creations.
Near Strangford Lough
Strangford Lough is the UK's largest sea lough and a key wildlife habitat offering outstanding outdoor experiences including wildlife watching, coastal and woodland walks, and boat trips. It features mixed terrains with some wheelchair accessible paths and multiple car parks around the area. Dogs are welcome but should be kept under control.
Christmas Willow Sculpted Star Workshop
7 Nov
A guided willow-sculpture workshop led by sculptor Vik Westaway, where participants make a handmade willow star with materials and equipment provided.
2 miles from Ashclyst Forest
Ashclyst Forest near Exeter is a large natural woodland popular for walks, wildlife sightings, and dog walking. It features multiple car parks, waymarked trails, and nearby amenities including a dog friendly coffee shop at Killerton. The forest offers a peaceful outdoor experience for families and nature lovers.
Exmoor Dark Skies: Stargazing Evening
21 Oct
An evening of stargazing activities hosted by the Space Detectives astronomy group, with telescopic observations, laser-guided star mapping and constellation storytelling. Wet-weather alternatives include VR headsets and a mobile planetarium.
Near Dunster Castle and Watermill
Dunster Castle and Watermill in Somerset offer a rich experience combining a historic castle, working Victorian watermill, beautiful gardens, and scenic parkland with panoramic views. Visitors can explore the castle interiors, gardens with diverse plants, enjoy family-friendly activities, and visit cafés and shops on site.
Calan Gaeaf at Dolaucothi
28–31 Oct
Explore the folklore and legends of Dolaucothi through immersive trails, storytelling, theatre and exploration, with a special underground guided tour also scheduled.
Near Dolaucothi Gold Mines
The Dolaucothi Gold Mines in Wales are an ancient Roman gold mining site featuring remarkable hydraulic mining technology and aqueduct systems. Visitors can explore both extensive outdoor archaeological remains and guided tours of the underground mine workings on the National Trust estate.
Christmas Gift Fair
26–29 Nov
The Christmas Gift Fair brings together local artisans and suppliers selling gifts such as jewellery, candles, crafts and gin. Visitors can browse and shop in the Mansion’s Tenants Hall.
Constable 250: Flatford Guided Tour
8 Oct–1 Nov (another 23 days)
Join a guided outdoor tour around Flatford to learn about John Constable’s life and work and see the views that inspired paintings including The Hay Wain and Flatford Mill.
Near Bridge Cottage
Bridge Cottage is a 16th-century thatched cottage in Flatford, Suffolk, part of the National Trust properties, featuring an exhibition on John Constable and access to scenic River Stour walks.
Stranger Folk Digital Adventure at Emmetts Garden
9 Oct–1 Nov (another 23 days)
A family digital folklore adventure at Emmetts Garden, designed for children aged 7–12 and imaginative adults to play together. Using the Stranger Folk app, participants follow a character through magical tasks to find the Stranger Folk and heal a rift between the human and spirit worlds.
Near Emmetts Garden
Emmetts Garden is an Edwardian estate featuring six acres of arboretum and gardens on a high sandstone ridge near Ide Hill, Kent, offering expansive views and a rose garden next to a Victorian house, though the house is not open to the public.
Pokémon joins Belton’s Summer of Play
31 Aug–2 Sep
Pokémon joins Belton Estate's Summer of Play with an outdoor family event featuring a Pokémon Trading Card Game Mega Evolution Trail and various active games and activities. Attendees can participate in a trail to find Mega Evolution Pokémon, play Explorer Mini Golf, badminton, swingball, giant board games, and enjoy a sensory zone. The event runs from 18 July to 2 September with no booking needed but normal admission charges to the estate apply.
Late-Night Christmas opening at Quebec House
27 Nov
Quebec House opens after hours for a Christmas visit, with festive decorations and carols sung by children from Churchill School in the garden. Visitors can listen to the singing and enjoy hot chocolate.
2 miles from Toys Hill
Toys Hill is a large woodland area in Kent known for its scenic walking paths, diverse wildlife, and historical landmarks including a bat tower and old manor ruins. Visitors can enjoy peaceful walks, nature observation, and the natural beauty of the Greensand Ridge.
Stranger Folk
9–13 Oct, 16–20 Oct…
Stranger Folk is an app-based adventure inspired by British folklore, featuring interactive games and creatures such as goblins and boggarts. Families can explore Rufford Old Hall and its grounds, follow the story and take part in additional on-site games.
2 miles from WWT Martin Mere
WWT Martin Mere is a large wetland nature reserve in Lancashire managed by the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, renowned for birdwatching with observation hides and hosting many rare species. It provides significant habitat for wildfowl and migratory birds, especially in winter, and supports important biodiversity.
Autumn at Oxburgh; October half term
24 Oct–1 Nov
Visitors can enjoy a seasonal walk around Oxburgh Estate’s Formal Garden, try garden and lawn games, and use an activity sheet to explore autumn.
Near Oxburgh Hall
Oxburgh Hall is a moated Tudor country house in Norfolk featuring historic architecture, Victorian additions, notable religious concealments, needlework by Mary, Queen of Scots, and extensive gardens with woodland walks.
Bringing Kalan Gwav to life: a lunchtime talk with Dark Cornwall
20 Oct
Robin Vickery of Dark Cornwall gives a lunchtime talk about the creative process, research and Cornish traditions behind Trelissick’s Kalan Gwav experience. The ticket includes a two-course lunch.
Near Trelissick
Trelissick is a historic stately home and extensive garden located in Cornwall, England, owned by the National Trust. Visitors can explore both the house and its exceptional gardens featuring rare plants, woodland walks, and scenic estuary views within a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Half Term Calan Gaeaf: Family-Friendly Spooky Storytelling
24–25 Oct, 28 Oct
A family-focused spooky storytelling session featuring seasonal tales told bilingually in English and Welsh. Fancy dress is encouraged.
Near Llanerchydol Hall
Llanerchydol Hall is a magnificent Gothic mansion set in extensive Grade II* listed parkland featuring unique gardens and a ruined clocktower. Visitors can tour the historic East Wing and grounds, including a Japanese Garden with some accessibility limitations. A light lunch is provided during tours.
Halloween Outdoor Cinema - Hocus Pocus
25 Oct
An outdoor evening screening of the Halloween film *Hocus Pocus* at Osterley Park and House. Attendees can bring a picnic and are encouraged to wear fancy dress.
Near Osterley Park
Osterley Park is a Georgian era country estate in west London featuring a historic house with notable neoclassical interiors by Robert Adam and extensive parkland open to visitors. The National Trust manages the property, which includes a café, formal gardens, and woodland footpaths suitable for outdoor walks and cultural exploration.
Dark skies festival - Astrophotography in the Doone Valley
17 Oct (next Saturday)
Join photographer Mark Johnson for an outdoor astrophotography session in the Doone Valley, learning to photograph the night sky and landscape. Participants should bring a camera and tripod; no previous experience is required.
Near Lorna Doone Valley
Lorna Doone Valley in Devon is a scenic outdoor destination famous for its connection to the novel Lorna Doone. Visitors can enjoy extensive walks, a family-friendly wild play area, wildlife spotting, and amenities like a tea-room and gallery. The site also offers camping and glamping in a tranquil dark sky reserve setting.
Sketching in the spaces; A story of steel
5 Nov
An after-hours still-life sketching session at Oxburgh Estate, using weapons and armour from the collection as inspiration for a soldier’s kit scene. Basic drawing materials are available, though participants may bring their own pencils and resources.
3 miles from Barton Bendish Hall
Barton Bendish Hall is an early 20th century Odd Fellows Hall in Norfolk, serving the local community and accessible by private pre-arranged tours only.
Cloud Shrine: a gentle flowing movement and restful sensory immersion class
2 Sep
Cloud Shrine is a gentle flowing movement and restful sensory immersion class aimed at people with energy-limiting chronic conditions such as M.E. or long COVID. The session includes gentle flow movements, a horizontal Body Scan Meditation with sound bowl, and ends with a warm drink, designed to help attendees with mental health and physical wellness.
2 miles from Souter Lighthouse
Souter Lighthouse, managed by the National Trust, is a historic lighthouse showcasing pioneering electric lighting technology and maritime heritage. Visitors can explore the lighthouse tower, engine room, and keepers' quarters as well as outdoor areas including a play area for children and enjoy special demonstrations of the lamps and foghorn.
Walks for Health at Lanhydrock
14 Oct, 21 Oct…
A friendly weekly group walk at Lanhydrock, offering gentle exercise, time outdoors and the chance to chat with others. The walks follow a slow-to-medium-paced route over varied paths, including some hills.
Near Lanhydrock House
Lanhydrock House is a Grade I listed Jacobean country house in Cornwall, set in extensive gardens and parkland with historic interiors, including a long gallery with rare plasterwork. Visitors can tour the restored Victorian house, service rooms, nurseries, and church, experiencing both indoor and outdoor heritage.
'Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man' Behind-the-scenes Experience
7–8 Nov, 14–15 Nov…
A self-led visit around Calke Abbey explores how ‘Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man’ was filmed there. Visitors can see rooms used as Tommy Shelby’s home, film-related props and costumes, and photo opportunities.
Near Calke Abbey
Calke Abbey is a Grade I listed English country house in Derbyshire, cared for by the National Trust, showcasing a baroque mansion preserved in a state of decline surrounded by a landscape park rich in natural heritage and historic estate features.
Heritage Open Days: 1940s at Townend
15–16 Sep
Heritage Open Days at Townend feature two 1940s themed days celebrating the opening of Townend by the National Trust in 1948. Visitors can learn about the Browne family in the 1940s, watch wartime cooking and rag rugging demonstrations, and see a vintage vehicle in the courtyard. Visitors are encouraged to dress in 1940s style. There is no guided tour of the house during the event.
Near Townend
Townend is a 17th-century historic house in Troutbeck, Cumbria, owned by the National Trust. It offers insight into the life of a wealthy farming family and is a Grade I listed building open to the public for tours.
A Family Christmas at Cotehele Mill
21–22 Nov, 27–29 Nov…
Visitors follow festive lights along the stream to Cotehele Mill, decorated in a traditional Victorian style, and learn how families celebrated Christmas there. The event includes toys to play with, costumes to try on and craft activities on the mill’s first floor.
Near Cotehele Mill
Cotehele Mill is a 19th-century Victorian watermill set in a wooded valley in Cornwall, offering visitors traditional craft workshops, baking demonstrations, and scenic outdoor areas by the Morden stream with wildlife. Dogs are welcome on the extensive paths, and food such as ice cream is available seasonally. The site blends indoor historic workshops with enjoyable outdoor nature experiences.
Women of Wallington - guided tour and talk
16 Oct (next Friday)
Join a guided tour and talk in Wallington House to learn how women who lived or spent time there influenced its history and appearance.
Forest Bathing with Amanda from Let's Step In
17 Oct, 21 Nov
A guided forest-bathing experience at Alderley Edge, introducing the mindful Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku through a gentle walk and nature-based activities. Participants are guided to slow down, engage their senses and take away practices for continuing their connection with nature.
Near Alderley Edge and Cheshire Countryside
Alderley Edge offers an outdoor experience with dramatic scenery including a red sandstone escarpment, scenic countryside walks, and historical sites such as a Bronze Age burial mound. Visitors can explore wildlife-rich woodlands and enjoy a locally-run tea room on site. The venue is dog friendly and offers activities suitable for children.
Music Time Wharf Weenies
16 Oct, 20 Nov
A music session for children aged up to four and their adults at Dapdune Wharf. Participants explore songs, rhymes, musical instruments and simple movement games, with a story to finish.
Near 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.
Located in Guildford
Guildford is a historic town in Surrey, England, featuring a walkable town centre with a castle, cathedral, and arts venues. It offers rich cultural experiences, river navigation, cycling routes, and markets, served by rail and local public transport.
Monastic bread, beer and wool tour
15 Sep, 6 Oct
The Monastic bread, beer and wool tour at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden invites visitors to join a volunteer guide to learn about how monks sustained themselves through food, drink, clothing, and trade. The tour starts at Porter's Lodge and lasts for approximately one hour. It covers the history and economy related to the estate's mill and its products. The tour is free but requires payment of usual venue admission, and does not require advance booking. The event takes place indoors and outdoors with some parts involving walking on uneven ground.
Near Fountains Abbey
Fountains Abbey is a historic ruined Cistercian monastery near Ripon, North Yorkshire, with architecture dating from the 12th century. It is part of Studley Royal Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring landscaped gardens and industrial heritage. The site is owned by the National Trust and maintained by English Heritage, offering visitors extensive ruins, exhibitions, and scenic outdoor areas.
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Trust 10K run
25 Oct, 22 Nov…
A free, informal 10K trail run follows a circular route through the Polesden Lacey Estate and Ranmore Common. The route is suitable for all abilities and starts from the main visitor car park.
Near Polesden Lacey
Polesden Lacey is an Edwardian era country house and estate in Surrey, offering visitors a blend of indoor historical exhibits and outdoor estate walks, gardens, and woodland. Managed by the National Trust, it features fine art collections and hosts seasonal events including open-air performances.
October Half Term Spooky Crafts
26–30 Oct
Families can take part in a different Halloween-themed craft each day, making items such as a wool-wrapped broom, clay creatures, ghost decorations, a pumpkin sun catcher or a hand puppet.
Becher Walk
4 Nov
Join a guide portraying Reverend John T. Becher on a 2.5-mile historical walking tour of Southwell, exploring his connections with the town as a churchman, magistrate and social reformer.
Near The Workhouse, Southwell
The Workhouse in Southwell, Nottinghamshire, is a well-preserved 19th-century workhouse museum operated by the National Trust, showcasing historic rooms and offering educational programs for children. It highlights historic poor law practices and Victorian-era workhouse life.
Located in Southwell
Southwell is a historic cathedral and market town in Nottinghamshire, England, known for its beautiful Southwell Minster, rich history, and vibrant cultural festivals such as the Southwell Music Festival and Gate to Southwell Festival.
Coming to Claremont in 2027
20 Mar–11 Apr, 22 May–6 Jun…
A preview of Claremont Landscape Garden’s 2027 programme, including family-themed garden trails, a sculpture exhibition, outdoor theatre performances and a dog-themed celebration day.
Near The Homewood
The Homewood is a striking early 20th-century Modernist country villa near Esher, Surrey, designed by architect Patrick Gwynne. Open for pre-booked guided tours of its house and gardens from April to October, this unique property offers visitors a chance to explore architectural history alongside landscaped gardens in a private residence setting.
The Great Medieval Feast Quest
23 Nov–24 Dec, 27 Dec 2026–3 Jan 2027
A family quest at Corfe Castle exploring Christmas food, feasting and traditions in medieval times. Follow the route, solve six festive clues, look for Monty and Mathilda Mouse, and collect a siege coin at the end.
Near Corfe Castle
Corfe Castle is a historic 11th-century ruined stone castle atop a hill in Dorset, England, known for its medieval architecture and role in the English Civil War. Visitors can explore the castle ruins, enjoy scenic views, and learn about its rich history under National Trust care.
Vanbrugh 300: Sandy Nairne, Sir Charles Saumarez Smith and Mark Newman
1 Oct
This event is a talk introduced by Sandy Nairne featuring Vanbrugh scholar Sir Charles Saumarez Smith discussing Vanbrugh’s career and links to Seaton Delaval Hall. Archaeologist Mark Newman shares insights from investigations into Vanbrugh’s involvement with the hall. It is part of the year-long Vanbrugh 300 festival celebrating the architect's life and legacy.
SOLD OUT An Evening of Ghost Stories. A one-man performance by Toby Burchell
17 Oct (next Saturday)
A candlelit one-man performance by Toby Burchell featuring Charles Dickens’ “The Signalman” and Arthur Conan Doyle’s “Lot No. 249”.
Near Benthall Hall
Benthall Hall is a 16th-century English country house in Shropshire, featuring fine oak interiors, historic gardens, and connections to the English Civil War, open to the public seasonally under the National Trust.
Pages from the Potter Family Album
7 Oct 2026–31 Mar 2027 (another 173 days)
An outdoor exhibition at Wray featuring enlarged photographs by Rupert Potter, Beatrix Potter’s father. The images show Victorian family life, travel, leisure and landscapes connected with the Potter family’s time in the Lake District.
Near Wray
Wray Castle is a Victorian neo-gothic castle in Cumbria with extensive grounds featuring rare trees, part of Windermere shoreline, and historic connections to Beatrix Potter. It is managed by the National Trust and offers both indoor tours and outdoor exploration, including public access to the grounds year-round.
Anglian Potters Exhibition
31 Oct–1 Nov
The Anglian Potters Exhibition showcases handmade ceramics by the group’s members. Visitors can view the work, meet the makers and watch live demonstrations of clay being transformed into artwork.
Near Ickworth House
Ickworth House is a notable neoclassical country house near Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, set in extensive parkland with historic ancient trees. Visitors can explore the house's art collections, Regency furniture, and architectural features, as well as the nearby Ickworth Church and parkland. The house also hosts events in its renovated West Wing.
'Monsters around the Moat' Halloween Half-term Trail
17 Oct–1 Nov
A Halloween half-term trail around Scotney Castle’s moat, where families can search for hidden monsters, complete challenges and solve clues to find the monsters’ party location. Younger children can follow a spotter trail, while older children can try riddles and collect clues.
Near Scotney Castle
Scotney Castle in Kent is a National Trust property featuring a medieval moated manor ruins and an early Tudor Revival country house surrounded by picturesque gardens with seasonal floral displays. Visitors can explore both indoor historic house spaces and outdoor gardens with historical and natural highlights.
Family reindeer making
13 Dec, 20 Dec
An adult and child work together to assemble a wooden festive reindeer kit, with help from an experienced tutor. The workshop takes place in small groups, with four one-hour sessions available each day.
Near Tyntesfield
Tyntesfield is a Victorian Gothic Revival house surrounded by 540 acres of estate including woodland, gardens, and play areas, offering both indoor and outdoor experiences. Visitors can enjoy guided tours of the house, explore walking trails, dine at cafés and a restaurant, shop for gifts, and bring dogs on leads to designated areas. Accessibility features include a mobility shuttle, accessible routes, and wheelchair provision.
Potion Workshop
26 Oct, 30 Oct
A family-focused Halloween workshop where attendees can use their creativity and imagination to make potions. The activity is held during October half term at Hughenden.
2 miles from West Wycombe
West Wycombe is a historic village in Buckinghamshire known for its National Trust properties including West Wycombe Park, caves, the Mausoleum on the hill, and St Lawrence's Church with a unique golden globe tower. The village has notable historical architecture and attracts tourists with its blend of indoor exhibits and outdoor heritage sites.
Belton's Butterfly and Moth Trail
7 Oct 2026–31 Oct 2027 (another 387 days)
Follow an outdoor trail of eight giant moth and butterfly models through Belton’s parkland, and learn about species sighted at the estate.
Adventure Cinema – Star Wars
4 Sep
Adventure Cinema presents an open-air screening of Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope at Lyme National Trust. The event includes music before the film, food and bar on site, and takes place outdoors in the grounds. Attendees should bring blankets or camping chairs as no seating is provided unless premium tickets are purchased. The event is on the evening of 4th September 2026, runs from gates opening at 18:45 to film starting at 20:15 and ending at 22:30, with a U certificate, and under 16s must be accompanied by an adult.
Near Lyme
Lyme Park is a large estate in Cheshire managed by the National Trust, featuring the largest house in Cheshire with Elizabethan and Palladian-Baroque architecture, extensive formal gardens and deer park, and historical indoor exhibits including the Lyme Caxton Missal. It also serves as a filming location and offers food facilities on site.
October Half Term: Family Silent Disco
28 Oct
A family silent disco at Ickworth House, where attendees can choose between three music channels and dance together. The event is designed for families with children aged 4 and over.
3 miles from Bury St Edmunds Abbey
The Abbey of Bury St Edmunds is the ruins of a once wealthy Benedictine monastery in Suffolk, England, known for its historical importance, large medieval gatehouses, and surrounding Abbey Gardens. Visitors can explore the outdoor remains and gardens, reflecting its rich history as a pilgrimage site and monastic center.
Christmas choir performances
7 Nov, 5–6 Dec…
Choirs perform Christmas songs and carols in the barn at Trerice on selected dates in November and December.
Near Trerice
Trerice House is a historic Tudor manor near Newquay, Cornwall, featuring an elaborately rebuilt 16th-century house with extensive gardens. Owned by the National Trust, it offers visitors a glimpse into the history of the Arundell family and Tudor architecture within landscaped grounds.
Festive wreath making on Brownsea Island
8–10 Dec
Travel by boat to Brownsea Island for a guided wreath-making workshop in Brownsea Castle, with carols and a festive two-course lunch. Attendees can also stroll around the island or spend time in the castle bar.
Near Brownsea Island
Brownsea Island in Poole Harbour offers a unique wildlife haven with habitats for red squirrels and diverse birds, family-friendly trails, natural play areas, daily guided tours, and a historic campsite. Visitors access the island by ferry and can enjoy both outdoor nature and indoor facilities including a café and visitor centre.
Located in Poole
Poole is a historic coastal town and seaport in Dorset, England, known for its large natural harbour, maritime heritage, sandy beaches, cultural attractions, and lively shopping and dining scene.
Wondrous Women Collage Making Workshop
9 Jan
Participants can make a collage or other artwork celebrating a woman who has inspired them and has lived in the Netherexe or Silverton parishes. The finished pieces will contribute to an exhibition.
3 miles from Fursdon House
Fursdon House is a historic Georgian manor with centuries of family heritage, offering guided tours of the house, beautiful landscaped gardens, and a tearoom serving local treats. Visitors can enjoy scenic views, children's play area, and pet-friendly outdoor spaces.
Londonthorpe Village guided walk
26 Nov
Join a ranger for a 3-mile circular walk to Londonthorpe Village, with a guided tour of the village and church. The route may include Bellmount Plantation and Tower, or Londonthorpe and Alma Woods, with views of Grantham and the former RAF camp.
Myth, Magic and Mystery
29–31 Oct
Families can explore historical superstitions and legends and try brewing a potion using ingredients inspired by gruesome medicines from the past. The event is recommended for children aged 7–11 and takes place partly outdoors and partly inside the Old Hall.
Become a Ranger for a day
29 Oct
Young people aged 11–18 can spend a day volunteering with the Rangers at Morden Hall Park, helping care for the park and its nature. Lunch is provided.
Threads of Identity Exhibition - 'The Final Act'
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.
Near 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.
Little Hoo-ligans Parent and Toddler Group
8 Oct, 12 Nov…
Little Hoo-ligans is an outdoor parent and toddler group for children aged 2 to 4 and their parents or guardians. Attendees can take part in activities such as trails, crafts, games and songs.
2 miles from Sutton Hoo
Sutton Hoo is a historic archaeological site of two 6th to 7th century Anglo-Saxon cemeteries near Woodbridge, Suffolk, with an impressive ship burial containing regalia, weaponry and treasures. The site offers both outdoor exploration of burial mounds and an indoor visitor centre showcasing original artefacts, replicas and exhibitions. It is a landmark for Anglo-Saxon history, art and archaeology.
Daughters of the Soil
7 Oct–1 Nov (another 23 days)
An exhibition by documentary photographer Joanne Coates exploring the lives and work of women in agriculture, with photographs and landscapes from South Lakeland and other rural areas.
2 miles from Levens Hall
Levens Hall is an Elizabethan manor house in Kendal, Cumbria, known for its historic interior and extensive, world-famous topiary gardens dating from the 17th century. Visitors can explore the house and gardens, enjoy the picnic areas, cafe, and shop, with facilities suitable for children and wheelchair access.
Christmas Lunch in the Potting Shed Café
16–20 Nov, 23–27 Nov…
A Christmas lunch at the Potting Shed Café, with a choice of starters, turkey or vegan mains, desserts, a hot drink and a mince pie.
Festive evening at Ormesby Hall
4 Dec, 11 Dec
A late-night Christmas opening at Ormesby Hall, where visitors can explore the house decorated as different fairy-tale realms. The evenings also include festive music, storytelling in the library and marshmallow toasting by a fire pit.
Near Ormesby Hall
Ormesby Hall is a Grade I listed 18th-century Georgian mansion in North Yorkshire, offering visitors a blend of historic indoor interiors, including plasterwork and Victorian kitchens, alongside expansive gardens and estate walks. The venue showcases local heritage with a public model railway and hosts various events throughout the year.
Located in Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough is a historic port town in North Yorkshire known for its industrial heritage, cultural venues, parks, and modern university presence.
By appointment tour
7 Oct, 10 Oct…
A guided tour of Treasurer’s House explores Frank Green’s vision for the historic house and its collection of furniture, clocks and art, alongside research into his life and the property.
Near Treasurer's House, York
Treasurer's House is a Grade I listed historic house museum in York, showcasing architecture from the 12th century onwards with significant restoration by Frank Green. Owned by the National Trust, it offers tours including cellar and attic, features Roman archaeological remains, and a café and garden accessible to visitors. The house is notable for its reputed Roman soldier ghost sightings.
Summer of Play at Souter 2026
30 Aug–2 Sep
Summer of Play at Souter 2026 is a family-friendly free event offering a range of imaginative and competitive play activities including self-led games in the gardens and foghorn field plus pop-up events like SEND sports, nature crafts, family yoga, and led games of football, rounders, and dodgeball. The event takes place indoors and outdoors around the lighthouse and its grounds with activities suitable for children of all ages.
Mummers' play at Dyrham Park
3 Jan
Holt Morris performs a traditional English mummers' play at Dyrham Park, featuring a comic battle between St George and the Dark Knight, musical interludes and appearances by traditional characters.
Near Dyrham Park
Dyrham Park is a 17th century stately home with a fine baroque house, extensive ancient parkland, and beautifully maintained gardens featuring formal borders and a wildflower orchard. Visitors can explore the house's history and art collections, enjoy walking trails through the parkland, relax in the tea-room and café, and take part in family-friendly activities including a playground and guided walks.
The Chinese House opening for East and South East Asian Heritage Month
5 Sep, 13 Sep…
The Chinese House opening for East and South East Asian Heritage Month is a free event (venue admission applies) at Shugborough Estate where visitors can step inside the historic Chinese House, an 18th century Chinoiserie garden building, and learn about its story of travel, cultural exchange and artistic inspiration.
Near Shugborough Hall
Shugborough Hall is a Grade I listed historic stately home and museum in Staffordshire, England, featuring opulent 18th-century interiors, a working model farm, rare farm animals, and notable follies with classical and Chinese themes in extensive grounds.
Summer of Play: Storytelling with Ripon Library
4 Sep
Summer of Play: Storytelling with Ripon Library is a quiet, calm storytelling event held every Friday during the Summer of Play at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden. Attendees can drop by the Chill Zone on the ball games field for this storytelling session from 10:30 to 12:30. The event is free, but normal venue admission charges apply. Children must be accompanied by an adult. The setting is outdoor with level access paths nearby, but possibly difficult terrain in wet weather.
Near Markenfield Hall
Markenfield Hall is a well-preserved medieval moated manor house in North Yorkshire, offering limited guided tours that explore historic rooms and vaulted areas. The house provides wheelchair access to the ground floor and a tranquil, authentic visit focused on history and heritage without modern distractions like cafes or shops. It is free for Historic Houses members on select days, with tours including traditional tea and cakes.
Sound Bathing in The Great Hall
9 May, 13 Jun…
A guided sound-bathing session in Rufford Old Hall’s Great Hall, beginning with breathwork and relaxation before participants listen to sounds from crystal singing bowls, chimes and drums.
3 miles from Hesketh Out Marsh
Hesketh Out Marsh is a nature reserve focused on restoring saltmarsh habitat through managed realignment, offering outdoor nature trails, wildlife viewing, and a picnic area. The reserve is accessible with wheelchair-friendly paths and parking, welcomes dogs on leads, and has no entrance fee or on-site food facilities.
Summer Of Play
31 Aug–6 Sep
Summer Of Play at Kedleston Hall features a variety of fun outdoor activities in the Secret Garden such as giant dominoes, jenga, penalty shoot-out, an outdoor theatre, nature camp, obstacle course, and soft play for smaller children. The event is suitable for children and takes place in the garden area with seating available.
Near Kedleston Hall
Kedleston Hall is an 18th-century English country house in Derbyshire, featuring Palladian architecture and Neoclassical interiors. Visitors can explore its grand state rooms and extensive landscaped gardens with architectural follies. The historic seat of the Curzon family, it is now managed by the National Trust as a cultural and heritage attraction.
Christmas trail
28 Nov–3 Dec, 5–10 Dec…
A festive outdoor trail through the ruins of Fountains Abbey and the water gardens. Visitors pick up a trail sheet and follow clues to discover seasonal highlights across the estate.
Family volunteering - Bash and burn at Morte Point, Woolacombe
29 Oct
Families can join rangers at Morte Point to cut back gorse and clear overgrown vegetation, helping create space for wildflowers and other wildlife. Tools and training are provided, and participants can drop in for as long as they like during the day.
Near Woolacombe
Woolacombe is a National Trust site featuring an award-winning 3-mile sandy beach, extensive dunes, and scenic walking trails including the South West Coast Path. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views from Woolacombe Down, wildlife spotting, and family-friendly events. Facilities include National Trust car parks, food outlets nearby, and accessibility support with Trampers for mobility.
North Coast Walks - Bassett Cove & Tehidy
5 Dec
A volunteer-led social walk from Bassett Cove car park, taking in sea views and woodland at Tehidy. The route is approximately 1.5 miles, with an option to extend it.
Near Godrevy
Godrevy is a coastal headland in Cornwall featuring a historic lighthouse, popular surf beaches, rich wildlife habitats including seabirds and seals, and managed by the National Trust with access to walking paths and a café on site.
Festive Wreath Making Workshop
4 Dec, 8 Dec
A two-hour Christmas wreath-making workshop at the Old School Village Hall, where attendees use greenery from Belton’s gardens to make a wreath with expert guidance. Tea and coffee are provided.
Display of Su Blackwell's 'Bateman's Reimagined'
5 Oct 2026–14 Feb 2027 (another 128 days)
An exhibition of Su Blackwell’s paper artwork, a house created from copies of Rudyard Kipling’s handwritten manuscript of The Jungle Book. The artwork is displayed in Elsie’s Room on the ground floor of Bateman’s.
3 miles from Pashley Manor Gardens
Pashley Manor Gardens offers 11 acres of beautifully maintained English country gardens surrounding a historic Grade I listed manor house. Visitors can enjoy seasonal displays of flowers including tulips, roses, and dahlias, art exhibitions, and a café with garden views. The site provides good wheelchair accessibility and facilities including accessible parking and toilets. Admission is free for Historic Houses members, with fees for others, especially during the annual Tulip Festival.
Traditional games
21–23 Dec, 26 Dec 2026–3 Jan 2027
Visitors can play a collection of traditional games at Swanley Grange, including backgammon, charades and Pictionary, and use the puppet theatre. The games are available for all ages.
Heritage Open Day - Free Entry
12 Sep
Heritage Open Day at Lyme offers the public an opportunity to explore a historic house with six centuries of history, its formal gardens, and the 1,400 acre estate featuring wildlife and family activities, including a Regency Dressing Room and scenes from the BBC's Pride and Prejudice filming.
Festive Afternoon Tea
21–22 Nov, 28–29 Nov…
Guests can enjoy a festive afternoon tea with sweet and savoury treats and Christmas flavours in the Gardener's Cottage Tearoom.
Carols by Candlelight
6 Dec, 13 Dec
A festive carol service in St Mary's Church, with a local school choir leading traditional carols for attendees to sing along to by candlelight.
Christmas Wreath Making Workshop
27–29 Nov, 4–6 Dec
An adult Christmas wreath-making workshop where attendees make a fresh wreath using a mossed base, seasonal foliage and decorations.
2 miles from West Wycombe Park, Village and Hill
West Wycombe Park in Buckinghamshire features a historic Palladian mansion open for guided tours, surrounded by 45 acres of landscaped gardens, a charming 16th to 18th-century village, and scenic hilltop views. Visitors can enjoy cultural events, family-friendly trails, and refreshment options in the village.
The Hardmans’ Liverpool A Legacy in Light: From Street to Studio
31 Aug–5 Sep, 7–12 Sep…
The Hardmans’ Liverpool A Legacy in Light: From Street to Studio is a free photographic exhibition at Liverpool Central Library showcasing Liverpool through the nineteenth-century photographers Edward Chambré and Margaret Hardman's eyes, from evocative pre-war streets to nostalgic studio portraiture. The exhibition compares their vision with city life experiences today and does not require booking to attend. Normal venue admission charges apply.
Near Metquarter
Metquarter is a boutique shopping centre located in central Liverpool, housed in a historic former post office building. Visitors can enjoy a range of retail stores, a food hall, and a cinema, with a family-friendly environment.
Guided garden walks
8–9 Oct, 12–14 Oct…
Volunteer guides lead tours of Dyrham Park’s garden, highlighting seasonal blooms, its history and upcoming projects.
3 miles from Hamswell House
Hamswell House is a historic 16th-century house offering exclusive marquee weddings surrounded by 50 acres of gardens and private land with panoramic valley views, featuring wheelchair access and outdoor as well as indoor spaces.
Heritage Open Days
15 Sep, 19 Sep
Heritage Open Days at Dunham Massey is a free event open on Tuesday 15 and Saturday 19 September 2026, celebrating the UK's diverse cultures, crafts, and communities. Visitors can explore the historic house, gardens, deer park, and the mill while enjoying the beautiful surroundings. No booking is needed for this family-suitable event.
Near Dunham Massey
Dunham Massey Hall is a Grade I listed English country house in Greater Manchester featuring historic formal gardens, a deer park, and a notable collection of Huguenot silver. The venue includes indoor experiences such as house tours and art collections, as well as outdoor experiences in its extensive gardens and deer park. It also commemorates its history as a World War I military hospital with immersive recreations. Visitors can enjoy food on-site and there are facilities and activities suitable for children.
Magic Wand Craft
26 Oct, 28 Oct…
Children and families can decorate and take home a magic wand during a drop-in craft session at Cheshire Cottage.
Near Biddulph Grange Garden
Biddulph Grange Garden is a Victorian formal garden featuring themed garden rooms with international plants, a geological gallery, and distinctive areas like the Chinese Garden and Egyptian Court, offering an adventurous outdoor experience for all ages.
Free Archery Sessions
2 Sep
Free Archery Sessions at Kedleston Hall offer an opportunity to try archery on the lawn every Wednesday in August from 10:00 to 15:00. Suitable for ages 4 and above, sessions are wheelchair accessible and require no prior booking. The event is free to attend but normal venue admission charges apply.
3 miles from Duffield Castle
Duffield Castle is a historic Norman motte and bailey castle site in Derbyshire with extensive stone keep foundations, known as an early archaeological monument preserved by the National Trust. Visitors can explore the outdoor remains of this once strategically important castle with a rich history dating back to Norman times and earlier.
George Maw’s Global Suitcase Journey
10–12 Oct, 17–19 Oct…
Follow a Victorian-style passport trail around Benthall Hall and its garden, discovering George Maw’s travels, plant and fossil collecting, and inspiration for his tile designs. Suitcases around the site contain activities, objects to look at and passport stamps.
Near Buildwas Abbey
Buildwas Abbey is a free-to-visit historic ruin of a 12th-century Cistercian monastery in Shropshire, England. Visitors can explore substantial remains of the abbey church and claustral buildings beside the River Severn, including an architecturally notable nave, cloister, and chapter house.
October Half Term: Spooky Silent Disco
28 Oct, 30–31 Oct
A Halloween-themed silent disco for children aged 3–12 and their families, with attendees wearing headphones and dancing to music in the View Café.
October half term spooky crafts
28 Oct
Visitors can make a spooky woolly ghost to take home and explore the Hall to spot hidden bats. The Halloween craft activities are aimed at families.
Near Gawthorpe Hall
Gawthorpe Hall is a Grade I listed Elizabethan country house located on the banks of the River Calder in Lancashire. The house features historic architecture with roots as a pele tower, extensive restoration by Charles Barry, ornamental gardens, and serves as a trailhead for the Brontë Way footpath. The site also includes Burnley Football Club's training complex on its grounds.
Located in Burnley
Burnley is a historic market town in Lancashire, England, known for its industrial heritage as a major cotton production centre and ongoing advanced manufacturing, as well as cultural attractions including historic mills, museums, music festivals, and a lively nightlife scene.
Creative Writing with Joy Winkler
23 Sep
Creative Writing with Joy Winkler is a creative writing workshop led by former Cheshire Poet Laureate Joy Winkler. Participants will engage in developing observational skills to describe landscapes, embracing sensory details to immerse the reader in the depiction of place. The workshop includes park and garden entry and is suitable for ages 12 and over.
Fused Glass Workshop with Suzie Lavender: Festive Glass Mobiles and Glass Gift Creations
29 Nov
Participants can learn fused glass-making techniques with artist Suzie Lavender and create festive glass decorations or glass gifts in a beginner-friendly workshop. The work is kiln-fired after the session and can be collected later or posted.
3 miles from Mander Centre
The Mander Centre is a prominent indoor shopping centre located in Wolverhampton City Centre, featuring a wide variety of stores including major department anchors, dining options, and entertainment facilities suitable for families and children.
Christmas Late Night Opening 2026
18–19 Dec
Visitors can explore Mount Stewart’s Christmas-decorated historic house after dark, with Christmas music, activities and entertainment. The event also offers the chance to take photos by the tree, have a hot chocolate and do some Christmas shopping.
Near Mount Stewart
Mount Stewart is a 19th-century historic residence in Northern Ireland featuring a neoclassically refurbished house, expansive themed gardens, and the octagonal Temple of the Winds. Owned by the National Trust, it showcases rich political history and elegant garden design inspired by Mediterranean influences, offering visitors both indoor and outdoor experiences.
Building Trelissick: from farmhouse to riverside estate
7–14 Oct, 13 Feb–11 Apr
An exhibition in Trelissick’s West Library traces the house’s development from a modest farmhouse to a riverside estate, exploring its changing architecture and the families who lived and worked there.
Styling Smallhythe: From the functional to the unconventional
7–11 Oct, 14–18 Oct…
A display at Smallhythe Place traces changes in women’s fashion from the late 1800s into the 1900s, using clothing, photographs and paintings to explore changing attitudes and the lives of some of the house’s residents.
Near Smallhythe Place
Smallhythe Place is a Tudor-era historic house and theatre museum in Kent, dedicated to Victorian actress Ellen Terry, featuring her theatrical collection, costume displays, beautiful gardens, and an active barn theatre hosting numerous productions annually.
Building detectives walking tour
21 Oct
A guided architecture tour around Troutbeck village, examining traditional Lake District buildings and the exterior of Townend, with a chance to look inside its Lakeland bank barn. Attendees will learn how to identify clues that help interpret historic buildings in the region.
Near Holehird Gardens
Holehird Gardens is a 10-acre fellside garden featuring spectacular views over Windermere, diverse plant collections, woodland walks, and a walled garden. Visitors can enjoy national plant collections and new accessible paths amid wildflower meadows and herbaceous borders.
Tree Planting Days at Lodge Park
21 Oct, 6 Nov…
Join a volunteer tree-planting day at Lodge Park, helping to establish the Theatre of Trees as part of the restoration of the historic landscape. Participants will plant and protect large trees in small groups.
Near Lodge Park and Sherborne Estate
Lodge Park is a historic 17th-century deer course grandstand in Gloucestershire, restored to its original form and managed by the National Trust. Visitors can explore both the grandstand building and the surrounding Sherborne Estate parkland with footpaths and wildlife. The site includes a shop and light refreshments and is notable as a filming location for BBC wildlife programmes.
Geology tour
25 Sep
This event is a 90-minute guided geology walk at Brimham Rocks led by volunteer guides. Attendees will learn about the formation of Brimham Rocks during the walk. The event is free to attend but requires normal admission to the venue. It is aimed primarily at adults and meets at the Welcome Hut in the car park. The terrain is rugged, making the event unsuitable for wheelchairs.
Near Brimham Rocks
Brimham Rocks is a natural Site of Special Scientific Interest in North Yorkshire, England, known for its fascinating weather-eroded rock formations spread across heathland and woodland in the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The site offers outdoor exploration, notable geological features, diverse flora and fauna, and is popular for family visits and rock climbing. Facilities include a National Trust visitor centre with food offerings and child-friendly discovery trails.
Don't Go into the Cellar, Victorian Theatre presents 'Wilde about Oscar'
22 Sep
Don't Go into the Cellar presents 'Wilde about Oscar', an original one-man stage play performed by award-winning actor Jonathan Goodwin. The show takes place in the Great Parlour at Wightwick Manor and Gardens and revolves around stories related to Oscar Wilde. The event requires booking and tickets cost £20 each. It runs indoors with a start time of 7:30pm on 22 September 2026.
'Back Home for Christmas' -Storytelling with Father Christmas
5–6 Dec, 12–13 Dec…
Children aged 2–8 can join Father Christmas in Oxburgh’s Potting Shed bookshop for a Christmas story, followed by a small gift to take home. Each ticket is for one child and one accompanying adult.
Open Cabinets
7 Oct–1 Nov (another 23 days)
Visitors can see inside selected cabinets displayed around Castle Drogo and view their craftsmanship and interiors.
Near Stone Lane Gardens
Stone Lane Garden is a tranquil woodland and water garden near Dartmoor National Park featuring national plant collections, wildflower meadows, woodland walks, and annual sculpture exhibitions. It offers a peaceful outdoor experience with a seasonal tea room and plant sales.
SOLD OUT - Story time with Father Christmas at Rufford
5–6 Dec, 12–13 Dec…
Children and their accompanying adults join Father Christmas in his study for a festive story, games and a photo opportunity. The session includes a drink, cookie and a gift for each child.
Specialist Craft Open Days
12 Sep
Specialist Craft Open Days at Hardwick feature members of the specialist craft teams, including carpenters and masons, who care for National Trust collections and historic properties. Attendees can talk to the teams and learn about their skilled work. The event takes place on selected days during spring and summer, with sessions open from 10am to 3pm.
Near Hardwick
Hardwick Hall is an Elizabethan country house in Derbyshire notable for its Renaissance architecture, large windows, and rich historical associations including as a WWII parachute brigade formation site. The venue offers house tours with period furnishings and tapestries, plus extensive gardens and the ruins of the Old Hall. Visitors can enjoy a significant indoor historic experience alongside outdoor exploration of the estate grounds.
Wharf Weenies
9 Oct, 6 Nov…
Wharf Weenies is an outdoor session for children aged up to four, featuring songs, stories, play in the natural environment, mud-kitchen activities, natural-resource crafts and wildlife spotting.
Near 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.
Broomstick making for Witches and Wizards
30 Oct
Children can learn a traditional woodworking skill with expert woodworker TouchWood by making a mini besom broom to take home. The hands-on activity is presented as part of the Halloween season.
Near Brockhampton
Brockhampton Estate is a National Trust property in Herefordshire featuring a late 14th century timber framed manor house with moat, extensive farmland, parkland, and woodland. Visitors can explore both the historic interiors and outdoor grounds including an archaeological site of a medieval village.
Deep Dive into Paintings and First World War Poetry
10 Oct, 1 Nov…
Visitors can hear a short talk exploring one of Stanley Spencer’s paintings, followed by a reading of poetry by First World War poets in the Chapel.
Near Sandham Memorial Chapel
Sandham Memorial Chapel is a Grade I listed chapel in Burghclere, Hampshire, featuring a series of World War I inspired murals by artist Stanley Spencer, run by the National Trust as a historic site open to the public.
Christmas decorations through the ages at Moseley Old Hall
28–29 Nov, 4–7 Dec…
Explore Christmas traditions at Moseley Old Hall across the 17th century, the 1940s and the 1980s, with period decorations and stories about the families who lived there. Visitors can wander at their own pace or join an informal house tour when volunteers are available.
Crafted Christmas: Crafternoons
7 Oct, 13 Oct…
Visitors can drop in to make handmade Christmas decorations using techniques such as crochet, knitting, felting, stitching and recycled materials. The decorations will reflect Wallington’s heritage and different craft styles.
Music at the abbey
28–29 Nov, 5–6 Dec…
Listen to festive music performed by choirs and bands in the abbey’s cellarium, then stroll around to see the abbey and trees illuminated with colourful lights.
Pumpkin spotter trail and decorated rooms inside the house
18 Oct–1 Nov
Follow a pumpkin-spotting trail around Hatchlands Park’s parkland, then visit the house to see its Halloween decorations on house open days.
Near Hatchlands Park
Hatchlands Park is a historic red-brick country house with notable Robert Adam interiors and surrounding landscaped gardens in Surrey. It features the world's largest collection of historic keyboard instruments and a rare Cobbe portrait of William Shakespeare, with facilities including a café, shop, and open parkland.
Bah, Humbug! A Christmas Carol at Fountains Hall
28–29 Nov, 5–6 Dec…
Visitors can wander through Fountains Hall, decorated as a Victorian Christmas inspired by Charles Dickens’ *A Christmas Carol*, and see festive scenes, hear carols and explore rooms evoking the story.
Christmas at Trerice
28–29 Nov, 5–6 Dec…
Christmas at Trerice features festive decorations in the historic house, wreath-making workshops, visits from Father Christmas with Christmas stories, and choir performances of carols.
2 miles from Newquay Zoo
Newquay Zoo in Cornwall is a conservation-focused zoo spanning 13 acres, home to nearly 1,000 animals of 36 species. Visitors can explore diverse exhibits such as African Savannah, Tropical House, and Gems of the Jungle walkthrough aviary. The zoo offers educational programmes, on-site food facilities, and activities suitable for children, emphasizing species conservation and biodiversity.
Beneath the Surface: Unlocking the Secrets of the Thomas More Painting
2–7 Sep, 9–14 Sep…
Beneath the Surface: Unlocking the Secrets of the Thomas More Painting is an event showcasing advanced imaging technology used to uncover hidden details of a Thomas More portrait, offering new insights into its creation and history through live displays and expert talks at Nostell house.
Near Nostell
Nostell Priory is a historic Palladian house in West Yorkshire, England, featuring original 18th-century furnishings, extensive parkland with lakeside walks, notable artwork and furniture collections, and a rich monastic history dating back to the 12th century.
Live music at Gibside Chapel this Christmas
13 Dec, 20 Dec…
A series of Christmas music performances at Gibside Chapel features local groups, including an orchestra performing music from The Nutcracker, a male voice choir and classical piano pieces.
Near Gibside
Gibside is a Grade I-listed Georgian landscape garden near Rowlands Gill featuring historic ruins, extensive walking trails, and family-friendly outdoor activities including adventure play areas and den building. The venue includes a café, bookshop, and hosts seasonal events and guided tours, welcoming visitors and dogs alike.
Half-term craft activities at Lanhydrock
24 Oct–1 Nov
Visitors can try folklore-inspired crafts, including making bookmarks and masks, and explore stories inspired by myth and the season. The activities take place in the Thatched Cottage.
3 miles from Restormel Castle
Restormel Castle is a well-preserved Norman shell keep castle near Lostwithiel in Cornwall, notable for its unusual circular design and historical significance. Visitors can explore the outdoor ruins and enjoy its scenic riverside setting with a picnic area, maintained by English Heritage.
October half term crafts
24–26 Oct, 28 Oct–1 Nov
Children can make nature-inspired autumn crafts using card, pens and natural materials, with the possibility of creating a corn dolly to take home. The drop-in craft sessions take place at various times during the week.
3 miles from Derwentcote Steel Furnace
Derwentcote Steel Furnace is an early 18th-century cementation furnace near Newcastle upon Tyne, preserved as a Grade I listed industrial monument and scheduled site, showcasing historic steel production methods.
Dark Cornwall presents Kalan Gwav at Trelissick
17 Oct–1 Nov
Visitors can explore an immersive celebration of Cornish folklore, with mythological figures and installations throughout Trelissick’s garden and house. The programme also includes a high fantasy art exhibition, storytelling and games on selected dates.
Christmas Wreath Making Workshop
4–6 Dec
Participants work with the garden team to design and make a real Christmas wreath using provided materials and decorations. The workshop includes mince pies and a festive hot drink; it is suitable for people aged 16 and over.
Near Quarry Bank Mill
Quarry Bank Mill in Cheshire is a well-preserved historic textile mill from the Industrial Revolution, featuring working waterwheel machinery, factory and worker village tours, and exhibits on industrial heritage and child apprentices. It is operated as a museum by National Trust.
Located in Wilmslow
Wilmslow is a historic market town in Cheshire known for its quaint town centre, rich cultural heritage, access to railway services, local festivals, and a variety of shopping and dining experiences including luxury car showrooms.
Christmas wreath making workshop
28–29 Nov, 5–6 Dec
Make a Christmas wreath to take home using natural decorations and foliage gathered from Trerice’s garden. The workshop provides materials, hot drinks and mince pies.
2 miles from Blue Reef Aquarium
Blue Reef is a chain of public aquariums across England featuring underwater tunnels, tropical marine species, and interactive exhibits including play areas and a botanical house. It provides an immersive indoor aquatic experience suitable for families.
Snowdogs™ Discover Sheffield Park and Garden
28 Nov–23 Dec, 26 Dec 2026–10 Jan 2027
A festive trail through Sheffield Park and Garden featuring ten hand-painted Snowdog sculptures, game stops, interactive activities and seasonal surprises. The trail is inspired by The Snowman animation and is suitable for all ages.
Box Hill Guided Hike
18 Oct, 15 Nov
A guide leads a 10km circular hike around Box Hill, highlighting notable features and less-visited parts of the area. The moderate-to-strenuous walk includes climbs, descents and a break, with opportunities to ask questions and learn about the Surrey Hills.
Near Box Hill, Surrey
Box Hill in Surrey is a renowned natural landmark featuring chalk downland, diverse wildlife including rare orchids and butterflies, historic military forts, and scenic trails for walking and cycling. It offers panoramic views, a National Trust visitors' centre with a café, and family-friendly outdoor activities.
Summer of Play: Family Minibeasts Safari in the Garden
1 Sep
Summer of Play: Family Minibeasts Safari in the Garden is an outdoor family activity event for children aged 4-12 held in the formal gardens of Hardwick. Participants can explore and learn about minibeasts and their role in the ecosystem on a guided safari through the gardens. The event is free but normal admission charges to the venue apply.
Near Stainsby Mill
Stainsby Mill is a restored 19th-century flour watermill in Derbyshire, England, now operated by the National Trust within the Hardwick Hall estate. Visitors can experience both the historic indoor milling machinery and the scenic outdoor mill pond and surroundings.
Heritage Open Day at the processing mill at Force Crag Mine
12 Sep
Heritage Open Day at the processing mill at Force Crag Mine offers a rare opportunity to visit the processing mill of the last working metal-ore mine in the Lake District. Visitors can explore the mill building and learn how the rock ore was processed into metal ore. Tours run approximately every 20 minutes between 10am and 2pm on 12 September 2026. The event requires no booking, is free to attend, and is suitable for ages 12 and up. Access is on foot or by bicycle via a 2-mile unsurfaced track, with optional transport from the parking lot. Dogs are not allowed inside the mill but can be left outside.
Near Derwent Island House
Derwent Island House is a Grade II listed 18th-century Italianate house located on Derwent Island in Derwent Water, Keswick, Cumbria. Owned by the National Trust, it features neoclassical interiors and is open to the public only five days a year, offering a glimpse into historical architecture and island life in the Lake District.
Father Christmas at Sunnycroft | 4-13 December
4–6 Dec, 9–13 Dec
Visitors follow a 20-minute festive experience through Sunnycroft, exploring seasonal scenes based on The Wind in the Willows before meeting Father Christmas. Children can share their Christmas wishes and receive a gift.
3 miles from Eyton Hall
Eyton Hall is a historic Georgian/Regency manor house in Shropshire featuring extensive gardens, woodland walks, and a deer park. Visitors can explore the grounds by appointment, while the gardens retain many historic trees and landscape features established in the 19th century.
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.
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.
Classic Ibiza 2027 Anthems Tour
31 Jul
An open-air concert at Blickling Estate featuring White Isle-inspired house music performed by the 45-piece Urban Soul Orchestra, with DJs and live vocalists. The evening includes a sundowner set, dance set and laser light show.
2 miles from The Textile Conservation Studio
The National Trust Textile Conservation Studio in Norfolk specializes in the conservation and care of historic textiles, providing expert treatments and guided group tours by appointment in an accessible, modern facility.
Live music in the hall
7 Sep, 5 Oct
Local musicians perform live traditional music from England and Western Europe in Washington Old Hall, bringing the historic hall to life. Performances by duo Julie and William occur on the first Monday of the month, featuring music from the medieval period to the 20th century. No booking is needed, but venue admission charges apply.
Near Washington Old Hall
Washington Old Hall is a historic 12th-century manor house in Washington, Tyne and Wear, England, notable as the ancestral home of George Washington's family. Preserved and managed by the National Trust, it offers an indoor historical experience focused on England's medieval and early modern heritage.
Located in Washington
Washington is a historic new town in Tyne and Wear, England, known for its ancestral links to George Washington and a variety of cultural, industrial, and natural attractions.
Heritage Open Day
12 Sep
Heritage Open Day at Hare Hill offers a free opportunity to walk around the gardens, spot birds from the bird hide, or enjoy a picnic in the walled garden. The event is open from 10:30am to 5pm with last entry to the gardens at 4pm and does not require booking.
Near Hare Hill
Hare Hill Hall is a Georgian country house in Cheshire with an extensive National Trust garden featuring diverse rhododendrons, a walled garden, sculptures, and scenic walking paths.
Tales by Torchlight: The Adventures of Rægenhere
23–24 Oct, 30–31 Oct
Participants follow a torchlit route across Sutton Hoo, meeting Anglo-Saxon storytellers who share fictionalised adventures of Rægenhere and his warband. The event includes hot and cold drinks and cake at the end.
2 miles from Kyson Hill
Kyson Hill in Woodbridge, Suffolk, offers grassy slopes, specimen trees, and views of the estuary, ideal for walking and relaxation in an outdoor natural setting. It features walking trails through woodland, mudflats, and estuarine ecosystems and allows dogs on leads. The site is accessible via footpath from Woodbridge Railway Station and has benches for resting, but the terrain is uneven and not wheelchair accessible.
Autumn half term trail in Comer Woods
24 Oct–1 Nov
Pick up a spotter sheet from Heath Barn and explore Comer Woods, looking for signs of autumn wildlife and seasonal colours. The self-guided activity is designed for families and can be repeated as the season changes.
Near Dudmaston Hall
Dudmaston Hall is a 17th-century country house and estate in Shropshire featuring historic architecture, extensive gardens, parkland, woodlands, lakes, and a distinguished collection of modern art. Visitors can explore both indoor historic interiors and outdoor landscaped grounds within a traditional English country estate setting.
Outdoor Theatre at Attingham | Twelfth Night
5 Sep
Attend an outdoor theatre performance of Shakespeare's Twelfth Night presented by The Pantaloons at Attingham Park. This family-friendly event invites you to bring a picnic and enjoy a Saturday evening show in front of the Mansion with a running time of around two hours including an interval.
Near Attingham Park
Attingham Park is a Grade I listed neoclassical stately home near Atcham, Shropshire, set within 4,000 acres including 640 acres of parkland and gardens landscaped by Humphry Repton. The estate features historical architecture, rare Georgian garden spaces, extensive deer parkland, and offers visitors both indoor tours of the mansion and outdoor exploration of the grounds, with food available onsite.
Halloween in the House
24 Oct–1 Nov
Visitors can follow a Halloween-themed sensory trail through Mount Stewart House, discovering stories and magical creatures including witches and dragons.
Near Mount Stewart
Mount Stewart is a historic Irish demesne featuring beautiful woodland, orchards, farmland, and notable architecture including stable blocks and walled gardens. Visitors can enjoy outdoor walks, themed gardens, and child-friendly areas in a rich landscape steeped in history.
Heritage Open Days: Gunpowder Walks
11 Sep, 15 Sep…
Heritage Open Days: Gunpowder Walks at Sizergh offer an opportunity to explore the remains of Sedgwick's 19th-century gunpowder works on the estate and learn about their history from knowledgeable volunteers. The event consists of guided walks lasting around 2 hours, revealing local historical insights.
Cadw Open Doors 2026 at Chirk Castle
19 Sep
Cadw Open Doors 2026 at Chirk Castle offers free entry on Saturday 19 September as part of Wales' contribution to the European Heritage Days. Visitors can explore the historic castle and garden during the event which does not require booking and runs from 10:00 to 17:00.
Near Chirk Castle
Chirk Castle is a historic Grade I listed castle and stately home in north-east Wales, built in 1295 and managed by the National Trust. Visitors can explore both the castle interiors and extensive formal gardens and parkland surrounding the site. The estate also features notable landscape elements such as Offa's Dyke and has historic significance dating back to the Marcher Lords and English Civil War periods.
Guided Walk at Lanhydrock: Santa Paws
17 Dec
Join a festive guided walk around the Lanhydrock estate, bringing a dog in festive dress or enjoying the dressed-up dogs along the way. The walk lasts approximately 1.5–2 hours.
Christmas at Cotehele: 70 years of the Garland
21 Nov–24 Dec, 27 Dec 2026–5 Jan 2027
Visitors can see Cotehele’s 60-foot Christmas garland in the Great Hall, marking 70 years of the estate’s garland-making tradition. Parts of the house including the Kitchen, Breakfast Room and Victorian Library will also be open.
3 miles from Pentillie Castle
Pentillie Castle is a historic castellated house set on the Cornish bank of the River Tamar, featuring extensive woodland gardens, outdoor pool, and indoor leisure facilities. It operates as a private hire venue with accommodation and hosts weddings and events in a scenic setting.
Step into a Story at Lanhydrock
7 Oct–1 Nov (another 23 days)
Visitors can relax with books in Book Nooks around Lanhydrock’s house and garden, reading together or independently. They can also create their own folklore story as part of the National Year of Reading 2026.
Festive botanical bracelet making workshop
16 Dec
A two-hour workshop with Anna Pope where attendees learn to use a wooden loom to weave seed pods, beads and other botanical materials into a bracelet, then finish it with a metal fastening.
Near Godolphin
The Godolphin Estate is a National Trust property in Cornwall featuring a Grade I listed Tudor/Stuart mansion with Elizabethan stables, early formal gardens, and significant archaeological sites. The estate offers a mix of indoor historic house exploration and outdoor garden and landscape experiences, including views from Godolphin Hill. The house is open to the public on certain days and also available as a holiday let.
One Day Watercolour Workshop - Paint with Artist Nicola Bennett
10 Sep, 10 Jun…
This is a one day watercolour workshop at Gunby Estate, Hall and Gardens with artist Nicola Bennett where attendees can learn to paint a robin or pheasant, covering techniques and colour theory, suitable for all skill levels, with all materials and lunch provided.
Near Gunby Hall
Gunby Hall is a Grade I listed historic country house in Lincolnshire featuring significant art collections and Victorian walled gardens set within a Capability Brown styled park. The estate includes a clock tower, a stable block, and an active parish church on site, offering a combined indoor and outdoor visitor experience.
The Great Christmas Gnome Adventure at Winkworth Arboretum
14 Nov 2026–3 Jan 2027
Visitors follow a Christmas trail through Winkworth Arboretum to find woodland gnome characters, complete playful challenges, collect embossings and discover stories inspired by Scandinavian folklore and winter traditions.
Near Munstead Wood
Munstead Wood is an 11-acre garden in Surrey surrounding an Arts and Crafts house, famously associated with Gertrude Jekyll's influential garden design and collaboration with architect Edwin Lutyens. Currently closed for renovation, the site holds international significance in horticulture and the Arts and Crafts movement.