Hampshire

Basingstoke and Deane

Get beneath the surface of Sir Stanley Spencer’s paintings on a 45-minute bespoke tour of the chapel.

Our knowledgeable volunteer tour guides can shed light on the profound meaning and ‘easy-to-miss’ details in Spencer’s paintings. Take a closer look at each piece and come away with an intriguing highlight from each one.

Call 0344 249 1895

Suitable for children over 12.

Outside the wooden doors of the Chapel.

Shoe coverings will be available for muddy boots.

We have accessible parking to the rear of the property and a ramp for access to the Chapel. Please call 01635 278394 for more information.

Sandham Memorial Chapel

Original oil paintings chosen by Watership Down author Richard Adams for the 40th anniversary edition of his novel are on display at the National Trust’s Sandham Memorial Chapel in Burghclere.

Stepping into the world of secret intelligence, this May half-term, families are invited to put their skills to the test on this trail in the gardens. Runs daily 25 May - 2 June, 11am-3pm. Closed 28-29 May.

A religious service led by Rev Mark Christian including references to the paintings of Stanley Spencer in Sandham Memorial Chapel.

Highlights Tours

On Mondays at 2pm you can discover the history of Buckland Abbey through our art collection.

Our volunteer guide will take you around the Abbey, giving you an in-depth tour of the pieces on display and weaving the stories of the paintings into the history of the Buckland.

The tour is scheduled for most Mondays but please check our website or social media for updates to avoid disappointment.

Normal admission applies, there are no additional fees for this tour.

This event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue.

Book at Visitor Welcome on the day. There are 8 places available.

This event is suitable for older children.

Book your tickets at Visitor Welcome then meet your tour guide outside the Abbey front door.

The tour will go through the Abbey and include stairs.

Buckland Abbey

On Thursdays at 2pm you can discover Buckland’s medieval roots with a knowledgeable volunteer guide.

The trees around us have secrets and stories to share. Join us at Buckland Abbey this May to take a walk with our native trees.

On the 5th May, join us for a mindful walk around the Buckland Abbey estate to celebrate International Dawn Chorus Day.

Do you love a bargain book? We have books that need new homes!

The History of the Abbey through its Art (guided tour)

Enjoy a behind the scenes look at how the hydro turns the power of the River Bollin into electricity

This tour will give you an overview of the history of waterpower, from the first wheel installed in 1784 to the present-day Kaplan turbine today. Visiting the Hydro house and the water gallery.

The tour will last between 30-45 minutes.

Tickets available from the Mill entrance. Meet there for the tour to begin at 2pm daily.

Admission charges apply. This is a free event. Tickets cannot be pre-booked.

This event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue.

suitable for children 10 and over

Tickets available from the Mill entrance. Meet here for the tour to begin at 2pm daily

This is an outdoor event so please dress for the weather

Partial access available. The Hydro house is not accessible due to steps.

Quarry Bank

Discover the beauty of blossom at Quarry Bank and excite your senses by following our blossom trail

Explore the home of the child workers of Quarry Bank on a unique tour

This is your chance to see what life was like for the crowded families in the village

Visit the comfortable home of the Greg family: funded by the mill and right next to it, but far away from the world of its workers

Daily Hydro Tours

Join one of our expert volunteer guides on an intimate tour of select rooms in the house at Chartwell, focusing on Sir Winston Churchill's love of painting.

Running Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays), our highlight tours take you around Chartwell house with one of our knowledgeable volunteer guides, including exclusive entrance into Sir Winston Churchill's bedroom.

Please note that as this is a highlight tour, it doesn't include access to all rooms of the house as a regular visit would. Those wanting to see the whole house will need to obtain a timed ticket to visit the house on a self-guided basis.

If you wish to also visit the gardens and estate, please feel free to arrive earlier than the time listed which is for the tour only. Normal admission into the gardens will still apply.

Please collect tickets at least ten minutes before the time stated. Tickets may be released to the public if not collected on time.

Call 0344 249 1895 The time listed is for your entry into the house, not the site - please arrive anytime from 10am.

Children must be supervised at all times.

Please head to the Visitor Centre on arrival with your booking details to collect your tickets.

Indoor event.

The tour includes several steps both between rooms and up staircases. Visitors should be prepared to be standing for 45 minutes.

• Please book one ticket per person. Children under 5 don’t need a ticket. • Face coverings are recommended in enclosed, crowded areas. • Members park free but non-members will need to pay where there are pay machines. Campervans are welcome but not permitted to stay overnight and we're unable to welcome caravans at this time. • If you arrive late, we can’t guarantee you entry. • Check the property website before you travel to see which facilities are open for your visit. • Tickets are for your use and cannot be resold. • The time listed is for your entry into the house, not the site - please arrive anytime from 10am.

Central Box Office

Join us on the on the 80th anniversary of D-Day

Join us as we commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day.

Unfold the historic events of Operation Overlord, the code-name for D-Day with our knowledgeable stewards.

Visit the house at 11am for a quieter and calmer experience.

Chartwell Highlight Tours: Churchill the Artist

Join one of our expert volunteer guides on an intimate tour of select rooms in the house at Chartwell, focusing on Sir Winston Churchill's love of painting.

Running Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays), our highlight tours take you around Chartwell house with one of our knowledgeable volunteer guides, including exclusive entrance into Sir Winston Churchill's bedroom.

Please note that as this is a highlight tour, it doesn't include access to all rooms of the house as a regular visit would. Those wanting to see the whole house will need to obtain a timed ticket to visit the house on a self-guided basis.

If you wish to also visit the gardens and estate, please feel free to arrive earlier than the time listed which is for the tour only. Normal admission into the gardens will still apply.

Please collect tickets at least ten minutes before the time stated. Tickets may be released to the public if not collected on time.

Call 0344 249 1895 The time listed is for your entry into the house, not the site - please arrive anytime from 10am.

Children must be supervised at all times.

Please head to the Visitor Centre on arrival with your booking details to collect your tickets.

Indoor event.

The tour includes several steps both between rooms and up staircases. Visitors should be prepared to be standing for 45 minutes.

• Please book one ticket per person. Children under 5 don’t need a ticket. • Face coverings are recommended in enclosed, crowded areas. • Members park free but non-members will need to pay where there are pay machines. Campervans are welcome but not permitted to stay overnight and we're unable to welcome caravans at this time. • If you arrive late, we can’t guarantee you entry. • Check the property website before you travel to see which facilities are open for your visit. • Tickets are for your use and cannot be resold. • The time listed is for your entry into the house, not the site - please arrive anytime from 10am.

Central Box Office

Chartwell is taking part in Beating the Bounds 2024; an annual community event that invites you to walk all or some of the parish boundary – just to check it’s still there!

Join us on the on the 80th anniversary of D-Day

Join us as we commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day.

Unfold the historic events of Operation Overlord, the code-name for D-Day with our knowledgeable stewards.

Discover the sights and sounds of spring as you go an adventure with Scrap's Spotter Trail this Spring.

Head out on an adventure with your spotter sheet in hand this Spring and see what sights and sounds you can tick off around Attingham, you may even see Scrap the Walled Garden cat herself!

Once complete, remember to collect your sticker of Scrap before leaving!

£1 per trail sheet, while stocks last. No booking required, normal admission applies.

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

You can collect your spotter sheet from Visitor Reception.

Appropriate clothing and footwear for the weather. The grounds can be very muddy at this time of year.

A sociable Nordic Walk using Nordic Walking poles whilst enjoying the beautiful grounds and parkland at Attingham.

A sociable, fitness walk using Nordic Walking poles whilst enjoying the beautiful grounds and parkland at Attingham.

Are you ready for a minibeast adventure at Attingham this may half term?

The Bee Friendly Trust’s mission is to create habitats for honey bees and pollinators to thrive. Buzz along to the Bee Lawn over the late Bank Holiday weekend, meet the Bee Friendly Trust, and join in with a hive of bee-themed family activities.

Scrap's Spring Spotter Trail

Discover the sighs and sounds of spring as you go an adventure with Scrap's Spotter Trail this Spring.

Head out on an adventure with your spotter sheet in hand this Spring and see what sights and sounds you can tick off around Attingham, you may even see Scrap the Walled Garden cat herself!

Once complete, remember to collect your sticker of Scrap before leaving!

£1 per trail sheet, while stocks last. No booking required, normal admission applies.

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

You can collect your spotter sheet from Visitor Reception.

Appropriate clothing and footwear for the weather. The grounds can be very muddy at this time of year.

A sociable, fitness walk using Nordic Walking poles whilst enjoying the beautiful grounds and parkland at Attingham.

A sociable Nordic Walk using Nordic Walking poles whilst enjoying the beautiful grounds and parkland at Attingham.

Hone your photography skills and learn how photography can help improve your mental health.

Are you ready for a minibeast adventure at Attingham this may half term?

Explore the history of East Riddlesden Hall

The hall was a home for almost 500 years, follow the new History Detectives trail and discover some of the evidence past residents have left behind.

With seven activities to try as you follow the trail around the house, from choosing the seating arrangements for dinner to creating your own plasterwork ceiling designs and putting the iconic rose window back together.

This event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue.

Trail sheets are available to collect from the Welcome Team on arrival

Full access information can be found on our homepage, for specific access requirements please contact the team.

East Riddlesden Hall

Join us in the Airedale Barn with our fantastic wedding suppliers.

Join the volunteers each month for a tour of the Hall.

Join us on a Tuesday morning for a relaxing session of Pilates in the Airedale Barn.

Watch the Collections Team as they care and clean some of the historic items in the Hall.

History Detectives Trail

Botanical and embroidery artist Olga Prinku brings her exclusive Nature’s Tapestry: Botanical Embroidery at Hidcote exhibition to Hidcote. Find out more.

Nature’s Tapestry | Botanical Embroidery at Hidcote Friday 29 March to Monday 30 September

Hidcote will host botanical and embroidery artist Olga Prinku in the exhibition hall this spring. Olga’s work combines dried and preserved flowers and other natural materials with tulle fabric, to create motifs inspired by nature.

Olga has been visiting Hidcote through the seasons to collect materials which she will use to create three artworks inspired by the garden. These will be displayed alongside her wider body of work. Her work uses materials like seed-heads that we ordinarily overlook to create intricate and unique artworks inspired by the changing of the seasons, and the raw beauty of the natural world.

The exhibition is located in the Entrance Hall of the house and is free to enjoy. Normal admission to the property applies.

This event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue.

Exhibition takes place in the Entrance Hall of the House

Level access to the House can be found via East Court

Discover the history of Hidcote and its creator, Major Lawrence Johnston, as well as the garden conservation work of the National Trust on a guided garden tour. Find out more...

Join Hidcote's Building Historian to explore the history of the estate and its buildings in a series of behind-the-scenes tours. Find out more...

Wander Hidcote's blooms and borders in the magical light of early evening.

Join Swan School of Tai Chi & Qigong at Hidcote as they take you through the ancient Chinese tradition of Tai Chi.

Nature’s Tapestry | Botanical Embroidery at Hidcote

Brought to you by the National Trust and Stoked Watersports, an opportunity to get out on the lake and maybe try something new.

At Stoked Watersports there is something for everyone. We run regular kayak, paddleboard and row boat hourly hire sessions throughout the day perfect for beginners.

For more experienced paddlers we have our SUP pick up and go service giving you the freedom to explore Lake Windermere at your own pace.

Our watersports base at Fell Foot on the southern tip of Lake Windermere is set within the National Trust’s Fell Foot park - a very special place which never fails to impress. It is quite simply the best place to experience watersports hires on Lake Windermere.

Call 02393 593939 Book direct with our activity provider Stoked Watersports.

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Please take a look at the joining instruction PDF you receive when you make a booking as it contains useful information including a site map.

Recommend wearing quick drying clothes, wetsuit shoes or lightweight trainers. Bring a full change of clothes and towel. Sunglasses, suncream, hat and waterbottle are advisable.

Speak to the team at Stoked Watersports about access requirements.

It is normally adverse weather (heavy rain and/or strong winds) which limits us from operating due to your and our team’s safety. We are always checking the weather and our team is pro-active with this and so if the weather is looking iffy Stoked Watersports will contact you to discuss all the options.

Stoked Watersports

Join us every Thursday in May and June for a story and nature walk around the park.

A simple way to get fit, with a great community at its heart.

Get involved with Great Big Green Week at Fell Foot

Guided Nature and Environment Walks with the NT team. Learn more about the hidden natural gems around Fell Foot and take away ideas and inspiration for what you can do at home. Meet at the tea room at 11am.

Paddleboard, kayak and row boat sessions

Be inspired by the blossom that's filling Killerton with colour.

Local community groups have been getting creative, writing poetry inspired by the blossom of the Killerton estate. Wander through the emerging magnolias and cheerful cherry blossom in the formal gardens, reading poetry displayed across the site from 20 April to 30 June.

This event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue.

Content of the poetry may be suitable for older children.

Check in as you usually would at Visitor Reception, then keep an eye out for the poetry displayed across the site.

Some of the poetry may be displayed outdoors, so please dress for the weather.

Routes may be muddy and slippery, and some have inclines which may be challenging for pushchairs and manual or motorised mobility aids. Route information and difficulty will be available at Visitor Reception.

Killerton

Killerton's 2024 fashion exhibition will explore children's clothes of the 19th and 20th century.

Join Killerton’s Ecologist, Fiona Hailstone, as she guides you to discover some of the 1500 ancient trees on the Killerton estate.

The University of Exeter archaeology department are excavating a site close to Columbjohn Chapel on the Killerton estate. Visit the excavation site and discover what they have found.

Learn more about how a gift in your will could help carry out crucial conservation work at Killerton.

Killerton Springs into Rhyme: Blossom poetry display

Experience a sound and visual art installation this spring

Colour, collage and sound are filling the aviary this spring. A group of young people from Hartcliffe have been working with artists Oshii and Jono Gilmurray to create a sound and visual art installation for Tyntesfield’s aviary. The group explored the history of the building and the bird life that would have inhabited it. They also delved into the significance of birds to Tyntesfield’s wider history and how the mining of seabird droppings (guano) for fertilizer made William Gibbs his fortune.

The final artwork not only explores these histories but encourages us to learn from them and think about how we can look after nature and our birdlife in future.

Echoes from the Aviary is a collaboration between the National Trust and Heart of BS13 and is supported using public funding by Arts Council England.

This event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue.

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The aviary is found at the back of the house.

Please dress appropriately for the weather. Layers and sturdy shoes are advisable.

The Aviary is accessible via a step free route.

Tyntesfield

Join our friendly and knowledgeable Estate Guides for a gentle walk around Tyntesfield estate.

On this two day course, learn to make a Celtic backstool (three legged chair) with the Somerset Bodgers.

See Pif Paf's Sunshine on the Fallen Tree at Tyntesfield

Create your own colourful collaged bird

Echoes from the Aviary

Celebrate the arrival of spring at Brockhampton with beautiful blossom, crafts, displays and much more.

Starting from the spring equinox, we will be celebrating the beauty of blossom here at Brockhampton, encouraging our visitors to engage with the orchards and experience the joy that blossom brings in the springtime.

Blossom spotting guides: Pick up a blossom spotting guide at Visitor Reception and head out into the orchards, discovering the many different fruit trees that grow at Brockhampton. These guides will show you when and where to find blossom, making them perfect to hold onto for a return visit.

Nature rubbing blossom trail: From mid-April, you can also take part in our blossom ‘nature rubbing’ trail. Pick up a trail sheet from Visitor Reception and discover the different animals that rely on the orchards at Brockhampton. There are six trees to find along the trail, each with a nature rubbing to print onto your trail sheet. This trail is suitable for all ages.

With 3km of accessible paths, natural play in the orchard rooms, and hammocks that swing beneath the branches, there is a way for everyone to enjoy the beauty of blossom in the reimagined orchards at Brockhampton.

Blossom is also being celebrated in the manor house and with several festival days, supported by our partnership with Salt Road. Head back to the events page to find out more about these events.

This event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue.

Brockhampton

Head into the manor house to celebrate the blossom at Brockhampton

Join artists Jaime Jackson and Pearl Colette for their ‘The Sign of the Underground’ visual art workshops in the orchards.

Join one of Brockhampton's rangers for a guided walk through the woodland and parkland, learning more about the seasonal changes across the estate.

Discover spring in the orchards at Brockhampton, looking out for the many faces of the Green Man and learning more about the natural world.

Blossom at Brockhampton

Brought to Light contrasts the work of two of the Lake District’s great photographers: Herbert Bell, a chemist’s son from Ambleside, and Rupert Potter, father of the children’s author Beatrix Potter, in a never before seen way.

Scanned from historic prints at high resolution and shown at a large scale, the images give a glimpse into two different experiences of the same landscape: a wealthy Kensington family on holiday for whole summers, and a local lad producing souvenirs for the tourist trade and going on youthful expeditions with his friends.

Whilst the interiors of Wray have changed over time, many of the landscapes captured by Rupert have remained the same. Stand in the same spot as the Potter family on the lawn at Wray for your family photograph or explore the landscapes Rupert he admired.

The exhibition is on the ground floor of Wray Castle, which is free to enter.

Wray Castle

Brought to Light: The Lakeland Photographs of Herbert Bell and Rupert Potter

Celebrate the festival of blossom with us here at Wightwick and admire the knitted (and real!) blossom in the gardens this spring.

Admire the blossom in our orchards and wider gardens this spring and see the handiwork of our talented volunteers and local craft groups with their knitted blossom displays around the gardens.

Accompanying the blossom displays will be printed poetry written by Simon Armitage, Poet Laureate, in collaboration with the National Trust.

See if you can find all of the knitted blossom displays and let them point you in the direction of the best views of the season.

You can also use the hashtag #BlossomWatch to share your pictures on social media.

This is a free, self-led trail around the gardens, normal admission costs apply, no booking required.

This event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue.

Suitable for all.

Please check in at Visitor Reception on arrival. The knitted blossom displays will be around the main areas of the garden for you to find.

The knitted blossom displays will take place around the outside of the buildings and throughout the main gardens, so please wear appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear if it has been raining.

The trail is located throughout the gardens, which contain some hard paths and some unmade grass paths. It may get muddy underfoot in some areas.

Events Team

Throughout the day Wolverhampton glass artist Suzie from Suzie Lavender Contemporary Glass will be teaching two sessions of fused glass making techniques. These workshops are suitable for beginners or as a refresher course.

This May Half Term, bring along the family to have a go at our craft activity and try some of our outdoor games.

Join us in the wonderful surroundings here at Wightwick to build on what you already know and see what you can do with your photography.

This is a workshop aimed at adult beginners or first time felters with tutor Natalie Harris(Brooks). Natalie is a fine artist using needle felting and the creator of Roly Poly Ponies.

Knitted Blossom and Poetry Trail at Wightwick Manor and Gardens

Inspired by the landscapes of Cornwall and it's ever changing moods, an exhibition by Rosie Mack is now showing at Botallack Count House.

A graduate of Canterbury University, Rosie Mack studied classical oil painting with Robert Greenham and lives and works in North Cornwall.

This exhibition, inspired by the landscapes of Cornwall, draws from many sources "imprinting a memory of light, colour, place and shape".

"The landscape of Cornwall has long been my inspiration, it's ephemeral light qualities and ever changing moods fascinate me. One of my ongoing themes is the exploration of the rich local landscape with its range of industrial architecture, which acts as man-made geological layers. The remains of the old tin and copper mines both blend into and form the existing geography, the previously bruised landscape being absorbed back into nature."

There is accessible parking and ramped access to Botallack Count House, and accessible toilet facilities on site. For any further information please call 01736 786934.

The exhibition will run during Botallack Count House opening hours, please see the website for times. Botallack and Botallack Count House are free to visit. The Count House Cafe (not National Trust) will be open, serving tasty snacks and drinks. There is plenty of parking available, charges apply (free for National Trust members).

Botallack Count House Workshop

Rosie Mack Exhibition

Join us as we explore the power of myths in shaping identities and understanding the world around us. Delve into the rich tapestry of myths, legends, and folklore.

Step into the fascinating world of Benjamin Disraeli, a remarkable British politician and storyteller. Disraeli knew that words held enormous power. Disraeli’s love for storytelling is reflected in his library and writings but also in his deliberate efforts to shape his personal narrative and legend, and in doing so attempt to influence public perception.

As you explore the mansion and grounds you will see how Disraeli wove together the art of myth making and storytelling to extend beyond the page to Hughenden’s manor, garden, and parkland.

This event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue.

Hughenden

Step into the enchanted woods and embark on a journey of discovery.

In the Manor, discover how Disraeli masterfully used myths to craft his public persona and navigate the complex worlds of belonging, identity and relationships.

Are you looking to get outdoors, meet new people and improve your health and wellbeing? Join this free, friendly 2.5 mile led walk through the woodlands around the Hughenden Estate, with views down to Hughenden Valley & High Wycombe.

Join us in celebrating Hughenden's literary heritage with our outdoor book fair. Discover literary treasures and support Hughenden with every book you take home.

Myths & Mythmaking

Join us for an accessible social walk at Penrose, guided by a volunteer walk leader.

Everyone is welcome to join us for a gentle walk from the Fairground car park to The Stables café in the heart of the parkland at Penrose, as part of our social walk series. This walk is approximately 3 miles in total and is fully accessible.

The walks are led by volunteer walk leaders and offer the opportunity for anybody to spend time in nature and meet new people. Everyone is welcome, of all abilities and experience, and the walk leader will facilitate the walk to ensure everybody feels comfortable.

Children welcome, adult supervision required at all times.

This walk will start at the free Fairground car park in Helston (TR13 8WN or what3words:///squeaking.magnetic.fuels) and will take around 2 hours.

Wear clothing suitable for all weather, ideally layers with waterproofs and comfortable, sturdy footwear.

This route is fully accessible. Toilets will be available half way at the café.

Dogs welcome, please keep them under close control & on a lead if around livestock or if requested by the walk leader.

Lizard & Penrose property office

Join us for a social walk at Penrose, guided by a volunteer walk leader.

Join us for a social walk at Penrose, guided by a volunteer walk leader.

Join us for an social walk around Loe Pool at Penrose, guided by a volunteer walk leader.

Join us for a social walk at Penrose, guided by a volunteer walk leader.

Penrose social walks (Fairground car park)

Join us for guided walks throughout the week as we celebrate national walking month.

In celebration of national walking month, we will be hosting a guided walk every day of the week.

Join our walking volunteers and explore the wider estate. There is sure to be one that takes your fancy.

Garden Walk and Talk - Monday 20 May, 12:30pm – 1pm. Join our gardeners for a tour and learn about the beauty behind the scenes.

Active Hike - Tuesday 21 May, 10am – 3.30pm. A challenging 8-mile (approx.) walk exploring deeper into the Arlington estate. Dogs on leads welcome.

Outdoor History Tours - Wednesday 22 May, 11:30am & 1:30pm. Guided walking tours exploring the estate's history with volunteer Graham.

Self-led Walk of the Day - Thursday 23 May, 10am – 4pm. Pick up a printout from reception and explore the Coombeshead Valley.

Wildflower Walk - Friday 24 May, 11am – 12am. Discover Arlington's wildflowers with our Grassland project team.

Well-being Walk - Saturday 25 May, 10:30am – 12pm. A gentle, sociable walk led by our volunteers.

Family Walk - Saturday 25 May, 1:30pm - 2:30pm. A family-friendly 1-mile wander around the gardens and grounds.

Self-led Walk of the Day – Sunday 26 May, between 10am – 4pm. Pick up a printout from reception and explore North Woolley.

This event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue.

Accompanied children are welcome.

Please dress for the weather and wear sturdy footwear.

The paths can be uneven and steep in places.

Arlington Court

Discover more about the wildflowers that have been sown at Arlington Court on this free family activity trail.

Visit the display in the house to discover Rosalie Chichester, Arlington Court's last resident, wildflower illustrations from over 100 years ago.

Join our gardeners for a wander around the garden and learn about what goes on behind the scenes.

A challenging 8-mile (approx.) walk exploring the Arlington estate. Dogs on leads are welcome.

Walking Week at Arlington Court

Join us this Festival of Blossom and May half term for a family scavenger hunt all about butterflies and moths.

Flutter and fly your way around Gibside on a scavenger hunt to find butterflies and moths. Learn about some of our most important pollinators and why we need to look after them.

Running 10am – 4pm. Free (normal admission applies).

This event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue.

Pick up a trail sheet at Visitor Reception.

This event takes place outside. Please wear appropriate shoes and clothing for the weather conditions.

The trail takes about 2 hours and includes inclines, rough terrain, grass, and the potential for mud and/or icy conditions.

This event is aimed at families, but everyone is welcome.

Gibside

Join us on a guided tour of the 18th century landscape garden and visualise the grandeur that once was the pride of George Bowes.

Get a taste for the history of Gibside with a Guided Walk volunteer.

Dive into the history of Gibside and take a walk with a Guided Walk volunteer around the 18th century landscape garden.

Join Shunyata Improvisation Group at Gibside for a musical workshop inspired by blossom.

Festival of Blossom: moth and butterfly trail at Gibside

Explore this stunning meadow consisting of over 120,000 spring bulbs

Last October, over 120,000 bulbs were planted in the arboretum by staff and volunteers. Between February and June, see them bloom into a vibrant display of colour at Knightshayes. With different flowers every month, there’s something new to explore every time you visit.

This event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue.

The arboretum is on a step free route.

Knightshayes

Discover the Victorian Language of Flowers this Half Term

Get ready for a summer full of play!

The Knightshayes Bulb Meadow

A snapshot of the Rawnsley's private lives and holidays in Europe displayed in the house where they lived.

Displayed for the first time, this collection of watercolours and small black and white photographs will give you a glimpse into the the private lives of the Rawnsleys.

Discover a snapshot of genteel tourism in the mountain resorts of the Alps and the Dolomites, while the shadow of the first world war loomed over Europe.

This event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue.

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

On private road about 300metres (0.2miles) uphill from Inn at Grasmere / Emma's Dell in village centre. Blue Badge parking. Not accessible by mobility scooter. Accessible toilet on ground floor. Induction loop. Steps to upper floor of house.

Allan Bank

Fun things to do with kids this May half term at Allan Bank.

Get involved with Great Big Green Week.

Get involved with Great Big Green Week

Chat to our outdoors team about how we manage the woodland at Allan Bank and get hands on if you fancy it.

Flower time in the Oberland: The holiday watercolours of Eleanor Rawnsley

Delve into the Townend archive collection through these fascinating personal letters.

Explore snippets of Ben Browne’s life in the 1700’s, following his relocation from the Lake District to London, captured in letters sent to his father ‘Old Ben’ over a 20-year period.

From the excitement of moving to the fast-paced big city, to concerns about his unfashionable clothes and the cost of living, to missing his mother’s cooking, the notes written by ‘Young Ben’ describe the experiences of a young person moving away from home to make their own way in the world.

This rare series of letters offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives and social position of an ordinary farming family, the Brownes, who lived at Townend in Troutbeck Valley for more than 400 years. See the original volume of letters on display alongside the original belongings of the family inside this typical Lake District slate-and-stone farmhouse.

The exhibition is included with standard admission. Free bookable tours, available from 3pm daily, can be booked in advance and include the display.

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Designated mobility car park spaces and drop-off point. Access to cottage garden via a steep slope. Many small steps in the house, including a step at the entrance.

You can choose from two different types of visit to Townend; From 10am until 3pm the house can be accessed through self-led, free flow visits. Last entry for free-flow visits is 2.30pm. Non bookable. Guided tours at 3pm each day. Tickets for the guided tours can be booked online two weeks in advance.

Townend

Letters from London

National Trust

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Highlights Tours

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