Buckinghamshire

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

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?

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

Explore the outdoors with your little ones at our weekly Nature Tots group

Bring your little ones to our parent and volunteer led toddler group. Our Nature Tots group is for children aged up to 5 years old and their parents/carers. Each week parents and carers help the Nature Tots volunteers to organise and run nature inspired activities and together we experience and learn about the natural world around us.

Nature Tots discover Studland Bay and the landscape around them through activities and stories. The beautiful coastal setting with dunes and woodland makes the perfect location to discover the outdoors throughout the seasons.

Nature Tots meets during the BCP and Dorset school term time on Monday mornings.

Please note: sessions will not run on Mondays outside of school term times, including Easter, Bank Holidays, half terms, summer holidays and Christmas. Unfortunately this group is not suitable for childminders with groups.

Little ones welcome

Meet outside the Discovery Centre

Dress for the weather and wear clothes you can get mucky in.

There is level access from the Discovery Centre car park onto the grassy area outside the Discovery Centre. Some activities take place in the woodland, dunes and beach which have varying terrains.

Pay and Display parking. Free to National trust members and blue badge holders.

Studland Office

Help improve your mental health and wellbeing at Studland. Enjoy the tranquil beauty of the bay, the peaceful solitude of a super national nature reserve and why not step off the beaten path and explore our heath and woodland.

Enjoy a unique yoga session in Studland's dunes & a rare chance to connect with yourself & nature in the tranquil beauty of this special location. For all levels, this session blends gentle yoga, stretching, and meditation.

Join us for a mindful journey in nature being aware of our senses, walking through woodlands followed by gentle movements in the sand dunes.

How much do you know about seahorses? Come and test your knowledge on our seahorse quiz trail. Follow it to the end to find Neptune the seahorse!

Nature Tots

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

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.

Yes

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

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 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

Have you got a little one under 5? Then come along for a fun morning at Knole with babyccino coffee mornings and storytime in the bookshop.

Come along to Knole on a Monday morning during school term time for some fun and entertainment for under 5s.

Babyccino coffee mornings in the Brewhouse cafe start at 10am. Get a free babyccino when you buy yourself a hot drink, and meet other parents and carers as you keep your toddler entertained with a selection of toys and games. Storytime starts at 11am in the Bookshop, so why not join in before or after your morning coffee? Enjoy new stories as well as some classics that you and your little one will love.

Babyccino coffee morning 10am-12pm Storytime in the bookshop 11-11.30am

These are free events suitable for children under 5, running every Monday during the school term. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Normal admission applies. Please pre-book an Outdoor and Tower ticket per person. Car parking is included in all admission tickets.

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

No booking required for these events but we recommend prebooking your admission tickets to Knole.

Aimed at children under 5.

Please go to Brewhouse cafe for coffee mornings and the bookshop in Green Court for storytime.

There is step free access to both the bookshop and Brewhouse cafe. There are baby change facilities in Green Court and in the Conservation Studio building, which is opposite Brewhouse cafe.

No booking required for these events but we recommend prebooking your admission tickets to Knole. Children must be accompanied at all times.

Knole

Join this linocut workshop led by Rachel Moore, a professional Kent-based artist and printmaker.

Discover the story of Vita Sackville-West’s life at Knole.

Hidden above the showrooms lie Knole's attics. Join a behind the scenes tour to explore these spaces and see a different side to Knole.

Are you interested in volunteering? Join us at a volunteer coffee morning to find out more.

Toddler Mondays at Knole

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

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

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

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

Nordic Walx are sociable Fitness Walxs using Nordic Walking poles, lead by fully qualified instructors who ensure you get the most from your poles. Open to those who have completed the power of Poles Introductory course. Occational Walxs open to all. Suitable for 12 years+, under 16s must be accompanied by an adult, Pre book to guarantee your place. Non National Trust members can qualify for a reduced entry price of £5 with an 'active entry pass' when showing your pre-booked tickets at Visitor Reception on arrival.

Call 07980 266964

Suitable for 16 years+.

Meet in the stables courtyard.

Please use your own poles and bring your own water.

Please ring before booking if you can any concerns that Nordic Walking might not be for you.

Pre booking essential to guarantee your place. Non National Trust members can qualify for a reduced entry price of £5 with an 'active entry pass' when showing your pre-booked tickets at Visitor Reception on arrival.

Cathy Fort - WALX with Core Vision

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

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.

Nordic Walking with WALX with Corevision

See the rooms on the ground floor of Bath Assembly Rooms and learn about the history of this building.

Join your host for a fully guided tour of the ground floor of the Assembly Rooms. You'll learn a little about the future plans and be taken through the Ball Room, Great Octagon, Tea Room and Card Room where we'll share some of the history behind the building.

Tours will last approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour. Tours are aimed at adults, but are also suitable for interested older children. Please book a space for everyone in your party.

Charges apply, National Trust members will need to bring their membership card with them.

National Lottery Open Week (Visits between 9 - 17 March)

Present your lottery ticket or scratch card at our visitor reception to experience our place free of charge from Saturday 9 March until Sunday 17 March inclusive. One National Lottery ticket (physical or digital), scratch card, or Instant Win Game will give access to one adult. To book, please select one National Trust member ticket per person (adult) covered by your Lottery ticket(s) and enter 'National Lottery Open Week' when asked for your membership number at checkout. Please remember to bring your lottery ticket or scratch card with you for free entry.

Call 0344 249 1895

Tours are aimed at adults.

Please enter via the main doors.

Tours are on the ground floor only, level entrance and no steps involved. Please email: bathassemblyrooms@nationaltrust.org.uk for specific requirements.

Please arrive at 10am, 11am, 12pm or 2pm for your booked tour, we allow 15 minutes for arrival and the tour will start as soon as everyone has arrived or at 10.15am, 11.15am, 12.15pm or 2.15pm at the latest. Each tour lasts 45 minutes to 1 hour. Latecomers will be admitted up to 15 minutes after the start of the tour.

Bath Assembly Rooms

Come behind-the-scenes and see the lower ground floor stripped back to its original architecture.

Join Party in the City at Bath Assembly Rooms.

Share your thoughts and experience at this community workshop day.

During the half-term break there will be new craft activities themed around fashion and music.

Guided Tours in 2024

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

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

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

An expert volunteer guide will lead you around the 270 acres of parkland to learn more about the site's history, archaeology, management and significance. At 10.30am and 1.30pm on selected days.

Walks start at visitor reception and finish down by the house. They are free of charge, but normal admission costs apply. Walks are subject to volunteer availability - please check on arrival.

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

Suitable for all ages.

Visitor Reception in the car park.

The parkland is steep and uneven in places so please wear sturdy footwear and clothing suitable for the outdoors.

The parkland is steep and uneven in places.

Dyrham team

Want to find out more about Dyrham's garden? Why not join one of our expert volunteer guides on a tour?

The popular session for pre-schoolers is back in March 2024 with nature activities each Tuesday morning in term time until mid October.

Join a tour guide to discover Dyrham village in the summer of 1704. Learn about how the village was connected to the estate and interesting facts about the villagers at that time. Please be aware that this walk has a limited number of places....

Crawl like a caterpillar, jump like a grasshopper and leap like a frog this May half term at Dyrham Park. Get active around the garden while picking up some fascinating facts.

Guided parkland walks

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

Join Lizzy from Tellus Mater for forest bathing and well-being sessions at Hidcote. Learn about delving into your surroundings to connect with nature and boost well-being. 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...

A celebration of tapestry, embroidery and appliqué. Discover how Bess of Hardwick’s exquisite textile collection tells her story.

Elizabethan England was a material world. Power, identity and virtue were all expressed though what you owned and what you built.

Elizabeth Shrewsbury designed Hardwick Hall to shout about who she was and how far she had come. From the solid stone ES initials on the roof to the magnificent tapestries and textiles she hung inside, everything was a material statement about Bess.

The stories on the wall:

Tapestries and textiles were more than just interior decoration, they were a form of art used to make a statement. Their size, expensive materials and the stories they told made them the perfect medium to publicly project the power and status of the owner.

Discover the symbolism and hidden meaning in the images and stories which don the 400- year-old walls. See if you can spot Bess’ devotion to Penelope throughout the hall, a beacon of virtue dedicated to her husband.

Conservation:

It took 24 years for the 13 Gideon tapestries to go through cleaning and conservation and a whopping £1.7 million to restore them back to their full glory.

Find out more about the painstaking work of the specialist cleaning team in Belgium and the people behind the hand stitched repairs at the National Trust’s Conservation Studio.

Taking in the tapestries:

Let the textiles do the talking in the Long Gallery as you uncover new stories in the Gideon tapestries through ‘slow looking’. Accompanied by a magnificent soundscape, this really will be a treat for the senses!

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

Call 01246 850430

Children welcome

This display will in the hall only, across the Museum Rooms, the High Great Chamber and the Long Gallery.

The displays in the Museum Rooms of the Hall are on the ground floor and will be fully accessible. Please note that to view the upper floors of the hall, there is no lift available and is only accessible by stairs.

Please note that last entry to the hall is at 2.45pm.

General

Find out more about the work of the specialist craft teams who help us care for the National Trust collections and historic properties.

Intermediate 3.5 mile group walk around the Hardwick Estate. Make friends and get outdoors!

The Para Parade commemorates Hardwick’s history as the location for the 1st Parachute Brigade who lived and trained on the estate in the 1940s.

Reimagine the 'Lost Embroidery' at Hardwick Hall: Join Layla Khoo and stitch the fabric of modern virtue through creative participation.

Material Power: Let the textiles do the talking

Explore Ickworth as a masterpiece of design in our new celebration for 2024. From the iconic Rotunda with its innovative Italianate gardens to the estate's structured parkland, Ickworth is a dream of Rome within the heart of Suffolk.

Trace the footsteps of Ickworth's residents over the years in our house exhibition and learn just how the Rotunda came to be. Beginning with Ickworth's visionary curator, the 'Earl-Bishop', step through time to learn the stories of those who helped bring his ideas to life - and those who changed it. From quality craftsmanship to pioneering design, we invite visitors to discover why Ickworth is designed the way it is. Visit daily from 29 March from 11am. Last entry to the House 3pm.

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

Children welcome, please ensure they are under close supervision at all times.

Head to the Rotunda on arrival and through the front doors.

Suitable footwear, ideally not muddy please. We regret that prams and pushchairs are not permitted inside the Rotunda.

There is a lift for those that are unable to climb the stairs to the first floor. Please speak to a team member for more information.

Ickworth Estate

Join the team caring for Ickworth's treasures to discover more about the Hervey family and their collection.

Learn about the architectural styles and interior fashions that influenced the creation of Ickworth’s iconic Rotunda.

Hear the stories of the servants who lived and worked at Ickworth as you discover the hustle and bustle that went on below stairs.

Take a step behind closed doors in the Rotunda to see Ickworth through the eyes of our Collections Team.

Ickworth - A Design Masterpiece

National Trust

We look after the places you love, from houses, buildings and gardens to coast and countryside. Join us and help protect them.

Myths & Mythmaking

National Trust

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