Dorset

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole

Old Wardour Castle was the scene of two dramatic Civil War sieges. After being seized by the Roundheads in 1643, it was recaptured by the Royalists the following year but not before being badly damaged by a huge explosion.

Julian Humphrys will start our exploration of this fascinating site with a talk on the Civil War before taking us round the castle, telling the story of the two sieges and showing how they've left their mark on the fabric of the building.

This event is graded as moderate access, as parts of the tour will involve walking on uneven terrain and navigating several stairs.

Members' Event:

In 1984-85 miners across the country took part in industrial action to try and prevent the closures of mining pits deemed uneconomic by the government. Bolsover has a rich mining heritage in the town and many locals joined and took part in the action. 

  This exhibition offers a compelling insight into the experiences and voices of the brave men and women who stood up to defend their jobs and communities.

  Throughout the month, visitors can engage in a rich array of activities, including film screenings, thought-provoking talks, and in-depth lectures.

  The events will also feature performances of music and songs inspired by the strike, creating an immersive and educational experience that honors the spirit of solidarity and resilience.

Bolsover Exhibition:

Enjoy the fresh air, pleasant surroundings, and community spirit with out regular Community Walk. The experience is led by our volunteers, and free to attend with no pre-booking requirement.

Please meet outside the front of the café.

Community Walk At Marble Hill

If Hitler had invaded Britain in the dark days of 1940, Audley End (or Defence Area 70 as it was known) would have played a crucial role in resisting the invader. Tour the grounds and discover the hidden remnants of Audley’s dramatic past.

This event has been graded as moderate access due to the length of the tour and limited resting spaces.

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Members' Events:

Start the weekend energised with a spot of Community Yoga against the stunning backdrop of Marble Hill and it's surroundings! Community based event, meet on the Oval Lawn (Behind House towards River) at 8am.

Event is weather dependent.

Community Yoga

Gather your little monsters for a ghoulishly good day out at Carisbrooke Castle this half term. Follow the quest to solve creepy clues and gather round to listen to spooky stories.

Book online and save 15%.

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The price you’ll pay depends on the day you want to visit. Find out more about our pricing.

Halloween Half-Term At Carisbrooke Castle

Playshapes is a unique, interactive art installation created by artist Pippa Hale where visitors can use their imaginations to create new structures and sculptures, and then climb and have fun on their own creations! At the beginning of each 45 minute play session, eight interactive cubes are set out in the library. They can be broken down into a mix of steps, triangles, prisms, and cylinders to rearrange and play on either alone or in groups.

At the end of the 45 minutes, parents/carers and children work together to reassemble the coloured cubes ready for the next experience.

Children of all ages are welcome, and grown-ups are encouraged to join in the fun too!

Sessions are available at half past the hour from 10.30. Each session costs £3.50 for members and £4 non-members, please book and pay for your time slot when you arrive at site. Non-members will also need to purchase a ticket for the hall itself.

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Playshapes At Belsay Hall

Join us for a fun arts and crafts activities before heading back to school. There is a chance it will be outdoors, so please dress accordingly. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Meet at the Coach House Cafe.

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Arts & Crafts

Get ready for a spine-tingling experience as one of our Visitor Assistants leads you through the haunted halls of Gainsborough Old Hall. Discover eerie tales of ghostly sightings and unexplained encounters from visitors and staff over the years.

Not suitable for children under the age of 8

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This is £1 in addition to your entry fee. Please meet in the Great Hall for your tour. Tours last approximately 45 minutes. Please be aware that the Hall closes at 5pm if you are booking the 4pm tour. 

Tours are about 45 minutes long, and we can hold a maximum of 15 people per tour.

Spooky Ghost Tours At Gainsborough Old Hall

Unexpected Osborne takes you through Osborne’s less-known histories, from the early days of Osborne as the home of the Blachford family in the 18th century to when the last patient left the Edward VII Convalescent Home for Officers in 2000.

Along the way you will be taken through stories of the Royal Naval College and its role in the First World War and of Prince Bertie’s (later known as Edward VII) specially built smoking room. The tour will also highlight key features such as the ice house that were crucial to life on a Victorian estate.

This event has been graded as moderate access due to the length of the tour and limited resting spaces.

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Join Eleanor Matthews, Curator of Collections and Interiors, to explore Brodsworth’s art collection and find out about the history of the beautiful paintings and sculpture on display.

The event will also include a chance to view the current special exhibition before going behind-the-scenes to look at a selection of objects that have never been displayed before, including family watercolours, sketchbooks and drawings as well as new acquisitions.

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English Heritage

English Heritage cares for over 400 historic buildings, monuments and sites - from world-famous prehistoric sites to grand medieval castles, from Roman forts on the edges of the empire to a Cold War bunker. 

Through these, we bring the story of England to life for over 10 million people each year. 

Members' Event:

English Heritage

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