Isle of Wight

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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Go deep underground at Dover Castle and discover the Dumpy level on a special guided tunnel tour.

In the early 1960s the government selected Dover Castle as one of 12 Regional Seats of Government, to be occupied in the event of nuclear war. The heart of this was in Dumpy level and the tour presents an ideal opportunity to view the tunnels as they were when the Government abandoned them in the late 1980s.

Please note the tour is not suitable for under 18s. The tunnels contain uneven surfaces and some trip hazards – please wear appropriate shoes.

During a fire evacuation or other emergency, the lift to Dumpy cannot be used. In this case, visitors would need to climb 80 steps unaided to leave the tunnels. Unfortunately, it is not possible to accept bookings from visitors unable to climb these 80 steps unaided.

The tour is not recommended for anyone with chronic asthma, serious respiratory problems or a fear of enclosed spaces. You will be asked to sign a form to accept these recommendations and restrictions before the tour.

Please arrive at least 15 minutes before the time of the tour. You will also need a valid Dover Castle ticket in order to join the tour.

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Dumpy Level Tunnel Tour

Join us for a festive Christmas Afternoon Tea at Osborne's Terrace Restaurant!

Indulge in savoury tarts, pigs in blankets, canapés, and sweet treats, served with tea or coffee—or add Prosecco for an extra touch of luxury.

For the little ones, we offer a special Christmas Tea with finger sandwiches, houmous & crudités, pigs in blankets, a mini Christmas doughnut, and fresh fruit, served with juice or milkshake.

Upgrade to a luxury hot chocolate for an extra treat - just add to your ticket at checkout!

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HOW TO BOOK

Select your site admission tickets.

Add Afternoon Tea: On the Enhance Your Visit page, select a Festive Afternoon Tea time and a guided tour slot to allow you to view the house in its festive splendour. (On weekends throughout December Father Christmas visits will also be running). 

Plan Your Timing: Make sure to leave enough time between your tour and afternoon tea to allow you to enjoy both at your leisure. 

Please bring your booking confirmation with you on the day. If you’re a member, you’ll also need to bring your membership card. You can only use the member rate for people included in your membership.

If booking alongside a visit to Father Christmas, please give 1 hour before or after your other booking to ensure you have time to fully enjoy all your onsite experiences. Find out more about Festive Fun weekends at Osborne.

Christmas Afternoon Tea At Osborne

Join us for a festive Christmas Afternoon Tea in the grand dinning room within the main house at Wrest Park!

Indulge in savoury tarts, pigs in blankets, canapés, and sweet treats, served with tea or coffee—or add Prosecco for an extra touch of luxury.

For the little ones, we offer a special Christmas Tea with finger sandwiches, houmous & crudités, pigs in blankets, a mini Christmas doughnut, and fresh fruit, served with juice or milkshake.

Upgrade to a luxury hot chocolate for an extra treat - just add to your ticket at checkout!

Prices start from £24.95 per person.

BOOK TICKETS

HOW TO BOOK

Select your site admission tickets.

Add Afternoon Tea: On the Enhance Your Visit page, select a Festive Afternoon Tea time (On weekends throughout December Father Christmas visits will also be running). 

Plan Your Timing: Make sure to leave enough time if you have also booked Narnia and Father Christmas tickets.

Please bring your booking confirmation with you on the day. If you’re a member, you’ll also need to bring your membership card. You can only use the member rate for people included in your membership.

If booking alongside a visit to Father Christmas, please give 1 hour before or after your other booking to ensure you have time to fully enjoy all your onsite experiences.

Christmas Afternoon Tea At Wrest Park

Join us for a festive Christmas Afternoon Tea served in the traditional setting of the Old Kitchen at Kenwood.

Indulge in savoury tarts, pigs in blankets, canapés, and sweet treats, served with tea or coffee—or add Prosecco for an extra touch of luxury.

For the little ones, we offer a special Christmas Tea with finger sandwiches, houmous & crudités, pigs in blankets, a mini Christmas doughnut, and fresh fruit, served with juice or milkshake.

Upgrade to a luxury hot chocolate for an extra treat - just add to your ticket at checkout!

BOOK TICKETS

HOW TO BOOK

Select your site admission tickets.

Add Afternoon Tea: On the Enhance Your Visit page, select a Festive Afternoon Tea time (On weekends throughout December Father Christmas visits will also be running). 

Plan Your Timing: Make sure to leave enough time if you have also booked Father Christmas tickets.

Please bring your booking confirmation with you on the day. If you’re a member, you’ll also need to bring your membership card. You can only use the member rate for people included in your membership.

If booking alongside a visit to Father Christmas, please give 1 hour before or after your other booking to ensure you have time to fully enjoy all your onsite experiences.

Christmas Afternoon Tea At Kenwood

Father Christmas needs your help restoring the true meaning of Christmas.

A theatrical Christmas adventure exploring meaning and magic.

Discover The Spirit of Christmas at Eltham Palace, brought to you by Sneaky Experience.

Enjoy an hour-long immersive and theatrical journey through the stunning art-deco mansion, perfect for the whole family.

Father Christmas needs your help to restore the true meaning of Christmas and save the magic of Lapland. As you journey through enchanted rooms, you'll meet delightful characters and uncover the essence of the season, all leading to a heart-warming encounter with Father Christmas himself.

Prepare to be dazzled at Eltham Palace with interactive storytelling, captivating performances, and plenty of photo opportunities. Every child will receive a gift from Father Christmas as a token of gratitude for helping to rekindle the Christmas spirit.

Don't miss this extraordinary adventure, running on select weekends from 23 November to 22 December 2024.

Book your tickets now and become part of the Christmas magic at Eltham Palace!

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This event and associated ticketing and personal data capture is managed directly by Sneaky Experiences. Book your tickets via the Sneaky Experiences website. Relaxed sessions available, please see the website for further details.

The Spirit Of Christmas At Eltham Palace

Join best friends Ellie and Jack on a festive quest to uncover the magic of the season and its much-loved traditions. There are 12 stops to discover, each filled with Christmas stories, activities and exciting challenges.

This self-led quest is free of charge and offers the perfect way to embrace the Christmas spirit. See our opening dates and book online before your visit to save 15%. 

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Christmas Quest At Old Sarum

Christmas Quest At Pendennis Castle

Enjoy a festive day out for all the family at Kenilworth Castle this Christmas time. Listen to tales of Christmases past, including the Arthurian legend of the “Gawain and the Green Knight”, and “The Christmas Cherry Tree”. And, take your part in a mini panto in our interactive Harlequuinades shows!

Book online and save 15%.

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There’s also a chance to meet Father Christmas on weekends between 30 Nov – 22 December. If you’d like to book this, please select the time you’d like to attend on the add-on page. Due to capacity, only one adult per child can attend these sessions.

Festive Fun At Kenilworth Castle

Join Father Christmas at Belsay Hall this December for a magical way to start the festive season.

Father Christmas is taking time out of his busy festive schedule to tell some of his favourite seasonal stories around the Christmas tree.

After the group storytelling session, you and your children will meet the man himself, with the chance to take photographs and make memories to treasure. Father Christmas will also give every child a traditional present to unwrap.

Children of all ages are welcome. Tickets for Father Christmas cost £9.50 per child in advance, for members and non-members, and can be added at the checkout. Non-members will also need to purchase a ticket for the hall itself.

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Sessions take place at 10.20am, 11am, 11.40am, 12.20pm, 1.20pm, 2pm, 2.40pm and 3.20pm. As it's a busy tme of year for him, Father Christmas needs to start on time, so please arrive at least 15 minutes before your slot.

Father Christmas At Belsay Hall

Join the Georgian gentlemen for a weekend of festive fun as they prepare for Christmas at Walmer Castle. Enjoy a delightful array of activities and entertainment this holiday season! 

Book online and save 15%.

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Festive Fun At Walmer Castle

Join us at Bolsover Castle for a weekend of festive activities including storytelling and music.

Book online and save 15%.

BOOK TICKETS

There’s also a chance to meet Father Christmas on weekends between 30 Nov – 22 December. If you’d like to book this as well, please select the time you’d like to attend on the add-on page. Please note that due to capacity only one adult is permitted per child for Festive Tales with Father Christmas

Festive Fun At Bolsover Castle

Join Father Christmas at Down House this December for a magical way to start the festive season.

Father Christmas is taking time out of his busy festive schedule to tell some of his favourite seasonal stories around the Christmas tree. After the group storytelling session, you and your children will meet the man himself, with the chance to take photographs and make memories to treasure. Father Christmas will also give every child a traditional present to unwrap.

Children of all ages are welcome. Tickets for Father Christmas cost £9.50 per child in advance, for members and non-members, and can be added at the checkout. Non-members will also need to purchase a ticket for the House itself.

BOOK TICKETS

Sessions take place at 10.20am, 11am, 11.40am, 12.20pm, 1.20pm, 2pm, 2.40pm and 3.20pm. As it's a busy tme of year for him, Father Christmas needs to start on time, so please arrive at least 15 minutes before your slot.

Father Christmas At Down House

Step through the wardrobe and into the snowy magic of Narnia at Wrest Park this Christmas. Experience the enchantment of C.S. Lewis’ "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" as Wrest Park transforms into a winter wonderland with festive decorations, twinkling lights, and scenes from the beloved story.

  Explore the beautifully decorated house, where The White Witch has cast her spell, making it always winter and never Christmas. Journey your way through Narnia, escaping the Witch’s spell and end your adventure in the magical throne room.

  Outside, continue into the gardens for an enchanting Narnia-themed trail for families to enjoy, included in the ticket price.  On weekends, you can also enjoy the festive atmosphere with wintry fairground rides available for £5 for unlimited rides, which you can pay for on site. There will also be a festive afternoon tea available for an additional cost, more details coming soon. Don’t miss this magical adventure, perfect for families and fans of Narnia!

  BOOK TICKETS FAQ

There’s also a chance to meet Father Christmas on weekends between 30 Nov – 22 December. If you’d like to book this as well, please select the time you’d like to attend on the add-on page. Please note that due to capacity only one adult is permitted per child for Festive Tales with Father Christmas

Narnia At Wrest Park

Enjoy a family day out at Audley End this Christmas, as you soak up the festive atmosphere. Head to the kitchen to find Mrs Crocombe, the Victorian cook, and her kitchen crew preparing a Christmas feast. Then listen to stories of Christmas cheer and festivities as our performers tell tales of Christmases past.

Book online and save 15%.

BOOK TICKETS

There’s also a chance to meet Father Christmas on weekends between 30 Nov – 22 December. If you’d like to book this as well, please select the time you’d like to attend on the add-on page. Please note that due to capacity only one adult is permitted per child for Festive Tales with Father Christmas

Festive Fun At Audley End

Join us at Brodsworth Hall for a weekend of festive activities including storytelling and music.

Book online and save 15%.

BOOK TICKETS

There’s also a chance to meet Father Christmas on weekends between 30 Nov – 22 December. If you’d like to book this as well, please select the time you’d like to attend on the add-on page. Please note that due to capacity only one adult is permitted per child for Festive Tales with Father Christmas

Festive Fun At Brodsworth Hall

Join our Victorian butlers at Osborne this Christmas for festive fun and laughter!

Enjoy entertaining stories about Victorian Christmas traditions, lively plays, and hands-on activities throughout the day. Take part in a Christmas cracker-making workshop and craft your own traditional cracker to take home. Plus, little ones can join in our exciting Christmas quest!

Book online and save 15%.

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Christmas Afternoon Tea

Wednesdays to Sundays from 30 Nov - 22 Dec, 12pm - 3:30pm

Join us for a festive Christmas Afternoon Tea at Osborne's Terrace Restaurant! Indulge in savory tarts, pigs in blankets, canapés, and sweet treats, served with tea or coffee—or add Prosecco for an extra touch of luxury.

For the little ones, we offer a special Christmas Tea with finger sandwiches, houmous & crudités, pigs in blankets, a mini Christmas doughnut, and fresh fruit, served with juice or milkshake. Upgrade to a luxury hot chocolate for an extra treat - just add to your ticket at checkout!

Afternoon Teas can be added to your ticket at the check out.

If you are planning on booking a guided tour of the house, as well as attending Father Christmas at Osborne and Afternoon Tea this December, please make sure you select timeslots that allow enough time between all activities. Father Christmas at Osborne lasts approximately 30 minutes, a guided tour of the house approximately 45 minutes and Afternoon Tea approximately 1 hour.

Festive Fun At Osborne

Join Father Christmas at Kenwood this December for a magical way to start the festive season.

Father Christmas is taking time out of his busy festive schedule to tell some of his favourite seasonal stories around the Christmas tree in our group storytelling session.

Then, you and your children will get the chance to meet the man himself, take photographs and make memories to treasure. Father Christmas will also give every child a traditional present to unwrap.

Children of all ages are welcome. Tickets for Father Christmas cost £9.50 per child in advance, for members and non-members, and can be added at the checkout.

BOOK TICKETS

Sessions take place at 10.20am, 11am, 11.40am, 12.20pm, 1.20pm, 2pm, 2.40pm and 3.20pm. As it's such a busy time of year for him, Father Christmas needs to start on time, so please arrive at least 15 minutes before your slot.

Father Christmas At Kenwood

Join Father Christmas at Marble Hill this December for a magical way to start the festive season.

Father Christmas is taking time out of his busy festive schedule to tell some of his favourite seasonal stories around the Christmas tree in our group storytelling session. Then, you and your children will get the chance to meet the man himself, take photographs and make memories to treasure. Father Christmas will also give every child a traditional present to unwrap.

Children of all ages are welcome. Tickets for Father Christmas cost £9.50 per child in advance, for members and non-members.

BOOK TICKETS

Sessions take place at 10.20am, 11am, 11.40am, 12.20pm, 1.20pm, 2pm, 2.40pm and 3.20pm. As it's such a busy time of year for him, Father Christmas needs to start on time, so please arrive at least 15 minutes before your slot.

Father Christmas At Marble Hill

Christmas Quest At Goodrich Castle

Join our Victorian butlers at Osborne this Christmas season for a barrel of laughs and festive fun!

Enjoy lively stories, entertaining plays, and hands-on activities, including the chance to create your very own traditional Christmas cracker to take home.

Book online and save 15%.

BOOK TICKETS

Join Father Christmas at Dover Castle this December for a magical way to start the festive season.

Father Christmas is taking time out of his busy festive schedule to tell some of his favourite seasonal stories around the Christmas tree.

After the group storytelling session, you and your children will meet the man himself, with the chance to take photographs and make memories to treasure. Father Christmas will also give every child a traditional present to unwrap.

Children of all ages are welcome. Tickets for Father Christmas cost £9.50 per child in advance, for members and non-members, and can be added at the checkout. Non-members will also need to purchase a ticket for the castle itself.

BOOK TICKETS

Sessions take place at 10.20am, 11am, 11.40am, 12.20pm, 1.20pm, 2pm, 2.40pm and 3.20pm. As it's a busy tme of year for him, Father Christmas needs to start on time, so please arrive at least 15 minutes before your slot.

Father Christmas At Dover Castle

Guided forest bathing walks are a great way to look after your physical and mental well-being. Scientific studies have shown that forest bathing can help reduce blood pressure, boost the immune system, improve concentration and support anxiety and depression.

During your guided forest bathing walk with Deep in Nature you will be led on a slow-paced and gentle walk through our woodland landscape and invited to try various activities designed to help relaxation and to boost your mental and physical health.

You will leave the walk with tips and activities to practice on your own.  No prior experience or fitness is necessary.  

Adult walks are open to those aged 16+. We regret that we cannot welcome dogs on the forest bathing walks except for assistance animals.  Please note that admission charges apply for non-members. 

25th Sept 10:30

23rd October 1030

20th Nov 10:30

28th Dec 10:30

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Wrest Park Forest Bathing 2024

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' Events:

English Heritage

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