Wiltshire

This summer, Avebury will continue to celebrate the 300th anniversary of antiquary William Stukeley’s visit here to draw the stones and landscape. Families will have the opportunity be inspired to 'sketch like Stukeley' during free drop-ins in the stone circle, with paper and pencils to borrow. Look out for the easels set up in the henge. Please note: these sessions are subject to volunteer availability and weather conditions, and may not go ahead in heavy rain or strong wind.

Sketch Like Stukeley

Meet, move and play, all at the heart of your community. ParkPlay is a FREE weekly outdoor play session to help families make friends, have fun and move more.

PlayLeaders Chris, Charlotte and Alice will ensure sessions are welcoming and inclusive, encouraging all ages and abilities to join in. Activities are relaxed enough to attract the shy and less confident, but structured enough to reassure.

Each two-hour session consists of: meet and greet, warm-up games, active games, inclusive sports and time to socialise.

Join in for the full two hours, or drop in for as long as you like - whatever suits your schedule or energy levels!

To become a ParkPlayer, simply register online at park-play.com/parks/souter/ via the link on this page.

Parkplay

Free Entry To Godolphin For Heritage Open Days

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.

Discover what goes on in the apiary and learn about the life of the honey bee. Find out why bees are important in the garden, park and woodland at Hughenden and how you can create your own bee friendly spaces. Dispel myths around beekeeping.

Are you looking to get outdoors, meet new people and improve your health and wellbeing? Join this free friendly 2.7 mile led walk with a short guided tour of the gardens and an overview of the park and chalk stream at Hughenden

Myths & Mythmaking

Story Shelter At East Pool Mine

Sculpture Exhibition In Avebury Manor Garden

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 on Thursday's in May* and June for a story and nature walk around the park. *Please note this will not take place on the half term week (Thursday 30th May).

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

Families and friends are encouraged to make the most of the longer warmer days. Discover the sights and sounds of the great outdoors, with games for all ages at Fell Foot lakeshore park.

Join us on Thursday's in October for a story and nature walk around the park at Fell Foot.

Paddleboard, kayak and row boat sessions

Coming to the Fox Talbot Museum on June 29, a diverse selection of contemporary photographs from across the globe.

For the past 170 years, the RPS's International Photography Exhibition has reflected how people see and think about things. The artworks selected for the Fox Talbot Museum exhibit a wide range of themes, subjects, techniques and aesthetics from 37 different photographers.

The International Photography Exhibition encourages photographers and image-makers of all ages, new, emerging and established photographers worldwide to submit work to the open call. For each edition of the exhibition the RPS invites a panel of leading voices in photography to bring an exciting mix of expertise to the final exhibition selection. The exhibition at the Fox Talbot Museum represents a selection from the last three years’ editions of RPS exhibitions.

International Photography Exhibition

Heritage Open Days At Greys Court, 6 To 15 September

Pooch Passport

Heritage Open Days At Basildon Park, 6 To 15 September

Heritage Open Days

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.

Nature’S Tapestry | Botanical Embroidery At Hidcote

Discover over 60 original illustrations in our family-friendly exhibition, including favourite stories and characters such as Mr Gumpy, Avocado Baby, and Oi! Get Off Our Train!

There are comfy reading zones for kids to snuggle into with a book, colourful blown-up scenes for family photos, and dressing up inspiration. Look out for the life-size ‘magic’ bed that transports young imaginations to far away worlds, inspired by Burningham’s classic story The Magic Bed.

Sketches and personal items, including the artist’s paint palette, reveal how Burningham created his much-loved stories.

Outside, an energetic activity trail weaves through Mottisfont’s spacious gardens, introducing families to more characters, with games and challenges to complete. £3 per trail.

Art gallery open 11am-4.30pm daily, gardens open 10am-5pm daily. Last entry into the property, house and gallery is 30 minutes before closing.

Property admission applies (free entry for National Trust members, Art Fund members and under 5s).

There's no need to book, but we may get very busy, particularly on weekends. We open at 10am, and mornings tend to be busier than afternoons - most of our visitors arrive before 2pm, which can cause congestion in the car park. If you have the flexibility, a weekday visit is generally quieter than a weekend, even during school holidays. If you can only visit over the weekend, Saturdays are usually less busy than Sundays.

John Burningham's Bedtime Stories: Exhibition And Activity 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...

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

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 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

Bring your own mat or blanket and join Sarah T Yoga for a 45 minute gentle yoga session in the garden.

Session will move to the Hayloft if poor weather.

Yoga In Nature

In this exhibition we will explore the story of the past, present and future of the cotton textile industry in the North West and the world

Before the Industrial Revolution, making clothes was slow. People would make their own clothes, in small quantities and would wear them for a long period of time, repeatedly repairing them. They were patched, resized, remade, and handed down until there was nothing left to use.

The Industrial Revolution saw a rapid change in the pace in the production of textiles, the growth of cotton and technological advancements within mills, and faster transport. This meant there were more options for people in all levels of society and is the starting point in the story of how we consume clothes today.

In this exhibition we will explore the story of the past, present and future of the cotton textile industry in the North West and the world, the human drive for fashion and ‘faster, easier, cheaper’ clothes, and the global, environmental and societal impacts that had and continues to have today.

Admission charges apply. Free entry for National Trust Members.

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

suitable for children of all ages

The exhibition will be hosted on the fourth floor of the mill

This is an indoor event

The space is accessible by lift.

Quarry Bank

Our guided group toddler walks take families on a short walk; to experience nature and allow little ones to roam and explore at their own pace.

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

Exhibition: For the love of cotton

This is a 2 hour walk led by one of our knowledgeable volunteers. Starting at the Visitor Centre and finishing at Hardy's Cottage, this walk includes poetry readings along the way linked to the natural surroundings of the woods and healthland.

Thomas Hardy Landscape Walk

Before the Industrial Revolution, making clothes was slow. People would make their own clothes, in small quantities and would wear them for a long period of time, repeatedly repairing them. They were patched, resized, remade, and handed down until there was nothing left to use.

The Industrial Revolution saw a rapid change in the pace in the production of textiles, the growth of cotton and technological advancements within mills, and faster transport. This meant there were more options for people in all levels of society and is the starting point in the story of how we consume clothes today.

In this exhibition we will explore the story of the past, present and future of the cotton textile industry in the North West and the world, the human drive for fashion and ‘faster, easier, cheaper’ clothes, and the global, environmental and societal impacts that had and continues to have today.

Admission charges apply. Free entry for National Trust Members.

Exhibition: For The Love Of Cotton

Meet our historic costume volunteers as they demonstrate the craft skills of the Anglo-Saxons and how they created clothing and accessories using natural materials.

Our historic costume volunteers bring to life the sights of Anglo-Saxon England as they demonstrate the skill that went in to producing clothing using natural materials. They will take you on the whole journey demonstrating and explaining skills including spinning, dyeing, leatherwork, basket making, weaving and tablet weaving.

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

Demonstrations are suitable for all ages.

The team will be demonstrating in the courtyard near the ship sculpture (weather permitting).

Demonstrations take place outside so wear suitable outdoor clothing. In poor weather the team won't be demonstrating.

The courtyard is wheelchair accessible.

Sutton Hoo

Join us as Time Team dig at Sutton Hoo- coming in June!

Help us discover the next chapter of Sutton Hoo’s history by being a part of our excavation with Time Team this June. Book your place here to be part of the volunteer excavation team. Please see separate listing for finds processing volunteers.

Relax and connect with nature through a guided, meditative walk through the woodland.

Take our free family tour to discover gruesome stories we've had to leave out of our 'normal' tours ...

Anglo-Saxon costume demonstration

Hear epic tales as you join our Anglo-Saxon storytellers for a journey through time inside the storytelling tree at Sutton Hoo. Sessions will be at 10.45am, 12pm, and 1.30pm. Each session lasts approximately half an hour. Stories are suitable for most ages but check with the storyteller for children under 10. Children should be accompanied at all times.

Storytelling At Sutton Hoo

Rediscover gems of the 1888 Lyceum Theatre production of 'Macbeth' in an intimate exhibition which boasts a sumptuous costume, props and more.

“By the pricking of my thumbs, Something wicked this way comes.” - Macbeth, Act IV, Scene I

In 1888, the Lyceum Theatre company launched a new production of Shakespeare’s Macbeth. The production had a vast cast and sumptuous costuming, and was led by two of the most beloved Shakespearean actors of the day, Ellen Terry and Henry Irving.

This new exhibition will bring together mementoes from the production for the first time in several decades, including the beautiful Banqueting dress. This will be the first time the dress is on display following a long period of conservation.

Our Macbeth museum guide will allow visitors to delve further into the story of the exhibition, and of Shakespearean theatre at this time, by highlighting other items in the remarkable collection at Smallhythe Place.

Wed-Sun, including bank holidays. Runs until 3 November.

Standard admission applies.

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

Scan your membership cards or purchase entry at Visitor Reception. Our team is on hand to assist with any questions.

Please note that the exhibition room is upstairs in the house. The guide will be available on the ground floor and will feature further objects associated with the exhibition.

Smallhythe Place

Hotbuckle return to Smallhythe Place with a brilliant and energetic performance of Jane Austen's classic tale Pride and Prejudice.

Bring along your budding archaeologists to meet members of our archaeology team every other Sunday at Smallhythe Place.

Join us for some Tai Chi in the garden on the last Saturday of every month.

This exclusive out-of-hours tour will lead you through object highlights in the house.

'Dressing Lady Macbeth': An Exhibition (25 May - 3 Nov)

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

Discover the story of Vita Sackville-West’s life at Knole through to her wedding and bittersweet departure in 1913. This story will be brought to life around you with a new multimedia tour guiding you through key moments in Vita’s life.

Explore the Great Hall, where you'll see wedding presents that were gifted to Vita and Harold alongside a marriage album assembled by Vita. A portrait of Vita by Philip de László, usually found in the Long Library at Sissinghurst, will also be on display.

Around the showrooms you’ll find delicately detailed paper sculpture recreations of the dress worn by Vita at her wedding, as well as outfits worn by other members of the wedding party. The mannequins are designed and created by artist Denise Watson, of Delicarta, 'bringing paper to life'.

This is a rare chance to see the original manuscript of ‘Orlando’, which is on show in the Ballroom. Seldom displayed due to its fragile nature, the manuscript has Virginia Woolf’s handwritten notes on.

In the Cartoon Gallery a copy of Chatterton, the first work that Vita Sackville-West published, is displayed.

Continue your journey to the Orangery to see the contemporary art installation by artist Lorna Johnson. The piece consists of 150 hand sewn scented ruffles that symbolise strong female figures who ruffled feathers to move society forward, just like Vita.

This event is included with normal admission to Knole (showrooms, outdoor and tower ticket required) - there is no separate ticket.

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

Call 0344 249 1895 Please pre-book your visit to Knole.

Please go to the Visitor Centre to purchase admission tickets or to have pre-booked tickets redeemed.

The majority of the showrooms are upstairs. There is step-free access to the Great Hall. The Orangery is accessible via the lift in the Bookshop. Please see Access Statement for more details.

This event is included with normal admission to Knole (showrooms, outdoor and tower ticket required) - there is no separate ticket. Normal admission charges to Knole apply. Admission tickets to Knole become available approximately 4 weeks in advance. To use the National Trust car park, pre-book admission per person (not per vehicle) to guarantee entry. National Trust members visit and park free; non-members will need to purchase an admission ticket to Knole.

Knole

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.

Lord Sackville’s private garden at Knole is a beautiful space, featuring sprawling lawns, a walled garden, an untamed wilderness area and a medieval orchard.

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.

Make new friends and chat while your little ones play at Knole Fawns parent and toddler group.

Vita: Discover a story of love and life at Knole

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

Join our informative guides on an exclusive rooftop tour of Hardwick Hall and lookover the Derbyshire countryside from above.

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

Fully accessible guided group walk in the grounds of Hardwick Hall's most iconic buildings.

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

Material Power: Let the textiles do the talking

Piecing together intricate painted glass in vibrant colours, the stained-glass conservators on this project needed keen eyes and a steady hand to dismantle, conserve and reassemble sections of the Tomb Chamber’s stained-glass windows.

Test your eye for detail with a 500-piece jigsaw for grown-ups and a 40-piece jigsaw for children each featuring a design from one of the Tomb Chamber stained-glass windows. Together with their families, younger visitors can enjoy brightly coloured wooden and acrylic puzzles suitable for ages 3+.

Seizing a ‘window of opportunity’, we’re showcasing the work of local art therapy charity artWell, by displaying a community painting created during a wellbeing workshop at The Camrose Centre in Basingstoke.

The painting of a window features a breath-taking flurry of flowers that appear to adorn the windowpane. Each bloom was painted by, and represents, a person who attended the workshop at the centre and so the work is essentially a group portrait.

Based in Basingstoke, artWell is a not-for-profit organisation whose aim is to improve mental health and positive use of imagination and creativity across sectors of the community who, for a variety of reasons, often feel excluded. The Camrose Centre provides support for anyone who is sleeping rough, homeless or vulnerably housed within Basingstoke and Deane Borough.

Subject to volunteer availability.

Tomb Chamber Stained Glass Display

National Trust

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Sketch Like Stukeley

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