Gloucestershire

South Gloucestershire

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

Get involved with Great Big Green Week this year at Knole.

Take the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful and special Knole Park on a walk, help keep the parkland green and tidy on a litter pick, learn about nature at Knole and make your pledges to a greener future. There’s also face painting and craft for younger visitors.

Events throughout the week - see website or GBGW events listing for more details. These are free events but booking is required and normal admission to Knole may also apply.

Nature Park Walk - Sat 8 and Sun 16 June, 2-2.45pm; Park Walk and Litter Pick - Sun 9 and Sat 15 June , 11-1.45am; Wellbeing Walk - Wed 12 June, 2-2.45pm; Facepainting Sat 8, Sun 9, Sat 15 and Sun 16 June, 11am-3.30pm

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

Call 0344 249 1895. Please pre-book your visit to Knole as well as tickets to the GBGW walks.

Suitable for children and families.

Please go the Visitor Centre on arrival.

Please dress according to the weather. The walks take place outside so please dress according to the weather. Please wear suitable shoes or boots for walking.

Please see individual events for access details. Facepainting can be carried out in an area where there is step-free access.

This is a free event but normal admission to Knole applies. As well as tickets for the walks, you will also need a minimum of an Outdoor and Tower ticket if you wish to use the National Trust car park at Knole. Admission is charged per person. Car parking is included in normal admission. Admission is free for National Trust members but should still be pre-booked. Advanced booking is required for the walks.

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.

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

Join a relaxing watercolour workshop led by artist Suzanne Abraham.

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.

Great Big Green Week 2024 at Knole

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

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

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

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

Join us for a week long programme of green-themed walks, talks and tours for Great Big Green Week.

Details of individual events for Scotney's Great Big Green Week festival are listed on our Events page.

As places are limited booking will be required for most events. See individual listing for details. Once you have chosen the activity you wish to do, please book your parking in advance to guarantee entry.

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

Most events more suitable for adults. See individual listings for details.

See individual event listing for details of where to meet.

See individual event listings for details of accessibility.

Scotney Castle Events

This Great Big Green Week, come and meet the rangers who survey for snakes. Reptiles are an important part of the Scotney ecosystem and we regularly conduct surveys to monitor reptile numbers and species.

Teazels, cowslips, toadflax, vetch ... Discover the wildflower paintings of contemporary landscape artist, Nessie Ramm, displayed both inside the old castle and doors and as a trail in the garden.

Join one of our estate guides on a tour around Scotney's woods and parklands to see seasonal flora and fauna and learn about the history of Scotney. This tour is included in your entry to Scotney.

Our senior gardener is leading this free 'walk and talk' event on growing cut flowers as part of Scotney's Great Big Green Week Festival.

Great Big Green Week Festival (8-16 June)

At Dunham Massey, families and friends are encouraged to harness the vibrancy and joy of longer warmer days, with a playful, three-month celebration of summer

The North Park Play Hub, brimming with colour and activity, brings an opportunity to share games and challenges amongst ancient trees and nature. Catch special events like crafts and storytelling, and bring a picnic to enjoy under dappled shade or at one of our accessible picnic benches.

Clamber and climbing are a must at the natural play Log Pile. Balance on fallen trees, hop across stumps, and let their imaginations run wild in the great outdoors.

In the gardens, the thousands of summer bulbs create beautiful displays that change weekly. Across the wider land of walking paths and veteran trees, deer spotting is always a family favourite.

With snacks, meals and beverages on hand from the numerus outlets, and a trip to the treasure trove shop enroute home, Dunham Massey is the ideal place to enjoy a celebratory summer day.

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

Suitable for all ages

Stop by the Visitor Centre for direction to Summer of Play top spots and activities.

Weather appropriate clothing and footwear.

The North Park, where the Play Hub is located, is accessed via both cement and natural paths, both of which are relatively flat and accessible.

Dunham Massey

Who lives here? From hedgehogs in their houses to worms tunnelling underground, discover the gardens brimming with life. For under 5s and their grownups.

Make music in the formal gardens and discover big, bright and bold musical installations.

All aboard! Pack your bags and giddy up for Speechly’s ‘Grand Tour’ of the historic house.

Throughout the school summer holidays, Dunham Massey is hosting a collection of playful happenings, with different family-friendly events every day. How will you play today?

Summer of Play

Step back in time with Summer of Play at Sizergh.

Inspired by archival footage from the family archive, Summer of Play at Sizergh will transport you back in time.

In the 1930s, the Strickland family used the Dutch Garden and South Lawn to spend time together. Scan the QR code to see footage of games in the garden and a garden party.

Choose a hat and make your way up the steps, just like the guests arriving at Sir Gerald’s garden party, or try your hand at some skipping games like the ones the Strickland children enjoyed.

Further afield, walk to the bird hide to see what’s visiting the wetland, or discover which special plants are growing on Sizergh Fell.

You can also trace the history of Sizergh by following the scallop trail through the house.

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

Reception

Discover Sizergh’s garden and plant collection with a garden tour.

Discover spectacular ancient trees and a historic mural with a guided walk to Helsington Church. Booking is essential.

Meet some of the key characters in Sizergh’s history, delving into 800 years of history.

Discover some of Sizergh’s lesser-known stories with pop-up talks.

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

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

Following a geophysical survey that took place in 2021 and 2022, Time Team will be carrying out an excavation in Garden Field (adjacent to the High Hall exhibition and shop/café building).

The excavation activity can be viewed through the fencing, plus you can discover more about the archaeology of Sutton Hoo at our engagement stand.

Excavation will commence on 4 June and will continue throughout June finishing on 28 June, except on the following dates: 16, 17, 21, 23.

Finds processing will be taking place on the following dates in June: 15, 18 - 20, 24 - 28.

As this is a live archaeological excavation this timetable is subject to change.

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

Suitable for all ages

After seeing Visitor Welcome for your admission, head to Garden Field (adjacent to the High Hall exhibition and shop/café building)

The excavation is taking place outdoors, so please dress appropriately for the weather.

Access to the engagement stand is wheelchair friendly.

Sutton Hoo

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.

Get out in the fresh air, re-connect with nature, stretch your legs and walk your way to better wellbeing on one of our volunteer-led group walks.

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.

Bring your little ones along to Sutton Hoo's Toddler Group - Little Hoo-ligans

Time Team Live at Sutton Hoo

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

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

Create your own colourful collaged bird

Join our rangers for a ramble around Tyntesfield’s beautiful estate

Make friends and get outside with a friendly group walk around Tyntesfield’s beautiful estate

Echoes from the Aviary

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

Bring a waterproof picnic rug and find yourself a scenic spot on The Vyne’s estate where you can drink in the sight and sounds of the trees around you.

As we celebrate Great Big Green Week, take some time out to boost your wellbeing surrounded by the 'lungs of the Earth'.

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

Families welcome

Enter the grounds through Visitor Reception and find yourself a place to fling out your picnic rug and sit back to enjoy a view of the trees.

You'll need a picnic blanket, outdoor clothing and walking shoes.

Pick a spot that works for you, the key thing is that you enjoy the view.

Estate Office

In a pop-up performance on our North Lawn, listen out for the sound of eight clarinets played in harmony by community band BWCB Liquorice Allsorts.

Free shuttle service between Basingstoke Train Station and The Vyne. Normal admission applies. Pre-booking minibus essential on 07967 875832.

Explore a completed project to conserve The Vyne's stained-glass windows and see 18th-century glass items from the collection in two first-floor rooms. Inspired by windows, you’ll find brainteasing puzzles and community artwork in the old kitchen.

On Saturday 29 June, Wilde’s comic masterpiece gets The Pantaloons treatment in their anarchic take on the classic comedy of manners.

Tree bathing

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

Can you follow the trail and find the birds hidden in the gardens?

Collect your trail sheet from the welcome team and start your hunt around the gardens.

Find the wooden birds and discover more about our feathered friends on this self-led trail.

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

Trail sheets can be collected from the welcome team on arrival

Our full access statement can be found on our homepage, for specific access requirements please contact the team.

Beningbrough events

Uncover generations of memories with stories from the people who have called Beningbrough home during this time between art exhibitions.

Join one of a series of free 30-minute sessions with the garden team, focussing on one aspect of their work and the gardens at Beningbrough.

Meet the team as they carry out their conservation work on the laundry collection.

Feathered friends nature trail

From 8 June - 14 July, come along and enjoy a selection of photographs taken by visitors, volunteer leaders and participants from our monthly photography walks.

Photography is the art of telling a story without the need for words and Erddig has a long tradition of celebrating the changing faces, personalities and everyday memories of people who worked and lived here.

In tribute, we host monthly photography walks that allow participants to explore Erddig down to the most minute detail, whilst also learning all there is to mastering the art of photography.

From 8 June -14 July we will transform our small exhibition space into a photography exhibition showcasing fantastic pictures taken at Erddig inspired by history, scenery, or our conservation work using images taken by visitors, volunteer leaders and participants from our monthly photography walks.

If you would like to submit a photograph for consideration, printed photographs should be A4 or A3 and can be handed to the ticket office FAO Courtney Williams. Electronic prints should be 300dpi (WeTransfer) and emailed to courtney.williams@nationaltrust.org.uk. Deadline is May 15. Images must not contain people.

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

Children very welcome

Head to the ticket office for more information.

Dress according to the weather

Disabled parking bays, ramped access to the gardens and fine loose gravel pathways throughout. Wolf's Den has wood chipped flooring.

Free event, but normal admission charges apply. Free entry to National Trust and under 5s.

Erddig

Join us at Felin Puleston on the Erddig estate as we celebrate Great Big Green Week - the UK’s biggest ever celebration of community action to tackle climate change and protect nature.

Chapterhouse Theatre Company is coming to Erddig this summer with a brand-new telling of this classic fairy tale.

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

Join us to celebrate our wildflower meadows for an exciting weekend buzzing with family activities and demonstrations.

Photography exhibition at Erddig

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

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

The Oxford Sculptors Group return to Greys Court, exhibiting in the walled gardens and Cromwellian building.

From 8 June to 14 July, the walled gardens will be filled with sculpture of all different sizes and mediums for you to admire. As well as being able to look at and admire the sculptures, visitors can also purchase any they particularly love, and have them delivered after the exhibition has finished.

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

The sculpture will be installed on the lawns, in the walled gardens and inside the Cromwellian building.

To find out more please see our 'Access Statement' on our website.

Greys Court Estate Office

Meditative walks led by Deborah Lewis from Gratitude Walking. Join a slower paced, guided walk around the wider estate woodland.

On selected dates in June and July, you're invited to wander the gardens by magical evening light.

Whether you're a seasoned painter or a complete beginner, we have an incredible opportunity to nurture your artistic side.

Whether you’re an archaeological amateur or the next Indiana Jones, join us to discover more about Greys Court.

Sculpture in the Garden at Greys Court, 8 June to 14 July

Do you love the smell, feel and look of old books? Why not come and browse our large collection of vintage books? They are there for you to buy at a fraction of their online price.

Our second Vintage Book Fair will be held at the White Cliffs Visitor Centre. We’ll have hundreds of books on offer for you to buy; plus, lists of books in our store – too many to show – that we can fetch for you. Some items in our vintage book collection are well over 100 years old, with some first publications. Our volunteers will be on hand every day to advise you, help you get those hard-to-reach items and browse our lists if you can’t find what you want.

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

Supervised children are welcome.

Come to the castle end of the White Cliffs of Dover Visitor Centre, CT16 1HJ, www.what3words.com/frames.saying.begins, where the entrance lobby will be the vintage bookshop for the week.

The bookshop is indoors and there is covered standing if there is a queue. If you wish to walk along the cliffs during your visit, please come prepared as the weather can change suddenly.

The Visitor Centre is wheelchair-friendly and has level access throughout, including the toilets at the back of the building. There are 14 disabled parking places next to the Visitor Centre that are level access and a further six places opposite the building, which are step-free. Our other car parks are either gravel or grass and can only be accessed by a steep hill but are step-free.

Entrance to the Vintage Book Fair is ticketless and free of charge. Normal parking charges apply – National Trust members can park for free. Refreshments are available in the cafeteria next to the Vintage Book Fair. Many books are very old and have been in much-loved private collections before being donated to the National Trust. The condition of the books varies. All are offered for sale on a ‘sold-as-seen’ basis, with most bargain-priced, considerably less than an online valuation, depending on condition. You can pay for your purchases using cash or card. Sorry, no cheques. All proceeds from the book sale go directly to funding White Cliffs conservation projects. Dogs are welcome in the outside seating area adjacent to the book fair. Dog water bowls are provided. Assistance dogs only are welcome in the Visitor Centre building.

White Cliffs Property Office

Join our Bioblitz event and help us find and identify the many species of plants, animals, fungi and other organisms that live on the White Cliffs of Dover.

Learn more about how a gift in your will could help us carry out crucial conservation work at The White Cliffs of Dover.

Enjoy a leisurely guided walk to South Foreland Lighthouse free of charge with one of our experienced volunteers.

Vintage Book Fair

As the weather warms up, delight in Canons Ashby’s ‘Flutterby Butterfly’ summer trail, running from late May until early September.

As the weather warms up, delight in Canons Ashby’s ‘Flutterby Butterfly’ summer trail. Spot the butterfly’s favourite flowers, flap your wings and even dance like a butterfly (grown-ups too!) Bring the family and enjoy this free activity in our green spaces, as part of your visit to Canons Ashby. Pick up a free trail sheet at Visitor Reception when you come in. Normal admission prices apply

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

This is aimed at families

Pick up your free trail at Visitor Reception when you're scanning your membership cards or buying your admission tickets.

Please dress for the weather

There are no steps in this area, but there are uneven outdoor surfaces which can get muddy in wet weather. There are also some small slopes where the trail will be located.

This is an extra thing to do for families on their visit to Canons Ashby

Canons Ashby

Come to the medieval Priory Church and browse a wide selection of books which have been donated by our supporters, all different genres from crime to cakes, new and old.

Find out more about the medieval history of Canons Ashby with a guided visit to the church, and then to the recently restored medieval stew ponds: an area not accessible to the public without a guide.

Enjoy beautiful classical recorder music in the Priory Church, performed by the Nene Consort. There’s no extra charge or formal ticketing: feel free to pop in and out as you wish or take a pew and enjoy the whole hour.

From misty marshes to the streets of London; our new adaptation of Dickens’s popular and atmospheric novel, delivers high comedy and thrilling drama as we follow Pip’s journey to discover the true nature of his ‘great expectations’.

Flutterby butterfly trail

Visit our beautiful Pledge Tree next to the walled garden and add your pledge for nature to the tree.

It's Great Big Green Week and we are asking everyone to think of one thing they will do to help our precious natural world. You can write your pledge on a tag, decorate it with ribbon and hang it on the tree to share with others.

You will find the pledge tree at the 'What Three Words' location of ///coats.panoramic.caravans - it is the first apple tree in the orchard close to the cafe.

You don't need anything, tags and pens provided

The tree is close to the drive but there are steep steps so you may need to ask someone to tie your pledge on if you have mobility needs

We welcome everyone to join in

Parke Events

Have you heard about the Mossy Carpet? The Mossy Carpet is a collaborative artwork by our friends Art and Energy, inspired by moss and made by many people!

Can you spare a few hours to help us with a big conservation task at beautiful Parke? The more the merrier!

Join us for a sociable summer dog walk around Parke.

Pledge Tree

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

Make new friends and chat while your little ones play at Knole Fawns parent and toddler group. Enjoy a variety of toys and games, including musical instruments and a small craft activity. Light refreshments will be available. The new format Knole Fawns runs every Friday in school term time except the first Friday of the month.

Themes for 2024 -

April and May will focus on spring, flowers and mini-beasts. June and July will focus on summer, animals and Olympics.

Children must be accompanied by an adult throughout the session.

Normal admission applies. Please pre-book an Outdoor and Tower ticket per person (adults and children). Car parking is included in the normal admission.

Call 0344 249 1895 Please book a Knole Fawns ticket for every child attending.

Suitable for toddlers aged 2 to 5.

Please go to the Hayloft on arrival. The Hayloft is located in the Conservation Studio building.

There is step free access to the Hayloft via lift. There is an accessible toilet and baby changing facilities in the same building as the Hayloft.

Every toddler will need to be accompanied at all times during the sessions. Under 2s are welcome to attend with older siblings but the activities will not be suitable for this age group. This is a free event but normal admission charges to Knole apply. 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. The minimum admission ticket required is an Outdoor and Tower ticket (£6 for adults and £3 for children aged 5-17). To find out more and to prebook your visit please visit https://www.nationaltrust-tickets.org.uk/category/32933?branches.branchID=2408

Knole

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.

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.

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

Knole Fawns toddler group

National Trust

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

Guided parkland walks

National Trust

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