Holidaying in Sri Lanka

Join a guided walk of the Godolphin estate, explore the varied countryside and learn about the history of this important site.Join a guided walk of the estate at Godolphin and discover the mining history of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walks are approximately 3 miles. Dogs on leads are welcome. Groups welcome, please get in contact to arrange if the group is larger than 10 people.

Lyme has miles of dry stone walling that are looked after by a team of volunteers. Join this walk to find out more about the work that goes in to conserving and restoring these walls.Join the expert dry stone walling team who help upkeep the hundreds of miles of walls at Lyme. No extra charge. Meet at the Information Centre. A hilly, 3 mile walk, therefore appropriate footwear and clothing recommended. Vehicle admission charges apply. NT members park free. Booking essential

A series of short talks run by Polesden\’s knowledgeable gardeners, each highlighting different points of interest around our wonderful garden through the seasons.Each of the gardener\’s monthly talks will showcase a different plant that is looking wonderful at that time or year or perhaps a project they are working on in the gardens. Wednesday 30 January – Will Burridge (our Senior Gardener) will talk about the history, design and plant choices in our beautiful Winter Garden and reveal some of our future plans for the borders here.

Take a leisurely guided tour of the Ness in our 24 seat passenger trailer including access to the Cold War weapons testing area.A trailer based tour of the Ness, stopping around key points on the main Red Route for approx. 3 hours with access to the AWRE Cold War weapons testing area. Cost includes ferry and admission.Currently internal access to the AWRE testing labs is not available for safety reasons. The tour will pass through the area normally off limits to visitors and as close to the buildings as possible.No drone photography allowed.

Join the rangers for their series of themed guided walks on the Ightham Mote estate.Discover more about the history, flora and fauna on the estate, together with how we care for this area of outstanding natural beauty. Each guided walk with focus on a different theme – Wed 23 Jan – history / archaeology, Wed 6 Mar – coppicing, Wed 24 Apr – bluebells, Wed 1 May – bluebells, Wed 26 Jun – charcoal burning, Wed 17 Jul – farming, Wed 25 Sep – autumn

Visit Chedworth Roman Villa today and you might just bump into the esteemed owner, Censorinus.Have you ever wondered why the Roman villa was built here? Perhaps you\’d like to know what it was like to live here in Roman times? These are the perfect questions to ask Censorinus as you see him walking around his home.

Explore the wider estate with Polesden�s rangers on our back stage tour. See the work we do to keep our country estate great.This is an off-pieste, exclusive tour which will access areas not usually open to the public and truly gives you a feel for what goes into conserving our fantastic estate. A guided walk with a difference!.

Join us on a seasonal walk to learn new things about our special place.Discover more about the historic daffodils of Ickworth on a stroll through the Lady Geraldine\’s Walk with a member of our Gardening team. Learn all about the multitude of varieties we have and enjoy the range of yellows, whites, tall and short narcissi.

Join Leo for a walk to find the best places to enjoy the bluebells and learn how we manage the woodland to benefit them.Meet Leo in the Stableyard, just past Visitor Reception, and he will take you on a guided walk to see the bluebells and explain how we look after them.

Join our Big Beach Clean Challenge on the North Pembrokeshire coast between February and August.Help us care for the North Pembrokeshire coastline with our monthly beach cleans between February and August. Litter picking kit will be provided just pop by on the day to lend a hand and find out more about being a COASTodian.Free, no booking needed. Discover more about our beach cleans in Pembrokeshire – http://bit.ly/beachcleansPembs

Get up close to an enormous tiger and the beloved artwork from Judith Kerr�s much-loved children�s classic picture book, \’The Tiger Who Came To Tea\’.Celebrating the book\’s 50th anniversary and over five million copies sold, The Tiger Who Came to Tea exhibition will come to Gunby as part of a nationwide tour.The magic of The Tiger Who Came to Tea story is brought vividly to life with a giant cuddly tiger and an interactive kitchen, so that children can make their own tea for the tiger, as well as enjoying Judith Kerr\’s iconic drawings.

Create a natural pot from greenwood, using the shrinkage of the tree as it dries out to create a sealed pot.Work with the natural properties of greenwood by hollowing out a section of branch. Carefully carve a base out of dried wood and then use a technique so that as the green wood dries it shrinks to fit the base. Traditionally carved in Eastern Europe and Scandinavia, this is an interesting introduction to green wood crafts. Kettle always on the boil and unlimited biscuits!

From David Attenborough and Beatrix Potter to Vivienne Westwood and Joe Strummer, see portraits from the National Portrait Gallery\’s collection of people who\’ve shaped the way we think or feel about green spaces and nature today.Normal admission applies.

Take the time to enjoy the beauty surrounding you at Tintinhull Garden without the interruption of modern life distractions.Silent Space is an initiative encouraging people to connect with nature and their surroundings. For a few hours each week we\’re designating the Pool Garden as our Silent Space – somewhere to switch off your mobile phone and stop talking, to relax in the green surroundings and enjoy the silence. For more info please visit https://silentspace.org.uk/

Portraiture of the highest quality was vitally important to the Jacobites. Paintings and engravings were circulated across Europe, keeping the cause alive in the hearts and minds of their supporters.Join historian Edward Corp as he examines the turbulent life of Charles Edward Stuart and how he was represented by artists during his lifetime.

Every Thursday, in partnership with Moors Valley Country Park, come and join our fun, friendly and active free cycle rides from 9.30am (please arrive by 9.15am for a prompt start).These free, volunteer-led rides are a great chance to explore the local area and make new friends. Suitable for over 16s, it\’s the perfect opportunity for you to get back on your bike if you haven\’t cycled for a while.Bike hire – �2.50 booking essential, please phone – 01425 470721 (free with own bike)

A series of social walks on circular routes of around 5km within the Historic Estate of Lyme Park. NWUK Freedom Passport needed for these walks.Nestling on the edge of the Peak District, Lyme was once home to the Legh family and in its heyday a great sporting estate.The estate is 1400 acres, so offers lots of different walks with stunning views and you may get to see some of our famous Red deer too while out exploring.

Manor TourHave you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes at Hughenden? Join a member of the manor team to see spaces that aren�t usually open to the public. Find out about the architectural history of the manor, discover where special collections are stored, and learn how we look after the manor today.

We\’re joining up with the Colourful Coast Partnership to help remove marine litter and beach plastics.We provide all the equipment you\’ll need (litterpickers, bin bags, gloves, sometimes even biscuits!). Just come along and join in.

Step back into the history of Hughenden\’s gardens on a \’behind the scenes\’ tour. From its Georgian origins in the 1700s to Mary Anne Disraeli\’s redesign in 1862 and the impact of the Second World War, explore the fascinating history of the gardens with our expert guides.

Join a guided walk around the historic parkland and discover stories it holds.

Whether you are new to sewing or have been doing it as long as you can remember, the Gibside Sewing Group meet weekly and everyone is welcome.The Gibside Sewing Group meet every Thursday morning at 10.30am in the main caf�. They\’re a friendly bunch that enjoy a good natter with a cup of coffee and cake, while allowing their creative talents to come to the forefront. Quite often, they will be contributing to a creative project for at Gibside.

Be a nature detective and join the ranger to discover who calls the Wenlock woods home.Our ranger team will lead you on a route around the woods from Presthope car park to find the living things on Wenlock Edge. Involves a 1 mile walk, wellies recommended

Wander through historic Prior Park on this free and informative guided tour.In 2019, we will be embarking on the dams project – multi-million pound works to restore and future-proof the Georgian dams at the bottom of the garden. Guided tours this year will give you a good overview of the project.

Enjoy a springtime adventure at Stackpole with garlic cooking and 50 Things activities.Join our head ranger, Haydn Garlick, for an afternoon of garlic cooking with arts and crafts for all the family. Then explore Lodge Park Woods and tick off 50 Things springtime adventures.

Step back in time and join Reverend John T. Becher, founder of The Workhouse, on a tour of Southwell.Follow Becher on a historical 2 mile walking tour of Southwell as he highlights his connections with the town and one of its famous inhabitants, the poet Lord Byron.

Would you like to explore the rugged stretch of coastline in the company of a countryside ranger?The ranger team will be leading countryside walks from Coleton Fishacre to Pudcombe Cove, along the South West Coast Path to Ivy Cove, and back to Coleton Fishacre via Coleton Camp. On the way they\’ll be talking about the wildlife that thrives on this stretch of coast, and the work that the National Trust does to care for it.

Learn a few secrets from Nostell\’s kitchen gardener, from growing giant onions to the perfect potatoes.Join Mark in the kitchen garden for his top tips for growing fruit and veg, with seasonal highlights including rhubarb, herbs and summer fruits. He\’ll also explain how he applies the 18th century principles set out by Stephen Switzer and his contemporaries to growing produce for caf� today.

Join the Kenwood volunteers as they delve deeper into the house�s history. These free talks cover a variety of topics, including the Robert Adam Library, the Guitar Player painting by Vermeer and Kenwood�s previous owner, Lord Iveagh, and his interest in the art market, and many more. The talks run at 11.30am, 12.30pm and 2.00pm every Tuesday and Thursday, are free to join and last 10-15 minutes.0

Storytelling, crafts and games for 2-5 year olds and their families inspired by the classic story of The Owl and The Pussycat.Hunt for rings, take to water in your own boat, create a tropical tree to take home, and hear the story of The Owl and The Pussycat.Space is limited so, where possible, please only bring one adult per child.Tiny tots are welcome, and free of charge, when accompanying an older sibling or companion. However, please note that the sessions are designed for 2-5 year olds so the activities may not be suitable for younger children.

Stop by the Boosbeck Furniture Shop in the exhibition room to learn about one of the ways Jim and Ruth Pennyman helped the local communities.The Pennymans helped local unemployed miners learn carpentry skills when the local mines closed inthe 1930s. They built �Boosbeck� furniture, named after where it was made – we�ll be recreating a Boosbeck furniture shop and displaying new parts of the collection in the exhibition room in the house.

Join an interactive talk with the Kingston Lacy beekeepers and discover more about the honey bees and hives they look after.There are limited places available for these talks. We suggest pre-booking your ticket in advance to avoid disappointment. Tickets cost �8 per person. Normal property admission applies.Live bees will be present at this event, and while they will be separated from the public, if you have an allergy to bees we recommend you take suitable precautions.

Learn the secrets of Roman mosaicistsJoin our costumed interpreter Appian for a fascinating look at the Villa\’s mosaics through the eyes of a Roman mosaicist and craftsman. Learn more about the tools and techniques used as you journey back through time. Appian will be on site all day to answer any questions, and on certain Thursdays, will lead a special afternoon tour.

The Brownes\’ family recipe book is full of great recipes, from meaty mince pies and macaroons to medicines dating back to the 17th century. We\’ll be cooking all afternoon where we\’ll recreate some of the recipes.

Let the outdoors move you with weekly Nordic walking sessions led by the Erddig Nordic Walkers on the Chirk estate.Nordic walking is one of the fastest growing outdoor activities in the UK, offering a full body workout with specially designed walking poles. Enjoy the beauty of the Chirk Castle estate by joining our weekly Nordic walking sessions, every Thursday, led by a qualified instructor. Beginners welcome.Erddig Nordic Walkers ask for a �1 voluntary contribution to help with group costs.

In National Gardening week, learn how you can grow a range of delicious vegetables in just one window box.0

Join Ugandan-born, British designer Jose Hendo as she discusses her approach to contemporary fashion design and challenges its throwaway culture through her innovative use of Ugandan barkcloth.UNESCO proclaimed Ugandan barkcloth manufacturing as part of the world�s Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2005.

Though not as well-known as the Spitfire, the Hurricane was Britain�s front line fighter during the dark days of 1939 to 1940, during which it accounted for nearly 60% of enemy aircraft shot down during the Battle of Britain. Join author Peter Neale for a unique talk on the development of this important aircraft using the Spitfire & Hurricane Memorial Museum�s own hurricane Mk II (BN230) as a case study, followed by a tour of the museum which will focus on the aircraft and some of the stories of the people behind them.

Easy access.0

Enjoy Leigh Woods at dusk and discover the sounds of Spring with National Trust ranger Andy Jones.

On Friday�s during term time, families with children under 5 can join our
specially-created craft making, storytelling, and sing-along sessions0

Climb aboard the 22ft \’Nancy Belle\’ and take a ride up the river. Booking is essential.Starting from Cotehele Quay the \’Shamrock\’s\’ support boat, \’Nancy Belle\’, will head up the river Tamar past riverside woodlands, under the railway viaduct, past Calstock and deeper into the valley towards Morwellham Quay. Throughout the trip there will be a commentary on the valley\’s fauna, flora and history. The trip will last approximately 2 hours. Please wear clothing suitable to the predicted weather.

Enjoy an hour\’s walk around Nostell\’s picturesque parkland.Get some exercise with a gentle stroll around the parkland led by an experienced \’walking for health\’ walk leader. Join the group of regular walkers every Thursday and Friday to take in the changing seasons and enjoy a cuppa in the cafe each week.

Our rangers will take you off the normal footpaths to see some of Sherborne Park\’s wildlife.See red kites soaring overhead in big skies and sweeping views across Sherborne Old Park and Sherborne Brook as you join our rangers for a walk off the beaten track to find some of the farmland birds, raptors and other wildlife on the estate. Walks will head from the Watermeadows car park across parts of the estate that aren\’t usually accessible to the public, but which are thriving with wildlife. Walks will last around an hour and a half, covering 2-3 miles.

Join one of our Rangers on a walk around the Parkland.Enjoy the Hardwick parkland through the changing seasons on a guided walk with one of the Rangers. This is a great opportunity to find out more about the estate, the many wildlife that call it home, and learn more about the work carried out to help care for it.Well behaved dogs on leads are welcome.

Find out more about the parkland that surrounds Basildon Park mansion from our knowledgaeable team of volunteers and rangers as they take you on a guided walk of the park.Join our volunteers and rangers for a walk around Basildon Park. A refreshing way to take in the park, whilst learning about the steps we take to protect the parkland and its wildlife inhabitants.

Meet at the kiosk for a guided walk around the Arboretum. Well behaved dogs on a short lead welcome.Meet at the kiosk for a guided walk around the Arboretum. Well behaved dogs on a short lead welcome.

Enjoy getting out and about this spring around the Bateman\’s estate on our iron pits and wildflower walk.Join our Ranger and venture out onto the Bateman\’s estate to discover some of the area\’s past history and the beautiful colours of spring in the surrounding Sussex countryside. Finish your walk with a cup of tea in our Mulberry tea room.

A beautiful guided walk on the Cotswold way, passing historical points of interest.A walk from Dyrham Park through nearby farm land and along part of the Cotswold way. Passing historical points of interest along the way. Leaders, John Walker & Robert Ford5 miles, 2.5hours�4 parking charges for non-membersMembers park freeST748 757. Map Square A9

Why not join one of the countryside rangers for a walk through Greenway garden out to part of the estate? On the walk you will find out about the work that the National Trust rangers do to care for this special place.

Join us for a free walk in the White Peak this Friday morning. No booking needed, just meet our team of friendly walk volunteers by the visitor centre at 11:00am and go on a 2 hr walk. Dogs are welcome too.These walks are a great introduction to the White Peak area of the Peak District, or simply a chance for fresh air and exercise! Walk routes change each week and may include stiles, slopes and steps, mud and livestock.

Discover the variety in Sizergh�s seven-hectare garden on a guided walk.There�s been a garden at Sizergh since 1239, so you can imagine how many hands have tended to it since then! Let our garden guides help you discover some of Sizergh�s brightest gems.

Spend about an hour walking in the garden with one of our volunteer tour guides.Find out more about the garden and parkland at Croome, how we look after it, and its significance in garden history.

Make a seed ball to take home and watch burst into colour this spring.A fun hands on activity for families this spring at Kedleston Hall. No need to book.

Come and explore Brownsea\’s coastlines on this free guided wildlife walk.Join one of our experienced rangers as they talk you through the curious creatures that make the shoreline their home.

Chat to one of the garden team to discover more about Avebury Manor Garden or ask a question to solve a problem you\’ve been having with your own garden!You can always talk to the friendly garden team, however, on the last Friday of every month between March and October, a member of the garden team will be chatting to visitors and answering questions between 2-3pm in the Monk\’s Garden.

Every Friday, drop in between 1pm and 3pm and meet the conservation team. Plus you can see objects from the Beatrix Potter Gallery collection not normally on display.An opportunity to ask those questions you\’ve always wanted to know about conservation, and hear about how the collection is managed. You\’ll see objects that belonged to Beatrix Potter and are not usually on display to the public, such as early editions of Beatrix\’s books or her jewellery.

Learn the history of Trerice\’s archaeology with a specially scheduled volunteer walking tour of Trerice and discover it\’s history as a medieval manor farm.

Drop in and try your hand at archery, medicine and potion making, make a weapon or discover how to make a fire with bush craft experts Really Rural.As the orchards around Brockhampton are filled with damson blossom we learn some ancient survival techniques from the people who first brought damsons to Britain. Inspired by the great outdoors and the survival skills of Saxon ancestors join us this Easter to discover Saxon survival skills.

Take a guided walk of the estate with our ranger team and enjoy the sight and high scent of this colourful season.Take part in a guided walk with our Ranger during the spring season, a great chance to see the array of wild flowers that we have here on our estate, followed by an inclusive cream tea in the restaurant.

Enjoy Easter with family and friends at HardwickThis Easter at Hardwick, spend the holidays taking part in the family activities, the Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt, a chance to see the \’We are Bess\’ exhibition in the Hall, walks, wildlife and plenty of fresh air and outdoors to explore.Times and availability of different activities and the We are Bess exhibition will vary. Check the What\’s On listings on the website for more information.

Tim Laycock brings the Hardy family home to life with music and stories.As a boy, Hardy was immersed in the musical and storytelling traditions of his parents and grandparents. These traditions later inspired many of the storylines and communal scenes of his novels. Tim Laycock will be taking up residence in the Woodshed to explore these traditions.This event is free but donations are welcomed.

Discover the fascinating story of Formby\’s prehistoric footprints and search for traces on the foreshore with one of our archaeology experts.

Get a little bit messy and create something delicious for our feathered friends!Get creative with the Learning team and make a yummy treat for birds. It\’s the perfect opportunity to connect with nature and get just a little bit messy!�1 per craft payable on the day.

Learn a traditional skill, and produce your own round willow basket.Make a traditional round basket, with zigzag side weave, ideal for fruit, bread or just to store your bits and bobs. This workshop is taught by Nadine Anderson, local basketmaker.

A masterpiece of colour, design and planting, this carefully cultivated garden awaits your discovery.Woolbeding delights at every turn with distintive garden rooms set against manicured hedges and thoughtfully composed colour-themed borders. Formal lawns melt into the rural landscape and beyond the meadow, you\’ll find a waterfall, gothic summerhouse and enchanting landscape garden.

Hop down to Rowallane for some Fun in The Garden.Get competitive and challenge your loved ones to an egg and spoon race at the front of the house. Get involved in fun Easter crafting in the Barn. Pick up a nature wristband and head off on an exploration around the garden and spot nature bursting into life.

Discover Sutton Hoo\’s enigmatic landscape as dusk begins to creep over the Royal Burial Ground.Join us on a journey through the mythic past of our Anglo-Saxons ancestors. Tales of magic and myths where this world meets the next will be told as you move through the landscape.

Hear the tale of the Marsden cuckooA family friendly 2.5 mile walk onto the moorland to hear the legend of the Marsden cuckoo.

Learn about the nocturnal residents of the garden with local expert Cathy

Tune your ears in to the birdy melodies from our delightful songbirds as we wind our way through an ocean of primroses

A unique early morning experience before the visitors arrive. Take a guided walk around the estate and hear the early morning birdsong of Cliveden\’s natural inhabitants. Enjoy a breakfast afterwards.Witness one of nature\’s greatest phenomenons, the dawn chorus. See which species of bird live on the estate as you make your way through the gardens and woodlands. You\’ll finish in the National Trust Orangery Caf� for a hearty full English breakfast (vegetarian options available).

Join our free friendly 5K family run every Saturday of the year, 9am start. It\’s not a race but a timed run along the same off-road course each week marshalled by volunteers. Supervised children and dogs on leads are welcome to join in too.Register at parkrun.org.uk/Killerton

An early morning wildlife experience. Come and enjoy the island at its most peaceful. This is your opportunity to take a boat over to the island long before the public arrive and soak up the sights and sounds of nature.The first two walks will have a focus on the spring birdsong that rides the airwaves at this time of year. The second two walks will focus more around the lagoon with it\’s internationally important populations of both wading and sea birds. After your walk, enjoy a hearty breakfast roll and a warming cuppa. Price includes walk, boat fare and breakfast.

A free weekly 5km event for runners of all standards.A timed fun run offering an opportunity for all the local community, male or female, young or old, to come together on a regular basis to enjoy this beautiful park and get physically active into the bargain. For full details go to www.parkrun.org.uk/sheringham

Join our ranger for a stroll around Blakeney National Nature Reserve and discover the history that has shaped it – from monasteries to tidal surges and everything inbetween.Hear about our important conservation work and how we care for this internationally important nature reserve.

Learn more about the arable land farmed at Wimpole on this guided walk.Starting from the Stable Block, this one hour walk takes you out into the arable landscape at Wimpole. Discover past histories, archaeology, wildlife and nature as well as our current farming practices and crops we\’re growing today.

See the best of the bluebells on a guided walk and discover the work that goes on to promote and care for these favoured flowers.

Discover the locations used during the making of the BBC\’s \’Pride and Prejudice\’, including Darcy\’s famous pond.Garden ticket required for the final stage of the walk (including the classic Pemberley view). Moderate 1.5 mile walk. Allow for 1.5 hrs. Garden and vehicle admission charges apply. NT members free. No additional charge for the guided walk.

Marble Hill\’s history is for everyone. These mornings share the stories of Marble Hill with children and their families everywhere. In this month\’s session we will be planting seeds. Families can plant their own Black Walnut, and learn about the history of ours, which is one of the oldest in the country.0

A chance to explore the beautiful bluebells on the Lanhydrock estate with the ranger team, followed by a one-pot lunch in the Servant\’s Hall restaurant.

See the spectacular sea of bluebells at Hardcastle Crags, we guarantee to show you some of the best displays you\’ll see this spring.This wonderful 5 mile amble will takes us through the bluebell displays in Hardcastle Crags and the lower Crimsworth Valleys. Expect great views as we climb over Shackleton Knoll before returning via Gibson Mill.

Forage for wild garlic and other seasonal snacks in the gorge then cook up a tasty pasta and pesto dish over the camp fire using your foraged ingredients.Join the Lydford team to get an insight into some of the edible treats that grow in the gorge. Spring is synonymous with wild garlic, also known as Ransoms, which fill the gorge at this time of year. Then learn how to use the foraged ingredients to make a tasty lunch cooked over the camp fire. Foraging is not generally allowed due to the gorge being a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Every month in Spring you can have a go at a wild outdoor activity at Quarry Bank. From pond-dipping to wild art, there\’s always a new adventure to enjoy.No need to book for these session, just drop in on the day and follow the directions.

Bunny has been hopping down to Liverpool this Easter. Follow him to The Hardmans\’ House and solve bunny\’s clues which will lead you to your very own Cadbury\’s chocolate reward!Access is as part of guided tour – �2.50 extra for trail.Tours run from 11am to 3.30pm. As places are limited, we recommend pre-booking by calling 0151 709 6261.

In 2015, a chance discovery in the Hardmans� cluttered darkroom unearthed a box containing 23 undeveloped rolls of film. This year, visit the Hardmans\’ House and discover these never-before-seen photographs for yourself.As part of the guided tour of the house, explore our new exhibition revealing these fascinating images and the different aspects of Hardman\’s legacy.