Illuminating a thousand years ago

Prized Possessions celebrates the enduring British taste for collecting Dutch paintings and explores how and why this style of Art was desired, commissioned and displayed.The Trust cares for one of the largest and most significant collections of art in the UK including many important seventeenth-century Dutch paintings acquired by country house owners for over 300 years. The exhibition includes works by celebrated artists such as Rembrandt van Rijn, Peter Lely, Gabriel Metsu and Cornelis de Heem.

Wrap up warm and get outdoors with our children�s trail.Children will have fun exploring Cliveden estate on this February half-term trail. At the end of the trail little ones will make their own craft to take home.All children must be accompanied by an adult.

If these walls could talk…Join one of our knowledgeable guides as they bring to life the dramatic history of this fascinating building.

See the Attingham fallow deer herd up close as we feed them their winter rations.The eighth Lord Berwick loved his fallow deer herd so much he would often feed them himself – watch us continue this tradition over the winter months. We\’ll be feeding the deer to help them through the winter every weekend at 2pm in the deer park, and daily in the Shropshire February half-term school holidays (excluding Christmas Day).

Are you up for exploring both Finch Foundry and Lydford Gorge with all five senses?Pick up an explorer sheet and tick off textures, sounds, sights, smells and tastes to collect a sticker at both sites and win your sensory explorer badge.

Enjoy one of our delicious carvery lunches in the stables caf�.Enjoy one of our delicious Sunday roast lunches in the stables caf�. Made using local produce, much of it grown in our very own Kitchen Garden, it\’s the perfect way to warm up after your winter walk and treat yourself after exploring everything…

During February half term, put on your wellies and join our Muddy Explorers Trail to embrace this squelchy time of year!During February half term, put on your wellies and join our Muddy Explorers Trail to embrace this squelchy time of year! Bring the kids and get some fresh air joining in our challenges and discovering something new. Complete the trail together and claim your victory sticker.

This half-term come and a make a simple feeder to encourage birds into your garden.Its all about nature this half-term and spring is a busy time in for birds. Come and make a bird feeder in our potting shed that you can put up in your garden to encourage feather friends.

We are re-opening for the new season. Come along for a fun family day out.Join us this February half term for a fun day out. We\’ve got a special trail, craft activities for children and you\’ve got the chance to meet Chedworths\’ Romans. Look out for the children\’s mosaic workshop on Thursday 21 February – more information is available on our website.

Wrap up warm and get out and about on the Cotehele estate on this fun free trail.

Follow the classic books trail through the house, can you find the three little pigs or little red riding hood?Follow the classic books trail through the house, can you find the three little pigs or little red riding hood? Share your love of books and come dressed as your favourite character and join us for storytelling and crafts

Come and warm up by the log fire in the Entrance Hall – there\’ll be board games for you to play, and our volunteers will be on hand to share Stourhead\’s history with you.

Wrap up warm and spend some family time in the outdoors with this wildlife trailPick up a wildlife trail and become a naturalist for the day. Trek the parkland route and discover which animals call Belton home over winter. There\’s a free badge for all great explorers!

Enjoy one of our delicious Sunday roast lunches in the stables caf�. Made using local produce, much of it grown in our very own Kitchen Garden, it\’s the perfect way to warm up after your winter walk and treat yourself after exploring everything that Knightshayes has to offer.

Get the kids out and about in the great outdoors this half term and complete one of our garden trails, aimed to help kids tick of some of their 50 things to do before they\’re 11 3/4

This 10 minute talk introduces the Dawsons, a middle class couple from Liverpool, who built Wray Castle and made a new life in the Lake District.James and Margaret Dawson were a middle-class couple, products of the Industrial Revolution in Liverpool. Upon retirement, and after inheriting a large amount of money, they built a statement home in the Lake District. In this short talk, you\’ll hear about the building of Wray Castle and it\’s estate, and about their life there.

A series of interactive activities will be on offer this half-term. Budding knights and damsels can take part in the \’Great Escape\’ (teddy bear zip wire) and watch missiles launch from the castle\’s medieval siege engine.Medieval fun continues with the family castle quest and castle building in the Outer Bailey.

Come and explore the estate this February half term and follow our animal sculptures over to our woodland play area.

Are you ready for an adventure on the Welly Walk?Pick up a map and a \’Doodle your dream day\’ sheet from Visitor Reception, and head off on a journey together through the woods.Build a den, play hoop-la, splash in the puddles and have your own family adventure.Don\’t forget to bring those wellies!

In the quiet of a winter garden, whispering sounds and voices echo past histories and nature\’s secret activity. Wrap up warm and take in some of the lesser known gardens and buildings on this first ever sound trail.From the turmoil of the Second World War to the reimagined Victorian Laundry, cracking ice, summer breeze and owl calls – Yorkshire sound artist Rachel Sedman has created six soundscapes inspired by Beningbrough to fire your imaginations.

Inspired by a painting of a scene from \’Gulliver\’s Travels\’, go on an adventure in the Pleasure Ground spotting Gulliver\’s lost luggage.Inspired by a painting of a scene from \’Gulliver\’s Travels\’, go on an adventure in the Pleasure Ground spotting Gulliver\’s lost luggage.

Spot the first signs of spring on our half term trail.A wicked spell has been cast over Croft. All of the ponds in the parkland have frozen over and the castle and gardens have been bewitched by an eternal winter. See if you can defeat Jack Frost on our half term trail; banish winter from Croft and herald the start of spring.

Visit the Scarecrow Festival in the Gardens. There are over 30 scarecrows hiding out in there-will you find them all?

Step back in time and enjoy this traditional tale as you complete the quest around the grounds.The story of Tom Thumb a popular tale in the eighteenth century. We are now offering you the chance to explore Berrington�s walled garden and take on a series of adventures, from meeting King Arthur to attending the jousting.�2.50 per trail, includes a prize. Normal admission applies.

An opportunity to take in the winter wildlife on Brownsea and to enjoy a satisfying winter\’s day walk.Escape from the confines of centrally heated housing to take pleasure in the simple beauties of nature and breathe in the fresh clean air.Brownsea opens for weekends only from the beginning of February, then will open fully from Saturday 16th March.

This February half term, follow our hibernation trail to become a nature detective and discover what animals live here but may be having a snooze until the weather gets a bit warmer.With our natural play area, Winter Activity Pack, 50 Things challenge, estate walks, shop and caf�, there\’s plenty to see and do at Ightham Mote.

Enjoy a wonderful afternoon listening to the talented vocal duo Carly and Russ in November and December, and Welsh Harpist Dylan Cernyw in January and February while enjoying a Gardener\’s Ploughman\’s afternoon tea.

Put your wellies on and get out in the fresh air this half term.Celebrate National Nest Box Week as you look for birds and find out where they live. Find out how you can help them by becoming a part of our Peak District Appeal – Woods for the Future.

Find out about the people who have owned, enjoyed and shaped Runnymede for over 800 years.Come along to Runnymede for a fun packed day with the whole family, exploring the varied landscapes and monuments along the way.

Experience Hackney\’s oldest home with a tour led by a Sutton House expert. Learn about past residents from 500 years of history and the many unique ways the house has been used, including as a home to Thomas Cromwell\’s right hand man, a Victorian school, and a 1980s squat. Explore a newly installed recreation of the office of Clive Jenkins and the ASTMS Trade Union who were based here from the 1950s-1980s. There will be time to explore at your own pace following the tour.

Run, jump, crawl and see your fitness improve using the natural environment with our beach circuits sessions.Taking place every Sunday at Broad Haven South join our instructor for an hour-long session.Suitable for all ages and abilities, dogs welcome too!Find out more about our sports activities – www.nationaltrust.org.uk/stackpole-striders

Pick up the new family trail at the Garden Centre and go on a self-led adventure around the park to discover more about our feathered friends.This half term set off on our new wildlife-based trail at Morden Hall Park with the chance to get all the family involved. It\’s the perfect excuse to grab your wellies and get out of the house for a fun outdoor experience.�2 per trail, no need to book.Pick up your trail at the Garden Centre.All money raised from the sales of trails helps us look after Morden Hall Park – for ever for everyone.

Snowdrops crop up all over the estate at this time of year to remind us that Spring is round the corner.Enjoy a walk through the Dingle and spot the earliest signs of Spring. Warm up in the tearoom afterwards with a light snack or tea and cake.

There�s lots going on this February half term, with fun activities for all. Get togged up in warm and comfy clothes and boots, then come along to our den building day.This February half term we�ve plenty to interest all the family, including den building and outdoor activities with our ranger team. Learn new skills and use your imagination to create the perfect den � and bring your sandwiches and a flask if you like, and sit back to enjoy your handiwork!

Join our winter walk Half Term Activities! Take a close look to see what secrets of nature you can discover.Do you think nothing happens outdoors in the winter? Think again – come along to Upton House and Gardens to see what signs of life there are. Pop into Iris\’ Tearoom and have a go at some winter paper crafts.

Join our ranger for a leisurely stroll around our gardens at Bishop\’s Gate and see the carpets of snowdrops in all their beauty.

At Avebury Manor children \’can touch\’ the displays, lie on the beds or dress up in the costumes. They can also discover how to survive prehistory with a Museum trail.Take part in the free Museum trail and imagine yourself thousands of years in the past, battling to survive through the long, cold winter months. Or as a Tudor gentleman or woman living in a fine house with servants on hand. Avebury is the perfect place for inspiring young minds and active imaginations.

Winter is coming to an end and the flowers are starting to bloom, how many will you spot at Killerton.

Discover weird and wonderful stories about the man who made Chartwell famous. From animal impersonations to ransom notes, this trail will reveal the hidden man behind the cigar.

Join in the fun at Drogo this half term by following the nature trail around the garden and grounds (�1 per trail).

An age-old story revealed through the voices of modern womenAnother chance to see the acclaimed exhibition \’We are Bess\’ which reveals a new side to Bess of Hardwick\’s story through the voices and experiences of modern day women.From household names to local Derbyshire women, the portraits of 16 modern women, taken by award-winning photographer Rachel Adams, sit alongside the Tudor portraits in the Long Gallery. An additional four women will join the original 16 \’We are Bess\’ women.

Discover the wonderful world of strange fruit, from medieval medlars to Roman delicacies on our half term trail. Suitable for children of all ages. Complete the trail and win a prize.

Our Gnomes are waking up the garden, can you help them?Before spring arrives, the resident gnomes at The Weir come out of hibernation to wake up the garden. Help our gnomes prepare the garden for springtime, helping nature flourish.

Guaranteed fun, come rain or shine!Get some fresh air and discover all things great and small with our children\’s trail.

Use your magic wand to find our fairy doors at The Firs. Ring the doorbell to see who lives inside. Our cheeky fairies might set you nature tasks along the way.Use your magic wand to find our fairy doors at The Firs. Ring the doorbell to see who lives inside. Our cheeky fairies might set you nature tasks along the way. When you find all of our tree fairies a tinkling prize awaits you. If you love our fairy friends, make your own to take home. �2 per trail, �1 per craft.

Explore Arlington through the camera\’s lens with a brand new photography trail inside and outside. Compare the old with the new, see previously unseen photographs, and share your own pictures with us.

Thomas Hardy controversially subtitled Tess of the d\’Urbervilles A Pure Woman and later wrote that he \’lost his heart to Tess as he wrote about her\’. Delve into one of Hardy\’s most famous novels and find out about the stories that lie behind it.

Pick up a family half term trail to explore Ilam Park. It\’s a great time of year to see the birds flitting between the trees.There is no need to book in advance, just pick up a trail map from the shop at Ilam Park. The trail takes around 1 hour to complete. Dogs on leads are welcome.

Rain or shine there\’s something fun to do every day this half term at Saltram.Grab your wellies and go on an adventure in the park on the bike pump track or pick up a family trail to take you around the garden.

Take time out this winter to discover some of the conservation history of Bodiam CastleVisit our \’Bombay to Bodiam\’ and \’Let India be my Judge\’ exhibitions this winter and discover how Lord Curzon\’s time in India at the time of the British Raj shaped his preservation work on Bodiam Castle.

Explore Osterley\’s formal garden with your four-legged friendsCome down to the garden kiosk, pick up one of our leads and explore the wintery landscape. There�s always something beautiful in our gardens, and this time of year is the best time to visit our winter garden, or work off some energy with a stroll around the mile-long Long Walk.Upon arrival, swap your lead at the garden kiosk for one of ours and explore the formal gardens and long walk.

In the North Gallery, to mark the Royal Academy�s 250th anniversary, Petworth House are highlighting ten works of painting and sculpture by founders and members of the Royal Academy such as Reynolds, Turner and Flaxman.

New original artist designed winter outdoor trail exploring the different sides of Churchill\’s character. Learn more about the private man behind the public figure.

A 10-minute talk explaining the journey this extraordinary building has been on; from family home to institution to public place.Wray Castle�s life has been divided equally between family home and institution. Laboratories and training colleges occupied it until recently when the last tenants left. This is a tale of 20th century survival when so many country houses disappeared.

This 45 minute outdoor guided tour takes in the theatrical architecture of Wray Castle together with its picturesque setting.You\’ll hear about how the Dawsons\’ expressed their ancestry and position through the highly imposing building, and what they did with the surroundings to make their home feel like it\’d been there for centuries. The tour will also take in some of the current restoration projects taking place, as well as showing photographs of other estate buildings you might want to walk to after your tour.

Join us for a winter family trail around the grounds and win a prize. �2.00 per child.Join us for a winter family trail around the grounds and win a prize. �2.00 per child.

Be inspired by the colours of Glendurgan on our February half-term trail.Have a go at this fun family trail and use the garden colour wheel to spot the first signs of spring this half-term.

Be inspired to \’grow your own\’ with free seed planting this week. Pop along to the orchard and pot up some seeds, then take them home and watch them grow. One of your 50 things to do before you\’re 11�.

Explore the garden and get active as you follow this free trail around the grounds.

Find some light-hearted inspiration for your New Year\’s resolutions with our fun, garden-inspired fitness trail. Stop at various points and see if you can do the hula hoop, skip, play catch with a pine cone or other activity challenges.

Mischievous activities inspired by Norman Thelwell\’s love of the countryside.Explore the grounds with our Thelwell-themed family trail, which includes a craft activity to take home.

Find out about the fascinating creatures that come to life when the sun goes down on this trail through the woods.Head to the West woods to learn about some of our nocturnal residents, their habits and the stories that surround them.

Find out about the fascinating creatures that come to life when the sun goes down on this trail through the woods.Head to the West woods to learn about some of our nocturnal residents, their habits and the stories that surround them.

Take part in our children\’s half term activities or start ticking off your 50 things to do before you\’re 11 3/4 list.

Join a history tour to hear all about Gibside and how it came to be.The vision of coal baron George Bowes, Gibside is one of the few surviving 18th century designed landscape gardens. It was fashioned with two things in mind – spectacular views and \’wow\’ moments. Today it offers a glimpse into the past and the compelling story of heiress Eleanor Bowes, which is packed with tragedy, romance, scandal and triumph.

This autumn discover more about Adelaide Watt, an independent and powerful woman, ahead of her time. As the last owner of Speke Hall, her passion secured its survival.Explore her legacy in an outdoor exhibition that shines a light on the impact she left on the estate. Stroll around the grounds to discover tales of what Adelaide was like as a landlord, her interest in “pig courts” and even how she managed to reroute the plans for the Manchester Ship Canal!

This winter is the perfect time to wrap up and join our experienced ranger guides on a free tour of the park and discover the beauty and history of this living landscape.You\’ll see the stunning views from various points around the parkland, the deer in their thick winter coats and find out a little more about the history of this ancient limestone grassland site.

This winter is the perfect time to wrap up and join our experienced ranger guides on a free tour of the park and discover the beauty and history of this living landscape.You\’ll see the stunning views from various points around the parkland, the deer in their thick winter coats and find out a little more about the history of this ancient limestone grassland site.

Winter time in a seventeenth century inspired garden is one of the best seasons to drink in the structural planting, clipped formal topiary and evergreens such as variegated Holley, Yew, Bay and Cedars.We\’ll show you the best winter plants for your gardens this season. Join a garden guide for a free guided walk around the West Garden this winter.

Winter time in a seventeenth century inspired garden is one of the best seasons to drink in the structural planting, clipped formal topiary and evergreens such as variegated Holley, Yew, Bay and Cedars.We\’ll show you the best winter plants for your gardens this season. Join a garden guide for a free guided walk around the West Garden this winter.

Join our Park Guides on a wintery walk around the park and find out about what makes Dunham special this season.Warm up afterwards with a visit to the stables restaurant for a hot drink or hearty meal.

Following the death of Alexandrina\’s father, Lord Alexander Peckover, in 1919, his valuable book collection was sold off. In the centenary of Lord Peckover\’s death, we wish to tell the story of his \’Lost Library\’ and wider collecting interests. We have copies of the Sotheby\’s sale catalogues and they reveal a very significant collection that is now dispersed across the world. We will have on loan several original Peckover books on display in the library.

Meet just outside the Visitor Reception building to join our experienced ranger guides on a free tour of the park as they share how we care for our historic landscape, with a glimpse of the deer too, if you\’re lucky.Our park is home to all kinds of wildlife, from our beautiful deer herd through to our ancient trees. And of course, humans have had their say over this place, too. Find out about some of the stories of how this land has changed across the centuries.

Celebrate Chinese New Year with our trail of Chinese lanterns around the garden.Follow the red lanterns around the garden to the fabulous Chinese Garden at Biddulph Grange and reward yourself with a fortune cookie prize.

Throughout February budding Rangers can meet the different types of trees that live at Shugborough on our woodland trail, or join in with one of the additional activities taking place during half term (16th-24th).Join us for a tree themed month of trails and activities throughout February, including half term (16th-24th). Some activities may come with an additional cost.

The gallery will host original artwork from the book The Lost Words. Taking the form of a collection of illustrated spells, the book celebrates the relationship between language and the living world, and nature�s power to spark the imagination.The Lost Words is a unique collaborative project between renowned writer Robert Macfarlane (author of The Old Ways and Landmarks) and artist Jackie Morris (The White Fox, Tell Me a Dragon). The Lost Words touring exhibition is organised by Compton Verney, with Hamish Hamilton and Penguin Books.

The dainty bowed heads of the snowdrop are a much loved reminder that spring is on its way. Having planted over 5000 snowdrops, there should be a heavenly display.

Jilly is known for her unique watercolour and fine line ink depictions of historically or nationally significant architecture. She is a Worcester based architectural watercolour artist.The new Croome Collection has been created especially for this exhibition. You are able to bid for your chance to own an original picture from the exhibition or enter a competition to win an image of your own chosen building.

This autumn discover more about Adelaide Watt, an independent and powerful woman, ahead of her time. As the last owner of Speke Hall, her passion secured its survival.Explore her legacy in an outdoor exhibition that shines a light on the impact she left on the estate. Stroll around the grounds to discover tales of what Adelaide was like as a landlord, her interest in �pig courts� and even how she managed to reroute the plans for the Manchester Ship Canal!

This autumn discover more about Adelaide Watt, an independent and powerful woman, ahead of her time. As the last owner of Speke Hall, her passion secured its survival.Explore her legacy in an outdoor exhibition that shines a light on the impact she left on the estate. Stroll around the grounds to discover tales of what Adelaide was like as a landlord, her interest in �pig courts� and even how she managed to reroute the plans for the Manchester Ship Canal!

Jilly is known for her unique watercolour and fine line ink depictions of historically or nationally significant architecture. She is a Worcester based architectural watercolour artist.The new Croome Collection has been created especially for this exhibition. You are able to bid for your chance to own an original picture from the exhibition or enter a competition to win an image of your own chosen building.

This February we are celebrating the snowdrop by hanging over 1000 snowdrops in our Orchard from our apple trees. Further details will follow shortly.This February we are celebrating the snowdrop by hanging over 1000 snowdrops in our Orchard from our apple trees. Further details will follow shortly.

From 3 March 2018 – February 2019 the exhibition Voices – Women of Influence at Ashridge explores the impact of five women on the Ashridge Estate.The team at Ashridge have curated this exhibition to celebrate the centenary of the 1918 Representation of the People Act. We look back over the past 200 years of Estate history and highlight women from all walks of life who have made their mark here.

From 3 March 2018 – February 2019 the exhibition Voices – Women of Influence at Ashridge explores the impact of five women on the Ashridge Estate.The team at Ashridge have curated this exhibition to celebrate the centenary of the 1918 Representation of the People Act. We look back over the past 200 years of Estate history and highlight women from all walks of life who have made their mark here.

See the gardens in a new light as the students from the Hereford Colleges of Arts offer you the chance to reflect on the land that surrounds Berrington with a fresh perspective.As part of our Walled Garden and Pleasure Grounds Restoration Project we are working in partnership with the Hereford College of Arts. In this Land Art Project you will have the opportunity to see a series of artworks threaded throughout the walled garden, pleasure grounds and parkland. All of which will connect to Berrington�s history, how the students interpret the site and our walled garden project.

Welcome in the spring with a refreshing stroll around the garden and enjoy this season\’s early arrivals.Take our self-led snowdrop trail and find out a little more about some of the snowdrops we grow. Learn about how to distinguish between different types of snowdrop and take home some useful tips from our head gardener on how to keep them healthy and looking good.

Help us keep Hemmick beach beautifulCan you spare half an hour or so to help us keep Hemmick beach looking beautiful, and safer for wildlife?

Join us for a one hour cycle ride around Clumber Park.An all ladies social ride. Led by trained ride leaders who will make everyone welcome and support confidence building for those less familiar with the Park or cycling.

Join us this winter as we explore the legacies of Ickworth\’s important women in our brand new Winter walkTo conclude Ickworth’s year long celebration of Women and Power, join us as we offer a new winter walk to explore the legacies of the women who shaped the estate. Seen through the eye of artist John Williams, discover elusive, illusion based interpretations of important women of Ickworth within the natural world of the Albana woodland. Explore our walk; be intrigued by their design and delve deeper into the stories that surround us.

Discover some of the famous guests who have visited Bateman\’s over the years with our half-term garden trail.Over the years since Rudyard Kipling bought the house in 1902 to the present day, Bateman\’s has seen a number of fascinating guests pass through its doors. This February half term wrap up warm and come to discover just who has visited us as you search for clues around the garden. Once you\’ve completed your guest list you can claim your prize.

Get up close to the beloved artwork from Judith Kerr�s much-loved children�s classic picture book, \’The Tiger Who Came To Tea\’ at Blickling.Celebrating the book\’s 50th anniversary and over five million copies sold, see The Tiger Who Came to Tea exhibition in the house. In addition to displays of Judith Kerr�s delightful illustrations, the exhibition will feature a family trail, fully interactive play kitchen and a life-size model tiger knocking at the door for tea.

Join us this winter as we explore the legacies of Ickworth\’s important women in our brand new Winter walkTo conclude Ickworth�s year long celebration of Women and Power, join us as we offer a new winter walk to explore the legacies of the women who shaped the estate. Seen through the eye of artist John Williams, discover elusive, illusion based interpretations of important women of Ickworth within the natural world of the Albana woodland. Explore our walk; be intrigued by their design and delve deeper into the stories that surround us.

Join us this winter as we explore the legacies of Ickworth\’s important women in our brand new Winter walkTo conclude Ickworth�s year long celebration of Women and Power, join us as we offer a new winter walk to explore the legacies of the women who shaped the estate. Seen through the eye of artist John Williams, discover elusive, illusion based interpretations of important women of Ickworth within the natural world of the Albana woodland. Explore our walk; be intrigued by their design and delve deeper into the stories that surround us.

The dust cloths will be out, the scaffolding up and the collection seen as never before.Opening for the first time in February the winter clean will be in full swing. See the castle as never before, peek beneath a sheet, see the team up high and learn what it takes to care for the collection.

Soak in fantastic views and fresh air whilst helping to keep this beautiful beach clean.We meet in the morning on the first Monday each month at 10am.Gloves, bags and litter-pickers provided. Just bring your enthusiasm to help out for an hour or so.

Come and experience the enjoyment and health benefits of �walking with poles� in Croome�s magnificent parkland. Please click on the Booking Online button >>>Nordic Walking UK instructors are providing this free taster session for those wishing to give it a try!