Letter from France: August 2017

Have fun in the countryside with our summer activity pack.Each season we\’re highlighting some of our favourite things to do in the outdoors, as well as some of the best 50 things to do before you\’re 11 3/4. So bring your family and friends and enjoy an adventure in the Kent countryside.

Over the years, the owners of Wallington have travelled around by horse & carriage, bicycle, boat and train. So get your skates on and take a trip around the West Wood to take part in our Trevelyan Transport Challenge.

Delve into the mind set of Robert Adam\’s influence on Osterley and the transformation from Tudor manor house to \’the palace of palaces\’ here today. 20 Apr – 1 Oct, daily in the house 11-5pm

Billie Buzzard is soaring overhead, floating on the breeze and watching all the comings and goings of the Allan Bank woodland garden.She sees all of the wild creatures who call Allan Bank home, can you find all the creatures that Billie Buzzard can see?

Come and test the waters at Osterley with Canoeing,Kayaking and Paddleboarding on Middle Lake. Our partners from The Sharks Canoe club will guide you on the techniques required to get on the water and enjoy an alternative experience of Osterley.

Once upon a time on an island in Poole Harbour, legends were being challenged. Uncover a different side to the story as you adventure across the island and discover new twists to old tales. Suggested donation �2 per trail.

Incunables is a term that refers to early books printed in Europe before 1501. Lanhydrock has 28 of this type of book, unusually high for a private collection. This exhibition in the historic Gallery will draw on the library collection in order to show some of our early printed works. This will be the first time that our incunabula will be shown in a single exhibition.

Join Hughenden\’s gardener for a tour into areas of the gardens not open to the public. See the West Bank garden, Cherry Orchard and glasshouse.

Winter is a great time to prune certain types of roses, come long and learn how to do this with one of the gardening team.

A fun family trail about the marvellous mind of William Henry Fox Talbot, inventor of the photographic negative.In 1835, William Henry Fox Talbot invented the first photographic negative at his home in Lacock Abbey. This revolutionary process remained in use for over a hundred years, until the invention of digital photography in 1975.
Find out more on this self-led family trail around the abbey grounds.

A series of composite images compiled from the historical artefacts and buildings that can still be seen in the Dinorwig slate quarry.

Investigating the link between the cultural uses of poppies for remembrance and the science of biodiversity – the study of plant and animal species in the natural environment.

Collect a scroll and become an apprentice playwright. Name your characters and decide their fate as you explore the Mansion. Will all your characters make it to the end of the play… you decide!

Vote for your favourite Workhouse object as part of this interactive display. The selection of objects from our collection will change every two months when the public\’s vote winner will be announced and go forward to the final display.

Take advantage of new morning tours to explore the finer details behind Penrhyn through its architecture, collection and history. NEW for 2017.
We will be opening our gates earlier in 2017 and as an added bonus we will also be offering you the chance to take a look inside the Castle before it opens for the day.

Tour topics and routes vary, limited availability. Please book at the Visitor Centre on arrival.

This major new exhibition will tell the real story of Bonnie Prince Charlie and the rise and fall of the Jacobites.

The exhibition \’Away from Avebury\’ will return to the Servants\’ Hall at Avebury Manor. Delve into the adventures of some of Avebury\’s past owners as you discover where they journeyed to.Exploring travel in past lives, this pop-up exhibition will examine key owner\’s in Avebury\’s past like Adam and Anne Williamson and Alexander Keiller.

At the site visited by Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn in 1535, pick up your self-guided tour at Visitor Reception and uncover hidden secrets contained in The Vyne\’s surviving Tudor features.In grounds visited by exalted Tudor monarchs, you\’re invited to take a self-guided walk and discover hidden secrets contained in The Vyne\’s surviving Tudor features. Normal admission applies.

From March, see how our major roof project is progressing from our lift-accessible rooftop walkway.As we save this former Tudor palace, watch a major conservation project at roof level. While you\’re up there, don\’t forget to take in the views of The Vyne Estate. The walkway is accessible by stairs and by a lift. .

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 15 minutes early).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)

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

Join us in the orchard for an introduction to apple tree pruning with Cotehele\’s gardeners. Part theory, part practical. Tools provided, but wrap up warm.Apple tree pruning workshops are always a popular event. We suggest you book early to avoid disappointment.

Step by step instructions with all materials provided. Make and take home your own made plant supports.

Interested in what goes into looking after a mansion house or antique collection? Our house staff will show you. Just ask when you enter the house.

Tailor made and inspiring art workshops set in the beautiful Cambrian Mountains not far from Cardigan Bay. One to Five days, book as many or as few as you want.

Enjoy the opportunity to experience Kingston Lacy park and estate on a range of beautiful estate walks throughout the year. Walks take place each month – please see website for dates and walk details.

Marking The Royal Regiment of Scotland�s first decade of operations, this exhibition offers a fresh perspective on the combat and peacekeeping work of Scotland\’s infantry soldiers and support network.