Holidaying in Sri Lanka

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Get out your magnifying glasses ad discover a hidden world of bugs and beasties…just where could those little critters be hiding?

How advanced was medicine in Roman times? Would you have trusted a Roman doctor, especially when it came to more serious treatments?Meet Quintus Medicus, our Roman doctor. You can ask him all about medicine in Roman times. Find out what medicine was used to treat various conditions, what equipment they relied on and if the Roman doctors were to be trusted.

Discover the photos of pets taken by Edward Chambre Hardman in his studio in Liverpool. Often posed with props, these playful images of cats and dogs show the affection that mid-century pet owners had for their four legged companions.

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.

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.

Amazing cars of all ages. With so many on show you\’re sure to see something new, bold or beautiful. If you\’d like to bring along your classic please do ask.

The hydro turbine building on the river Teign will be open for you to look inside. The knowledgeable guide will be able to tell you about the history of this building along with how it was restored and how it works.

Celebrate and share the story of countryside access at the Spirit of Kinder rally.Celebrating access to our countryside, join us in Winnats Pass for live music and talks as part of the annual Spirit of Kinder rally.

Local artist & tutor John Thompson returns with his popular painting workshops. John takes inspiration from seasonal changes on the landscape and gardens of Nymans. This month\’s theme is Bluebell woods.Join us for a full day of relaxed and informal art in our potting shed. Learn easy techniques working with acrylic paints on making various marks and building textures. All painting materials provided. Bookings can be made from January 2019.

Join artist, Debbie Devauden, on a one day botanical art course and learn how to draw subjects from our beautiful gardens.Artist, Debbie Devauden, will be running workshops throughout the year in Dyffryn.In 2003, Debbie gained a Diploma in Botanical Illustration from the English Gardening School at the Chelsea Physic Garden. She has also exhibited locally and at the Society of Botanical Artists London exhibitions.

Discover how to get the best out of your camera with these photography workshops with Pandora. Learn the basics in an inspiring setting or discover how to capture the perfect landscape.Get snappy with photography workshops at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal. Choose from the beginners \’get off auto\’ course to her \’developing skills\’ and \’introduction to landscape photography\’ courses. Visit her website goingdigital.co.uk or ring for more information.

A beginner\’s watercolour workshop with local artist Chris Beesley.

Tim Laycock brings Thomas Hardy\’s home to life with music and stories from Hardy\’s own time. Suggested donation of �3 to Tim Laycock himself.There will be three performances, each lasting approximately 25 minutes, between 1pm and 4pm. The performances will take place in the Drawing Room. Seating is limited and as there is no booking it will be on a first come first served basis.

Discover the joys of spring with beautiful views over the Weald on this family walk.This walk will take us along the�Greensand Way through Knole\’s 1,000-acre deer park to One Tree Hill with its profusion of bluebells.Weather permitting, there will be some great views over the Weald. We will then return through bluebell woods and rural communities to Knole. The walk includes some short but steep stretches that can be slippery, even in dry weather, so good walking shoes are a necessity. We will break at One Tree Hill so bring a drink and some snacks!

A special opportunity to experience the ancient skill of shooting with the English longbow.Receive group tuition from our Medieval archers in the atmospheric surroundings of Tatton Old Hall, whilst also learning about the longbow�s history and application.

Experience this extraordinary home and unique work of art. Secure your place on an intimate pre-booked guided tour for up to six people. Every visit helps us to continue our work to protect this exquisite and unique place.Places are limited on these exclusive tours, and can book up months in advance. On arrival, You\’ll be invited to sit around the dining table for an introductory talk before exploring the house in the order the rooms were created. Tours last just over an hour.

Anyone for tennis? Or perhaps you prefer a spot of croquet. Whatever your fancy, kick-start your weekend with Sports Saturday at Goddards.Perfect your tennis serve, practice your putting and crack the rules of croquet! Play games in the garden and find out what sports the Terry family enjoyed playing as well as discovering which sports clubs were popular with the Terry�s workforce. After working up an appetite, treat yourself to a piece of our famous chocolate orange cake.

Calling all classic vehicle enthusiasts. Our annual vintage rally will take centre stage at The Argory once againHundreds of vintage vehicles will descend upon The Argory as we host our famous vintage rally. Great day out for all ages.

Join the hunt for dragon eggs on a legendary quest this Easter holiday. Crack the clues as you and your family follow the trail through the gardens. Intrepid adventurers who track down the dragon egg will get a certificate and a sticker to prove it, and there�ll be a chocolate treat too! You can get questing at Witley Court every day of the school holidays. It costs just �1 per child, and there�s no need to book.0

Join the hunt for dragon eggs on a legendary quest this Easter holiday. Crack the clues as you and your family follow the trail around the Abbey Grounds. Intrepid adventurers who track down the dragon egg will get a certificate and a sticker to prove it, and there�ll be a chocolate treat too!�You can get questing at Birdoswald every day of the school holidays. It costs just �1 per child, and there�s no need to book. 0

Join the hunt for dragon eggs on a legendary quest this Easter holiday. Crack the clues as you and your family follow the trail through the gardens. Intrepid adventurers who track down the dragon egg will get a certificate and a sticker to prove it, and there�ll be a chocolate treat too! You can get questing at Bolsover Castle every day of the school holidays. It costs just �1 per child, and there�s no need to book.0

Join the hunt for dragon eggs on a legendary quest this Easter holiday. Crack the clues as you and your family follow the trail around the Abbey Grounds. Intrepid adventurers who track down the dragon egg will get a certificate and a sticker to prove it, and there�ll be a chocolate treat too!�0

Join the hunt for dragon eggs on a legendary quest this Easter holiday. Crack the clues as you and your family follow the trail around the Abbey Grounds. Intrepid adventurers who track down the dragon egg will get a certificate and a sticker to prove it, and there�ll be a chocolate treat too!�You can get questing at Scarborough Castle every day of the school holidays. It costs just �1 per child, and there�s no need to book. 0

Join the hunt for dragon eggs on a legendary quest this Easter holiday. Crack the clues as you and your family follow the trail around the Abbey Grounds. Intrepid adventurers who track down the dragon egg will get a certificate and a sticker to prove it, and there�ll be a chocolate treat too!�You can get questing at Chesters Roman fort every day of the school holidays. It costs just �1 per child, and there�s no need to book. 0

Join the hunt for dragon eggs on a legendary quest this Easter holiday. Crack the clues as you and your family follow the trail around the Abbey Grounds. Intrepid adventurers who track down the dragon egg will get a certificate and a sticker to prove it, and there�ll be a chocolate treat too!�You can get questing at Brodsworth Hall and Gardens every day of the school holidays. It costs just �1 per child, and there�s no need to book. 0

Join the hunt for dragon eggs on a legendary quest this Easter holiday. Crack the clues as you and your family follow the trail around the Abbey Grounds. Intrepid adventurers who track down the dragon egg will get a certificate and a sticker to prove it, and there�ll be a chocolate treat too!�You can get questing at Pendennis every day of the school holidays. It costs just �1 per child, and there�s no need to book. Join us from the 13th – 28th April and you can also meet Tudor characters from Pendennis\’ past!0