Summer Family Fun at Treasure Houses

Roll up families; discover a feast of fun at Treasure Houses throughout England. There’s a programme stacked with entertainment and pizzazz, Treasure Houses are coming to life with a range of activities for the whole family. Enjoy outdoor theatre and film performances, muddy your boots on the farms, sip afternoon tea and run wild under lush canopies in summer gardens. Here is just a taster of what’s on offer to stretch little feet and big imaginations this summer holidays:

Beauulieu Abbey Cloisters

Beaulieu 
Witness birds of prey in flight within Beaulieu Abbey’s cloisters and gen up on the history of falconry. Every day between 16th July – 4th September there will be flying demonstrations and talks with falconer Paul Manning.


Blenheim
Join in a story-telling tour with a costumed housemaid, ladies’ maid or butler and find out how the other half lived during Victorian times. Throughout the summer (from 23rd July – 29th August) a series of ‘Below Stairs Stories by the Victorian Servants’ will take you through the daily chores and strict hierarchy of a bygone era in this magnificent palace.

Burghley
Embark on a quest to discover magic, myths and legends in the Festival of Surprises, running from 30th July – 12th August. This fortnight of special events is guaranteed to keep children of all ages (and adults) entertained with themed activities and garden workshops designed to take you back in time. During the first week of the programme enjoy treasure hunts, bouncy pole jousting and Tudor dancing as you are introduced to King Arthur’s Realm, or during the second weekend take part in balloon modelling, magic shows and face painting at the Jester’s Fair.

Castle Howard
Get ‘On Your Bike’ on a family cycle event on Sunday 7th August. No ordinary family freewheeling, here you can have a go on all sorts of bikes from toddler’s push-alongs to pedal-powered Scaletrix and 8-seater mega-bikes. Once the action has worn out little legs you can browse the exhibition of vintage bikes in the Boar Garden. Also at Castle Howard is a Medieval-themed children’s weekend (28-29 August) with a horse-stunt rider, Birds of Prey, archery and dressing up as knights and princesses.

Chatsworth
Search for hidden gems at Chatsworth on a series of discovery tours around the estate. Find Queen Victoria’s Squirty Willow on Little Explorers and Hidden Gems trails around the 105-acre gardens, and uncover all manner of Treasures, Trinkets and Bewildering Bits in the house. Alternatively take a walk on the wild side, building dens, handling reptiles and examining bugs on Wednesdays, at nature-themed workshops in the farmyard.

Harewood House
Families will be hard-pushed to cram the fun of Harewood House into a single day this summer. What with nearly 100 species of rare exotic birds, an outdoor adventure playground and The Geopods indoor interactive play zone, how on earth will you find time to dress up in servants’ clothes and step into Victorian times? Throughout the school holidays there will be range of craft activities from soap sculpture to African-drum making. And don’t forget there is also the classic ‘Snow White’ play rounding up the summer’s theatre performances on August 19th.

A happy pig at Hatfields new Farm

Hatfield House
Ride on the tractor, feed the animals and get lost in the maize maze at the new Hatfield Park Farm. Children get free entry (accompanied by a paying adult) into this traditional breed farm, and admission also gets you into the Bloody Hollow adventure play area.  Exclusive shopping and free parking.

Holkham Hall
Play alongside Ratty and Mole in your own production of Wind in the Willows with Cambridge Touring Theatre. During a 3-day workshop from 9th – 11th August you can take charge of stage management, acting, singing, dancing, publicity and, finally, the production of your play to friends and family. Suitable for children from 7–11 years, booking essential.
Throughout August there is weekly theatre performances in the courtyard  from the ‘Wind in the Willows’ to Shakespeare’s ‘Much Ado About Nothing’

Leeds Castle
Messing around on boats is the best way to enjoy the summer, and at Leeds Castle you can do just that on The Black Swan cruise to the maze and play area. (£1 charge per person each way.) Bringing the holidays to a close on 9th September, you can see sunset jousting against the historic backdrop of the 900 year-old castle before an open-air screening of ‘A Knight’s Tale’, starring Heath Ledger. (The film is rated PG. Gates open at 6pm. Adult £20, children £15).

Woburn Abbey
What could be more enchanting on a lovely summer’s day than to enjoy an open air theatre performance amongst the stunning setting of the gardens of Woburn Abbey?   With three family fun plays, there is something for everyone to enjoy!   Bring your family and friends and join us with your blankets, low-backed chairs, scrummy picnics and something chilled to drink and be transported away to worlds of romance, comedy and fairytales on a fine summer’s evening.  There are also free of charge children’s activities going on in the Abbey Gardens every Wednesday during the school holidays (27th July – 31st August).

VW Festival at Harewood

VW Festival at Harewood
Photo Credit - Jonny Harris

Harewood goes VW crazy on Sunday 14 August with one of the UK’s biggest VW Festivals. Join in the fun on Sunday or camp overnight on the Saturday to fully immerse yourself in VW heaven. There’s something for everyone at the Harewood VW Festival and if you pre-book your tickets online you could win a 1970s VW Beetle, with all proceeds from the raffle going to two great local charities.

The Top Ten Must-See Summer Gardens

Hatfield House Gardens

As well as being among the finest stately homes, castles and palaces in the country, the Treasure Houses of England are also world-renowned for their magnificent gardens.

Here’s a selection of what each of the properties has to offer:

The Maze and Grotto, Leeds Castle

Lose yourself in the spiralling maze planted in 1988 with 2,400 yew trees, part of which when viewed from the centre mirrors a queen’s crown.  The only way to return to civilisation is through an underworld grotto, complete with macabre forms and mythical beasts created from shells, minerals and wood. 

A second maze, the Turf Maze, is located above the top of the Great Water, close to the children’s play area.  Designed for younger children, the circles of turf lead to a small wooden castle in the centre of the maze.

The Water Terraces, Blenheim Palace

The majestic Water Terraces are a remarkable 20^th-century achievement, compared to the Parterre d’Eau at Versailles.  A major part of the 9^th Duke’s outstanding legacy to the Palace, he took inspiration from Bernini, whose river-gods fountain on the lower terrace is a scale model of the original in Rome’s Piazza Navona. 

Built between 1925 and 1930, the two terraces are a tranquil setting, linked by a wall of caryatids, carved in situ by Visseau and flanked by tiers of shells.  The head and torso of one caryatid are modelled on one of the gardeners at the time that happened to walk by as Visseau was working.  The features of the 9^th Duke’s second Duchess, Gladys, adorn the faces of a pair of sphinxes on the lower terrace.

Ornamental Kitchen Garden, Beaulieu

Beaulieu literally means 'beautiful place' and the gardens certainly live up to the name. Originally the grounds of the Abbey, the varied gardens include the fragrant Victorian Flower Garden, with a dedicated rose garden featuring a number of old garden roses, the informal Wilderness Garden dating back to the 1770’s, the Ornamental Kitchen Garden with its restored 1870’s vine house, and the scenic Mill Pond Walk.

The most recent addition to the gardens at Beaulieu is the beautiful fountain in the Victorian Ornamental Kitchen Garden, intricately designed by  Lord Montagu’s daughter, Mary Montagu-Scott, and Beaulieu’s head gardener, Kelvin Yapp. Water trickles down through bronze sticks and leaves, with bronze birds, butterflies and snails adding an element of fun.

Garden of Surprises, Burghley

The amazing contents of the Garden of Surprises are inspired by one of the gardens of the first Lord of Burghley in the sixteenth century noted for its unusual features, such as obelisks of many materials and a lead pond. The garden gets its name from many of its contents being hidden from the outside, waiting to reveal their surprises to those who enter. 

Features such as the moss house, the swivelling Caesar busts, basins of water, jets and the mirrored maze have been designed to be accessible to all, regardless of age and interest, although they are particularly enjoyable for children or those young at heart who enjoy a paddle on a warm day!  The garden exudes a real sense of fun.

Himalayan Garden, Harewood House

Himalaya, ‘The Abode of Snow’, has immense diversity of flora and the redevelopment of the Rock Garden at Harewood into a Himalayan Garden has aimed to capture this extraordinary world in miniature.  This hidden gem is a plant-hunter’s paradise, with paths leading around a showcase of primulas, orchids, cobra lilies, blue poppies and more than 50 kinds of rhododendron. 

The garden also contains the Harewood Stupa, a Buddhist monument built in 2004 by monks and that is the only one of its kind in the UK.

Sculpture Exhibition : Moore at Hatfield, Hatfield House

Henry Spencer Moore, Englishman, avant-garde, modernist and giant of twentieth-century sculpture.  Moore at Hatfield will show the largest collection of Henry Moore’s Monumental works ever exhibited in the grounds of an English historic house. 

On display in the grounds of Hatfield House this year as part of their 400^th anniversary celebrations, the exhibition presents a unique opportunity to explore Moore’s intentions and witness how the ever-changing landscape both inspires and combines with the beauty of his radical ‘new forms’.

Garden Trail, Woburn Abbey

Historic Woburn Abbey in Bedfordshire has this year joined the RHS Recommended Gardens scheme with free garden entry to RHS members from 1 Jan–31 Dec. Now is an especially exciting time to visit the gardens as they undergo extensive restoration work.

When the 6th Duke of Bedford inherited Woburn Abbey, he commissioned Humphry Repton to improve the 17ha (42 acre) gardens and park. Some, but not all, of his designs were completed. Last year, to mark the 200th anniversary of Repton’s plans, work began to introduce some of his original ideas into the garden, and 2.4ha (6 acres) of private gardens were opened to the public for the first time.

Explore the garden and watch as it takes shape – information boards along the Garden Trail will help you to find out more about the gardens and future plans for them. You can also download regular podcasts from Gardens Manager Martin Towsey, from the Woburn Abbey website.

The Walled Gardens, Holkham Hall

Started in 2010, an exciting project is underway at Holkham to restore the 6.5 acres of walled garden originally laid out during the late 1700s.  In Victorian times these gardens would have provided a constant and varied supply of food and decoration to the hall, ranging from vegetables and flowers to a wide range of fruits. 

The Cascade and Fountains, Chatsworth House

The water flowing down Chatsworth’s stunning Cascade starts as rain on the moors fed into one of several man-made lakes, the Ring Pond.  After flowing over the Sowter Stone and Aqueduct and through Stand Wood, it enters the Cascade Pond before rushing down the Cascade. As each step of the Cascade is different the sound of the water majestically changes as it falls. 

At the bottom the water enters pipes to feed the other fountains and ponds around the gardens including the impressive Emperor Fountain, which can reach up to 90 metres in height.  Another attractive fountain is the Willow Tree Fountain, designed to create the illusion of rain running from its leaves and branches.

The Rose Gardens, Castle Howard

Set within the 18^th century walled garden, the Rose Gardens encompass two adjoining enclosures – Lady Cecilia’s Garden and the Venus Garden.  With their romantic Italianate trellises, hornbeam hedges and backdrop of brick walls, these gardens are a sheltered paradise of colour and intoxicating perfume, where visitors will enjoy a spectacle of massed roses.

In total there are 2000 modern roses of all types, including David Austen’s English roses, making this one of the country’s most comprehensive collections.  Throughout the summer, within each garden and along every alley there is an abundance of colour and fragrance. 

Barceló UK joins forces with Treasure Houses of England

Hotel group Barceló UK has been named as the official 2011 partner of Treasure Houses of England.

Nicole Feldman, Head of Marketing and E-Commerce for Barceló UK, says: “We are delighted announce our new 2011 partnership with Treasure Houses of England, which is made up of 10 of the most magnificent palaces, houses and castles in the country. We have created some special packages for Treasure Houses visitors on our website to raise awareness of the location of our hotels. Our portfolio of unique four star hotels are ideally located for Treasure Houses visitors, in popular destinations throughout the UK.”

Barcelo Buxton Palace Hotel

Treasure Houses of England’s members include: Beaulieu, Blenheim Palace, Burghley House, Castle Howard, Chatsworth, Harewood House, Hatfield House, Holkham Hall, Leeds Castle and Woburn Abbey.

As the preferred accommodation provider for the Treasure Houses collection, Barceló UK is offering guests the chance to enjoy a two night bed and breakfast package for two at any hotel, with dinner on the first night and a free bottle of wine, from just £79.50 per person.

Barcelo Shrigley Hall Hotel, Golf and Country Club

The partnership has begun with a competition on the Treasure Houses of England website, where visitors can win a fantastic two night bed and breakfast break at a Barceló UK hotel with a free VIP visit to the hotel’s nearest Treasure House. For more information or to enter the competition, visit:  http://bit.ly/eN8OaG

The Treasure Houses of England is a consortium of 10 of the country’s finest palaces, historic houses and castles. Unique in character, each property has its own magical blend of magnificent architecture, fabulous surroundings, world class collections and family attractions to enjoy.

One of the most compelling features of the Treasure Houses of England is that they all offer the visitor a living history. Most are still homes to the great families who have owned them for generations. Others keep their heritage alive by re-creating scenes and events that have dominated and shaped England from the 9th century to the present day.

For further information about Barceló UK and all the latest offers, visit: www.barcelo-hotels.co.uk or for further information about Treasure Houses of England, visit: www.treasurehouses.co.uk

Treasure House Summer Outdoor Theatre Guide

With summer fast approaching and the outdoor theatre season in full swing the Treasure Houses of England have unveiled an extraordinary programme of performances for visitors of all ages to enjoy.

The calendar features everything from children’s classics and pre-school favourites to Shakespeare and Rat Pack Vegas Spectaculars, all set against the backdrop of some of England’s finest castles, palaces and historic houses.

June 8^th-19^th                       ‘Twelfth Night’                    Blenheim Palace

The glorious surroundings of the Pleasure Gardens at Blenheim Palace will play host to 12 nights of ‘Twelfth Night’, this coming summer, the timeless story of shipwrecked twins and their adventures in the far-off land of Illyria. In this comedy of mistaken identity, the pain of loss and the madness of love combine in a world of absurdity and uncertainty. Shakespeare's last and greatest comedy will be brought to you in this outdoor theatre production by actors from the Oxford School of Drama.

June 18^th – July 2^nd          ‘In the Night Garden Live’           Woburn Abbey

Popular children’s TV characters Iggle Piggle, Upsy Daisy, Makka Pakka and their friends are coming to Woburn Abbey this summer in the magical staged production of ‘In the Night Garden Live’.  Showing in its custom-built state-of-the-art inflatable showdome, there is a choice of two shows, each with a different story.  The show faithfully recreates the magical world of the television show, with the characters brought to life with full-size costumes; enchanting music, magical puppets and spectacular panoramic projections that all create an immersive theatrical experience that will make audiences feel like they have actually entered this magical world.  Families will even be able to buy tickets to meet one of their favourite characters in person after the show, a feature new for 2011.

June 19^th                              ‘Wind in the Willows’                   Castle Howard

The tales of the river bank are brought to life this summer in the grounds of Castle Howard in a magical outdoor theatre production of the ‘Wind in the Willows’.  Bring a picnic to complete this perfect family outing for Father’s Day.  An optional 30 minute children’s workshop is also available prior to the performance.

July 10^th                                               ‘Hamlet’,                              Hatfield House

July 31^st,                              ‘Wind in the Willows’,

 August 14^th                        ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’

Three outdoor theatre productions are to be held in the leafy park at Hatfield House this summer.  First up is Hamlet, then Toad and his companions provide entertainment in the ‘Wind in the Willows’, followed by Shakespeare’s classic comedy ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’, perfect for a summer’s evening.

July 12^th-13^th                                 ‘Much Ado About Nothing’         Beaulieu

Following last summer’s sell-out tour of Macbeth, Castle Theatre Company is again returning to the ancient grounds of Beaulieu Abbey with two open-air performances of Shakespeare’s ‘Much Ado About Nothing’.  In a comedy packed with betrayal, trickery and confusion from all parties, Much Ado About Nothing will be a production not to be missed.

July 28^th                               ‘Wind in the Willows’                  Chatsworth

Cambridge Touring Theatre, the UK's most exciting, award-winning outdoor family touring theatre company, will be at Chatsworth with Wind in the Willows.

July 30^th – August 12^th    ‘Festival of Surprises’                    Burghley House

This year the popular Festival of Surprises at Burghley House will be themed on Magical Myths and Legends.  Why not come and take part in King Arthur’s Quest, become a Knight of the Round Table and try and pull the sword from the stone?  There are various children’s activities on offer everyday in the Gardens and admission is included with a House and Gardens or Gardens only ticket.

July 7^th, ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’                          Harewood House

July 8^th   ‘Sense and Sensibility’

August 19^th ‘Snow White’

The beautiful grounds of Harewood will play host to three different outdoor theatre productions this summer.  Commencing the set is the magical comedy ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’, followed by an adaptation of Jane Austen’s classic ‘Sense and Sensibility’ with the classic children’s favourite ‘Snow White’ rounding things off.

July 31^st                        ‘Snow White’                                           Woburn Abbey

August 7^th                 ‘Peter Pan’

August 20^th         ‘Sense and Sensibility’

August 21^st          ‘Canterbury Tales’

For the fourth summer the successful and popular Woburn Abbey 'Plays in the Park' season for 2011 is here. Be captivated by the magic of open air theatre amongst the stunning setting of the Woburn Abbey Gardens. With a Jane Austen romance, Chaucer's classic and two children's plays: Snow White and Peter Pan, there is something for all the family to enjoy!

Bring your family and friends and join us with your blankets, low backed chairs, scrummy picnics and something chilled to drink and be transported away to worlds of romance, mystery, comedy and fairytales on a fine summer evening.

July 28^th-30^th                      ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’  Leeds Castle

August 12^th-14^th                        ‘Snow White’   

August 26^th-27^th                ‘Wind in the Willows’ -

Leeds Castle’s is hosting a series of outdoor theatre productions this summer to provide entertainment for the whole family.  Shakespeare’s ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ starts the programme off with its numerous comical moments, followed by the classical children’s tale of ‘Snow White’.  To round the programme off is another children’s favourite, the ‘Wind in the Willows’.

August 6th                          ‘Rat Pack Vegas Spectacular’       Chatsworth

August         ‘Wind in the Willlows’,  ‘Much Ado About Nothing   Holkham Hall                                                                   

There’s fun to be had whatever your age this summer at Holkham with a weekly theatre performance in the courtyard.  With a mix of traditional popular comedies and drama from the ‘Wind in the Willows’ to Shakespeare’s ‘Much Ado About Nothing’ there really is something for everyone.  Refreshments are available to buy or there’s always the option to bring along your own picnic.

From August 9-11^th from 10am-4pm the Cambridge Touring Theatre will also be running a 3-day Wind in the Willows workshop, which will culminate in a production of the Wind in the Willows.  Children will be in charge of stage management, acting, singing, dancing, artwork, publicity and the production.  The workshop is suitable for children aged 7-11 years and costs £90 per child for three days which includes a morning and afternoon snack.  There is a 10% discount for siblings.

Historic Houses enjoy major boost from starring TV and film roles.

Filming in the Heaven Room at Burghley House

As well as being among the finest palaces, historic houses and castles in the country, the Treasure Houses of England have also provided the backdrop for some of the most memorable screen and television moments of the past quarter of a century.

From iconic television series like ‘Brideshead Revisited’ (Castle Howard) to blockbuster films like ‘Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix’ (Blenheim Palace) the Treasure Houses of England have become ‘stars’ in their own right.

Among the most familiar properties is Hatfield House in Hertfordshire which was recently used as a filming location for multi-Oscar-winning hit ‘The King’s Speech’ starring Colin Firth.

Its many other credits include; ‘Hot Fuzz (2006), ‘Get Him to the Greek’ (2009), ‘Batman’ (2005), ‘Batman Begins’ (2005), ‘Shakespeare in Love’ (1998), ‘Sherlock Holmes’ (2008), ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ (2004), ‘Vanity Fair’ (2003), ‘Tomb Raider’ (2001) and ‘Tomb Raider: Cradle of Life’ (2003).

Currently on display in the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu in Hampshire are a number of vehicles from the world of film and television, including a replica of the famous Chitty Chitty Bang Bang car, Del Boy’s Reliant Regal, used in the popular television series Only Fools and Horses, Mr Bean’s lime green Mini, and the flying Ford Anglia from the Harry Potter films.

In addition to its starring role in the original series, Castle Howard in North Yorkshire also featured in the recent cinema re-make of ‘Brideshead Revisited’ (2008) as well as having a part to play in ‘Garfield: A Tail of Two Kitties’ (2006).

Chatsworth in Derbyshire recently played host to ‘The Wolfman’ (2010) starring Emily Blunt and Sir Anthony Hopkins, and ‘The Duchess’ (2008) and ‘Pride and Prejudice’ (2005), both starring Keira Knightley.

‘Gullivers Travels’ (2010) which also stars Emily Blunt, alongside Jack Black was partly filmed at Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire, as was ‘The Young Victoria’ (2007), ‘Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix’ (2007)  ‘The Libertine’ (2004), ‘The Lost Prince’ (2003), and ‘The Avengers’ (1998).  One of the most iconic Bollywood films of all time’ Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham’ (‘Sometimes Happy, Sometimes Sad’) was also filmed at Blenheim Palace. (2001).

Continuing the Austen theme, Harewood House in West Yorkshire was the setting for the hugely popular TV mini-series ‘Lost in Austen’ (2008) as well as playing its part in long-running shows including; ‘Emmerdale’, ‘A Touch of Frost’, ‘Heartbeat’ and ‘The Royal’.

The film adaptation of Dan Brown bestseller ‘The Da Vinci Code’ (2006) starring To Hanks was partly set at Burghley House in Lincolnshire as was ‘Pride and Prejudice’ (2005) with Keira Knightley, and ‘Elizabeth Golden Age’ (2007).

Leeds Castle in Kent was also used as a film location for ‘Elizabeth Golden Age’ (2007) as well as ‘The Rapture’ (2010) starring Danny Dyer. Television appearances include ‘Magnum PI’, ‘The Apprentice’, ‘Antiques Roadshow’ and ‘Celebrity Masterchef’.

Holkham Hall’s award-winning beach in Norfolk was featured in ‘Shakespeare in Love’ (1998) and the Hall as a location for ‘The Duchess’ (2008), which starred Keira Knightley, Ralph Fiennes and Charlotte Rampling. It was also the setting for the cult film ‘Dean Spanley’ (2008) which stars Peter O’Toole and Sam Neill.

Woburn Abbey took the starring role in the popular ‘Country House’ series that was shown on BBC 2 from 1999 – 2002. The late Marquess of Tavistock and the Marchioness, later the 14th Duke and Duchess of Bedford, were the subjects of this documentary/ reality series which took a ‘behind the scenes’ look at their personal lives and the running of the Woburn estate.

Top Ten Places to Enjoy Afternoon Tea

Afternoon Tea at Chatsworth House

The English are famed throughout the world for their custom of taking afternoon tea.

The tradition is said to have originated at Woburn Abbey in the late 1830s by Duchess Anna Maria, wife of the 7th Duke of Bedford.

A Lady-in-Waiting to Queen Victoria, Anna Maria began the custom of taking afternoon tea to combat what she called ‘that sinking feeling’ at around 5pm, when the custom was to eat a large breakfast, light lunch and a later dinner at 9pm. 

The new tea custom consisted of tea with perhaps light sandwiches and fairy cakes and was generally taken by ladies.  

Where better to enjoy this quintessentially English custom than amid the splendid surroundings of some of the country’s finest stately homes, palaces and castles?  The Treasure Houses of England is a consortium of 10 of the country’s finest palaces, historic houses and castles.

·         Woburn Abbey – Where better to take afternoon tea than the place it was invented. The Duchess Anna Maria Afternoon Tea can be enjoyed during a visit to Woburn Abbey and Gardens.   The Duchess’ Tea Room is open daily from 15^th April – 2^nd October and Afternoon Tea is served from 2.30pm to 4pm (pre-booking advised).

·         Burghley House - At Burghley you can have tea in 'Capability' Brown's Orangery restaurant overlooking the topiary in the South Gardens. Homemade scones, jam and clotted cream can be enjoyed in the peaceful and romantic Rose Garden.

·         Beaulieu – Enjoy a scrumptious afternoon tea with a wide selection of cakes and pastries all baked in-house in the newly refurbished Brabazon Coffee Shop and Restaurant.  Some produce comes from Lord Montagu's own Victorian Kitchen garden; beetroot is made into a delicious moist cake and plums made into jam, to eat on scones with lashings of Dorset clotted cream.

·         Hatfield House – Our Chef’s delicious home-made cakes and tray bakes are hugely popular with visitors to Hatfield House. The Restaurant has its own bakery so visitors can enjoy rolls, cakes and pastries straight from the oven. There is a great fresh salads and deli counter too.

·         Castle Howard – Enjoy an afternoon treat at Castle Howard in either the bistro style Courtyard Cafe or the more traditional Fitzroy Room.  On offer are seasonal menus prepared by our chefs that include a generous selection of freshly made sandwiches, salads and delicious homemade cakes.

·         Chatsworth –This quintessential English pastime is brought to life at Chatsworth.  Enjoy an Afternoon Tea in the 18^th Century Cavendish Rooms Restaurant, designed by the famous architect James Paine, overlooking the courtyard.  The team of bakers are passionate about fresh produce and bake throughout the day, every day, to ensure that you are served the freshest cakes possible.

·         Leeds Castle – Enjoy an afternoon treat with a cream tea in the 17^th Century oak-beamed Fairfax Hall or outside in the sunshine on the Terrace overlooking the castle.  There is an excellent choice of freshly prepared hot and cold dishes on offer, along with cakes and other sweet treats, all of which can be enjoyed in a rustic farmhouse kitchen style setting that uses oak and wrought iron finishes.

·         Harewood House – Taste the delights of afternoon tea in The Courtyard Cafe or The Terrace Cafe, voted one of the best places to have afternoon tea by Gardener’s World Magazine readers in 2010.  Not only is the food sumptuous and the drinks refreshing, you’ll also be able to sit back and admire the architecture in the Courtyard and the stunning views from the Terrace.

·         Holkham Hall – The Holkham Estate has three cafes all offering afternoon tea.  The Stables Café is located at the Hall itself, the Rose Garden Café is in Holkham Village in The Ancient House and finally there’s the Beach Café just a stones throw from the beach at Wells-next-the-Sea.  Whichever you opt for you can be sure to find plenty of mouth-watering homemade treats to indulge in, from sandwiches and cakes to scones straight from the oven. 

·         Blenheim Palace - Blenheim Palace is the perfect place to enjoy a traditional afternoon tea in the elegant surroundings only a Palace could provide.  Tea is served in the Palace’s Indian Room overlooking the beautiful fountains on the Water Terraces, providing the perfect way to make your day at Blenheim Palace complete.  Choose from a selection of a Traditional Cream Tea, a Churchill Afternoon Tea or a luxury Champagne Tea. Enjoy a selection of finger sandwiches, homemade pastries and cakes and our speciality teas in a tranquil and formal setting.

For more information visit www.treasurehouses.co.uk

Whitsun Fun at the Treasure Houses of England

Leeds Castle in Kent

From jousting tournaments and country fairs to teddy bear circuses and monstrous storytelling there’s a whole host of fun events taking place at Treasure Houses of England properties throughout the half-term holidays.

Leeds Castle in Kent will be hosting a Jousting Tournament (May 31^st – June 5^th). Medieval entertainment for the whole family in thrilling twice daily jousting tournaments featuring knights on horseback, medieval weapons and displays all set against the historic backdrop of the 900 year old castle.

The Teddy Bear’s Circus (May 28^th) at Holkham Hall in Norfolk kicks off a season of outdoor theatre productions. The show features a marvelous medley of marionettes and starts with everyone searching for the Circus Director Bilbo who has hidden himself.  Then come the artists; fully professional Teddy Bears and stars from all over the world, including a bear on a flying trapeze and the strongest teddy bear in the world. The theme of teddy bears carries through the weekend with a large display of bears on display and a Teddy bear’s Hospital to make any poorly bears that visit, better.

Harewood House in West Yorkshire will be hosting this year’s Yorkshire Game Fair (May 29^th-30^th) which brings the excitement of the countryside alive for visitors of all ages through a variety of demonstrations, competitions and activities.  With events ranging from falconry and ferret displays to a paintball shooting range, cookery theatre and cognac, wine and beer tasting, there really is something to suit everyone.

Myths and Monsters (May 28^th – 29^th) at Castle Howard in North Yorkshire features magical tales from myths and legends followed by a monster trail through the grounds... but beware you never know who or what you may meet along the way!  All activities are included in the Castle Howard entry ticket.

Chatsworth House in Derbyshire is celebrating a Weekend of Wonders (May 28^th-29^th) with inspirational inventions and super science from the 6^th Duke’s time to the present day.  Plenty of interactive activities to keep everyone entertained from making slime and dry ice at the Mad Science activity stations to having a go at taking your own finger prints with the Crime Investigation Team. Design, build and launch your own rocket, taste Space food, make a Meccano creation or see how bicycles have changed throughout the ages.

Hatfield Park Farm   See traditional  breeds of sheep, pigs, goats, cattle, ducks, geese and turkeys. Visitors can stroll amongst the  paddocks to see the animals grazing.  Free tractor rides around the farm. Feeding stations and touch paddock. Regular demonstrations throughout the year. Accompanied children admitted free of charge from 29th April – 30th June!

The Living Heritage Game and Country Fair (May 29^th-30^th) returns to Burghley House in Lincolnshire with a host of country attractions and entertainment.  The Falconry Village will include a flying arena, indoor training area, specialised trade stands, static displays, resident and guest falconers, plus more.  Equestrian demonstrations in the specialist arena and the main arena will host other horseback competitions such as scurry racing and mounted games.  Additionally Food Glorious Food will showcase some of the best local and regional produce.

Trucks and Troops (May 28^th-30^th) Beaulieu in Hampshire. Staged by the South Hampshire Area of the Military Vehicle Trust, this explosive show provides a great day out for all.  The features of the show include a display of hundreds of military vehicles, live action, a full programme of arena events, activities for younger visitors and militaria stalls.

The Art, Design and a Taste of Summer Show (May 28^th-30^th) at Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire will host some of the UK’s finest contemporary artists and designers together with unique artisan food and drink producers.  Tutored wine tastings and the Kids Cooking Academy are great fun and the Rangemaster Cookery Theatre with inspiring chef demonstrations and tastings will tempt you with new culinary ideas. Jazz and steel bands and the stunning location set against the backdrop of Blenheim Palace, makes it the perfect Bank Holiday day out for all the family.

Woburn in Bedfordshire will be hosting a Help For Heroes Day (May 27^th) with servicemen and women and their families admitted for the exclusive price of just £10 per car (car for up to 5 people/ID required). On May 28^th-30^th there will also be Children’s Art and Craft Activities taking place throughout both days and on May 29^th the Abbey gardeners are running their free Propagation Masterclass throughout the day.

There is also the Outdoor Sculpture Exhibition (April 15^th – July 31^st) with a chance to see over 70 contemporary outdoor sculptures on display and tucked away throughout the Abbey Gardens and find all the answers for the children’s sculpture quiz.