Ai Weiwei break with Classic British Hotels & Blenheim Palace

Classic British Hotels have created a great offer for visitors to have bed, breakfast and Blenheim Palace. 

To celebrate the exciting art exhibition of Chinese political activist Ai Weiwei at the Palace, from 1^st October – 14^th December – the package has been designed for guests to experience the best of Oxfordshire.

The exclusive break includes a one night stay for two and entry to Blenheim Palace with two Palace, Park and Gardens tickets.

Find out more with Classic British Hotels. 

Living Crafts for Christmas

Wrap up your festive shopping at Blenheim Palace

Enjoy Christmas shopping in style in the majestic setting of Blenheim Palace as over 150 British designer-makers take part in Living Crafts for Christmas from Thursday 20 – Sunday 23 November. This highlight of the festive season showcases a huge range of contemporary crafts from across the UK, giving you the opportunity to buy from the makers. 

The Great Court is transformed into a winter wonderland with twinkling
Christmas trees, roasting chestnuts, mulled wine and steaming hot chocolate as the sounds of festive street theatre and a duo singing Christmas favourites fill the air.

Blenheim Palace Christmas Shopping

With exquisite gold and silver designs in the Jewellery Quarter, studio glass, toys, millinery, fashions, ceramics, original art, wreaths and handcrafted decorations, this unique shopping experience has everything from individual gifts and special commissions to simple stocking fillers.

Festive aromas from the specialist food and drink in ‘Tastes of Christmas’ will tempt you with traditional treats and more unusual foodie gifts. Try handmade fudges and chocolates, waxed Cheddar truckles, connoisseur preserves and chutneys, while embracing the Christmas spirit with whiskies, fruit liqueurs, mulling syrups and wines for those special occasions. 

Blenheim Palace will be dressed for the season, celebrating in sparkle and splendour, with the theme of this year’s décor being ‘Glitter and Gold’ while the beautiful parkland and formal gardens are waiting to be explored in their full winter glory.

A feast of winter warming food is available in the Water Terrace Café and the Oxfordshire Pantry featuring local produce and don’t forget to drop into the Champagne Bar!

This is a perfect festive day out for all the family with a magical seasonal atmosphere at Britain’s Greatest Palace.

Spooky Half Term at the Treasure Houses of England

For a happy Halloween and Half Term holiday, schedule in a spooky trip to the ever-spectacular Treasure Houses of England.

There are ghosts and ghouls aplenty at Beaulieu’s half term hauntings (25 Oct – 2 Nov). It’s rumoured to be one of Britain’s most haunted places, with ghostly sightings in the 13^th Century Abbey and at Palace House. They’ll be lots of strange going-ons for all the family to enjoy from Halloween quiz trails to spooky story-telling and lucky dip to face painting.

Halloween at Beaulieu

Experience Halloween tricks and treats at Blenheim Palace this half term. Ride the Ghost Train down to the Pleasure Gardens for a whole host of haunts. Lurk around the Labyrinth or take the 'Which Witch is Which?' trail to win some prizes. Get creepily crafty in the 'Pottering About' studio and try your hand at pumpkin carving in the Pleasure Gardens Deli.

Burghley’s sell-out Spooky Tours return (20 Oct – 1 Nov). Journey down into the creepy cellars, explore the forbidding outbuildings and centuries old cloisters of Burghley by flickering torchlight while unearthing Burghley's secret history. Plus from 18 Oct - 2nd Nov families can enjoy Burghley Pumpkin Trail around the Sculpture Garden. Tread through the crispy Autumn leaves and find the hidden pumpkins to receive a treat.

Follow CastleHoward’s ghosts and ghouls trail through the house during October half term, spotting the spooks hiding in each of the rooms. On 1 Nov will be an evening of family Halloween entertainment with storytelling, pumpkin carving, ghost rides and more. For the first time Castle Howard is taking part in Illuminating York. From 29 Oct –31 Oct the house will be lit with atmospheric light projections creating a unique visual spectacular, whilst the interiors will twinkle with candlelight and roaring log fires.

Chatsworth has ghoulish fun lurking around every corner. Discover the Halloween trail through the house with man traps, a 16th Century book of spells and more. In the garden find hidden pumpkins, travel the scary maze, dare to enter the abandoned tunnel, learn how to make a witch’s broomstick and listen to spooky storytelling. And with spooky crafts, shoot the spook and bat spotting in the farmyard and adventure playground there is plenty of Halloween fun to get involved with.

Perfect for families and lovers of the outdoors, October half term week at Harewood celebrates autumn in all its glory. Smell tasty aromas in the Old Kitchen and join seasonal cooking demonstrations Below Stairs. Try biscuit making in the Pastry Room or have a go at badge making. There are also scarecrow trails around the grounds and bags of room to run around.

A visit to the exciting Bloody Hollow adventure play area at Hatfield House is a must this half term. With its 2.5 metre high model of Hatfield House dominating the central area, Bloody Hollow has a great range of play items for all ages of children. On 1 Nov watch a fantastic fireworks display, the space themed evening will also have a funfair and plenty of family fun entertainment.

Ghoulish adventures, fun and frights will set your heart racing this half term at Holkham Hall. Discover the ‘Curiovan’ and see the natural world in a magical way with specimen jars, dancing skeletons, clockwork ladybirds and tiny skeletal fairies.  Let the yarnsmith enthral you with his spell-binding tales of devils, ghosts and witches. There’s pumpkins to carve, silhouette bingo to try or our ‘skull-duggery’ challenge. In the hall, collect spooky body parts and make your own ‘pencil ghost’ or in the Old Kitchen, join in the fun with ‘Kiddy Cook’ and decorate a delicious Halloween cookie - how gruesome will your creation be?

Children will be thrilled and surprised by the Haunted Halloween Hunt and Spooky Quest at Leeds Castle (25 Oct – 31 Oct). The Spooky Quest takes place around the woodland walk while the Halloween Hunt will involve clues from spooky characters all around the grounds, both with a chocolate prize at the end. Enter the fancy dress competition for the best blood curdling outfit and listen to Spooky Stories with Raggedy Jack.

Pay a visit to the Grotto at Woburn this October half term. The Grotto (built probably between the later 1620s and 1641) was designed as an undersea cavern which included piped water cascading into a basin.  The stone is carved to resemble seaweed and stalactites, with dolphins formed from mother-of-pearl and the ceiling inlaid with ormer shells. A perfect place to imagine spooky stories and gory goings-on.

Blenheim Palace Festival of Transport

The Blenheim Palace Festival of Transport is gearing up, galvanising the glorious grounds and getting set for the 8th annual weekend celebration.

Festival of Transport

Perfect for families, auto aficionados and festival fans the Festival of Transport is a hullabaloo of hot rods, vintage classics, exhibitions, trade stands, competitions and history.

Sunday 24th August will feature the Classic Car Show and Monday 25th August will include not only the Classic Cars but also motorcycles, Minis and VW's, Customs, Hot Rods and Americans, Kit and Sports Cars.

The bank holiday bonanza this year includes vehicle judging lead by former BBC radio presenter Les Clayton. Les, whose apprenticeship at Triumph and subsequent 17 years of specialist commentary will get all the family excited about the vehicular spectacle. Expect plenty to see and do around the grounds.

Event organisers Classic Shows have been running auctions and specialist car shows for almost 30 years and know exactly what gets the ‘petrol head’ in all of us hot under the bonnet. The show will have exhibitors, trade stalls and plenty of knowledgeable amateurs and motoring professionals offering a wealth of information, history and tonics about specialist vehicles.

From young to old the Festival of Transport is a true celebration of motoring history and achievement with plenty of exciting things to see, hear and do to keep all the family entertained.

www.blenheimpalace.com/whats-on/events

Festival of Transport: 24th – 25th August
Park & Gardens ticket required: Adult £13.50 / Child £6.60 (Age 5-16) /Concession £10.20 / Family £36.00 (2 Adults & 2 Children)
INFO LINE:     0800 849 6500       

Blenheim Palace Sportive and Family Cycling Day

Cycling at Blenheim Palace

Families and serious cyclists alike are invited to enjoy a once a year opportunity on 17th August to cycle around the picturesque Parkland of Blenheim Palace, a World Heritage site. Bring your bicycles (and helmets) and cycle around the spectacular Lake and over the Grand Bridge, take in the scenery and fresh air, stop for a picnic and make it a day to remember.

This year will also include a fantastic competitive element for more serious cyclists, with the Blenheim Palace sportive making a return for 2014. Riders of the sportive will have the choice of a 100 mile or 60 mile route. Both routes featuring a series of rolling climbs, but will suit a wide range of riders.

The sportive event will also feature way marked routes, electronic timing, on-course marshals, mechanical support, feed stations and event photographer. Pre-registration and payment is required for the Sportive and can be done at www.blenheimsportive.com.

Visitors participating in the family cycle option can go at their own leisure and there is no age restriction for children to participate in the family cycling day. It is a wonderful way to get active over the summer holidays.

Families can finish off their day in Blenheim Palace’s Pleasure gardens, which are specifically designed for all the family to relax and spend time together. The Pleasure Garden Deli will running their outdoor BBQ and children can also explore the permanent outdoor exhibitions including the Butterfly House, Marlborough Maze and Adventure Play Area.

www.blenheimpalace.com/whats-on/events

WHAT:    Blenheim Palace Sportive and Family Cycling
WHEN:    17th August
WHY VISIT:    A once a year opportunity for families and keen cyclists to explore the picturesque parkland on bikes.
ADMISSION:    Park & Gardens ticket required: Adult £13.50 / Child £6.60 (Age 5-16) /
Concession £10.20 / Family £36.00 (2 Adults & 2 Children)
WEBSITE:    www.blenheimpalace.com for more information
INFO LINE:    0800 849 6500   

Blenheim Palace Flower Show is set to bloom

The much-anticipated Blenheim Palace Flower Show is set to burst into bloom in June to celebrate the very best of gardening in the UK.

Blenheim Palace Flower Show

Thanks to the overwhelming success of its debut in 2013, the stunning show, which is organised by Aztec Events, will return to the grounds of the Oxfordshire stately home from 20-22 June 2014.

Packed with inspiration and vibrant colour, the sweet-smelling event will feature over 150 floral and garden exhibitors. Some of the UK's finest landscape designers such as Nicholsons, Green Art, Slate Grey and Prime Design will be displaying breath-taking outdoor spaces to showcase their exquisite design work.

Elsewhere the stunning 25,000 sq ft Grand Floral Pavilion, which forms the main centerpiece of the show, will play host to a selection of the UK's finest nurseries including D’Arcy Everest, Eagle Sweet Peas and Oska Copperfield Nurseries. It will also provide the perfect place to speak to the show’s growing crop of celebrity experts.

Monty Don

On hand to open the three-day show will be horticultural expert Monty Don. Best known for presenting the BBC television series Gardeners' World the writer and speaker will be welcoming and sharing his extensive gardening knowledge with visitors.

Meanwhile, on Saturday, June 21, presenter, author and gardener Joe Swift will be joined by ITV’s Love Your Garden presenter Frances Tophill in the Experts Theatre.

Joe will be talking about landscaping, garden design and home gardening while Frances will be encouraging people to get out into their gardens and to make the most of whatever space they have.

The ever-popular Ground Force television duo Charlie Dimmock and Tommy Walsh are back in action on Sunday, June 22. Charlie will be entertaining visitors with expert advice on choosing and installing water features and Tommy will be sharing knowledge and tips on various garden building projects.

Charlie Dimmock

“No summer flower show could hope for a finer setting than Woodstock’s Blenheim Palace,” said Aztec Events director Matt Upson who, given the success of the 2013 show, expects to attract 40 thousand this year.

“Once again we’re expecting visitors of all ages from across the UK and not just keen gardeners. Our show is also popular with those passionate about food, local heritage and the great British outdoors as the elegant palace provides a stunning backdrop to rival those offered by the Chelsea and Hampton Court shows,” added Upson.

Built by Vanbrugh and now home to the 11th Duke and Duchess of Marlborough and his family, visitors to the Blenheim Palace Flower Show can also visit the beautiful surrounding landscaped parkland and gardens free of charge. The inspirational World Heritage Site, which was the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, offers a memorable day out in its own right.

For more information or to book discounted advance tickets to the Blenheim Palace Flower Show, visit: www.blenheimflowershow.co.uk. Tickets are priced from £12.50 adults and £6.50 for children at the gate. Concessions and family tickets are also available.

Blenheim Palace Flower Show

When: 20-22 June 2014
Where: Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, Oxfordshire OX20 1PP
Doors: 10:00am - 5:00pm
Parking: FREE
Dogs: Allowed on a lead (no dogs are permitted inside the Palace building)

New Exhibitions Unveiled At The Treasure Houses Of England For 2014

From artistic masterpieces to fascinating historical exhibitions, The Treasure Houses of England look set to deliver a captivating programme of exciting events this year.

Bluebird CN7

Beaulieu 2014 marks the 50th anniversary of the successful World Land Speed Record by Donald Campbell in Bluebird CN7. A new display in the National Motor Museum, For Britain & For The Hell Of It, features Beaulieu’s four iconic Land Speed Record cars and tells the story of British pluck, technological mastery and national pride – alongside new vehicles with a more alternative Land Speed heritage. Another brand new display is The Motorcycle Story which immerses you in a journey through the evolution of two-wheeled transport from bicycles to production motorcycles. Featuring some of the most iconic motorbikes on Britain’s road and racetracks through the years, it will also showcase biking in modern culture including Mod and Rockers and the Ace Cafe.

WWI Exhibition Blenheim Palace

Blenheim Palace’s World War One Exhibition (February 15 - April 21) will unveil the intriguing story of how the men and women who lived and worked at Blenheim Palace survived the war, including life-size models, replica trench, original props and costumed characters.  For something decidedly different, Tom Hiscocks’ The Queen’s Beasts Exhibition (1 May - 30 June) comprises heraldic animals depicting the genealogy of Queen Elizabeth II first characterised in 1953 and recreated for the Diamond Jubilee Tour in 2012 – will be proudly on show at Blenheim Palace.

Meanwhile, the second Blenheim Palace Flower Show (June 20-22) will present a spellbinding scene with over 150 floral and gardens exhibitors, a grand floral marquee with RHS judges, ten garden landscapes and lots more - including food, refreshments and a bevy of fun family activities.

Burghley Film Festival

Culture vultures should head to Burghley Film Festival 2014, which returns once more to the South Gardens with an extended 5 days of fabulous films along with a best of British BBQ. Running from Wednesday, 30th July to Sunday 3rd August, the full programme will include some family favourites, action dramas and retro classics.  At Burghley Food markets - meet more than 30 local suppliers in a celebration of local produce with handmade cheeses, artisan breads, organic vegetables, luxury sweet treats and rare breed meats. Held in the Courtyard at Burghley, both entry and parking are free of charge. Food markets take place: Spring: 12th & 13th April Summer: 24th & 25th August Christmas: 29th & 30th November.

Michael Craig-Martin sculptures

Chatsworth presents a packed programme of exhibitions for 2014. Kicking off in supreme style, Michael Craig-Martin at Chatsworth (16 March - 29 June) sees a major display of contemporary sculpture in the garden with new works specially produced for this year’s event. Inside the house, Michael Craig-Martin brings his own approach to highlighting sculpture from the Devonshire Collection.  From 16 March onwards, Jacob van der Beugel’s permanent contemporary ceramic installation will sit in the North Sketch Gallery alongside displays of historic ceramics from the Devonshire Collection.

Chatsworth in Wartime (4 April - 23 December) marks the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War and the 75th anniversary of the outbreak of the Second World War and will be complemented by Conflict in Art (1 July – 7 November): a selection of Old Master Drawings from the Devonshire Collection.

Castle Howard

Exploring the castle’s wartime narratives, Duty Calls: Castle Howard in Time of War (22 March - 2 November) catalogues the impact of war at home; where between 1815 and 1944 five Howards were killed in action. Belgian refugees, enemy prisoners, evacuees, fire, crashed aircraft and horses commandeered for the front meant that the war deeply affected Castle Howard and its inhabitants. 

Harewood House

This year, Harewood House plays host to exhibitions by French and British masters: from the iconic sculptures of Yorkshire artist Henry Moore to exquisite porcelain owned by the ill-fated Queen Marie Antoinette of France. In Pursuit of the Exquisite: Royal Sèvres from Versailles to Harewood (18th April – 2nd November) includes delicate and fragile objects which survived the downfall of their original owners, the tumult of the French revolution, alongside contemporary work combining video, sound and ceramics, making connections between the past and present (Terrace Gallery, 18th April – 2nd November 2014). The season is completed with a celebration of the great sculptor Henry Moore whose work can be seen against Harewood’s elegant backdrop (exhibition dates 21st June – 2nd November 2014).

Yorkshire will be the focus of the world’s media on 5th July 2014, when the greatest annual sporting event on earth, the Tour de France, starts in England’s finest county for the first time. To celebrate the occasion, Harewood is hosting the inaugural Dare 2b Yorkshire Festival of Cycling (4 – 6 July), offering visitors the rare opportunity to stay in its magnificent grounds and witness the peloton ride past the front of the house.

Hatfield House

Taking place in the West Garden at Hatfield is ‘The Great British Sculpture Show’ from 5 April – 30 September. Curated by award-winning artist Andrew Sinclair, one of the foremost figurative and surrealist sculptors in the UK today, and his partner, artist Diane Coates, the exhibition will feature their work and that of 22 other prominent sculptors. These include acclaimed artists David Goode, Geoffrey Dashwood, Hamish Mackie, Ian Rank-Broadly and Etienne Millner, President of the Society of Portrait Sculptors. Over 70 works will be brought together with the aim of bringing beauty, technical skill and craftsmanship back to the world of art.

Holkham Hall

Duty Calls: Holkham 1914 to 1918 is a new exhibition to commemorate the 100 year anniversary of the start of WW1 and will reveal the story of the war’s impact on the Coke family and Holkham village. Personal letters, archives, books, photographs and artefacts will relate the family’s experiences, illustrate the war poets’ works and showcase the soldiers’ striking trench art.

Leeds Castle

Leeds Castle hosts a magnificent mix of events this year, from Jousting with the Knight’s of Royal England (27 May – 1 June) featuring action displays of daredevil stunts, falls, fights and galloping horses to brand new Royal Armouries Medieval Festival (23 – 31 August), which celebrates the colourful Middle Ages at the 900 year old castle.  And don’t miss their fantastic Festival of Flowers (22-28 September), where the State Rooms will be spectacularly transformed into floral works of art by local florists, flower societies and clubs.

Chinese Dairy Soldiers And Nurses

Opening in April, two exhibitions at Woburn Abbey: Valiant Hearts: World War I Exhibition commemorates the centenary of the outbreak of The Great War, exploring the variety of roles played by the 11th Duke and Duchess, the Abbey and the people from the Estate and surrounding villages.  Discover fascinating stories and a range of artefacts, photographs and archive materials that detail the incredible and moving wartime stories of men and women from Woburn during the poignantly historical time.  Peeling Back The Years: Chinese Wallpaper at Woburn Abbey - Get close to beautiful hand-painted Chinoiserie papers and explore how these were made, sold and hung during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. This exhibition tells the fascinating story of a decorative element with which we all live, in its most inventive and luxury form.

www.treasurehouses.co.uk

One of the most compelling features of the Treasure Houses is they offer visitors a living history.  Most are still home to the families that have lived there for generations.

But forget old-fashioned images of historic houses, today’s Treasure Houses offer exciting new experiences for everyone to enjoy. Uncover hidden gems and dark secrets, follow cycle trails or stroll in beautiful gardens, enjoy contemporary sculpture and relax over afternoon tea.

The Treasure Houses change with the seasons, move with the times and always have something unexpected to offer, something new to discover making it a perfect day out.
Treasure Houses are:  Beaulieu, Blenheim Palace, Burghley, Castle Howard, Chatsworth, Harewood, Hatfield, Holkham, Leeds Castle and Woburn Abbey.

Spring Into Easter at The Treasure House of England

For festive Easter fun and spring time celebrations, head to the Treasure Houses of England for a brilliant bounty of children’s entertainment - not to mention - an exciting Easter egg extravaganza at a multitude of venues. 

Easter bunny at Beaulieu

During the Easter holidays (5 – 21 April), young visitors to Beaulieu can follow an egg-citing trail and collect a sweet treat at the end. At the historic Palace House, youngsters can enjoy Easter-themed face painting as the whole family plays with a variety of traditional Victorian toys and games. Visitors over the Easter weekend may even get to meet the Easter Bunny!

There is plenty of family fun to be had over Easter weekend at Blenheim Palace, with an exciting Easter eggstravaganza of activities taking place. On 18 – 19 April children can enjoy the Blenheim Palace Easter Egg Hunt around the Pleasure Gardens, with clues to be solved and prizes to be won. A particular schedule highlight on 20 – 21 April sees popular children’s characters Peppa Pig, George, Mummy Pig and Daddy Pig - plus Fireman Sam - making appearances at intervals on each day. This event marks a not-to-be-missed milestone year as Peppa Pig celebrates its 10-year anniversary with ’10 Years of Muddy Puddles’.

The popular Burghley Easter Egg Hunt will once again be taking place in the Gardens of Surprise, (11am - 5pm, last admission 4.30pm) on Sunday 20 April. Follow the treasure hunt around the gardens and solve the riddle to claim your full-sized chocolate egg. Parents are also asked to test their Easter knowledge to try and win a family Season Card, with all participants entered in to the prize draw for a giant chocolate Easter bunny.

Cheer on Woolly Jumper and friends in the Lamb National with a visit Castle Howard. Join in with sheepdog demonstrations from the amazing Bob Hogg's Sheepdog Displays and test your sheep herding skills. There will also be children’s interactive trails around the grounds, face-painting and Molly the Rabbit who will be wandering the grounds with her basket of chocolate eggs.

Chatsworth will be hosting spring celebrations for the whole family throughout the school holidays (12-27 April), including an Easter egg trail through the house and a trail of golden eggs to discover in the garden. Over the Easter weekend (18-21 April) the farmyard and adventure playground will host its annual Easter egg hunts and Easter Eggspress trailer rides, with the Easter Bunny making special appearances throughout the weekend.

This Easter, Harewood House is offering a host of entertainment and activities for the entire family. In the Bird Garden visitors can see flamingos, parrots and owls, sneak a peek into one of the incubators, and feed the penguins. Alternatively, step back to Victorian times ‘Below Stairs’ in the House, discover hidden treasures behind cupboard doors, play dress-up or try themed crafts by creating your own bookmarks.  Step aboard a pirate ship or explore a fairytale castle as imaginations run wild in Harewood’s amazing Adventure Playground.

Visit Hatfield Park Farm to see the various farmyard animals including ducks, geese, turkeys, Hungarian Woolly pigs and cattle - and for the chance to feed the sheep and goats. Take a ride on the magical miniature train, which runs between 11am and 5pm on weekends, bank holidays and all school holidays, and journey amongst the scenic surrounds of Hatfield’s fabulous farm.

Join Holkham Hall for four jam-packed days of 'egg-citing' activities across the Easter weekend (Good Friday 18th April- Easter Monday 21st April).. Well-known children’s author Jackie Morris joins in the fun and will be talking about all the wonderful stories she has written and illustrated. Or a chance to visit the colourful yurt for plenty of storytelling and captivating tales too.

Easter at Leeds Castle

There are a bevy of fun-filled activities for children of all ages at Leeds Castle throughout the Easter Holidays (5-21 April). A family nature trail along the Woodland Walk will offer clues to collect in reward for a small prize, while the Easter weekend (18-21 April) welcomes Just Puppets and their special children’s production (suitable for ages 4 -10 years). Meet Mrs Mouse and friends, and sing and laugh with the characters on their adventures.  Have a go at hobbyhorse jousting, children’s mini battles and knight’s training at ‘Knight School’. A valid entrance ticket to Leeds Castle is required for all activities.

Follow an Easter egg trail, search for missing deer and meet some of the historical characters from World War I at Woburn Abbey and Gardens this Easter (18-21 April).  New exhibition Valiant Hearts: World War I - Woburn and its Stories brings history to life with a group of uniform-clad ‘Tommies’ talking about their frontline fighting experiences.

www.treasurehouses.co.uk

England’s Finest
The ten Treasure Houses of England are the finest houses, palaces and castles in England today.

Located in some of the most stunning landscapes across the country, the Treasure Houses are an inspiring visit for all ages and interests, enjoy world-renowned art collections, stately interiors, and find a whole host of exhibitions, all set in beautiful parklands.

Even if you haven’t visited yet, many of the Treasure Houses will already be familiar as they have also provided the backdrop for iconic television series and blockbuster films including Harry Potter, Sherlock Holmes and Pride & Prejudice.

One of the most compelling features of the Treasure Houses is they offer visitors a living history.  Most are still home to the families that have lived there for generations.

But forget old-fashioned images of historic houses, today’s Treasure Houses offer exciting new experiences for everyone to enjoy. Uncover hidden gems and dark secrets, follow cycle trails or stroll in beautiful gardens, enjoy contemporary sculpture and relax over afternoon tea.

The Treasure Houses change with the seasons, move with the times and always have something unexpected to offer, something new to discover making it a perfect day out.

Treasure Houses are:  Beaulieu, Blenheim Palace, Burghley, Castle Howard, Chatsworth, Harewood, Hatfield, Holkham, Leeds Castle and Woburn Abbey.