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.

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.

Wedding Open Day - Castle Howard 10th November 2013

Meet our professional wedding team and a handful of our carefully selected wedding suppliers and discover Yorkshire’s most romantic venue dressed for a civil ceremony and wedding breakfast.

Open for viewings from 11am until 3pm.

Pre-register online to receive complimentary admission.

To book an appointment with our wedding coordinator, please contact Jane Nordli on 07971 094338 or visit our wedding pages.

Half Term Terrifying Tree Trail at Castle Howard

Children will enjoy exploring the grounds this half term with our new terrifying tree trail. Creep through the dark woodland and peer into the undergrowth. Remember to keep your eyes peeled for what's lurking just around the next corner.
Pick up one of our free trails and see if you can spot all of the spooky sights.
Visit on Thursday 31 October and meet owls in the grounds and Geoffrey the Lion will be prowling the gardens too.

Healthy Eating Expert Shares Her Tips And Tricks At Castle Howard

Stock up on fresh fruit, vegetables, beans and pulses from Castle Howard’s Farm Shop and learn how to ‘Eat Yourself Young’ when author and celebrity naturopath, Elizabeth Peyton Jones visits the historic house on Tuesday 8 October.

Elizabeth, who recently featured on Channel 4’s ‘How Not To Get Old’ series, will reveal secrets from her new book and discuss the ageing properties of different foods in this talk and tasting session.

She said: “My aim is to help people eat delicious, super-healthy food which will make them look and feel years younger, full of energy and vitality. I’m really excited about the talk at Castle Howard and will be bringing along some of my aduki bean brownies for everyone to try.”

The talk takes place on Tuesday 8 October, from 11am to 12.30pm in the Courtyard Cafe. Tickets cost £10 or £20 to include a copy of Elizabeth’s new book ‘Eat Yourself Young’ and are available online at www.castlehoward.co.uk

For more information on the eating plan visit: http://www.epjhealth.com

Get Fit at Spectacular Treasure Houses of England

Get fit in supreme style this year by participating in everything from twilight walks to demanding triathlons at some of the most beautiful locations in the country. The Treasure Houses of England present the perfect space and backdrop for an array of exciting events while giving the opportunity to raise money for some incredible charities.

Beaulieu Estate is hosting Walk Ten for Marie Curie Cancer Care (10 August) – a unique twilight walk through the picturesque parkland and woods, for an inspiringly worthy cause. Meanwhile, Cycletta New Forest (13 October) is a women’s only event that guides cyclists through Beaulieu’s stunning setting on either a 40km or 80km route, promising a fun foray into cycling for any ability – and also offers a post-ride massage and helpful Helmet Hair Remedy Centre for participants.

Triathlon at Blenheim Palace

Watch the esteemed Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research Blenheim Palace Triathlon which is one of the biggest events in the UK  (8-9 June) and join the masses on the 6th October at the Blenheim Palace BHF Half Marathon. The Running Festival, where keen runners will be taking part in the half marathon and 10km runs to raise vital funds for the British Heart Foundation includes a Corporate Relay and brilliant Kids Activity Zone complete with Dodgeball for a fantastic warm up session for the 2km Family Fun Run.

For something really different why not take part in the Dirty Weekend at Burghley on the 11th May which is quite simply the World's Biggest Assault Course, followed by an Epic After-Party of Festival-proportions. The run itself consists of 2 options: The Full Mucker (20miles) and Half Mucker (13 miles) option for those who want most of the obstacles but who find the full distance a little much. http://www.burghley.co.uk/events-diary/#the-rat-race-dirty-weekend

Taking place on the Castle Howard Estate, with the breathtaking scenery of the Howardian Hills an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty as a backdrop, the Castle Howard Triathlon on the 21st July is considered one of the most demanding triathlons in the country. Now in its fourth year, this event is run by the Castle Triathlon Series. Races are available for children’s and adults, including an adult Olympic distance. For more details visit: http://www.castletriathlonseries.co.uk/en/castle-howard-race/

Explore the gorgeous grounds at Holkham Hall while attending the Pedal Norfolk Festival (4-6 May), a magnificent May Bank Holiday weekend of cycle rides, events, entertainment and activities featuring fabulous food and beer. With on site camping and accommodation readily available spend the entire weekend enjoying solo, club and family rides from 20k-50k challenges.

Participate in the charitable Willow 10k on Sunday 6th October 2013 at Hatfield House and help to raise funds for the foundation that helps to arrange special life-enhancing days for seriously ill 16-40 year olds.

On March 24th, Harewood is hosting Age UK’s Wrap Up and Run 10K, a popular chip-timed race which is part of the Spread the Warmth initiative.

Woburn Abbey - Challenge yourself and make a difference by raising money for charity at the second annual tri for life triathlon at Woburn Abbey. There are a range of events from the children’s Scootathlon (4yrs to 8yrs, 400m scoot, 400m cycle, 250m run) to the long distance triathlon (18 and over, 1500m swim /40km cycle /10km run) all set within the stunning setting of the 3,000 acre deer park. Woburn will also be hosting the UK’s leading series of women-only bike rides during their hugely popular Cycletta (30 June). Peruse cycle fashion wear and take advantage of pre-event training advice and motivational information before embarking on a safely managed 40km or 60km course along quiet country roads dotted with various treat stops. Finish at the Cycletta Village where the well deserved pamper zone awaits and marvel at your recent achievement in supreme style.

The Treasure Houses sporting calendar has something for all – from family fun events – including even some in fancy dress to more serious side of fitness with the acclaimed triathlons and marathons, and also the chance to watch some elite athletes at these unique venues.

Events Diary:
24 March 2013 Age UK’s Wrap Up & Run 10k Harewood

20 April 2013 NSPCC Sponsored Walk Blenheim Palace

28 April 2013 7km Run Blenheim Palace

4-6 May 2013 Pedal Norfolk Festival Holkham Hall

11 May 2013 Rat Race Burghley

11 May 2013 Pink Ribbon Walk Blenheim Palace

12 May 2013 Breast Cancer Care Ribbonride Blenheim Palace

19 May 2013 North Norfolk Marathon Holkham Hall

8-9 June 2013 Running Festival Blenheim Palace

29 June Norfolk Superhero Challenge Holkham Hall

30 June 2013 Cycletta Woburn Abbey

21 July 2013 Triathlon Castle Howard

10 August 2013 Walk Ten for Marie Curie Cancer Care Beaulieu

8 September 2013 Tri for Life Woburn Abbey

6 October 2013 BHF Half Marathon & Running Festival Blenheim Palace

12 October 2013 Motor Neurone Disease Oxfordshire Branch Walk Blenheim Palace

13 October 2013 Cycletta New Forest Beaulieu

Expand Your Horizons At The Treasure Houses Of England

Holkham Hall

Try something new and experiment with your imagination at the inspired array of special events and workshops hosted by the magnificent Treasure Houses of England.

Dabble in art, walks, botany and even animal husbandry at the country’s most beautiful and breathtaking castles, palaces and estates for a distinctively different and utterly awe-inspiring day out.
 
Blenheim Palace is offering an amazing opportunity to join their photography courses available on selected dates throughout the year. Exclusive Photography Courses at Blenheim Palace are designed to offer an introduction to photography, and camera training for anyone who wants to get to grips with their Digital SLR, and understand how to make better use of their camera to achieve improved photographs, all within the stunning setting of Blenheim Palace.

Chatsworth hosts its Historic Textiles Tour (26 March & 21 September 9.30am) -
a guided tour of the textiles on display with special behind-the-scenes visits to the textile archives and conservation room. Discover how historic cloth is cared for and gain exclusive access to the house’s vast archive not on public display.

Chatsworth also presents a brilliant hands-on experience with fascinating animal husbandry guide, Keeping Chickens (23 April, 11 June & 10 September, 1-4pm, suitable for 16 years and over); as well as a fabulous Florabundance series comprising ‘Age of Elegance’ floral demonstrations (15 & 16 June) and floral workshops (17 & 18 June) with renowned floral designer Jonathan Moseley.

A series of exclusive private views, talks and tours exploring the hidden treasures of Castle Howard with curator Dr Christopher Ridgway are planned for 2013.  Starting the season with the Mausoleum Tour on Saturday 27 April with a visit to the mysterious and imposing building where generations of the Howard family are buried in the vaults beneath the spectacular chapel. The tour involves walking across uneven terrain and lasts between 2 and 2.5 hours, so sensible footwear is required. Numbers are limited and tickets cost £35.00 per person and must be pre-booked.

Harewood’s wonderful workshops include Collections in Focus: Drawing (April – November) comprise of sessions looking at iconic landscape-inspired pieces from the Harewood Collection that follow a different theme and examine various different artists each month.  Learn more about Harewood’s wildlife by joining a Walk and Talk session on the majestic Red Kites (15th June, 17th July, 31st Aug, 30th Oct) or Bats (8th June, 14th Sept) or if you are a budding apiarist, how about a course on Beekeeping (22nd&23rd July, 10th&11th August).  Or explore Harewood’s enchanting medieval past with a spectacularly scenic walk and talk from All Saints’ Church to Harewood Castle (14th April, 12th May, 9th June, 14th July, 15th Sept, 13th Oct).

Presenting their much-anticipated and extraordinary exhibition, Glamour and Gowns: Couture by Belinda Bellville and David Sassoon - Holkham Hall will be hosting a talk by David Sassoon himself (19 April, 7pm) to complement this exciting event that catalogues the couture creations and career of one of fashion’s most fascinating figures.

Woburn Abbey’s Come and Grow events are a must for the green-fingered as they tackle everything from Pruning Evergreen Shrubs (2 & 3 February) to Pruning Cornus (Dogwood) (2 & 3 March), Seed Sowing (6 & 7 April), Pruning Forsythia/Philedelphus (4 & 5 May) and Planting Seasonal Bedding (1 & 2 June) - so get growing and monitor their progress through the changing seasons to literally watch the flowers grow!