New Treasure Houses Of England Website

Visit the all new Treasure Houses of England website at www.treasurehouses.co.uk for the latest news, events, location information, directions, galleries, competition and sign-up for our e-newsletter and promotions.

BEAULIEU
BLENHEIM PALACE
BURGHLEY HOUSE
CASTLE HOWARD
CHATSWORTH
HAREWOOD HOUSE
HATFIELD HOUSE
HOLKHAM HALL
LEEDS CASTLE
WOBURN ABBEY

Explore and discover England's great palaces, castles and houses...

What's On at the Treasure Houses of England this Autumn

Autumn has officially begun at The Treasure Houses of England. Dubbed the second spring September is the perfect time to immerse yourself in russet tones and see spectacular autumn colours in the floral displays as well as cultivated and wild parkland at our magnificent houses.

We have put together a round-up of reasons to visit this autumn.

Where else than Beaulieu – meaning ‘beautiful place’ to admire autumn? Find peace and tranquillity in the walled cloisters and herb garden. Take a tour of the Ornamental Kitchen Garden complete with 1870’s restored vine house. Walk hand-in-hand along the scenic Mill Pond walk and wander into the natural splendour of the Wilderness Garden.

As autumn sets in at Blenheim Palace, 2000 acres of parkland will be transformed with an array of warm colours, making this a beautiful time of year to come and take in the stunning landscape and views. There are a wealth of events and activities to enjoy throughout the winter months; highlights include the Literary Festival and Sunday Jazz.

Autumn in all its glory.

Don’t miss the Burghley Flower Festival (4 - 12 October) an autumnal celebration which will transform Burghley’s State Rooms with floral displays created by local flower societies. Be inspired by the botanical theme ‘Cities on the Grand Tour’ arranged with the 17^th Century art situated under opulent painted ceilings.

Take a stroll through Ray Wood at Castle Howard and marvel in the season’s striking tones and resplendent autumn colour, from the many shrubs and trees, and huge array of ripened fruit and berries.  Then make your way to the ornamental kitchen garden - Castle Howard Potager – for the autumn vegetable garden harvest. 

Having evolved over more than 450 years, the 105 acre Chatsworth garden continues to change today. There is plenty to discover at every turn, including the ninth installation of Beyond Limits, Sotheby’s annual exhibition of contemporary sculpture in the garden at Chatsworth from 8 September- 26 October. The Kitchen Garden is still producing good crops of plums, pears and apples to harvest, and at the beginning of September the Display House will have blooms on the passionflowers and water-lillies.

There are over 100 acres of gardens at Harewood. They are full of variety, with plants from all over the world - all in the setting of a landscape created by Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown. Harewood’s renowned Bird Garden is home to exotic species including penguins, owls, flamingos and parrots and the Himalayan Garden is an extraordinary world in miniature, a plant-hunter’s paradise. There’s also scarecrow trails around the grounds.

Hatfield House forms the centre-piece of the largest private estate in Hertfordshire, with the woodlands covering an extensive spread across the county. Thus they offer a rich diversity of habitat and species. The woodland types range from the traditional coppice with standards, woodland and include commercial conifer broadleaved mixtures, continuous cover systems and minimum intervention woodlands.

Stock up on garden essentials and a great array of plants at Holkham Hall’s Plant Fair (28-29 September). Or for a chance to see the spectacular arboretum with its many unusual and rare specimen trees resplendent in their autumn foliage, book onto one of the Autumn Tours of the Private Gardens (19 October).

Set in 500 acres of picturesque parkland, Leeds Castle is the perfect setting for an autumn day out.  Take a stroll through the Wood Garden, which follows the curve of the River Len to the Pavilion Lawn. Festival of Flowers: (23-28 September) See the castle’s State rooms transformed into works of art using flowers, by local florists, flower societies and clubs. Leeds Castle will also host its first Fantastic British Food Festival, (12-14 September) smell and taste goods from local food and drink producers, retailers, chefs and cookery schools.

Woburn Abbey’s tranquil Abbey Gardens are open for everyone to enjoy the brilliance of Humphry Repton. Make your way through approximately 30 acres of serene formal and natural garden environments: from manicured lawns and colourful flower beds to peaceful woodland glades and ponds teeming with life.  Discover the bog garden, a recent addition with it carnivorous plants, the romance of the Doric Temple which was carefully restored last year and watch the recreation work in progress on the rockery and grotto.

Top Ten Places to Enjoy Afternoon Tea

Afternoon Tea at Castle Howard

For a fittingly fine way to enjoy the quintessentially English custom of afternoon tea, visit the Treasure Houses of England’s consortium of historic homes, palaces and castles to indulge in this traditional pastime in spectacular surrounds and inimitable stately style.

Woburn Abbey - The quintessential English tradition of Afternoon Tea is said to have been popularised around 1840 by Duchess Anna Maria, wife of the 7th Duke of Bedford, who entertained her friends at Woburn Abbey.  Visitors today can experience Afternoon Tea at Woburn at the Duchess’ Tea Room or at the Estate’s hotel The Inn at Woburn (pre-booking required).

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

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, or Champagne Bar, overlooking the beautiful fountains on the Water Terraces for a truly inspired setting.  Choose from a delectable selection of menus including a traditional Blenheim Tea, a Churchill Champagne Tea or a luxury Winston Churchill Premier Tea, inspired by the great leader it includes his favourite tipple Pol Roger Brut Reserve NV.

Afternoon Tea at Blenheim Palace

Afternoon tea at Burghley House

Burghley House – Enjoy a range of Afternoon Teas in the Orangery Restaurant at Burghley, designed by ‘Capability’ Brown in the eighteenth century. The ornate gothic windows provide a bright and elegant space to indulge in homemade scones, cakes and a range of teas while overlooking the peaceful and romantic Rose Garden.

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 their incredible chefs that include a generous selection of freshly made sandwiches, salads and heavenly homemade cakes.
    

Afternoon tea at Chatsworth House

Chatsworth – Enjoy a British tradition at Chatsworth with an afternoon tea in the Cavendish Restaurant (from 16 March 2014) built within the 18th century Stables designed by the famous architect James Paine. Enjoy homemade dainty finger sandwiches, a selection of cakes and pastries freshly baked at Chatsworth every day and a wide choice of carefully selected leaf teas. Afternoon teas are available throughout the day and are pre-bookable online.

Harewood House – Treat yourself to a quintessentially English Afternoon Tea at Harewood. Experience the high life, relax on the south facing Terrace with spectacular views over the award winning formal parterre and “Capability” Brown’s landscape as Red Kites soar overhead. A place where sophisticated Georgian architecture meets contemporary style, quality and high standards are guaranteed. Sample succulent finger sandwiches, an assortment of delicate pastries, fruit and plain scones with clotted cream and strawberry preserve, as well as a choice of freshly baked cakes from the trolley. A perfect indulgence to savour and enjoy.

Hatfield House – Take tea to new and dizzy heights with Hatfield’s Helicopter Discovery Tour where you can escape on an eight mile helicopter pleasure flight over the estate to snatch spectacular aerial views of the stunning architecture of the house, rounded off by a delicious homemade cream tea at the house.

The Holkham Estate has two cafés offering afternoon tea.  As part of a visit to Holkham Hall, discover the Stables Café in the adjacent sunny courtyard, perfect on a summer’s afternoon. Or there’s the Beach Café just a stone’s 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.

Leeds Castle – Enjoy an afternoon treat with a cream tea in the 17th 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 featuring oak and wrought iron finishes.

www.treasurehouses.co.uk

Treasure Houses of England
The Treasure Houses of England are ten of the most magnificent palaces, houses and castles in England today. Members are Beaulieu, Blenheim Palace, Burghley House, Castle Howard, Chatsworth, Harewood, Hatfield House, Holkham Hall, Leeds Castle and Woburn Abbey.  Each has its own unique charm and all combine together to give a fascinating insight into life in England over the centuries

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.

Between them they house some of the most important art collections in the world with famous works from artists such as Van Dyck and Gainsborough and priceless antiques including Chippendale, Wedgwood and Meissen.

Discover hidden gems and dark secrets, follow walks and adventure trails in beautiful parklands and gardens, enjoy classical concerts, outdoor theatre, family fun 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.

The Treasure Houses of England’s Glorious Gardens

As well as boasting a series of fine stately homes, castles and palaces, the Treasure Houses of England are also world-renowned for their magnificent gardens. 

Celebrate the seasons in sublime style by visiting the glorious grounds and gardens at some of the most spectacular sites in the country.

Beaulieu literally means 'beautiful place' and the gardens certainly manifest the name. In spring, the banks of the dry moat surrounding the Montagu family home, Palace House, and the lawns of the adjacent Wilderness Garden are carpeted in colour with a dazzling display of snowdrops, crocuses and daffodils.

Beaulieu

With over fifteen species of daffodils in bloom during the flowering season, it presents a stunning seasonal show for all the senses. See the Surrey Sculpture Society’s exhibition of traditional and contemporary artwork on display throughout the grounds (23 May – 20 Aug).

Blenheim Palace

Celebrating the best gardening in the UK in stand-out style, the Blenheim Palace Flower Show (20-22 June) will feature in excess of 150 floral and gardens exhibitors alongside a grand floral marquee with industry judges, ten garden landscapes, and lots more including food, refreshments and family activities.  Featuring everything floral - from award-winning nurseries to gardening celebrities and experts who will be on hand to help you to transform your garden into a tranquil haven - the show is crammed with incredible colour and inspiration.

The Private South Gardens at Burghley boast nineteenth century yew hedges and stunning landscape views of the nearby Lion Bridge and South Front of Burghley. Meanwhile, the South Gardens magnificent displays of narcissi and spring bulbs will be available to visit in aid of the National Gardens Scheme (12 -13 April, 11am to 4pm - last admission 3.30pm) for a truly dazzling day out.

Burghley

Spruce up autumn by watching local flower societies transform Burghley’s staterooms into fabulous floral displays during Burghley Flower Festival (4-12 October). Take a tour through the grand interiors of this great Elizabethan house where the painted ceilings and seventeenth century art will be inspirationally echoed by breathtaking blooms.

Castle Howard

A stunning array of arrangements will adorn the house with beautiful bursts of colour and fragrance at Castle Howard Flower Festival (15-16 May). Early summer blooms in the Walled Garden and rhododendrons in Ray Wood provide plenty of scope to explore and admire the gorgeous grounds. Find inspiration and practical tips aplenty at the plant fair that will include demonstrations and advice from the resident experts.  And don’t forget to prettify your own garden courtesy of special not-to-be-missed promotions in the Garden Centre.

Chatsworth

Having evolved over more than 450 years, the 105-acre Chatsworth garden continues to change today. Roam the exquisite grounds to view permanent sculptures and famous water fountains - including the 300-year-old cascade, trough waterfall and the enormous gravity-fed Emperor fountain. As well as the huge maze, rockery, and rose, cottage and kitchen gardens, there are also over five miles of meandering walks dotted with rare trees, shrubs, streams and ponds.

Harewood

With over 100 acres of award-winning gardens and walks set within rolling parkland surrounding the House and lakeside, Harewood presents an awe-inspired location.  The West Garden’s floral displays morph from majestic daffodils and snowdrops in springs to a summertime show of rhododendrons and other exotic blooms. Follow the clues around the park’s spring trail and collect different letters to solve a puzzle.

Breathe in the sweet scent of bluebells and daffodils at Hatfield House’s gorgeous woodland garden. During NGS Gardens Open Day For Charity (29 March), visitors can enjoy the spring bulbs in the Lime Walk along with the enchanting Woodland and Sundial Gardens. (Admission charges apply.)

Hatfield

Join the Landscape team for Holkham Hall’s Spring Tours of the Private Gardens (18 May, 11am, 1pm and 3pm), which are normally closed to the public.  See the spectacular arboretum with its many unusual and rare specimen trees, along with the magnolia trees, tulip tree and resplendent rainbow of blooming bluebells.

Leeds Castle

For show-stopping spring colour, take a walk in the Wood Garden at Leeds Castle. In spring, a display of daffodils, narcissi and anemones presents a wonderfully vibrant palette, later replaced in the summer season by a spellbinding scene replete with rhododendrons and azaleas.

Woburn Abbey Gardens will be staging a variety of activities for National Gardening Week (14 - 20 April). This year’s theme of ‘Start Something Beautiful’ will encourage visitors to follow a series of discovery boards installed by the team of gardeners, affording a behind-the-scenes look at forthcoming developments. Other boards will showcase a number of Humphry Repton’s 200-year-old watercolour designs for the gardens, detailing plans for a green oak walkway to be constructed alongside the award-winning rockery pavilion.

Woburn Abbey

A garden tour, included with entry, will take place at 12noon on the Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of Easter week. The tour will be lead by one of the RHS-qualified gardeners, who will also be available to dispense advice on how to start something beautiful in your own outdoor space this spring.

In addition, Woburn Abbey Garden Show (21 – 22 June) returns for its fifth year and welcomes everyone from green-fingered gardening experts to novices to offer a mass of magnificent tips, ideas and inspiration to make your own garden a stunning success.

www.treasurehouses.co.uk

Top Ten Places For Afternoon Tea - The Treasure Houses of England

A fittingly fine way to enjoy the quintessentially English custom of afternoon tea, visit the Treasure Houses of England’s consortium of historic homes, palaces and castles to indulge in this traditional pastime in spectacular surrounds and inimitable stately style.

Afternoon Tea at Woburn Abbey

•    Woburn Abbey - The quintessential English tradition of Afternoon Tea is said to have been popularised around 1840 by Duchess Anna Maria, wife of the 7th Duke of Bedford, who entertained her friends at Woburn Abbey.  Visitors today can experience Afternoon Tea at Woburn at the Duchess’ Tea Room or at the Estate’s hotel The Inn at Woburn (pre-booking required).

•    Burghley House – Enjoy a range of Afternoon Teas in the Orangery Restaurant at Burghley, designed by ‘Capability’ Brown in the eighteenth century. The ornate gothic windows provide a bright and elegant space to indulge in homemade scones, cakes and a range of teas while overlooking 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 Brabazon Coffee Shop and Restaurant.  Some produce comes from Lord Montagu's own Victorian Kitchen garden; beetroot is transformed into a delicious moist cake and plums made into jam, to eat on scones with lashings of Dorset clotted cream.

•    Hatfield House – Take tea to new and dizzy heights with Hatfield’s Helicopter Discovery Tour where you can escape on an eight mile helicopter pleasure flight over the estate to snatch spectacular aerial views of the stunning architecture of the house, rounded off by a delicious home made cream tea at the house.

Afternoon Tea at Castle Howard

•    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 their incredible chefs that include a generous selection of freshly made sandwiches, salads and heavenly homemade cakes.

•    Chatsworth – Enjoy a British tradition at Chatsworth with an afternoon tea in the Cavendish Restaurant (from 16 March 2014) built within the 18th century Stables designed by the famous architect James Paine. Enjoy homemade dainty finger sandwiches, a selection of cakes and pastries freshly baked at Chatsworth every day and a wide choice of carefully selected leaf teas. Afternoon teas are available throughout the day and are pre-bookable online.

Afternoon Tea at Leeds Castle

•    Leeds Castle – Enjoy an afternoon treat with a cream tea in the 17th 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 featuring oak and wrought iron finishes.

•    Harewood House – At Harewood House you can taste the delights of afternoon tea in one of its renowned cafés.  The Grade 1 listed Courtyard Café, edged by colonnades, offers superb al fresco and covered facilities perfect for families, while The Terrace Café- voted one of the best places to have afternoon tea by Gardener’s World Magazine readers in 2010- offers stunning views over the lake and Capability Brown landscape. Using locally sourced ingredients, much from Harewood’s own Walled Garden, both cafes provide a spectacular setting to relax and unwind.

•    The Holkham Estate has two cafés offering afternoon tea.  As part of a visit to Holkham Hall, discover the Stables Café in the adjacent sunny courtyard, perfect on a summer’s afternoon. Or there’s the Beach Café just a stone’s 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.

•    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, or Champagne Bar, overlooking the eautiful fountains on the Water Terraces for a truly inspired setting.  Choose from a delectable selection of menus including a traditional Blenheim Tea, a Churchill Champagne Tea or a luxury Winston Churchill Premier Tea, inspired by the great leader it includes his favourite tipple Pol Roger Brut Reserve NV.

www.treasurehouses.co.uk

Treasure Houses of England
The Treasure Houses of England are ten of the most magnificent palaces, houses and castles in England today. Members are Beaulieu, Blenheim Palace, Burghley House, Castle Howard, Chatsworth, Harewood, Hatfield House, Holkham Hall, Leeds Castle and Woburn Abbey.  Each has its own unique charm and all combine together to give a fascinating insight into life in England over the centuries

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.

Between them they house some of the most important art collections in the world with famous works from artists such as Van Dyck and Gainsborough and priceless antiques including Chippendale, Wedgwood and Meissen.

Discover hidden gems and dark secrets, follow walks and adventure trails in beautiful parklands and gardens, enjoy classical concerts, outdoor theatre, family fun 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.

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.

Half Term and Halloween at the Treasure Houses of England

Spooky goings on in Palace House, Beaulieu

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

Beaulieu is one of Britain’s most haunted places and ghosts have often been seen and heard in the 13th century Abbey and at Palace House.  So if you’re looking for something spooky to do for Half Term, don’t miss the strange goings on at Beaulieu’s Ghost and Ghouls Half Term Hauntings (26 October – 3 November).  From a Halloween quiz trail starting in the Motor Museum and spooky stories in Palace House to tours with real ghost hunters in the haunted Abbey for a super-scary day of chilling entertainment.  Throw into the magnificent mix, frightening face painting, a ride on the Moan-a-rail, and a Halloween lucky dip – and it’s a formidably frightening formula for a memorable and thrilling experience.

Halloween at Blenheim Palace

Blenheim Palace’s Halloween celebrations (26 October – 3 November) will cast a ghoulish spell of spooky entertainment and family fun with a 'Ghosts and Goblins' Halloween Hunt in the Pleasure Gardens hedge maze, a fantastic range of Halloween inspired arts and crafts activities, and spooky tours of the Palace on weekdays

Wrap up warm and tread through crispy Autumn leaves on Burghley’s Pumpkin Trail (28 October – 3 November) around the Sculpture Garden and explore Burghley House’s spectacular surrounds to find the hidden pumpkins and receive a special treat.  There’s also spooky family fun to be had by touring the state rooms by flickering candlelight – limited places please book in advance.

Castle Howard will host its first ever Halloween event when the magnificent  grounds of the historic house are transformed into a spooky wonderland for a family friendly ‘Chills and Thrills’ spectacular.

Halloween at Harewood

Book in advance for Chatsworth Luminaire in the House and Garden taking place 26-30 October. For the very first time the glorious interiors of Chatsworth will be open at night, atmospherically lit with candles and soft reflected light, whilst the garden will be lit with illuminations playing out the legend of Artemis, Goddess of the moon and the hunt.

Sink into the delights of the season and admire Harewood in all of its Autumn Glory (26 October- 3 November) as a bevy of indoor and outdoor events celebrate the colourful season amongst beautifully inspiring scenery including trails, twilight tales and tasty treats, crafts and Hallowe’en fun.

Whilst on the farm at Hatfield you can enjoy their farm themed craft week and follow the Halloween Trails.

And don’t miss Holkham Hall where spooky spiders weave a magical web of fun and mystery! (27-31 October).  Visitors can explore magical and mystical mayhem – where spidery facts and body parts abound in the hall, hunt for them all and create your very own breed of spider whilst discovering some scary arachnid factoids along the way. Count the creepy crawlies hidden on their webs in the walled gardens and find your way out of the webbed maze.  At the Bygones Museum, home of Holkham’s largest spidery resident, there’s more entangling frights with mad scientists busy mixing their potions, spells, slime and smells, creating a horrifying hair-raising experience. Along with creepy craft activities, ghoulish face painting, pumpkin carving and frightfully delicious feasts to horrify your tastebuds to make your visit truly 'spooktacular'!

Halloween at Holkham Hall

Children will be enthralled and entertained to the max at Leeds Castle (26 October- 3 November) with a fantastic array of activities such as mask making and spooky themed crafts. Their ghoulish Ghost Tours (29, 30 & 31 October) will definitely stir the senses, as will the Fairfax Restaurant’s tasty store of Halloween themed food.

Or why not take a Bat Walk on Tuesday 29 October at WoburnAbbey where you can learn all about the species of bats living in the Abbey Gardens on an exclusive night-time tour.

www.treasurehouses.co.uk

• The Treasure Houses of England are 10 of the most magnificent palaces, houses and castles in England today. Together they attract in excess of 2.8 million visitors annually.

• Members are Beaulieu, Blenheim Palace, Burghley House, Castle Howard, Chatsworth, Harewood, Hatfield House, Holkham Hall, Leeds Castle and Woburn Abbey.

• 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.

• Between them they house some of the most important art collections in the world with famous works from artists such as Van Dyck and Gainsborough. The connoisseur of fine furniture, porcelain and china will find priceless examples of Chippendale, Wedgwood and Meissen.

• Each house is an architectural masterpiece surrounded by beautiful parklands and gardens.