Join in the ghoulish fun this Halloween at Holkham

Ghoulish adventures and spooktacular happenings will set hearts racing at Holkham Hall when it hosts a spine-tingling array of Halloween events sure to terrify the bravest of souls.

Halloween fun at Holkham

Halloween Horrors will take place from October 26 to 31 with lots of scary activities, ghostly games and gory fun and frights for everyone to enjoy celebrating Halloween.

In the Bygones Museum visitors can discover the wonders inside the amazing ‘Curiovan’ and see the natural world in a magical way. Their sense of curiosity and wonder will be awakened by the specimen jars, dancing skeletons, singing mechanical birds, clockwork ladybirds and tiny skeletal fairies which are among the many exhibits to be discovered and explored. 

Ghostly fun!

A yarnsmith will enthral his listeners and bring to life his spell-binding, mystical tales and Victorian stories of ghosts, witches and devils.  Some hauntingly scary fun with silhouette bingo, a skull-duggery challenge, pumpkin carving and craft activities to make the scariest pop-up ghost will keep everyone occupied.

In the vast 18^th century walled gardens Halloween visitors will be able to pit their wits against the ghosts and play phantom football, or test their knowledge and try the mind-boggling code breaker trail.  Spooky body parts and frightful factoids are all to be found in the state rooms of Holkham Hall where children can make pencil ghosts and join in the fun. In the magnificent setting of the Old Kitchen, ‘Kiddycook’ will be on hand to help younger visitors decorate their own tasty Halloween cookie with some gruesome additions.

Everyone is encouraged to come dressed up for the occasion and can have their outfits enhanced by ghoulish face painting to add some gory grazes and weeping wounds providing a touch of the macabre.  A fancy dress parade will take place each day at 12 noon.

Holkham’s Halloween events run from October 26 to 31. The hall will be open on the Sunday, Monday and Thursday. All other areas will be open every day. For further information and admission prices go to http://www.holkham.co.uk/html/Halloween2014.html

Half-Term Fun At The Treasure Houses Of England

Forget old-fashioned images of historic houses - today’s enigmatic Treasure Houses present something for everyone with a wealth of entertainment from special exhibitions, superb shopping and afternoon tea to children’s play areas, discovery tours and activity days. Discover Capability Brown landscapes and contemporary sculpture gardens while the kids amuse themselves in spiraling mazes.
Presenting a spectacular schedule of events this month, from live theatre performances, jousting, historical characters, to dressing up boxes and quiz trails – not to mention an array of wildlife, farm animals, cycle trails and walking paths - expect an animated and action-packed experience for all the family.

Here’s just a few highlights of days out for half-termThe whole family can enjoy a great day out over the Bank Holiday weekend at Beaulieu with Truckmania (26-27 May) where you can get up close and personal to some amazing machines and all day action with Monster Truck Displays and more!


From Saturday 25th May to Monday 27th May step back in time to the 17th Century and see the English Civil War come to life with the largest historical re-enactment group in Europe, The Sealed Knot Society. Enter a world of shining armour, muskets, swords and pikes and experience what life was like during the English Civil War, both on and off the battle field, with a weekend full of action packed historical entertainment in the beautiful surroundings of Blenheim Palace.

Enjoy a whole host of country attractions and entertainment at the Living Heritage Game and Country Fair at Burghley (26-27 May).  The Falconry village includes a flying arena as well as some resident falconers. Equestrian demonstrations will take place as well as scurry racing and mounted games.

Come and see the best of what Yorkshire has to offer at Castle Howard’s Whippets & Wellies event (25-27 May).  Sample delicious local produce at the food marquee, pick up some unique Yorkshire crafts or watch the exciting performers and demonstrations in the main ring.


The most spectacular Medieval Festival returns to Harewood for a second fantastic year (26-27 May).  Immerse yourselves in medieval times, watch in amazement and cheer for your favourite knight at the joust, gasp at the battles or have a go at archery and if you are unlucky – get locked in stocks.


Learn something new in May at Holkham’s Discovery Days – Discover some of the wildlife found within the Park (30 May) with some hands on, fun family activities or explore Holkham’s award winning beach and national nature reserve (31 May).



There’s daily displays of Medieval Jousting at Leeds Castle (28 May – 2 June) with spectacular action, daredevil stunts, falls, fights and brave Knights on galloping horses!




Don’t miss some early outdoor theatre with Cambridge Touring Theatre’s acclaimed production of Treasure Island featuring at Castle Howard (30 May), and at Chatsworth (31 May).




Visit the Hatfield garden Show (31 May – 2 June), held in front of Hatfield House with its newly restored frontage and within the spectacular gardens and grounds.  The special event will feature garden experts, wide selection of seeds and plants, the very latest gardening equipment as well as drop in workshops

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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.

Find out more: www.treasurehouses.co.uk

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

Summer Holiday Workshops At The National Motor Museum

Throughout August at the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu, visiting families can join in a series of fun, drop-in creative activities on a theme inspired by the museum’s latest exhibition BOND IN MOTION. You’ll be able to find out more about Special Agents using vehicles and caravans to inspire your creative skills while you join in.  The activities,sponsored by the Caravan Club and Shell Art Collection, will be available on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 7th – 30th August, 12.00 – 4.00pm.

Young visitors and their families can enjoy activities, such as designing a ‘secret society’ badge, and ‘Motoring Posters’, with an opportunity to design a poster of your favourite car, caravan or character, or why not design your own Special Agent poster. The ‘Car Construction Challenge’ is fun for all the family and offers the chance to build a caravan fit for a Special Agent, using Meccano - and then test it to the limit!

Come along and find out more about the wonderful Motoring Collections housed at Beaulieu and visit the BOND IN MOTION Exhibition while you enjoy creating your own artwork and vehicles.

The activities are included in the price of your entrance ticket to Beaulieu, adult £20, child (5-17) £9.95 or £52.50 for a family ticket (2 adults +3 children or 1 adult + 4 children).

No booking is required, just drop-in and join in the exciting sessions.

Visit www.beaulieuevents.co.uk for more details about these activities.