Bodiam Castle in East Sussex, one of the properties you can visit for free this weekend!

The National Trust has published a list of 50 things to do before you’re 11¾, which include everything from running around in the rain, to setting up a snail race and damming a stream. There are tons of ideas for keeping your children entertained over the summer.

National Trust venues across the UK will have free entry on April 21 and April 22. Download a voucher to take advantage of this great offer.

There are some great places taking part in the offer such as Bodiam Castle  in East Sussex, The Vyne in Hampshire and The Needles Old Battery and New Battery on the Isle of Wight, plus many more – see the full list on the National Trust website.

Don’t forget to come back and review the National Park property you visit here on Day Trip Finder!

If you are in the South East here’s a good place to begin: the Arlington Bluebell Walk near Polegate in East Sussex, opens the 6th April for the start of the bluebell season, with proceeds going to a different charity each day. The route is fully accessible to buggies, wheelchairs and mobility scooters. Refreshments are available and there is also a daily mini-farmers’ market. A childrens quiz will help keep the little ones entertained.

National Trust properties are the natural first stop for bluebells throughout the whole of the south east. A quarter of their woodland is ancient or semi-natural – ideal for bluebells to flourish. Their popular Bluebell Watch which is now up and running to let us know where and when the bluebells are at their best. Keen bluebell spotters are busy reporting their sightings via Twitter which are added onto the interactive map on the Bluebell Watch page.

The Woodland Trust are also asking people to record their bluebell sightings on their Nature’s Calendar. You can also search their database of 1,100 bluebell woods by postcode to find one near you to enjoy. Check out their list of unusual places to spot bluebells for some quirky ideas for bluebell themed days out.

Ramblers groups will be leading special bluebell walks over the next couple of months, all take in swathes of beautiful bluebells. Find your nearest bluebell walk using their walks finder.

The Natural History Museum are running an ongoing campaign to to build up a nationwide picture of when bluebells, both native and non-native species, start flowering each year. Anyone can take part in the bluebell survey and there is information online about how to identify whether your bluebells are native bluebells or non-native species, by looking at the colour of the pollen and the shapes of the flower. A great project to get older children involved with!

Got any favourite bluebell walks near you? Leave a comment to share your walks and sightings with us.

As autumn creeps upon us and the chill starts to bite, many country houses have started to close their doors, preparing for a good deal of housekeeping during the winter months.

If you followed the BBC’s recent documentary on the National Trust’s Petworth House (Petworth House: The Big Spring Clean) you’ll have had an insight into how much happens while the doors are locked.

However, some of us still fancy visiting country estates, to see the crops being stored, hear fires crackling and smell Christmas in the form of a grand tree in the entrance hall.

Castle Howard is therefore a good option for kindred souls.  Their Christmas opening is from 26 November to 18 December. I would then suggest you go back each season and see it in all its changing glory – Castle Howard really does have something to offer for every season.

Castle Howard is an ego house: a gigantic lump of baroque designed at the end of the 17th century by John Vanbrugh (his very first design!) and built for the 3rd Earl of Carlisle, a man who intended to become prominent on the 18th century political playing field and have a house to match.  I’m sure when you visit you will not be surprised to learn that Castle Howard took over 100 years to build!

Owned by a company since the 1950s, while remaining a family house Castle Howard is very much a business: a day at Castle Howard will entertain you.

Comprising the house itself, a garden centre, farm shop and courtyard full of purchasing opportunities, walled garden, lake, fountain and woodland walks, there’s plenty to do.  There’s a cafe on the ground floor of the house and a tractor bus taking visitors down from the courtyard to the house.

For a late autumn trip I suggest the woodland wall and kicking through the leaves.  Children and Peter Pan adults will enjoy it alike.

Tragedy

On 9 November 1940 fire broke out at Castle Howard in the south-east Wing.  The fire destroyed the dome and nearly 20 rooms, leaving swathes of Castle Howard unroofed throughout the 1940s & 50s. The collection of china was heard to explode like “fire-crackers” in the heat.

Look out for the cracks on the entrance hall floor where debris smashed to the floor.

However, there’s still some splendid interiors and do look out for the Bellotti examples (Canaletto’s nephew).

In 1960-62 the dome was rebuilt and when I last visited in 2010, for the first time I saw inside the gutted but now re-roofed rooms.  It was wonderful to see the proportions of the interiors.  Reason enough to go back if you haven’t been there since they opened?

If you are in Yorkshire this winter you might also like to know that Harewood House is open throughout the season – at only £5 per car to visit the gardens that’s got to be worth a trip out!

Website: http://www.castlehoward.co.uk

My name is Pip Dodd and I am a curator in the Department of Fine and Decorative Art, and one of the curatorial team working on the War Horse exhibition. I’ve always loved museums and art galleries, and after studying History of Art at university it seemed like a natural career for me.

Explosion - Francois Place illustration from Michael Morpurgo’s War Horse

I am currently working on the museum’s War Horse exhibition. As well as exploring historic artefacts from our own collection, this has provided a fantastic opportunity to work closely with Michael Morpurgo – the author of the very successful War Horse novel. War Horse works so brilliantly because it is shows everything that horses had to do in the First World War, and it provided us with the structure on which to build the bigger story of Army horses in a broader historical period.

We have also been working with the National Theatre and with Laura Antebi, a Scottish artist who was commissioned to produce a wire sculpture of a horse to illustrate a specific moment from the War Horse story. Working with a contemporary artist has been fascinating, and although we gave Laura a specific brief for what we wanted from her, we also tried to allow her to create the horse as she saw it, which I think has resulted in a much more powerful and emotive sculpture than if we had been too prescriptive.

2. Tell us about your museum and why it is a great day out?

Visitors of all ages can enjoy an exciting range of exhibitions, galleries and public events at the National Army Museum. We boast the most extensive collection of historical and military artefacts relating to the British Army from its creation to current-day, plus the Indian Army from 1754 to 1947.

The Museum gives voice to the diverse stories and histories of the British Army and its impact on communities at home and across the globe. Our Templer Study Centre offers researchers the opportunity to explore and study from our archives and Picture Library.

Open every day (excluding 24-26th December and 1st January), the Museum offers a fascinating and fun day of discovery for all the family.  Museum entry is free. For more information about the Museum, the Collection and what’s on, please visit www.nam.ac.uk or call 020 7730 0717

3. What sort of visitors does your museum most appeal to?

The Museum has huge appeal for visitors of all ages and abilities.  There is the brand new soft play area called Kids’ Zone, where children from 0-8 years can run, climb and learn in a colourful and safe environment.

We have four permanent galleries, which explore the history and the impact of the British Army at home and abroad from the English Civil War to modern-day conflicts, plus our corridor displays and White Space Gallery.  For those interested in research and self-development we offer free weekly lectures and our Templer Study Centre.

The Museum Shop provides a wide range of family learning activities and games, toys, clothes and souvenirs as well as boasting a comprehensive range of books on a broad array of military topics. Our newly refurbished Café offers visitors a relaxing environment to enjoy tasty cakes, drinks and delicious meals.

4. What makes your museum different, sets it apart from others?

We are the only Museum to tell the full history of the British Army.

5. What do you have planned for the future? Any new exciting exhibits / experiences for guests?

We have just opened our brand new Kids’ Zone, Draw Your Weapons: The Art of Commando Comics exhibition, plus we have the upcoming War Horse: Fact & Fiction exhibition.  2012 will see a packed calendar of events, exhibitions and activities.

6. For a family of four how much would a day at your museum cost, including entry and food purchased on site?

Entry to the Museum is free.  The Café provides a variety of hot and cold food and drinks, plus pick-your-own lunch boxes and mini meals for kids with sandwiches starting at £1.

Visit the National Army Museum on DayTripFinder.

My name is Wendy Freer and I am a social historian. I also used to be a full time museum professional, working for Leicestershire Museum Service in the 1990s.  As I live in Ashby it seemed a natural thing to become involved with the museum.

2. Tell us about your museum and why it is a great day out?

Visitors in the main gallery

Ashby Museum is a small but very lively independent museum run entirely by volunteers.  We have permanent, professional standard displays which depict the history of Ashby from ancient times to the present day as well as photographs and artefacts from nearby villages.  We also have a continually changing programme of temporary exhibitions on local themes so there is always something new to see.  We run special fun days for children and have a programme of talks and coffee mornings.  We can also organize guided walks for groups and our very extensive archives are available for consultation by local and family historians.

3. What sort of visitors does your museum most appeal to?

Local people and visitors to the town. Parents and children and those seeking to trace their family history.

4. What makes your museum different, sets it apart from others?

Children enjoying activities at a family fun day

High standard of display in the exhibition rooms, interest and fun for all  ages for example,  we have just created a series of very detailed, colourful and amusing cartoons which depict the history of Ashby from ancient times to the present day.  These were hand painted by a local artist and recently won an award for Best Exhibition.

5. What do you have planned for the future? Any new exciting exhibits / experiences for guests?

A new temporary exhibition on Ashby Boys’ Grammar School opens week beginning 3^rd October.  A special “antiques evening” with professional auctioneers Bamfords of Derby on Friday 7^th October.

Wednesday, 12th October sees Lady Selina Hastings and her sister, Lady Caroline Shackleton, come to the Museum to present us with their father’s coronation robes and coronets.

19^th October at 7.30 is the first showing of a new film made by Ashby Museum’s film unit entitled “Ashby de la Zouch the Spa Town” a 60 minute documentary telling the story of how Ashby tried to become a fashionable spa in the early 19^th century and showing what still remains in the town.

6. For a family of four how much would a day at your museum cost, including entry and food purchased on site?

Child using the dressing up clothes in the main gallery

£3 (£1 entry for adults, 50p for children and senior citizens)  Children under 4 free.  Also free entry for holders of tickets to Ashby Castle on the day of purchase.

Although we have a shop selling books and souvenirs etc. we do not sell food and drink on the premises.  Coffee shops are nearby in the town.  Refreshments are served at our regular coffee mornings.

Our website contains full details of all our events and services:  http://ashbydelazouchmuseum.org.uk

Emma Gill, PR Officer. Photo copyright of The Donkey Sanctuary

Hi, I’m Emma Gill and I work as a PR Officer at international animal welfare charity The Donkey Sanctuary, spreading the word about how amazing donkeys are and encouraging people to come and visit.  Before I was in this role I volunteered at weekends with the donkeys which was a great way to meet the four-legged, long-eared residents here at our headquarters in Sidmouth, Devon.

2. Tell us about your attraction and why it is a great day out?

The charity’s headquarters in Sidmouth, Devon, are set in beautiful rolling countryside near the world famous Jurassic Coast, and home to our 500 resident donkeys and mules.  Open to the public from 9am until dusk 365 days of the year, The Donkey Sanctuary is the perfect place to visit to meet these lovely animals, enjoy miles of beautiful walks, grab a bite to eat in our restaurant and take part in our exciting programme of fun-packed events.

3. What sort of visitors does your attraction most appeal to?

Around 200,000 visitors come to our Sidmouth sanctuary each year to meet our fantastic donkeys and find out more about the work of the charity.  Families love to visit us for a free day out in the fresh air, walkers and dog walkers enjoy the scenic routes around the sanctuary, and nature lovers enjoy the unspoilt surroundings that we are so lucky to occupy.

4. What makes your attraction different, sets it apart from others?

Donkeys!  Our Sanctuary at Sidmouth is a working farm and home to 500 donkeys in need of care.  Entry is free as we feel that visitors should be able to see our work free of charge.  Have a sneak preview of all you can see and do here by visiting www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk/visit.

5. What do you have planned for the future? Any new exciting exhibits / experiences for guests?

An ever-expanding programme of activities and events for all ages!  As a taster, coming up before Christmas are craft fairs, children’s Halloween activities, donkey hunts, our touching annual Memorial Day and the stunning Carols by Candlelight event in December.

6. For a family of four how much would a day at your attraction cost, including entry and food purchased on site?

Visitors to The Donkey Sanctuary. Photo copyright of The Donkey Sanctuary

The Donkey Sanctuary is open 365 days a year from 9am to dusk with free admission and parking, so it costs nothing to come and visit us!  If you want to make a donation towards our ongoing work to protect donkeys and mules worldwide, why not enjoy a spot of lunch or a drink and snack in our Hayloft restaurant, take home a souvenir of your visit from our Visitors’ Centre and gift shop, pop your change in the collection box or join our family and give a regular donation to the charity.

Contact us:

Call: 01395 573156

Email: visitus@thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk

Website: www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk

Forget everything you ever thought you knew about Barnsley – Wentworth Castle Gardens has everything for a great day out.

Just a mile off the M1, we offer tranquil gardens and miles of waymarked walks around our beautiful deer park.  If you like something more lively we have an adventure playground, a year round events programme, retail therapy at the Gardens gift shop and great local food including estate reared venison at the Wentworth Castle Tea Rooms. And if you want the perfect “Perfect Day” our 18^th century Long Barn is a stunning venue for marriages and civil partnerships.

Stainborough Castle before and after restoration – Folly and “toy castle” for the Earl of Straffords children

Scandal, disinheritance and an outsized spate of one-upmanship led to the creation of the Estate, including the house and a series of extravagant follies – including Stainborough Castle, a replica castle built originally as a play space for the Earl’s own children and now a favourite with visitors.  Wentworth Castle itself (The Big House) is now home to our friends at Northern College – you are welcome to walk around the outside and we offer house tours by arrangement.  We’ll tell you the stories of great affairs of state, but also the human stories of the people who lived and worked here.

But it could all have been very different. In the last century Wentworth Castle, its gardens, parkland and follies fell into ruin. Gradually buildings decayed and nature reclaimed the gardens. If it were not for the commitment of local people Wentworth Castle Gardens might have been lost forever.

The rotunda, in the heart of the deer park had almost been completed lost before the restoration project.

In 2002, the Wentworth Castle Trust was created to rescue the Castle’s historic estate from dereliction and with the help of the National Lottery awoke this sleeping beauty through an ambitious programme of restoration.  Gardens were replanted, romantic follies rediscovered and the estate’s home farm buildings restored as the Long Barn visitor centre. We opened our doors to visitors in2007, since which time around 200,000 people have been to visit.

As a mark of how far we have come, this year we have reached the finals of the Lottery Good Causes Awards – a UK-wide competition to identify the nation’s favourite Lottery funded project. You can help Wentworth Castle Gardens to win by voting for us on the Lottery Awards Website before September 26th: http://www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk/awards/best-heritage-project/138/  Voting is free, takes seconds, and the winners will be announced in November.

Of course there is still a lot to do. Restoring Wentworth Castle to its full glory is a lifetime’s work, which means that every time you visit us you are helping make that vision a reality and also you’ll get to see the restoration project in action and keep up-to-date with progress.

Next month we are about to start the restoration of our fragile Victorian Glasshouse, it will take about 20 months to complete.  I’ll let you know how it goes…

Claire Herring

Director, Wentworth Castle Garden

The Victorian Conservatory – our next big project due to start later this year. Currently in a totally derelict state, but due to be restored to its former glory by 2013.

The history of the English country house runs parallel with the history of our country and since the 1950s many of these properties have been open to the public, making for a fantastic day out.

The National Trust and English Heritage are firmly established institutions and many of us join them every year to enjoy unlimited access to their properties.  They represent excellent value for money: the National Trust has 300+ properties and English Heritage 400+ sites.  With an average entrance price of, let’s say, £7, a £38 (by Direct Debit, otherwise £50.50) 1 year adult membership for the NT and £46 for EH starts to make sense.

What if I told you about a similar not-for-profit organisation that represents over 1500 historic houses and through its membership offers free and exclusive access to many of its member properties, all in private ownership and most a far cry from the museum-like atmosphere at many at National Trust or English Heritage property?

Berkeley Castle - Photo © DaveOnFlickr

Consider yourself introduced to the Historic Houses Association: http://www.hha.org.uk

The HHA represents more historic houses and gardens open to the public than those in the care of the National Trust, English Heritage and their equivalents in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland put together: 1500+!  When we consider how many houses were demolished or reduced in size during the 20^th century due to financial implications, a body such as the HHA is invaluable.

Fancy visiting Berkeley Castle, Blenheim Palace, Castle Howard, Hever Castle, Great Dixter, Syon Park or Woburn Abbey?  They are all members of the Historic Houses Association and offer free entrance to “friends”.  These houses/gardens offer some of the best experiences on offer in England, topping any National Trust or English Heritage property I have ever visited.

Woburn Abbey - Photo © jimbowen0306

That’s why I want to shout from the rooftops about the Historic Houses Associations.

For 2011 single adult membership is £40, joint membership £65.  Additional family members can be added for £19.50.  See here: http://www.hha.org.uk/join-the-hha/friends-membership.html

Membership includes free visits to many (not all – e.g. Chatsworth still charges) HHA houses open to the public, special group tours of houses which are not normally open and four issues a year of the HHA’s magazine, “Historic House”.

Of the 1500(ish) member properties, 300 houses are open to the public for day visits.

Maybe next year you could consider a HHA membership instead of or in addition to your English Heritage/NT membership/

About me: I have visited 100s of historic houses & am passionate about architecture, garden design and interiors.  You can follow these travels at: http://visitinghousesandgardens.wordpress.com/

Websites & resources:

National Trust

Historic Houses Association

English Heritage

We’ll try and keep these updated, so please leave us your comments. Tell us what have been your favourite days out!

One of our aims for the site is to be a place where daytrippers share their views on great days out. And bad ones too. What do you think of these attractions? Intriguing trips or a waste of your precious leisure time?