Don’t spend hours getting stuck in traffic this bank holiday, especially when you’re never more than 40 minutes from a National Trust property.

With everything from a teddy bear’s picnic at a Regency mansion to wildlife trails on an enchanting island there’s no shortage of things to do. What’s more, when there’s the choice between visiting locations as varied as a 14th-Century castle, complete with turrets and a moat, to spooky Anglo Saxon burial grounds, we’re pretty sure we’ll be able to keep the whole family entertained, whatever the weather.  

To enjoy a bank holiday of hassle free and fantastic value fun then just log on www.nationaltrust.org.uk/family for great ideas on days out and events which will be fun for all the family. Plus new for 2009 – you can use our ‘Inspirator’ to help plan your ideal family day out – simply log on to www.nationaltrust.org.uk/inspirator, pop in your wish list for a great day out and the ‘Inspirator’ will find the perfect place for you and your family to visit!

This summer, make the most of the long weekend and enjoy time well spent at one of these great properties:

Attingham Park, Shropshire

Teddy Bear's Picnic, 29 August 12pm - 4pm

Family fun in the grounds of Attingham with craft, storytelling, games and music. Normal admission charges apply plus an additional £1 for activities.

• Booking is not needed for this event.
• For more information please call 01743 708123

Basildon Park, Berkshire

Wild Child Weeks - Summer Holiday Family Fun, 29 July -31 August 11am - 5pm

You can wander on a Wednesday, have fun on a Friday and get a story on a Sunday with activities every week throughout the summer holidays. Plus each week there’ll be free trails and new family activities. Normal admission charges apply but there are no additional charges.

• Booking is not needed for this event.
• For more information please call 0118 984 3040

Beningbrough Hall & Gardens, North Yorkshire

Bank Holiday Timewarp, 29-31 August 12.30pm - 4pm

Beningbrough's history comes to life with costumed interpretation to entertain all the family. Normal admission charges apply but there are no additional charges.

• Booking is not needed for this event.
• For more information please call 01904 472027

Brownsea Island, Dorset

Weird and Wonderful Wildlife - Summer Holiday Trail,1- 31 August 10.30am - 3.30pm

Become a real wild child wildlife spotter and discover the seasonal wildlife living on the island. Follow clues through Brownsea's habitats and discover what's living where. Remember to keep your eyes open wide and listen carefully - there really is weird and wonderful wildlife all around you.

Normal admission charges apply but there are no additional charges.

• Booking is not needed for this event.
• For more information please call 01202 707744

Colby Woodland Garden, Pembrokeshire

Bank Holiday Fun Day, 31 August 11am - 3.30pm

Family fun with hands-on activities and fun in the woodland garden. Normal admission charges apply plus an additional £1 activity charge.

• Booking is not needed for this event.
• For more information please call 01834 811885

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Crom, Co. Fermanagh

Bank Holiday Monday Cot Trips & Family Fun, 31 August 2pm - 6pm

Cruise around the Lough in Crom's 100 year old traditional craft and enjoy an afternoon of family fun.

Normal admission charges apply, plus for Cot trips there is a charge of £4 per adult and £2 per child.

• Booking is essential for this event - please call 028 6773 8118
• For more information please call 02867 738118

Alfriston Clergy House, East Sussex

Bank Holiday Fun, 31 August 12pm - 4.30pm

Free entry to the Clergy House from noon as the village fair is held on the Tye. Watch maypole dancing and play traditional games in the garden. Normal admission charges apply but there are no additional charges.

• Booking is not needed for this event.
• For more information please call 01323 870001

Sutton Hoo, Suffolk

Gruesome Grave Tour, 31 August 12pm & 2pm

Children are invited to a special tour of the burial mounds – but don’t forget to bring your parents. Each day there are two hour-long tours at 12pm and 2pm

Normal admission charges plus a charge for the tour - adult £2.50, child £1.50 and families £6.50

• Booking is essential for this event as there are limited places.
• For more information please call 01394 389700

Trelissick, Cornwall

Pom-pom or Cactus? Trelissick Summer Dahlia Show, 31 August 10.30am - 5.30pm

The Cornish Dahlia Society brings its members' summer blooms to decorate our handsome stable block. Pick up tips on growing and propagating these lively plants from the experts. Stroll around the gardens and see the towering 'Trelissick Purple' Dahlia. Garden events, sponsored by Clydesdale Bank. Normal admission charges apply but there are no additional charges.

• Booking is not needed for this event.
• For more information please call 01872 862090

Wimpole Hall, Cambridgeshire

Bank Holiday Fun, 31 August 11am - 4pm

Visit Wimpole and experience the children's entertainer at Home Farm plus meet our ‘Trip back in Time’ characters across the estate. Normal admission charges apply but there are no additional charges.  

• Booking is not needed for this event.
• For more information please call 01223 206000