Here are just some of the responses we have received since the survey began at the end of July.

What is your 'top tip' for making families feel welcome to our properties?

• Talk to the children.
• Talk with them, not at them!
• Speak to all of the family as they arrive, including the children (and the dog!). Include everyone in the info you give about what is available. Have lots for the children to do - offer a challenge. Smile!!
• Ensure that the children, as well as the parents feel welcome. Speak directly to children whilst ensuring parents do not object (watch body language).
• Be enthusiastic about the fun to be had carrying out the various quizzes and trails.
• Provide a range of activities for all members of the family with particular emphasis on hands on activities for the children.
• Make sure they know that if they need help or information on something they can just ask.

What is the funniest thing a young visitor has ever said to you/ asked you?

• Do you live here?
• This is a very messy place, doesn't anyone ever clean it? (A seven year old boy on entering the cider cellar at Godolphin and seeing the mortar pulled out of the walls by the rats!)
• Do you sleep in that little house? (The tiny octagonal summer house which acts as a ticket booth?)
• Do you live here after we've all gone home?

Which item/ area of your property generates most interest from families?

• The ghost cellar!
• The stone pegs in the cidar cellar and the wooden protective scaffolding with loft insulation at the front of the house which protects the public but doesn't hold up the house.
• The young people's quiz & the hedgehog hunt keep everyone involved all over the house.
• The Voice Tube.
• Dressing up in Georgian costume.
• House & Gardens on a nice sunny day.