A May Day to remember

May is a most marvellous month, boasting no fewer than two bank holidays. This year, the nation will have both 5 and 26 May. The only thing for you to worry about is how to make the most of them.

• 5 May
• 26 May

Let us inspire you with some of the goings on around our magnificent houses, gardens and estates.

5 May

	Smallhythe Place, Kent Barn Theatre Flower & Costume Festival

Watch the team of expert flower arrangers design spectacular displays of flowers based on the costumes from the Barn theatre collection at the palace.

No additional charge, booking not required.

• Events at Smallhythe

	Morden Hall Park, London A Country Affair

Visit Morden Hall Park for the annual fair, where there is entertainment for all, craft stalls and displays. Fun for all the family.

Additional charge applies, booking not required.

• Events at Morden Hall Park

	Sizergh Castle & Garden, Cumbria Spinning a Yarn!

Learn more about the work of the Lancs & Lakes Guild of Weavers, Spinners & Dyers with this exhibition and demonstrations. Then roll up your sleeves and have a go at felting, knitting, spinning or weaving in the free mini-workshop.

Garden ticket required. No additonal charge. Booking not required.

• Events at Sizergh

	River Wey & Godalming Navigations & Dapdune Wharf, Surrey Down Your Wey Day

Join in with the environmental family fun day at Dapdune Wharf, with bug hunts, leaf collage and bat box making. There will also be otter-based activites with the Surrey Wildlife Trust.

No additional charge. Booking not required.

• Events at the River Wey

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26 May

	Stackpole Estate, Pembrokeshire Sea Kayak Festival

Explore the coves, caves and cliffs of Pembrokeshire and learn about its resident wildlife and environmental issues. This popular and environmentally-friendly event is run by the National Trust in conjunction with the Welsh Canoe Association.

Some canoeing experience essential. Booking essential. Charges apply.

• Events at Stackpole

	Studland Beach and Nature Reserve, Dorset Smooth and Slippery Reptile Trail

Discover Studland's smooth and slippery reptiles in their wildlife haven. Follow the clues around the beach and dunes to learn more about the reptilian residents of the nature reserve.

Additional charge £1.50 per child. Booking not required.

• Events at Studland

	Greys Court, Oxfordshire Greys Court Second-hand Book Fair

Come along to our book fair, and pick up some second-hand reading material. Discover new facts or fiction, rediscover lost classics or hopefully books that you have been looking for years, but with knowing that the money raised helps Greys Court and its work.

No additional charge. Booking not required.

• Events at Greys Court

	Cragside, Northumberland Hedgehog and Squirrel Hunt

Last year, Trusty and his friends had such a great time at Cragside, they've decided to pay another visit this year. See how many woodland creatures you can spot hiding in and around the house.

No additional charge. Booking not required.

• Events at Cragside