What's on

The Second Suitcase: Watercolours of Salisbury by Barbara Townsend, 1842-1939, a former resident of Mompesson House. These paintings are on loan from Barbara's great nephews and will be on show throughout the season.

The Eye Deceived: Battersby and the Art of Illusion. An intriguing collection of trompe l'oeil panels painted for the house in the 1950s.

The Churchill exhibition at Chartwell, Kent has been revamped for 2012. Now open, it offers visitors the opportunity to see many never before seen objects, alongside some of our star items and photographs.

This exhibition explores the evolving human relationship with animals - our emotional ties to pets, antagonism to pests and admiration and curiosity for birds and butterflies. Over 30 works of contemporary art, including 6 new commissions, can be seen in the mansion, stables and parkland. Artists include: Des Hughes, Ruth Claxton, Tom Gallant, Tessa Farmer, Susie MacMurray, Sophie Molins and Kate MccGwire.

What would a 21st-century ‘withdrawing room’ look like? In Croome’s own drawing room, designers and architecture practice We Made That worked with staff, volunteers and curators to explore these ideas and create a contemplative space for visitors to explore as they go round the house. The inspiration for Croome was young creativity, and this project continues that legacy. Funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

This exhibition from The Goldsmiths' Company sees talented young silversmith, Miriam Hanid creating a silver beaker which she has designed from inspiration received at Ickworth. The beaker can be won by visitors and the draw will take place on 3 Nov. Items of silver from The Goldsmiths' Company and from Miriam will be on display in the house and Miriam will be working on the Leavesof Gold beaker most Saturdays.

An exciting contemporary art exhibition is taking place at Ham House and Garden in 2012. From April – September, the garden will come alive to the sights and sounds of the best in contemporary art. Nine high profile artists are creating work inspired by the 17th-century gardens and their owner, Elizabeth Dysart, Duchess of Lauderdale.

'Gems', the new fashion exhibition at Killerton, exhibits elaborate clothes and accessories in honour of HM the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. You'll see a truly extravagant array of historic fashion, jewellery and beautifully decorated shoes.

Local artists Alan Jackson and Richard Crabtree bring an exhibition of their work to Hanbury Hall for the first time. With pieces featuring a range of subjects and using a variety of mediums there is sure to be something for everyone.

Antony Gormley’s clay figures take over the empty spaces of the ground floor of Barrington Court in Somerset.