Houses

Christmas markets and fairs are the perfect antidote to the high street this festive season. Enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of a traditional Christmas in special surroundings near you, and pick up some gifts for your loved ones.

Father Christmas will be setting up his grotto at places we look after this festive season. Come along to meet Santa and his elves in their grotto and share your Christmas wishes.

The houses and gardens in our care will be illuminated with twinkling light displays this festive season. Wrap up warm and pay a visit to kick-start your celebrations.

How do you keep the kids entertained on a rainy day? Head to one of the special places we look after for some great activities that won't be ruined by a downpour. They can run around in an indoor adventure play area, play dress up or take part in a house trail and search for clues.

Searching for indoor inspiration? You can play a piano in a Jazz Age house or have a game of pool in a Tudor home. Watch re-created early experiments into electricity, browse art exhibitions, or go behind the scenes at our conservation stores.

Dressing up is a fun way for children to get in touch with the past. We've picked our top places to try on costumes and play make-believe.

These hiding places were created to hide priests during a time when Catholics were imprisoned, tortured and killed. They're craftily disguised in some of our houses to baffle search parties.

With the return to school just around the corner, a trip back in time is just what's needed. Roman soldiers, hidden wartime bunkers and ancient forts wait to be discovered by your budding historians.