Go behind the scenes at our places

Have you ever been curious about what happens when all the visitors leave for the day? Or wanted to get a new perspective on a place you love? Well, here’s your chance. At places across the country we’re inviting you to explore behind the scenes, see conservation experts at work and view exhibitions of previously unseen objects.

Unlock the secrets of places we care for and embark on a journey behind the scenes to see what it takes to look after hundreds of beautiful natural and historical sites.

Conservationists at Petworth House and Park, Sussex — Conservationists working on the 'Petworth Beauties' at Petworth House and Park, Sussex

What lies beneath the artwork

There are conservation tours to meet the experts behind the restoration of historical artworks and objects – there’s also a chance to see how we preserve carpets and ceilings that are hundreds of years old.

Visitors on a guided tour at Dinefwr, Carmarthenshire, Wales

Go backstage

Investigate unseen spaces like the attics and cellars of many houses – you can venture into places that are usually closed to the public and reveal another layer of history that’s waiting to be uncovered. You can even take boat tours to Brownsea Island in Poole, Dorset which is open for a limited time. There, you can witness a winter spectacle put on by the birds that inhabit the landscape.

Tours after dark

Candlelight tours, lantern walks and tales by torchlight will shed new light on how special places look after dark. Experience the vivid past of houses bursting at the seams with stories to tell.

Visitors on a guided tour of Bodnant Garden, Wales

See what our gardeners do

Take a stroll in a winter landscape and find out how they’re looked after when you take a garden tour. Discover the historical ties they have with people from the past. You can also get advice from our green-fingered gardeners and get tips and tricks for your green haven.