Around Somerset, Bath and Bristol, National Trust places are sparkling after their winter cleans and gardens are bursting into life. There’s lots going on this season from Easter adventures and behind-the-scenes guided tours to experience days and tree planting days and much more.
What’s more, every time you experience a National Trust day out, you help care for these special places for future generations.
Here is what’s happening near you this spring, please check property website for opening days and times:
Barrington Court
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/barrington-court
Early Years Mondays
Mondays in term time (excluding bank holidays). 10am – 4pm
Fun and engaging activities for pre-school children, such as themed stories, crafts and messy play.
Price: Free (normal admission applies). Booking not required.
Ranger activities at Barrington Court
28, 39 May. 11am - 3pm
Back for May half term are the popular guided drop-in 'visiteering' activities with the Ranger team. Help to build benches for History Shed, or try your hand at making bird feeders and barn owl boxes for our feathered friends.
Price: Free (normal admission applies). Booking not required.
Falconry displays at Barrington Court
29 May. 11.30am - 3pm
The wonderful birds and handlers from Xtreme Falconry return for two impressive flying displays taking place at 11.30am and 14.30pm on the South Lawn.
Price: Free (normal admission applies). Booking not required.
Bath Assembly Rooms
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/bath-assembly-rooms
Guided Tours in 2024
Daily from Feb. 10am, 12pm and 2pm
Join your host for a fully guided tour of the ground floor of the Assembly Rooms. You'll learn a little about the future plans and be taken through the Ball Room, Great Octagon, Tea Room and Card Room where we'll share some of the history behind the building.
Tours will last approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Price: £10 (free for NT members). Booking essential 0344 249 1895 or via the website.
Lunar New Year by The Museum of East Asian Art
10 Feb. 11am – 4pm
The Museum of East Asian Art will be running a fun-filled day for all the family to welcome in the Year of the Dragon!
Learn about the history and customs of this festival and take part in activities, workshops, and trails exploring different aspects of Lunar New Year and Chinese culture.
A traditional Lion Dance will lead you into the Assembly Rooms for a day of origami, chopstick challenges, and more.
For full details about Lunar New Year and the programme for the day, please visit:
meaa.org.uk/event/lunar-new-year-the-year-of-the-dragon/
The Lunar New Year celebration is organised by the Museum of East Asian Art, supported by the National Trust, and in collaboration with the Herschel Museum of Astronomy and Comins Tea.
Price: Free (normal admission applies). Booking not required.
Common Salt performances at Bath Assembly Rooms
24 Feb, 2 – 3.30pm & 6 – 7.30pm
Common Salt is a performance around a table – a ‘show and tell’. It explores the colonial, geographical history of England and India taking an expansive and emotional time-travel, from the first Enclosure Act and the start of the East India Company in the 1600s, to 21st century narratives of trade, empire and culture.
Sue and Sheila activate insights into our shared past, laying out a ‘home museum’ of objects and stories; of the Great Hedge of India, of borders, and collections – all accompanied by original Shruti box laments.
Common Salt is a reckoning; the interconnectedness between history and global power, artefact and trade, nature and memory is hidden in plain sight.
Common Salt is a collaborative work by artists Sheila Ghelani and Sue Palmer.
There will be time after the show for informal conversation. In order to make these performances as affordable as possible to those that want to attend, we'll be offering a choice of ticket prices.
Recommended price (adult ticket) - this is a standard ticket reflecting the normal charge for an event like this.
Concession price (concession ticket) - which is designed to allow everyone access to the show. If you cannot pay the adult ticket at this time, this ticket type is for you. You do not need to explain or prove why you need to access this lower price. It's there if you need it.
Minimum age 12yrs+.
Price: Recommended price £15 / concession price £6. Booking essential 0344 249 4895 or via the website.
Coleridge Cottage
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/coleridge-cottage
Volunteer recruitment day
19 Feb. 11am – 2pm
Become part of our close-knit community of volunteers and help bring Coleridge Cottage to life. Whether it’s sharing the stories of the cottage, tending to the garden that inspired Coleridge’s poetry, caring for the collection or serving visitors in the tearoom, our visitors appreciate the personal touch that volunteers bring to their visit to us.
We are currently recruiting for house experience, conservation, gardening and tearoom volunteers.
If you would like to get involved but can’t make it to our Volunteer Recruitment Day contact the cottage on 01278732662 or email
Coleridge.Cottage@nationaltrust.org.uk
Price: Free. Booking not required.
Dunster Castle
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dunster-castle
Dunster Experience Days- A Day with the Collections and House Manager
5 Feb. 10.30 – 3.30pm
We are hosting an experience day, which offers the chance to spend the day with Dunster Castle's Collections and House Manager. Taking place on Monday 5 February, it is not to be missed.
You'll begin the day with refreshments and an introductory talk on Dunster Castle by David Moore, Collections and House Manager, who has been working at Dunster for 12 years and in the National Trust for 25. You'll then embark on a bespoke tour of the castle, including areas not usually open to the public. This is a great opportunity to go into depth on the castle's fascinating history, objects, and characters.
Once the tour is over, you'll head down to the Watermill Tearoom for a delicious two-course lunch. David will accompany you and will be on hand to chat and answer questions.
After lunch, you'll head back to the castle for a hands-on conservation workshop. Discover different conservation techniques, how the House Team care for the castle's collection, and have a go at cleaning some objects yourself.
At the end of the day, finish your experience with a trip to the Stables Shop for souvenirs and local products before heading home.
Price: £65. Booking essential 0344 249 1895 or via the website.
Behind the scenes: Attic Tours
10, 15, 18 Feb. 10.30 – 11.30am
Join an attic tour to experience life behind the scenes at Dunster Castle. See spaces you haven't seen before and hear stories about the servants who lived and used the spaces upstairs.
Price: £3 (normal admission applies). Booking essential 0344 249 1895 or via the website.
February half-term trail
10 – 18 Feb. 10am – 3pm
Walter, Julian and Penelope are getting restless inside the castle so decide to head outside in seek of fun and games. Answer the questions and complete the activities as you explore the gardens.
Price: £3 (normal admission applies). Booking not required.
Snowdrop planting
14 Feb. 10am – 12.30pm & 1.30 – 3pm
This Valentines Day, join the gardeners at Dunster Castle as we look to increase the number of snowdrops in the River Gardens. Plant some snowdrops for yourself or a loved one and come back year on year to see them bloom.
A drop-in session between 10am - 12.30pm and 1.30pm - 3pm, the snowdrop planting will take place a short walk from the car park towards the Watermill.
Price: Free (normal admission applies). Booking not required.
Volunteer Recruitment Days
22 & 23 Feb. 10am – 2pm
Come along to Tenants’ Hall at the Castle to find out what it’s like to volunteer with us. Volunteering with the National Trust at Dunster Castle and Watermill gives you the opportunity to learn new skills and share your passion with the thousands of people who visit each year. Pass on stories of the castle’s rich past, tend to the 42 acres of garden and parkland or share traditional milling techniques at our working watermill, all while forging new friendships and ensuring we can look after Dunster Castle for generations to come. Maybe you’d like to welcome visitors to our events, drive our courtesy vehicle or work with our retail team, there’s something for all schedules.
It’s our volunteers that help bring Dunster Castle and Watermill to life and we are always looking for new faces to join our friendly team. Our volunteers come from all backgrounds and ages so don’t worry about your experience.
There is something for everyone with lots of flexibility in days and hours. You can also get involved through work experience and Duke of Edinburgh awards, great to strengthen your CV or university applications. Or you may have a skill you wish to share with us! If you want to get involved but can’t make it to our Volunteer Recruitment Days, email
DunsterVolunteering@nationaltrust.org.uk for more information.
Price: Free. Booking not required.
Living History camp
10 Apr. 10.30am – 2pm
A living history camp will be set up on the forecourt of the castle for visitors to experience the sights, sounds and smells of life during the English Civil War. Discover what the camp inhabitants ate, how they dressed and learn about the weapons they used to attack and defend. The day includes firing of muskets during weapon demonstrations and a children's pike drill.
Please note that the musket demonstrations will include loud noises that may not be suitable for some visitors and dogs.
Price: Free (normal admission applies). Booking not required
Dunster Castle Experience Days - A Day with the Head Gardener
17 Apr. 10.30am – 3.30pm
We are hosting an experience day, which offers the chance to spend the day with Dunster Castle's Head Gardener. Responsible for the maintenance of the 18 acres of garden at Dunster Castle, this is an opportunity not to be missed for all those gardening questions.
You'll begin the day with refreshments and an introductory talk on Dunster Castle by James Cordingley, Head Gardener, who has been working in the horticultural industry for more than 17 years. You'll then embark on a tour of the gardens, including areas not usually open to the public. This is a great opportunity to go into depth on the castle's unusual subtropical environment and historic planting plans.
Once the tour is over, you'll head down to the Watermill Tearoom for a delicious two-course lunch. James will accompany you and will be on hand to chat and answer questions.
After lunch and questions, you'll have the opportunity to tour the nursery at Dunster Castle. See how the garden team grow and nurture the plants grown for the gardens and how they grow for the castle garden's unique microclimate. You'll then get hands on with compost and cuttings in a workshop with James where you'll learn techniques to take the best cuttings while maintaining the health of the parent plant.
At the end of the day, finish your experience with a trip to the Stables Shop for souvenirs and local products before heading home.
Price: £65. Booking essential 0344 249 1895 or via the website.
May half-term trail
25 May – 2 Jun. 10am – 4pm
Hugh Luttrell is planning a grand feast in the Great Hall. Follow the trail, complete activities, answer questions and learn what food and festivities were like in the past! Trail includes a prize.
Price: £3 (normal admission applies). Booking not required
Dyrham Park
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dyrham-park
February half-term fun at Dyrham Park
9 – 18 Feb. 10am – 4pm
Join us this February half term for a scavenger hunt around the 270-acre site.
Price: Free (normal admission applies). Booking not required.
Nature Tots at Old Lodge
12, 19, 26 Mar, 16, 23, 30 Apr, 7, 14, 21 May. 10.15 – 11.45am
The popular session for pre-schoolers is back with nature activities each Tuesday morning in term time until mid October. Sessions will usually include a song, story, craft and a game.
Price: Free (normal admission applies). Booking not required.
Tulip mania at Dyrham Park
Daily from 15 Apr – 6 May. 10am – 4pm
This spring there will be tulip themed displays, guided walks, talks, crafts and the first year of the newly created 'Dyrham' tulip growing in pots around the newly laid parterre. The events mark the house's links to Dutch history and culture dating back to the 17th century.
Price: Free (normal admission applies). Booking not required.
Fyne Court
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/fyne-court
Tree planting day
11 Feb. 10am – 12pm & 1 – 3pm
Spend a day joining our ranger team planting native small hedgerow saplings including hawthorn, blackthorn, spindle and dogwood.
This will be based in Five Pond Wood following the ash dieback work on the banks of the river.
It's a brilliant opportunity to be a part of some wonderful woodland restoration work on the Quantocks.
Be aware that we'll be planting trees up a relatively steep bank without paths. Weather appropriate clothing needed.
Meet in the Fyne courtyard to walk down to Five Pond Wood.
Price: Free (car parking charges for non-members apply). Booking essential 0344 249 1895 or via the website.
Lytes Cary Manor
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lytes-cary-manor
Adventures in Nature
3 – 14 April. 10am – 3.30pm
Grab your wellies and make your way around the White Walk woodland trail with nature inspired activities for the whole family.
Price: Free (normal admission applies). Booking not required.
Markets at Lytes Cary Manor
13 – 14 Apr & 11 – 12 May. 10am – 4pm
Held in the historic barns and courtyard areas the market showcases a variety of products that have been crafted by neighbouring artists.
Price: Entry is free to the market, although normal admission applies for the property. Booking not required.
West Wing open days
8 – 9 May. 11am – 3.30pm
Take the opportunity to walk around the well-preserved, extravagant house. With dark wood-panelled walls, fine period furnishings and grand bedrooms run throughout, the West Wing is not normally open to visitors.
Price: Free (normal admission applies). Booking not required.
Montacute House
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/montacute-house
Come and play
10 – 18 Feb. 10am – 3.30pm
Be it wet or dry you will always be able to enjoy plenty of games and activities this February half term including soft archery, giant Jenga, quoits, building blocks, connect 4 and much more.
Price: Free (normal admission applies). Booking not required.
Special St Valentine Welcome tours
14 Feb. 11am – 2.15pm
Love was in the air! Meet outside reception at 11.00am or 1.30pm to join a special outside welcome tour focusing on love and marriage through the ages and discover the history of Montacute House. Tours last approx. 40 minutes.
Price: Free (normal admission applies). Booking not required.
Special Mothering Sunday Welcome tours
10 Mar. 11am – 2.15pm
The outside tour will be focusing on the role of a mother throughout the ages, whilst learning about the history of Montacute House. Meet outside of the reception at either 11.00am or 1.30pm. Tour lasts approx. 40 minutes.
Price: Free (normal admission applies). Booking not required.
Taunton Garrison at Montacute House
29, 30, 31 Mar. 11am - 4pm
Meet the Taunton Garrison and learn about the life of 17th Century. Join in musket drill and pike displays, meet the blacksmith and the camp cook, and catch talks by the barber surgeon.
Price: Free (normal admission applies). Booking not required.
Prior Park Landscape Garden
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/prior-park-landscape-garden
February nature spotting at Prior Park
10 – 18 Feb. 10am – 4pm
Collect a spotter sheet from visitor reception and see what you can find as you explore the garden.
Price: Free (normal admission applies). Booking not required.
Valentine's at Prior Park
10 – 18 Feb. 10am – 4pm
Valentine's falls in February half term and the Palladian Bridge will be adorned with foliage and dried flowers to create a romantic picture opportunity – perfect for a Valentine’s stroll.
Price: Free (normal admission applies). Booking not required.
Mother’s Day
10 Mar. 10am – 4pm
Celebrate Mother’s Day with a stroll around Prior Park and remember the occasion by snapping a picture behind the seasonal wreath.
Price: Free (normal admission applies). Booking not required.
Wild garlic season
8 – 28 Apr. 10am – 5pm
Wild garlic is in abundance around the garden at this time of year. Collect a paper bag from visitor reception along with some recipe gardens to get inspired in the kitchen. As you enjoy walking the garlic lined paths, feel free to fill your paper bag.
Price: Free (normal admission applies). Booking not required.
Tyntesfield
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/tyntesfield
Building blocks at Tyntesfield
10 – 18 Feb. 10.30 – 3.30pm
Join us this February half term for your chance to put your building skills to the test and let your imagination run wild. Will you create Tyntesfield’s missing clock tower or our ornate Chapel? With our spectacular Gothic Revival House and Estate providing ample inspiration we are excited to see what masterpieces you will create.
Price: Free (normal admission applies). Booking not required.
Visually impaired walk
1 & 22 Mar, 12 & 26 Apr, 10 & 24 May 11am – 12pm
Learn about the history of this fascinating place and use your senses to engage with nature on this intimate and interactive tour.
Tours will take place on the second and fourth Friday of each month from 11am. We will accompany 6 visually impaired individuals (and an accompanying individual) on a 3/4-mile accessible trail.
Please note that the event may be cancelled in cases of extreme or unsafe weather.
Price: Free (normal admission applies). Booking essential 01275 461900.
International Women’s Week
4 – 10 Mar. 10:30am – 2:30pm
To celebrate International Women’s Week, the Tyntesfield Team will be telling women’s stories in the house. They’ll be focusing on the women of Tyntesfield and sharing their unique stories with visitors. Join them in the house to learn about the fantastic achievements of the many marvellous women who called Tyntesfield their home.
Price: Free (normal admission applies). Booking not required.
World Book Day
7, 9 and 10 Mar. 10:30am – 2:30pm
Visit Tyntefield House for a unique opportunity to see a selection of books from the Tyntesfield collection. There will also be a cosy reading corner set up by the fireplace in the main hall, so you can get comfy and immerse yourself in some historic literature.
Price: Free (normal admission applies). Booking not required.
The Aviary Project
4 May – 31 Jul. 10am - 6pm
A multimedia installation will be coming to Tyntesfield’s Aviary in early May, featuring a visual and sound artwork exploring the history of the building while addressing themes of climate change and migration. The artwork is being co-created with young people from the Heart of BS13, and artists Oshii and Jono Gilmurray.
Price: Free (normal admission applies). Booking not required.
Easter Adventures with the National Trust
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/whats-on/easter-egg-hunts
From 23 March
Join us for our Easter adventures in nature trails at many of the places we care for across Somerset this spring.There'll be lots of fun for you and your family on your trail as you do your nature-inspired activities. Complete the trail and collect your Rainforest Alliance chocolate egg. (dairy or vegan and Free From chocolate egg).
Price: £3 per trail (normal admission prices apply). No booking necessary.