This Autumn across the country there are an array of events taking place at some of the UK’s leading historic sites, here is a round-up from Visit Heritage [Alliance member] – Go ‘below stairs’ with the servants at Petworth House, Sussex and learn all about life ‘below stairs’ with Petworth’s own Georgian servants on Costumed Encounters days. The servants will reveal what life used to be like at Petworth as they carry out the duties that would have been expected of them. Meet the Still Room Maids outside making posys, Chef in his sitting room planning the meals for the week or the Steward beavering away in the Estate Office. Enjoy the Festival of Light at Longleat House, Wiltshire The UK’s first and finest festive outdoor light festival will return to Longleat House from November 2018, running through to January. Hundreds of illuminated characters and scenes will transform the estate into a winter wonderland, making the perfect evening for all of the family. Arrive early and explore the wonders of breathtaking Longleat House and the grounds before nightfall. Cinderella: a festive fairytale experience at Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire The State Rooms at Blenheim Palace will be transformed into the fairy tale fantasy world of Cinderella this autumn… expect the Stepmother’s drawing room to be set for Afternoon Tea, the Ugly Sister’s room to be bright and bold, scattered with clothes, books and shoes, and Cinderella’s room being home to her delicate hand-made gown. Walk further into the crystal world of The Fairy Godmother, then along to the Prince’s charmingly grand room… expect plenty of hidden surprises along the way in a wonderful magical experience. Glistening gardens at Beaulieu, Hampshire Visitors can experience a new magical, after-dark, illuminated trail through the grounds and gardens of Beaulieu this winter. The tree-tops will glisten as the gardens and buildings shimmer with seasonal sparkle throughout the mile-long illuminated trail winding its way through the grounds after dark. Visitors can make an evening of it, making the most of the unique opportunity to dine in the historic Beaulieu Abbey Domus before or after the light trail.
For more information on all events happening across the country at heritage locations please go to www.visitheritage.co.uk