Spend Summer at

The Treasure Houses of England

From cinematic theatre experiences to hands on workshops, living history and exploration to vintage car rallies, The Treasure Houses of England make a spectacular setting for summertime entertainment. There are so many wonderful events in the most magnificent of settings, a rather rambunctious roundup includes:

Sunday 23 August will bring the 5th annual 'Supercar Showdown' to the grounds of Beaulieu. This event gives visitors the rare opportunity to hear the distinctive engine notes of the world's most prestigious supercars as they unleash their horsepower through the grounds of Beaulieu on the extended demonstration run.

Experience thrills and spills as courageous knights do battle at Blenheim Palace in a Summer Jousting Tournament from 31 July - 2 August. Gallant knights and their mighty steeds will battle for glory in a spectacular jousting tournament. The weekend will be packed with action and entertainment, including falconry displays, archery, and knights on horseback charging in the traditional tilt, and battling on foot with the mighty mace and quarter staff. 

Burghley Film Festival takes place from 29 July – 2 August. Five days and nights of fabulous films along with a best of British BBQ.  Set in the South Gardens with the Elizabethan house providing a wonderful backdrop, the full program will include some family favourites, action dramas and retro classics.

Join Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra by the Great Lake for a picnic style summer concert at Castle Howard on 21 August; followed by an evening of unrivalled musical entertainment and fireworks when the annual Proms Spectacular returns on 22 August.  Celebrate the very best of British at this spectacular proms concert, suitable for the whole family. Featuring the renowned English National Orchestra, an aerobatic display by an original World War II Spitfire and a rousing finale of flag waving favourites from the Last Night of the Proms with a spectacular fireworks display. 

'If music be the food of love, play on' at Chatsworth this summer as Shakespeare's best-loved romantic comedy Twelfth Night is performed on 12 August. With identical twins separated by shipwreck, a cross-dressing heroine and everyone in search of love, Twelfth Night is one of the most famous and tangled love stories in literature. Performed in the open air by an all-male cast in full Elizabethan costume with traditional music and dance, this is undoubtedly one of the hottest tickets of the summer.

Join Harewood for a fantastic VW Festival on 14 – 16 August. There's everything from trade stands, club stands, camping and live music. This year the fancy dress theme is '80's. Enter your car into the show by registering for the show and shine, the Saturday display, on the graffiti display or on a club stand.

Explore Hatfield House from every angle in the Adventure 001 Helicopter Day on 23 August. With Adventure 001, you can now experience the majesty of Hatfield House, from inside, outside, and above! Take a VIP helicopter flight from the grounds, soaring to new heights, before you take a wander around the house itself.

Holkham Hall is hosting another exciting programme of outdoor theatre this summer.  Set in the walled gardens and hosting some truly entertaining theatre companies whose performances are guaranteed to enthral and captivate audiences.  Don't miss The Importance of Being Earnest on 22nd July, The Three Musketeers on 5th August, The Secret Garden on 12th August, the fantastic Lord Chamberlain's Men performing with an all-male cast Shakespeare's much-loved romantic comedy Twelfth Night on 19 August and the finale of this series will be Robin Hood the Musical on 26th August.

Watch fascinating Falconry Displays at Leeds Castle this summer holidays, daily at 2pm. Free flying demonstrations take place in the Falconry Arena in front of the Maze. Learn about a range of birds of prey including Hawks, Vultures, Falcons and Owls during the display and watch how they fly.

One of the most popular heritage events this summer, the de Havilland Moth Club International Tiger Moth Rally, is returning to Woburn Abbey again from 15 - 16 August. This year celebrates the 30th anniversary of the Tiger Moth Rally at Woburn, the 40th anniversary of the de Havilland Moth Club and the 90th anniversary of the first flight of the prototype DH60 Tiger Moth plane. A fantastic family-fun event not to be missed.

For more great days out and events at Treasure Houses www.treasurehouses.co.uk

Treasure Houses of England

The Treasure Houses of England are ten of the most magnificent palaces, houses and castles in England today. Members are Beaulieu, Blenheim Palace, Burghley House, Castle Howard, Chatsworth, Harewood, Hatfield House, Holkham Hall, Leeds Castle and Woburn Abbey.  Each has its own unique charm and all combine together to give a fascinating insight into life in England over the centuries

One of the most compelling features of the Treasure Houses of England is that they all offer the visitor a living history. Most are still homes to the great families who have owned them for generations. Others keep their heritage alive by re-creating scenes and events that have dominated and shaped England from the 9th century to the present day.

Between them they house some of the most important art collections in the world with famous works from artists such as Van Dyck and Gainsborough and priceless antiques including Chippendale, Wedgwood and Meissen.

Discover hidden gems and dark secrets, follow walks and adventure trails in beautiful parklands and gardens, enjoy classical concerts, outdoor theatre, family fun and relax over afternoon tea:  the Treasure Houses change with the seasons, move with the times and always have something unexpected to offer, something new to discover.

Find out more: www.treasurehouses.co.uk