Dab hand on the drums? Genius on the guitar? In a local band and looking for some gigs over the summer? Knightshayes, on the outskirts of Tiverton, is looking for bands to join them for the second year of Soupstock, the summer celebration of great, locally-sourced music and food.
Soupstock began in 2013 as a way to help new audiences to discover Knightshayes. The aim was to promote local music alongside local food, much of which is sourced from Knightshayes’ very own kitchen garden and served in their cafe. Great soups are one of the dishes Knightshayes is best known for, hence the...
Learn to clown around with the team at Knightshayes, the National Trust property on the outskirts of Tiverton, as it hosts a circus skill workshop badge day this half-term.
On Tuesday 27 May, between 10.30am and 4pm, the event will give scouting and guiding groups the chance to earn their circus skills badge. They will learn skills like plate spinning, diablo and juggling from our Victorian themed circus performer Robin Fox. In addition, they will be shown how to make juggling balls, to use face paint like circus professionals and will perform their newly learnt skills to one...
Visitors to Castle Drogo will get the opportunity to learn more about the ongoing building work to make building water tight on 27 May.
In 2013 one of the largest projects ever undertaken by the National Trust began at Castle Drogo.
The castle has suffered major structural problems ever since completion which has resulted in serious leaks and water penetration throughout the building. If the decision to undertake extensive conservation had not been taken, the castle would eventually have become inaccessible and this national treasure would have been lost forever. The...
Spring is finally doing its thing at Knightshayes. It has come not a moment too soon as on Monday 12 May the National Trust property on the outskirts of Tiverton is hosting its annual National Gardens Scheme (NGS) open day.
The NGS was founded in 1927 to raise money for the Queen's Nursing Institute by opening gardens of quality and interest to the public. During this time, over £35 million has been donated to nursing, caring and gardening societies. Knightshayes was one of the first to join the scheme, well before the Trust took on the house and its hugely significant gardens in...
Visit A la Ronde for an informal afternoon learning all about the strategic game of croquet.
Members of the Sidmouth Croquet Club will be on hand to encourage and develop new skills with anyone who is keen to learn, as well as help improve the technique of existing players. Both newcomers and experienced players are welcome.
Tuition will be available on 13 May, 10 June, 8 July, 13 August and 9 September, from noon to 4pm.
Access to the grounds and the croquet tuition is free. All equipment is provided with no pre-booking required, simply turn up and have a go....
After a very wet and windy winter with National Trust rangers pushed to their physical limits to clear fallen trees in time for re-opening, Lydford Gorge is celebrating the arrival of spring and visitors are now able to enjoy this beautiful place in a variety of ways.
A treasure hidden from view yet within the Dartmoor National Park, Lyford is a place for quiet recreation and a home to many birds and mammals such as the otter and brown trout.
Bluebells and wild garlic provide a wonderful scented backdrop for visitors as they stop and enjoy this wonderful oasis and spend...
During February half term the National Trust East Devon Rangers will be running another ‘family muck in’ day at Lower Halsdon Farm, Exmouth.
The session will take place on Tuesday 18 February between 10.30am and 2.30pm and families can stay for the whole session or just an hour or so to help the rangers cut back the hedges ready for laying.
Hedge-laying is a traditional method of maintaining and regenerating hedgerows and is generally carried out on a 12 to 15 year cycle which will prolong the life of the hedge, create a stock proof boundary, as well as a favourable habitat...
Have you thought about volunteering but haven't made that first step?
Sarah Schmitz, House Steward at A la Ronde, the quirky 16-sided National Trust property near Exmouth, is seeking volunteers to join the friendly team.
“A la Ronde is a unique house with a fabulous story to tell. Becoming a volunteer here will give you opportunities to learn new skills or share your own life skills with us. We are looking for room guides, people to help in the shop and visitor reception, as well as fundraisers to sell raffle tickets which fund conservation at the property."
Do you have a passion for the countryside? Are you interested in developing your skills in land management and community involvement?
The National Trust East Devon ranger team is offering volunteer ranger placements for up to a year to help them manage 755 hectares of coast and countryside. Based at the ranger’s yard in Branscombe, you will be working on a variety of habitats and sites within East Devon and along the Jurassic Coast. The role will include footpath maintenance, woodland management, working with community and volunteer groups, and assisting with events. As well as on-...
