Discover National Trust gems

Make the most of the good weather and enjoy some of the splendid sights on our doorstep this season

The popular River Wey Festival returns to Dapdune Wharf in Guildford from 11am on Saturday, 17th September, culminating in an illuminated pageant at dusk. Everyone is invited to soak up the atmosphere of this colourful festival by the river. Daytime activities include local food, craft demonstrations, music and folk dancing. Plus children’s activities such as willow weaving, den building and an augmented reality sand box. National Trust boat trips are running 11am – 6pm. Free to enter, no need to book: nationaltrust.org.uk/riverwey

Harvest at Box Hill is a community celebration of the landscape by Surrey Hills Arts also on Saturday 17th, 6pm. This annual arts event celebrates the outstanding landscape and view at Box Hill. You’re invited to a mass picnic at the Donkey Green while choirs sing out across the hills and poets recite their specially created works – all around a stunning art installation. ‘Seeds of Hope’ by Diana Burch is a sustainable artwork made from sticks and recycled yarns. Hundreds of local people have contributed to this piece over the past few months and you can have a go yourself.

Celebrating 80 years since Polesden Lacey was gifted to the National Trust, the doors are open for free for Heritage Open Days from Thursday 15th to Saturday 17th. The estate will be brought to life by actors in fun pop-up scenes around the property, book talks, classic car displays and the chance to meet our ranger team and sit on board their tractor.

Clandon Park is unlike any other historic house you’ll ever visit. The fire at Clandon Park was the worst in the National Trust’s history. On Saturday 17th, for Heritage Open Days, discover the Trust’s new plans for the house, which offer a unique X-ray view of how great houses were made. There are free guided tours, the chance to meet the project team and see objects salvaged after the fire.

The memorials and public art works at Runnymede are fascinating to explore. Roam in the open access meadows alongside the River Thames and discover the landscape where Magna Carta was sealed.