Unmissable events

Art fair September 13–18 LAPADA Art and Antiques Fair, Berkeley Square, London W1. More than 100 exhibitors offering fine art, tapestries, jewellery, furniture and clocks (020–7823 3511; www. lapadalondon.com)

Until September 25 Great North Art Show, Ripon Cathedral, Ripon, North Yorkshire. An open exhibition of contemporary art by northern painters, photographers, printmakers and sculptors (below, 01765 603534; www. greatnorthartshow. co.uk)

September 16–25 Inside Out Dorset, various outdoor venues, Dorset. Enjoy large-scale art and performance (above) as national and international artists, inspired by Dorset’s landscape and heritage, perform across the county (01305 260954; www. insideoutdorset.co.uk) Castle open day September 10-11 Heritage Open Day, Hartlebury Castle, Hartlebury, Worcestershire. Visitors can enjoy the magnificent Great Hall and Georgian Saloon, as well as the Gothic Chapel and Hurd Library (www.hartlebury castletrust.org)

Country show September 17–18 Midland Game Fair, Weston Park, Shropshire. A great day out for all the family, including a Spitfire display, a gundog championship, a fishing village Littlethorpe Manor, Littlethorpe, near Ripon, North Yorkshire

September 11, 1.30–5pm. £6, children free, plants for sale. In the rolling North Yorkshire countryside lies the sumptuous garden of Littlethorpe Manor, which exemplifies the quality of gardens that are rarely open, but can be discovered through the NGS. Eleven acres around the elegant manor (not open) are divided into two areas; the upper garden around the house is immaculately formal, but softened by gorgeous planting and includes the fascinating walled garden planted with a circular pattern based on the cycle of the seasons. The larger lower area leads seamlessly to surrounding parkland. The overall picture integrates formal and natural water, topiary and an elegant classical pavilion. You will want to stay all afternoon, before retiring to the marquee to savour homemade tea. Visit www.ngs.org.uk