NATIONAL TRUST

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woodland family play trails, locally sourced gifts in the shop and delicious seasonal menus in the restaurant.

The Workhouse, Southwell What the National Trust says:

This is an atmospheric Victorian workhouse.

Walking up the paupers’ path towards The Workhouse it is easy to imagine how the Victorian poor might have felt as they sought refuge here. This austere building, the most complete workhouse in existence, was built in 1824 as a place of last resort for the destitute. Its architecture was influenced by prison design and its harsh regime became a blueprint for workhouses throughout the country.

This rural workhouse was designed to house around 160 inmates. They lived and worked in a strictly segregated environment with virtually no contact between the old and infirm, able-bodied men and women and children

The stories of those who lived and worked here in the 1840s help bring the building to life and prompt reflection on

how society has tackled poverty through the centuries.

Duffield Castle, Derbyshire What the National Trust says:

This is the remains of one of England’s largest 13th-century castles.

In 1266 King Henry III destroyed one of England’s largest medieval castles. Today, all that remains of Duffield Castle are the foundations, the view and its stories.

The tiny 1 hectare site, nestled within the village of Duffield, Derbyshire is now bounded on all sides by housing and roads, but it is still a place to enjoy, relax in and soak up the history.

We recently resumed management of the site and have improved the steps leading up the steep entrance slope. This year we will be providing more on-site information about this fascinating place. We will also be undertaking an archaeological dig to better understand what the original footprint of the castle would have been. The stones that are currently above ground were placed there by Victorian antiquarians, when the castle was ‘redis- covered’ in 1886, and they missed key parts of the castle – like the fore building.

In time we hope to raise funds to rebuild the walls to show a true outline of what was possibly England’s third largest medieval keep.

Belton House, Grantham What the National Trust says:

Is this the perfect English country house?

Built for Sir John Brownlow in the 1680s, Belton House has all the design features of a classic English country home. Sitting in formal Italian and Dutch gardens and an historic 1300 acre deer park, Belton is often cited as the quintessential country house estate.

The estate also includes a restaurant, café and indoor play area, gift and garden shops and the recently restored outdoor adventure playground.

A variety of events run throughout the year for visitors to enjoy, these include open air theatre and cinema, expert walks and talks, and Hallowe’en and Christmas programmes.

Belton is open every day of the year except December 25.