Holiday cottages

This summer we're unravelling the bunting and putting on a host of tea parties and other events for the summer of celebration. From brass bands and picnics, to face painting, model making and outdoor games - it's going to be jam packed. Plus we'll be showing the new mini animation, A Jubilee Bunt-a-thon, and some of your favourite Wallace & Gromit classic films on our big screens.

With over 70 tea parties and a great programme of summer events all over the country there’s plenty for you to choose from.  What’s even better is that you don’t have to worry about dashing home as you can extend your visit and make the most of the events with a stay at a National Trust holiday cottage.  With many National Trust properties having holiday cottages on site you can enjoy a full day of fun and then stroll back to your holiday cottage to put your feet up and relax.

To give you a taster, take a look at some of these events:

Summer Fete at Godolphin, Cornwall

Come and experience an authentic village fete in the historic surroundings of Godolphin. There will be a variety of activities,refreshments and entertainment throughout the day.

Dates: 7 July 2012 10:00am Price: No Additional charges

Slimy Slugs and Beautiful Bugs at Godolphin, Cornwall

Hunt for creepy creatures in Godolphin's nooks and crannies then build them a luxury home

Dates: 6 June 2012 2:00pm Price: Free event (normal admission charges apply)

Barefoot Trail at Godolphin, Cornwall

Get outside and closer to nature. Come and bare your soles and try out Godolphin's barefoot trail, the first of its kind for the National Trust.

Dates: 22 April to 31 October 2012, 10:00am to 4:00pm Price: Free event (normal admission charges apply)

STAY AT: Godolphin House perfect for a large family or a few families holidaying together this hugely atmospheric house sleeps 12.  Alternatively stay at Honor’s House which sleeps 6 and is not far from the popular seaside town of St Ives.

Outside drama - The Brothers Grimm fairy tales at Montacute House, Somerset

Rip roaring fun!

Dates: 22 June 2012 7:30pm Price: Adult £10, Child £5

STAY AT: South Lodge sleeping 6 which is located right at the entrance to Montacute House with its own private garden.

50 Things to do before you're 11 and three quarters at Ickworth, Suffolk

Come to Ickworth to try out some activities every child should do before they're 11 and three quarters.

Dates: 242 dates between 4 May 2012 and 31 December 2012 Price: Free event (normal admission charges apply)

STAY AT: Round House sleeping 6 which has a unique appearance and is situated in an enchanting woodland glade not far from the Fairy Lake.

Family Bike Ride at Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal Water Garden, Yorkshire

Come and enjoy an opportunity to cycle through the grounds of the Fountains estate for free! Start at Studley gates next to the tearoom. When you've worked up an appetite tuck into a tasty BBQ in the..

Dates: 6 June 2012 6:00pm Price: No Additional charges

Geocaching Taster Day at Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal Water Garden, Yorkshire

Join in with our digital treasure hunt. Find out how to hide and seek our geocaches and borrow GPS units to have a go

Dates: 7 June 2012 11:00am Price: Free event (normal admission charges apply)

Get Medieval! At Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal Water Garden, Yorkshire

Join the costumed re-enactors around their medieval encampment. Watch and take part in activities and demonstrations based on 15th century life.

Dates: 8 June to 9 June 2012, 11:00am to 5:00pm Price: Free event (normal admission charges apply)

STAY AT: Abbey Cottage situated close to Fountains Abbey this cottage sleeps 6.

Knights & Princesses Day at Chirk Castle, Wales

Join Queen Joanna and her royal court for a fun filled family day.

Dates: 7 June 2012 11:00am Price: Adult £10 (Full Castle), Adult £7.20 (Garden & Tower), Child £3.60 (Garden & Tower), Child £5 (Full Castle), Family £18 (Garden & Tower), Family £25 (Full Castle)

STAY AT: Chirk Home Farm Cottage set within the Castle grounds and sleeping 4.