Heritage Open Days is a nationwide initiative in which many historic properties open their doors to the public to showcase and celebrate fantastic architecture and culture. It's a fantastic opportunity to experience National Trust places for free on 10 and 11 September; from stunning houses and gardens to wild landscapes and great spaces for families to explore.

Top ten highlights

Corfe castleBasildon Park, Berkshire
A chance to walk in the interior of this impressive Georgian Mansion, while the Newbury Dramatic Society perform vignettes of life in a 1950s house. Witness scenes of the family and their guests, conversations between a lady and her maid, and gossip amongst the house staff as they prepare for the evening's entertainment.

Bateman's, East Sussex
Explore Kipling country at the famous writer's retreat and enjoy your own relaxation in the gardens and at our tearoom. This year, the National Trust have teamed up with the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs to showcase the UK's rich motoring heritage at some of their greatest places – discover Kipling's own 1928 Rolls Royce Phantom 1 at Bateman's.
Photo credit NTPL, David Levenson
Corfe Castle, Dorset
With fallen walls and hidden places, the medieval ruins of Corfe Castle are not just a great place to learn about its rich history of royalty and warfare, but also a fantastic location for kids to explore.

Coughton Court, Warwickshire
This fine Tudor house offers numerous outlets for exploration, including historic hiding holes, award winning gardens and children's trails. Finish a full day off with a stroll around historic cars while sampling some delicious local ice cream.

Erddig, Wrexham
Discover all about 18th-century life at this Welsh country house complete with stables, smithy and sawmill. Take a carriage ride through the estate, pick up some home-grown produce or simply stroll in the romantic landscape park.

Gawthorpe Hall, Lancashire
The wide open spaces around Gawthorpe Hall are perfect for events and walking, while the woodland and the imposing house are a great place to discover both natural and man-made beauty.

WimpoleKillerton House, Devon
One of the National Trust's largest places, Killerton has something for everyone. Pick up local produce from our shop, take a walk through the Devon countryside, bring history to life in Killerton House or escape into the famous garden.

Quarry Bank Mill, Cheshire
Experience the compelling story of mill workers, entrepreneurs and the industrial revolution with a visit to Quarry Bank Mill at Styal.

Rowallane Garden, Northern Island
Be inspired by the beautiful natural landscape, spectacular shrubs and plant displays on view in this historic and enchanting garden.

Photo credit NTPL, Ian Shaw
Wimpole Home Farm, Cambridgeshire
Come and be in awe of this great barn set within a traditional farmyard. Find out about rare breeds of cattle, sheep and pigs, try the milking buckets or help to groom the donkeys.