This month's National Trust events in Surrey

Above: Join the National Trust each month in Surrey Life magazine

For the time being, here are a few National Trust events taking place in Surrey to keep you occupied...

Clandon Park, West Clandon, Guildford: 01483 222482

Lecture Lunch: Andrea Palladio and the English Country House
Thursday 6 November, 10.15am - 2.15pm
A talk illustrating the continuing influence of the Italian architect and designer Andrea Palladio (1508-1580) on British architecture and landscapes from the 16th to the 19th century, followed by lunch. Booking essential. £19.95

Putting the house to bed
Sunday 9 – Sunday 16 November, 12pm - 4pm
See behind the scenes of a National Trust house. Find out what happens at the end of each season, and watch the conservators in action. Normal admission charges apply

Clandon Carols
22 & 23 December, 8pm – 10pm
The Oxford Singers come to Clandon Park for another year of Christmas songs. Soloist Jill Kemp will be joining them for this years performance. Evening concerts include mince pies and a glass of wine. The National Trust Shop will be open from 6pm for all your Christmas gifts. Booking essential on 0871 527 1886. £19

Clandon’s Children’s Carols
22 & 23 December, 3pm – 5.30pm
The Oxford Singers come to Clandon Park for another year of Christmas songs. Soloist Jill Kemp will be joining them for this years performance. Father Christmas will be making a surprise visit a the end of the afternoon. Refreshments included. The National Trust Shop will be open after the performance for Christmas shopping. Booking essential on 0871 527 1886. Adult £13, Child £7

Claremont Landscape Garden, Esher: 01372 467806

Clive, Claremont and Curry
Tuesday 25 November, 11am - 2pm
Booking opens Tuesday 21 October
A fun walk through the Claremont estate looking at the changes made to the landscape by its former owner, Lord Clive of India. Warm up in the tea-room afterwards with a lunchtime curry. Booking essential. Adult £12, Child £6

Christmas Lunches
Thursday 18 & Friday 19 December, 12pm - 2pm
Enjoy a two or three-course waitress served Christmas lunch. For information on menu, prices and booking call 01372 469421.

Father Christmas comes to Claremont
Saturday 13 December ,10.30am - 3.30pm
Christmas activities. The Thatched Cottage will be magically transformed for the visit of Father Christmas. There will be mulled wine, mince pies and roasted chestnuts plus an opportunity to buy unique presents in the shop. Normal admission charges apply plus a small charge. Booking essential for Father Christmas

Christmas Children's Trail
Saturday 13 December – Sunday 4 January,
10am - 4pm (closed Mondays)
Follow the traditional Christmas children's trail around the garden and discover the spirit of Christmas at Claremont. Normal admission charges apply

New Years Day Garden & Belvedere Tower Opening
Thursday 1 January, 10am - 4pm
Stroll around the garden and enjoy stunning views from the Belvedere Tower, which will be open to visitors from 11am - 2pm. Normal admission charges apply

Lecture Lunch Programme:
10.30am coffee, 11am lecture, 12.30pm two-course lunch. Booking essential on 01372 469421 £19.95

Walled Gardens - A Twentieth Century History
Tuesday 4 November
A return visit from garden historian Francesca Bingham who will give a talk on the history of walled gardens during the twentieth century, including the walled garden on the Claremont estate.

Gardening for Wildlife
Tuesday 11 November
A member of the Surrey Wildlife Trust education team will give an illustrated talk on how to encourage wildlife into the garden.

Cultivating Words
Tuesday 18 November
An appreciation of gardens, plants and trees with illustrations from published poets given by Ian Vernon.

The Homewood - A House Before Its Time
Tuesday 2 December
Property Manager Andrew King will give an illustrated talk on the history, acquisition and development of this modernist house.

Christmas Wreath Making
Tuesday 9 December
Watch, listen and learn the art of Christmas wreath making with florist Jess Hogan-Smith and create your own floral masterpiece for the festive season. Additional charge for materials.

Hatchlands Park, East Clandon, Guildford: 01483 222482

Music and Readings
6 & 7 December, 8pm – 10pm
Come to this year's concert by Ayres and Graces, and celebrate Christmas in style at Hatchlands Park. Tickets include mulled wine and mince pies. Booking essential on 0871 527 1886. £16

North Downs: 01372 220644

The Holly and The Ivy - Bookham Commons
Friday 26 December, 11am - 1pm
Walk off the Christmas pudding with Warden Ian Swinney and learn about the grassland, ponds and wonderful oak trees of Bookham Commons. Booking essential by 18 December. Assistance dogs only. Adult £4, Child £2

A Jolly Christmas Stroll - Limpsfield Common
Saturday 27 December, 10am - 12pm
Enjoy a nice morning stroll over Limpsfield Common, finishing of with a glass of mulled wine and mince pies. Booking essential by 18 December. Adult £4, Child £2

Polesden Lacey, Great Bookham, nr Dorking: 01372 452048

Putting the House to Bed
Wednesday 12 & Thursday 13 November, 10.30am - 12.30pm
Join the house team as the house closes for winter. The team will guide you through this complex process demonstrating the latest National Trust conservation methods, combined with traditional housekeeping tips. Followed by optional one-course lunch. Booking essential. £10 tour only, £15 to include lunch

Winter Tree Walk
Wednesday 12 November, 11am - 1pm
The resident warden will take you on a tree identification walk around the estate, explaining some of the work National Trust wardens undertake to preserve them. Booking essential. Adult £6, Child £4

Nooks & Crannies
Wednesday 19 & Thursday 20 November, 10.30am - 12.30pm
The house team will lead you on a tour to parts of the house normally closed to visitors. They will be opening delicate cabinets and revealing items not usually on display. On optional lunch will follow. Booking essential. £10 tour only, £15 to include lunch

Visit Father Christmas at Polesden Lacey
Saturday 29 & Sunday 30 November, Thursday 4 - Sunday 8 December, Saturday 13 & Sunday 14 December, 11am - 4pm
Children will have the opportunity to visit Father Christmas at Polesden Lacey. £4 (includes a gift and admission to the house and grounds)

Mrs Greville’s House at Christmas
Thursday 4 & Friday 5 December, 12pm - 4.30pm
Saturday 6 & Sunday 7 December, 11am - 4.30pm
Last admission 4pm
Enjoy an Edwardian Christmas as experienced by the guests of the renowned hostess the Hon Mrs Greville. Walk through some of Polesden Lacey’s reception rooms and behold a bygone age of splendour. A festive welcome awaits you from volunteers and staff dressed in period costume in rooms displaying lavish decorations. Normal admission prices apply for entry into the grounds. Entry to the house for members and non-members Adult £2, Child £1

Polesden Lacey’s Christmas Carol Service
Friday 12 December, 7.30pm - 9pm
This beautiful Carol Service will be held in St Nicholas Church, Bookham.
Booking essential.

Christmas Ramble
Sunday 28 & Tuesday 30 December, 11am - 1pm
The wardens will lead a gentle ramble through the gardens and wider estate to help you work off that Christmas pud! Booking essential. £3

River Wey & Godalming Navigations, Dapdune Wharf and Shalford Mill, Guildford: 01483 561389

Dapdune to Compton Circular
Sunday 16 November, 11am
A seven-mile walk with the River Wey volunteers along the Navigations from Dapdune Wharf to St Catherine’s, past Loseley and Watts Chapel and ending with a warming drink in the Olde Ship at Artington before heading back to Dapdune.

Mulled Wine and Mince Pie March
Sunday 14 December, 10.30am
Take time out from Christmas shopping for a brisk two-mile walk enjoying the winter scenes with mulled wine and mince pies at half time. Booking essential. Adult £5, Child £3

Winkworth Arboretum, Godalming: 01483 208477

Build a Bird Box
Saturday 13 December, 11am - 1pm
Join Rob Tyler, Head Arborist and skilled craftsman, for the opportunity to make your own bird box. All materials provided. Suitable for adults and children 8yrs plus. Booking essential. £10