All five sites - which include Belton House, Belvoir Castle, Burghley House, Grimsthorpe Castle & Rockingham Castle - have impressive collections of art & furniture, as well as expansive gardens for you to explore.   So come rain or shine, there's plenty to see & do.   Ring 01476 871004 to learn more or to arrange a tour.

Set amid 400 acres of parkland, woodland & landscaped gardens, Ragley Hall was designed in 1680 by Robert Hooke & is one of England's earliest Palladian houses.  

Inside you'll find 18th-century furniture, painting & china.   And when the sun's shining you can take in the 3D maze, lakeside picnic area, woodland walk & sculpture park.   Go to www.ragleyhall.com for more.

For a modern approach to life & art consider a trip to the Sussex Downs.   At the foot of Firle Beacon lies Charleston, the 17th-century farmhouse that once belonged to Vanessa Bell & Duncan Grant.   Charleston was the rural retreat for the members of the Bloomsbury group - & with its bohemian decor & artwork by Renoir, Fry, Picasso & Derain, it remains very much as they left it.

Charleston is open from April to October, & groups are welcome from Wednesday to Saturday.   To learn more about your tour options call 01323 811626 or visit www.charleston.org.uk.

Designed by Robert Adam in the 1760s, Compton Verney in Warwickshire reopened as an art gallery in 2004.   Over 20 gallery spaces were created, housing six permanent collections & a changing programme of temporary exhibitions.

 Van Gogh & Britain: Pioneer Collectors runs from 31 March to 18 June.   This is the first exhibition on collectors of Van Gogh, & it consists of paintings & drawings acquired by collectors from the UK before 1939.

In addition to exhibitions, Compton Verney hosts a wide range of events & activities, including film screenings, concerts & workshops.   Group visits can include an introductory talk, morning coffee or afternoon tea, a guided tour & lunch.   Ring Group Bookings on 01926 645500 for help planning your trip.