Visitor Information

The 2025 Historic Houses National AGM marks the 52nd anniversary of the Association’s foundation.

Places matter

Britain’s historic houses are a magnet for tourists and an essential part of what makes this country special. But they also make a vital contribution to our economy and communities.

Everyone benefits

Our houses and gardens are hubs for whole communities, and always have been. They’re places to work, learn, exercise and relax, to feel better and to feel included, to enjoy peace and quiet or to meet others. There is something for everyone. Between them, our member houses and gardens welcome over 19 million visits each year, generating £1 billion in visitor spend and supporting over 12,000 FTE jobs in all corners of the UK. These special places are often cultural lynchpins for their local communities, bringing together opportunities for access to great art, architecture and craftsmanship with the creative industries, health and wellbeing activities, community groups and access to beauty, nature and open space.

Visitors will be able to listen to the address by Jason Lindsay, President of Historic Houses,* and guest speakers Baroness Twycross, DCMS* and Dr Anna Keay OBE, Director of The Landmark Trust*. Throughout the day there will also be a selection of short talks and live demonstrations given by experts about practical skills and conservation techniques at the HBPGE.

Please keep an eye on the website for updates on this years event.

*by kind permission of Historic Houses and subject to seating.

Who’s Exhibiting?

Examples of the types of services and advice represented at the exhibition include; interior and exterior building conservation, repair and decoration, garden and landscape design and restoration, lighting, security, building alterations & extensions, carpet restoration, information technology, cast stone, columns & pilasters, estate management, gates, gilding, ironwork, terracotta, textiles, windows, fine art restoration, auctions, energy conservation, valuations, catering, insurance, gifts, souvenirs, publishing, printing, event management and many, many more.

Admission & Registration

FREE ADMISSION is available to everyone in the historic buildings, landscape conservation and heritage sectors. This includes owners of historic buildings, parks & gardens, private or commercial, historic landscapes and all those who are involved in their upkeep, restoration or conservation.

Entrance to the event is free of charge. Pre-registration for the Historic Buildings, Parks & Gardens Event is now open, please click here to register.

Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre, Westminster, London, SW1P 3EE

Doors open at 9am

Historic Houses members are not eligible for registration with us and should register with Historic Houses.

Programme for 2025

(Please note timings may be subject to change)

We will be updating the details of timings, speakers and demos over the coming weeks so please check back regularly for the latest info. 

The Demos and short talks will be on a wide range of subjects with more details to follow but will include:

Creating Stunning Plasterworks, Locker & Riley: Practical Demo. Artisans in plaster will take you through the story of originating and creating stunning plasterworks for any use or specification. From original design concept to installation, 

Decorative Objects Conservation Fine Art Restoration:  Preserving the Past: How Damp and Mould Threaten Art Collections in Historic Properties. Amy Walsh, Decorative Objects Conservator  

9.00AM The Historic Buildings Parks & Gardens Event opens. 

Featuring an All-day Exhibition of products and services with 75 exhibitors, as well as live practical demonstrations held throughout the day, where experts show practical skills, conservation techniques on a wide range of issues relating to the conservation of historic buildings including contents and historic landscapes.

9.45AM -11.30 Demos and short talks programme begins Demo Areas 1 & 2

Including demos by SPAB Guardians, Fine Art Restoration, Locker & Riley Artisans in Plaster, Harris Bugg Studio Landscape Design and many more.

11.00AM Historic Houses AGM (Historic House Members only), Churchill Auditorium 

11.35AM Address by Jason Lindsay, Historic Houses President*, Churchill Auditorium 

11.00PM Historic Houses Guest Speaker*, The Baroness Twycross, DCMS, Churchill Auditorium 

12.30- -2.PM Demos and short talks programme begins Demo Areas 1 & 2

Including demos by SPAB Guardians, Fine Art Restoration, Locker & Riley Artisans in Plaster, Harris Bugg Studio Landscape Design and many more.

2.00PM live Q&A session with Historic House Director General, Ben Cowell*

2.15PM Historic Houses Awards *, Churchill Auditorium

The Restoration Award | Garden of the Year Award | Frances Garnham Award | Collections Award | Diversification Award 

2.40PM Historic Houses Savills Lecture*, Dr Anna Keay OBE, Director of The Landmark Trust, Churchill Auditorium

3.15PM – 4.30PM  Demos and short talks programme begins Demo Areas 1 & 2

Including demos by SPAB Guardians & short talk by SPAB Technical & Research Director, Douglas Kent, Fine Art Restoration, Locker & Riley Artisans in Plaster, Harris Bugg Studio Landscape Design and many more.

*By kind permission of Historic Houses and subject to seating availability