Visitor Information

The 2026 Historic Houses National AGM marks the 53rd 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 which will be announced in 2026. 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 open, click here to register for free.

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 2026 (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.

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 Fellows, Locker & Riley Artisans in Plaster, Messenger BCR specialists in building conservation will be demonstrating Stone Letter Carving, short talks by Hugo Bugg, Co-founder of Harris Bugg Studio: From inheritance to resilience: a joined-up approach to historic gardens, a Heritage Potential Quiz and much more.

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

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

12.00PM Historic Houses Awards Ceremony*, Churchill Auditorium 

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

12.20-2.00PM Demos and short talks programme continues Demo Areas 1 & 2

Including demos by SPAB Fellows, Locker & Riley Artisans in Plaster, Messenger BCR specialists in building conservation will be demonstrating Stone Letter Carving and many more.

2.00PM John Goodall & Clive Aslet, The Future of the Past *

2.30PM Jeremy Musson, The Country Houses Foundation *, Churchill Auditorium

2.40PM Historic Houses Savills Lecture*, Miranda Rock, Burghley House: Past, Present and Future, Churchill Auditorium

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

Including book signings, demos by SPAB Fellows, Locker & Riley Artisans in Plaster, Messenger BCR specialists in building conservation will be demonstrating Stone Letter Carving, short talks by SPAB Technical & Research Director, Douglas Kent, and much more.

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

** Historic Houses members ticket only