HAVE you ever fancied looking behind the scenes at one of the National Trust's properties to see some of the things not normally on view to the public?

Now's your chance as this is one of the events taking place at Nunnington Hall this season.

The 17th century manor house with its magnificent oak-panelled hall and fascinating Carlisle Collection of miniature rooms re-opens its doors to the public this Saturday, March 23, and has a rich and varied list of events which will appeal to young and old alike.

The look behind the scenes with a member of the house staff takes place on Saturday, April 27, and Wednesday, September 11. The cost for the two to three hour tour is £6 for adults and £3 for children. Booking is essential by telephoning (01439) 748283.

There are also opportunities for children to be house detectives, finding out more about Nunnington Hall's fascinating history and piecing together clues to discover what life was like in the past. Ideal for children aged 5-8 years, all children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

The "Be A House Detective" events take place on Saturday, May 18 and Saturday, September 28, and cost £6. Again, booking is essential by telephoning the above number. If you visit the hall between Saturday, March 23 and Sunday, April 7, 12.30-4.30pm there is an Easter Family Trail at an additional cost of £1.

From this Saturday, March 23, to Sunday, April 28, there is an exhibition for all the family featuring artwork from many great book illustrators such as Arthur Rackham, Edmund Dulac, Jessie M King, E H Shepard and Quentin Blake, famed for his work illustrating Roald Dahl's books.

Other events during the season include workshops to create your own wild flower garden or the art of propagation; outdoor theatre productions of the Bellringer of Notre Dame and Richard III; an archaeological exhibition entitled Under The Roots of The Oak Tree and a production of Town Mouse, Country Mouse by Children's Outdoor Theatre and many other events.

There is even an opportunity in November to put the house to bed and see what happens at the close of the season.

Also re-opening this weekend, Rievaulx Terrace and Temples has a number of events including a family Easter trail from this Saturday until Sunday, April 7. Other events at this beautiful 18th century landscape garden include wildflower walks, a choral recital by York Cantores, a bat walk and family fun days. For more information about any of the above events, please telephone (01439) 748283.

Updated: 12:03 Thursday, March 21, 2002