PEOPLE wanting to sample something a little different at one of the National Trust attractions outside Keighley can be sure to find something to their taste this summer.

And if you’re willing to cross the border into Lancashire later this month then Gawthorpe Hall, near Burnley, is a good place to start.

The grounds of the Elizabethan country house will host a performance of Sinbad the Sailor on Saturday July 28 from 6pm to 9pm.

This epic tale set in Arabia is being put on by Off The Ground Theatre, with tickets £15 for adults, £12 for concessions and £5 for children. Advance booking is not required.

On September 8 the hall will be free to visit between noon and 5pm to celebrate Heritage Open Weekends.

Gawthorpe Hall, in Burnley Road, Padiham, was built from 1600 to 1605 for the Reverend Lawrence Shuttleworth, whose family had settled in the area at the end of the 14th century.

The property’s impressive interior was restored in the 1850s by Sir Charles Barry and AWN Pugin. Gawthorpe has the distinction of being the only country house in which these two great architects of the Palace of Westminster collaborated.

A little further afield, but perfect for those who appreciate the great outdoors during this summer’s hot, dry weather, is the National Trust’s Marsden Moor Estate, (pictured) south of Halifax.

Among the sights for dedicated walkers are 437-metre high Pule Hill, Buckstones – which offers magnificent views across the Upper Colne Valley to Pule Hill and beyond – and Eastergate, famous packhorse bridge, once used to transport wool from Huddersfield to Rochdale which is now an ancient monument.

Although named Close Gate Bridge on Ordnance Survey maps it is known locally as Eastergate Bridge, perhaps because Esther Schofield kept the Packhorse Inn which stood here more than a century ago, and “Esther Gate” became “Eastergate”.

The bridge crosses the River Colne near its source and this place is ideal for a family picnic.

Visitors should also pay a trip to the Wessenden Valley, south of Marsden village centre, which is dominated by a series of four reservoirs: Wessenden Head, Wessenden, Blakeley and Butterley.

This is a great location for a gentle stroll up or down the valley. Alternatively, you can join the Pennine Way here for a more demanding walk across the moors.

Complete newcomers to the moor might want to take advantage of the guided walks programme on offer.

With With walks of varying lengths and difficulties all year round, there is something to suit everyone.

Highlights from the programme include: Marsden Meanders – a series of slow-paced walks perfect for walkers who are looking to extend their range;

Hidden Histories – short walks exploring the heritage and legends of Marsden; Family Walks – short walks suitable for all the family; Challenge Walks – the longest and hardest guided walks, so not for the faint hearted; Themed walks – discover more about wildlife and conservation of Marsden Moor

Walking groups are welcome to take part in these guided walks, but are requested to provide advance notification.

People who would like to arrange a guided walk for their community group or organisation should contact the Estate Office on 01484 847016.

Visit nationaltrust.org.uk/marsden-moor-estate/features/walking-at-marsden-moor for more details.