Secrets of Britain's Historic Houses & Gardens

Two palatial houses including the magnificent Hardwick Hall, a portrait with a hidden past and a glimpse into the early colonisation of the Americas.

A collapsed ceiling means restoring writer Vita Sackville-West’s study from scratch, while Rudyard Kipling’s family history is revealed in a precious possession.

Paul McCartney’s childhood home is lovingly restored, a unique collection of photos is discovered in Liverpool, and an intriguing modern art installation is saved from collapse.

A unique Victorian clock is brought back to life, a portrait damaged by Georgian partying is restored, and an unusual handmade puppet reveals a hidden World War II story.

Winston Churchill’s D-Day memento needs reinforcements, antique Chinese wallpaper comes under insect attack, and a Victorian A-lister’s stage costume is saved for one last act.

The battle to save unique dodo and dinosaur statues in a Northern Irish garden, the hidden story behind a portrait and a Victorian garden seat's restoration to its former glory.