Conservator working at the Royal Oak Conservation Studio in Knole, Kent

Preserving the past

Caring for historic places and objects for future generations

Learn about our conservation work

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Discover more than 500 places to visit and lots of events to get involved in.

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Moated medieval manor hall, with blue skies in background, Oxburgh Estate, Norfolk

Houses and buildings

Historic buildings are a treasure trove of stories, art and collections. Learn more about their histories and plan your next visit.

A long-exposure photograph of a cascading waterfall backed by lush green trees at Aberdulais Tin Works and Waterfall, Wales.

Article

Top waterfalls to visit

Many of the places we look after in England, Northern Ireland and Wales have waterfalls. Find the best ones to visit and experience the invigorating power of nature.

Family exploring the cycle trails at Lanhydrock, Cornwall

Activity

Great places for a family bike ride

Learn about the best places in our care to explore with your family by bike. Find miles of traffic-free trails through woods and parkland.

Red admiral butterfly at Quarry Bank Mill, Cheshire

Article

Best spots to see butterflies

There are many places you spot butterflies while walking through wide open countryside. Look out for species including the rare purple emperor, marsh fritillary and Adonis blue.

Visitors being photographed next to flowering Rhododendron at Bodnant Garden, Conwy, Wales

Article

Secret gardens to explore

Find out which of the gardens we care for have their own 'secret' gardens hidden within them. Search for a bear's hut and hunt for statues as you explore.

A colourful tapestry of a Cambridgeshire landscape, with buildings in the centre and the words Newmarket above

History

Learn about people from the past, discover remarkable works of art and brush up on your knowledge of architecture and gardens.

Start your journey of discovery

Delve into history, get tips from our experts, learn a new skill and go behind the scenes of your favourite places.

Learn something new

Colin Bridgerton and Penelope Featherington in Bridgerton stood next to each other inside Claydon House, Buckinghamshire

Article

Several of the places in our care were used as filming locations for Netflix's lavish Regency-era drama. Find out which ballrooms, palaces and parklands feature in Bridgerton and its spin-off series, Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story.

Dahlias in bloom in the Dahlia Garden at Anglesey Abbey, Cambridgeshire, in September.

Article

The history of dahlias

Uncover the horticultural history of the dahlia, from its origins in Central America to becoming an inspiration for legendary crime writer Agatha Christie.

A garden filled with flowers and trees, surrounded by urban buildings

Article

National Trust Podcast: series eight

Learn how to enjoy nature in unconventional places in our podcast episode, 'City growing with Tayshan Hayden-Smith'. You can also find more episodes, series and playlists filled with nature and history.

A close-up of the gilded pale blue and gold ceiling in the Drawing Room at Attingham Park

Article

History of paint at the places in our care

Discover how the use of paint in the historic interiors of four of the houses in our care reveals evolving fashions, new pigments and residents' wealth and status.

More news

Three ladies sitting in chairs face a huge tapestry. They are sewing the lower border onto the tapestry which shows a biblical scene from the story of Gideon

News

Hardwick tapestry conservation wins award

Find out more about the Europa Nostra Award we were given for our work conserving the Gideon tapestries at Hardwick Hall in Derbyshire – our longest conservation project that cost £1.7 million to complete. Our textile conservators completed the work by hand using traditional sewing and stitching techniques.

Camping at Brownsea Island Campsite, Dorset

Sleep under the stars

Get closer to nature on a camping holiday. Pitch your tent by the coast, go glamping in the woods or park your campervan at the base of a mountain on your next holiday.

Shoulder bags, a scarf and a hat on coat hooks

Shop summer styles

Complete your look with our selection of summer fashion accessories. From sustainable sunglasses to wide-brimmed hats and stylish bags, there's plenty to choose from to suit every taste.