National Trust Bath Assembly Rooms
The Assembly Rooms were at the heart of fashionable Georgian society, the perfect venue for entertainment. When completed in 1771, they were described as ‘the most noble and elegant of any in the kingdom’.
National Trust Blakeney National Nature Reserve
At the heart of the Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Blakeney National Nature Reserve boasts wide open spaces and uninterrupted views of the beautiful North Norfolk coastline. The four mile long shingle spit of Blakeney Point offers protection for Blakeney Harbour and the surrounding saltmarshes, providing a perfect habitat for the vast array of residential and migratory wildlife.
Internationally important, the reserve is noted for its spectacular displays of the summer breeding tern colony and winter breeding grey seals ensuring delight for visitors all year round. Great for walkers, sightseers and wildlife enthusiasts alike, Blakeney National Nature Reserve guarantees an inspiring and memorable visit no matter the season.
National Trust Bodnant Garden Rea Room
With intimate corners, sweeping lawns, grand terraces and verdant woodland, there are many gardens in one at Bodnant.
Created over 150 years, with plants collected and brought to Britain from far afield, and the incredible vision of generations of the McLaren family and Puddle head gardeners, this haven of rarity and beauty with a stunning backdrop of the Carneddau mountains of Snowdonia is a delight for the senses.
National Trust Brimham Rocks Kiosk
The natural spectacle of Brimham Rocks, with its giant rock formations, was created by an immense river 100 million years before the first dinosaurs walked the earth, and a visit to this amazing landscape is truly a journey into pre-history.
The rocks, sculpted by 320 million years of movement of entire continents as well as hundreds of thousands of years of ice, rain and wind, have taken on weird and wonderful shapes and with a little imagination, they resemble familiar creatures. Visitors are free to explore the site, spotting the Dancing Bear, the Gorilla, the Eagle and the Turtle, whilst the more nimble can crawl through the Smartie Tube and balance on the Rocking Stones.
National Trust Corfe Castle
One of Britain’s most iconic and evocative survivors of the English Civil War, partially demolished in 1646 by the Parliamentarians.
A favourite haunt for adults and children alike, all ages are captivated by these romantic castle ruins with breathtaking views across Purbeck. Discover 1,000 years of our history as a royal palace and fortress. With fallen walls and secret places, there are tales of treachery and treason around every corner.
Spot the ‘murder holes’ and count the arrow loops. Feel history come to life and see the wildlife that has set up home here.
National Trust Cragside
Enter the world of Lord Armstrong – Victorian inventor, innovator and landscape genius. Cragside house was truly a wonder of its age.
Discover the first house in the world to be lit by hydroelectricity. It is crammed full of ingenious gadgets – most of them still working. The gardens are incredible. One of the largest rock gardens in Europe leads down to the Iron Bridge, which in turn leads to the formal garden. Children will love our adventure play area and exploring Nelly’s Labyrinth, a network of paths and tunnels cut out of a vast area of rhododendron forest.
National Trust Dolaucothi Gold Mines
These unique gold mines are set amid wooded hillsides overlooking the beautiful Cothi Valley.
2,000 years ago, the powerful Romans left behind glimpses of their gold-mining methods. The harsh mining environment continued in the 19th and 20th centuries, ending in 1938.
Guided tours take you back to experience the conditions underground in the Roman and Victorian workings (tour routes may vary throughout the season).
National Trust East Riddlesden Hall
Hundreds of years ago this West Yorkshire manor was a thriving farming estate. Today the house tells tales of the ambition, success, and failure of those who lived and worked here and the barn displays the 400 year-old markings of proud craftsmen.
The gardens can be enjoyed at any time of the year, and seasonal highlights include the scented herb border in spring, cottage garden flowers in summer and trees laden with apples, pears and figs in autumn. The play area, mud pie kitchen and den building corner give opportunities for families to come together and enjoy outdoor natural play.
National Trust Ham House & Garden Café
This rare and atmospheric 17th-century house sits on the banks of the River Thames in Richmond. It is the creation of the tenacious Duchess of Lauderdale and her husband, the Duke, who together transformed Ham into one of the grandest Stuart houses in England.
Ham House is internationally recognised for its superb collection of paintings, furniture and textiles, largely acquired 400 years ago. Some of our unique objects include a rare Chinese teapot, said to have been used by the Duchess herself, and the exotic ivory cabinet. The house is reputed to be one of the most haunted in Britain. Some visitors have reported the ghostly aroma of the sweet Virginia pipe tobacco that the Duke smoked after meals in the dining room.
National Trust Hughenden Coffee Shop
Hughenden offers a vivid insight into the charismatic personality and colourful private life of the most unlikely Victorian Prime Minister, Benjamin Disraeli, who lived here from 1848 to 1881. You can browse among an extraordinary collection of personal memorabilia in rooms on the ground and first floor, and there’s even a Victorian playroom for younger visitors. On the top floor is our special exhibition space with a timeline of Hughenden’s history for you to explore.
A secret wartime past is revealed in our new Second World War rooms, with interactive exhibits and eye-witness accounts. Experience the immersive wartime displays in our ice house bunker and find out why Hughenden was high on Hitler’s hit list.
The formal garden has been recreated based on the original designs of Mary Anne Disraeli and there are woodland walks surrounding this country home throughout our rolling parkland.
National Trust Ormesby Hall
Nestled in Middlesbrough is the green oasis of Ormesby Hall, once home to the Pennyman family. This classic Georgian mansion is surrounded by 250 acres of parkland and farmland which offer year round seasonal walks with a colourful Victorian formal garden accompanying the mansion.
Uncover the family’s stories from ‘wicked’ Sir James to Colonel Jim, survivor of the First World War, and the theatrical exploits of his wife Ruth. Then experience the life of a Victorian servant and explore the Laundry and Kitchen.
National Trust Penrhyn Castle Cafe
The dominating stone façade of Penrhyn Castle hides more than just its internal red-brick construction.
The unique architecture, opulent interiors and fine art collection sit alongside a history of sugar and slate fortunes, of social unrest and the longest-running industrial dispute in British history. Discover Penrhyn’s history, its vast rooms, neo-Norman stairways and Victorian kitchens.
The extensive grounds are perfect for exploring and enjoying spectacular views of Snowdonia and the North Wales coast. Little explorers can climb trees, make dens and run wild in the adventure playground.
National Trust Plas Newydd House & Garden
Set on the shores of the Menai Strait amidst breathtakingly beautiful scenery, this elegant house was redesigned by James Wyatt in the 18th century. The 1930s restyled interior is famous for its Rex Whistler association and contains his exquisite romantic mural and the largest exhibition of his works.
There’s a fine spring garden and Australasian arboretum, with an understorey of shrubs and wild flowers, an italianate-style summer terrace, and massed hydrangeas which give autumn colour.
A woodland walk gives access to a delightful spring and early summer rhododendron garden.
National Trust Rufford Old Hall
Be wowed by the Tudor Great Hall with its fantastic furniture, arms, armour, tapestries and the carved oak screen, a rare survivor from the 1500s. History springs to life in the Hesketh’s dining room, its food-laden table, lit candles and ‘fire in the hearth’ waiting to welcome the family’s dinner guests.
And did Shakespeare spend a short time here in his youth? There’s reasonable evidence to suggest that he could once have known Rufford’s Great Hall for a few months whilst still in his teens. Ask us about the evidence and decide for yourself!
National Trust Shugborough Estate Tea Room
Home to the Anson family since 1624, it was once described as ‘a perfect paradise’. Visit this important piece of Staffordshire’s heritage for a full day of discoveries.
You can explore sweeping parkland, ancient woodland and a landscape peppered with monuments. See seasonal blooms in the formal gardens, or produce in the walled garden. Head over to Park Farm and see the Tamworth pigs and Dorking chickens. Say hello to the animals, such as Longhorn cows and Southdown sheep that roam around in the fields.
National Trust Stoneywell Laundry Tea Room
Zigzagging from its rocky outcrop, Stoneywell is the realisation of one man’s Arts and Crafts vision within a family home.
Original furniture and family treasures fill the cottage’s quirky rooms and, outside, every turn conjures childhood memories of holiday excitement – one way to the fort, another to the woods beyond.