12 of our favourite National Trust sites

The National Trust was founded in 1895 to protect places of historic interest and natural beauty in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. 

Originally the National Trust focussed on historic country houses and buildings, but it also protects landscapes and nature reserves. Given the nature of the trust, it will come as no surprise that all of its properties are stunning and all fascinating in their own way.

From marvellous manmade structures to awe-inspiring natural landscapes, the following National Trust sites are must-see attractions that offer incredible days out for families, couples and individuals alike.

Giant’s Causeway

If you want a big adventure, the Giant’s Causeway is more than able to accommodate your wishes, with a dash of legend thrown in for good measure. The incredible rock columns at the Giant’s Causeway, located in County Antrim, were created through cooling lava but an enduring legend claims they are the remnants of a bridge built by the Irish giant Finn McCool in order to link Ireland and Scotland.

St Michael’s Mount

Merging the past and the present, the striking island of St Michael’s Mount in Cornwall features a medieval church and castle, parts of which date to the 12th century. This island is home to a small number of local residents, while the castle is also used as the residence of the St Aubyn family. You can enjoy a tour of the island and the castle, view the eye-catching sub-tropical gardens and peruse the variety of interesting shops.

Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden

Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden in Yorkshire offers 800 acres of incredible landscapes and cultural heritage. This World Heritage Site features the beautiful ruins of a 12th century Cistercian abbey as well as the last remaining Cistercian corn mill. There is a lot to see and do here, such as enjoying a relaxed wander through Studley Royal which is a picturesque Georgian water garden, exploring the exhibition in the mill and trying your hand at grinding corn. There is also a magnificent deer park to explore and Fountains Hall where kids can work off some energy in the play area.

Powis Castle

Powis Castle in Powys is a feast for the eyes, from the magnificent castle itself to the stunning gardens. The castle has a superb collection of tapestries, furniture, paintings and sculptures, while the Clive Museum in the castle boasts an impressive collection of Indian artefacts ranging from the 17th to the 19th century. The multi-layered gardens are a spectacular sight to be seen and families will enjoy following the children’s trails, while the deer park is also great for spotting some of the local wildlife.

Bodiam Castle

Step into a medieval world at Bodiam Castle in East Sussex, an impressive 14th century fairy-tale castle which is surrounded by a huge moat. Though the interior is now ruins, this merely increases the sense of wonder you feel at viewing such an incredible building. You can see the original wooden portcullis in the castle’s gatehouse, as well as the murder holes in the gatehouse roof which were used to defend the castle against attackers. The castle grounds are ideal for picnics and you may even spot some fish in the moat.

Sudbury Hall and the National Trust Museum of Childhood

The amazing architecture and luxurious interior of 17th century Sudbury Hall in Derbyshire combined with the delightful National Trust Museum of Childhood will have adults and children equally enthralled. This is a great opportunity to compare your childhood with those experienced by children in the past in the museum’s eight galleries. The gardens are also excellent for exploring and kids will love the woodland play area.

Stourhead House

Featuring a breathtakingly beautiful landscape garden and a grand Palladian mansion, Stourhead in Wiltshire offers a picturesque day out for adults and children. Discover the sumptuous interiors of the mansion, explore the garden with its lake, grottoes, temples and striking rare trees and enjoy stunning walks in the estate through magnificent woodland and farmland. You can also visit the village of Stourton which lies within the Stourhead estate.

Lydford Gorge

Featuring the deepest gorge and highest waterfall in the South West of England, Lydford Gorge in Devon is a magnificent example of nature’s splendour and perfect for walks. Exploring the wooded gorge is quite magical, you can see the spectacular White Lady waterfall which is 30 metres high and walk out over the impressive naturally-formed pothole known as the Devil’s Cauldron.

Wakehurst Place

The estate of Wakehurst Place in West Sussex is managed by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. This popular attraction offers wonderful woodlands, an Elizabethan mansion and amazing ornamental gardens that will enchant younger and older visitors alike. Wakehurst Place is also home to the world’s biggest seed conservation project known as the Millennium Seed Bank.

Mount Stewart House, Garden and Temple of the Winds

The mix of wooded and formal areas in the gardens of Mount Stewart in County Down, which were voted one of the top ten gardens in the world, is exceptionally beautiful and sure to delight no matter when you visit, while the house itself is equally pleasing with its fine collection of artwork such as paintings, porcelain and ceramics. A variety of wildlife also calls Mount Stewart home, so you may just be lucky enough to spot some wonderful creatures while roaming the grounds.

Chartwell

Ever wondered what a prime minister’s home looked like? Well you don’t have to wonder anymore if you visit Chartwell in Kent, the family home of Sir Winston Churchill. You can view over 130 paintings created by Churchill in his painting studio, explore the rooms of the house which are not much changed from when Churchill inhabited it, as well as ramble through the pretty gardens.

Wimpole Estate

The working estate of Wimpole in Cambridgeshire offers numerous attractions that will entertain adults and children, from the impressive Wimpole Hall and its beautiful interiors to the gardens and surrounding grounds that will have nature lovers in their element. Home Farm is bound to be particularly appealing to children, offering the chance to try milking, groom donkeys and drive small tractors as well as discover the range of other animals and wander around the farm buildings.

Wonderful wandering at every turn

These fantastic National Trust sites will delight and entertain at every turn, from exploring superb structures to the glorious beauty of nature. Whether you want to discover diverse and diverting histories or modern-day scientific endeavours, you won’t be disappointed by these terrific sites.