National Treasures with the National Trust

 The National Trust has beautiful sites nationwide,
From houses and gardens to coast and countryside!
Whether you walk, cycle, skate or even run,
A day of fresh air will be heaps of family fun!

Cragside, Morpeth, Northumberland

Stretch your legs in over 1000 acres of land, discovering the Victorian house, gardens and woodland. Play pooh sticks, explore a cave and spot red squirrels and deer. You can even take part in some watersports on Tumbleton lake! Whether you’re a beginner or expert, look out for kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, kids-only events and adventure weekends. Take a closer look.

Wordsworth House and Gardens, Cockermouth, Cumbria

Delve into the world of the romantic poet, William Wordsworth, as you explore his birthplace and childhood home. Presented just as it would have been when William and his sister Dorothy lived here, the children’s bedroom is full of toys and dressing up clothes so kids can really step back to the 1770s! On the first Thursday of each month throughout summer (June, July, August and September), the house and garden are open later until 8pm. Take a closer look.

Tatton Park, Knutsford, Cheshire

Explore the grandeur of one of the most complete historic estates open to visitors. With over 100 events each year, Tatton Park makes for one of the most popular family days out in the North West. This summer you can enjoy a chocolate making workshop and a magical storytelling tour that brings Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland to life. Make sure you take a look at all the other fantastic activities on offer this summer. Take a closer look.

Packwood House, Lapworth, Warwickshire

Surrounded by beautiful gardens and countryside, Packwood is a place of dreams and adventure. Children are encouraged to run wild in the woodlands, have fun and use their imagination to guarantee a great day out. Enjoy the outdoor theatre this summer where you’ll see performances of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Wuthering Heights, Frankenstein and David Walliams’s Gangsta Granny. Take a closer look.

Elizabethan House Museum, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk

This is an amazing hands-on museum that all ages will enjoy. The 16th century building tells the story of the families who lived there from Tudor to Victorian times. Decide for yourself whether the death of Charles I was plotted in the Conspiracy Room! Dive headfirst into the costume collection or speak to the chatty parlour maid this summer. Take a closer look.

Ham House and Garden, Richmond, Surrey

Sitting on the banks of the River Thames in Richmond is the magnificent 17th Stuart house designed by the Duchess of Lauderdale and her husband, the Duke. There’s loads for you and your family to enjoy this summer every day from 10am to 5pm from 24th July until 3rd September 2019. Why not tuck into A Grand Picniq on 3rd and 4th August? Will you be brave enough to explore the house? It is said to be one of the most haunted in Britain…spooky! Take a closer look.

Knole, Sevenoaks, Kent

Knole is the last remaining medieval deer park in Kent and you’re practically guaranteed to spot wild deer. Follow a trail, which brings the house to life for children, before enjoying a picnic in the grounds. Dogs are also allowed on the grounds so you can bring all members of the family – just be sure to keep dogs on a lead at all times! The popular Family Monday’s events continue this year. Costing just £2 per child, the themed days are a fun way to spend the holidays. Take a closer look.

The Needles, Isle of Wight

These are surely some of the most photographed rocks in the world. Featuring in all the classic views of the island, they are an unforgettable image. From here you can enjoy unrivalled views of the Needles and the Dorset coast. You can even go down an underground tunnel in the Old Battery for a really close-up view!  The New Battery reveals the astonishing story of Britain’s Cold War ‘race for space’ when British-made rockets were tested here under great secrecy. Take a closer look.

Brownsea Island, Poole, Dorset

Located in the beautiful Poole Harbour, Brownsea Island is one of the few places in England where you can find red squirrels. You can also spot a variety of birds including kingfishers, oystercatchers, and common and sandwich terns. The very first Scouts camped on the island in 1907 and the Outdoor Centre lets you follow in their footsteps. Spend a night in the Southshore Lodge bunkhouse! Take a closer look.

Clevedon Court, Clevedon, North Somerset

Nestled between Bristol and the North Somerset coast is this stunning 14th-century manor house and 18th-century terraced garden. Clevedon Court is home to some of the Elton family’s most unique possessions including pottery and glassware.  Pick up the family guide and children’s quiz/trail to keep the family entertained as you make your way around the grounds. Take a closer look.

Greenway, Brixham, Devon

Greenway was once the beloved holiday home of the famous author Agatha Christie and her family! Relax by the river, play croquet on the lawn and explore the award-winning gardens. No visit is complete without a visit to the Boathouse, scene of the crime in ‘Dead Man’s Folly’! Just outside the old Stables, you’ll find some hobby horses tethered, waiting to be ridden. They are available to borrow for a small donation: anything you donate will be used to help to care for Greenway. Take a closer look.

St Michael’s Mount, Marazion, Cornwall

If you’re heading to Cornwall this summer make sure you visit St Michael’s Mount. Still home to the St Aubyn family as well as a small community, this iconic rocky island is crowned by a medieval church and castle. Take a short boat trip, or at low tide, walk across the causeway to the island. Activities are on offer throughout summer so be sure to check them out. Take a closer look.

Dyffryn Gardens, St Nicholas, Vale of Glamorgan

A peaceful oasis on the outskirts of Cardiff, find tranquillity at Dyffryn Gardens. Visit a tropical rain forest, dry desert and grape-filled vinery in the glasshouse. There’s also plenty of space for the kids to run around and burn energy. The Log Stack play area is always a crowd pleaser too! Take a closer look.

Goddards House and Garden, York, North Yorkshire

Are you a fan of the Terry family? Yes, we mean the creators of the famous chocolate orange! This used to be the family’s house and is a warm Arts and Crafts building full of memories. Kids can get up to all kinds of (safe) mischief here including looking in the insect hotel for creepy crawlies, playing clock gold if the gardens, and even some croquet on the lawn. Take a closer look.

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