Find a place to visit

Footsteps of the stars

Scene from Robin Hood © Universal Pictures

Scene from Robin Hood

© Universal Pictures

Explore our map of recent movie locations and you too could find yourself walking in the footsteps of the stars. Whether you're a fan of costume drama or the Harry Potter series, you'll discover that we've been in the background for many blockbusters.

A day outdoors

A family picnicking after a game of cricket © NTPL/David Levenson

We've put together some ideas for spending a day outside - grouped by interest. Top picnic spots to fabulous fountains feature will help you make the most of those sunny days.

Places to visit by theme

  • The Great Hall at Baddesley Clinton with oak panelling and a magnificent stone chimneypiece. © NTPL/Nadia Mackenzie

    Haunted houses

    The many old houses, castles and abbeys that we care for are full of things to look at. But at a number of our places you might also get to see a little bit more than you bargained for. Several properties are rumoured to be happy hunting grounds for an assortment of ghost and ghouls. Here are a few of our spooky stories.

  • Max Gate in Dorset © NTPL/Robert Morris

    Literary connections

    Generations of writers, playwrights and poets found inspiration in the beauty of the places where they lived and worked. We now care for many of these special places so you can discover the inspiration behind the words for yourself.

  • View across the Parkland to the west front at Basildon Park, built 1776-83 by John Carr for Francis Sykes, at Lower Basildon, Reading, Berkshire. © NTPL/Rupert Truman

    The Jane Austen trail

    If you're a Jane Austen fan, the names of the settings in her stories are as readily recognisable as those of her characters. Ever wished to take a peek inside 'Netherfield', or admire 'Pemberley' from across the lake? It's easier to follow in the footsteps of Lizzy and Darcy or Elinor and Marianne than you might think.

  • A view of the house across the garden at Anglesey Abbey, Cambridgeshire © National Trust

    Just off the motorway

    If you’re out and about in the car and are in need of a break, why not drop in on one of our special places. Lots of our places are near to the main routes but a million miles away from the rush and congestion of the motorways. You'll discover peaceful places where you can enjoy a complete change of pace, see an amazing house in a beautiful setting and even indulge in a slice of...

  • The West front of The Argory © NTPL/Nick Meers

    Connected with the sea

    Many of our places have nautical connections. From Sir Francis Drake's house to hoards of buried treasure, each one tells its own tale of the sea.

  • A photograph of the front of Chartwell, the home of Sir Winston Churchill for over 40 years, taken in the winter. © Jonathan Primmer

    Discover intriguing curiosities

    We've unearthed some of our most intriguing curiosities, fascinating stories and unusual objects.

  • Erddig servants in the garden © NTPL/NTPL

    Life below stairs

    Get a taste of what it was like to serve in our greater houses. This is a selection of our houses that allow you to experience life below stairs.

  • Fountains Abbey illuminated with colour © National Trust

    Mystery and intrigue

    Many of our houses and gardens hold secrets ripe for exploring. Whether you are investigating a secret passage, baffled by a maze or intrigued by a resident ghost, you'll soon discover that there is more to us than meets the eye.

  • A close-up of two miniature Faberge dogs at Polesden Lacey. © NTPL/Andreas von Einsiedel

    Romantic places

    For romantic inspiration at any time of the year, you've come to the right place. With tales of royal newly-weds and historic love affairs, our houses, castles and outdoor places continue to provide the perfect backdrop for love to blossom.