National Trust

Visiting this summer

Spontaneous days out, guided tours of hidden gems

Visiting and booking changes

Family adventures

School's out and there's lots to discover wherever you are

Family fun wherever you are

Lush landscapes

Unwind in a garden full of drama and delight

Ideas for days out in our gardens and parks

Find a place to visit

Where do you want to go?

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Focus on

Chirk Castle

Chirk, Wrexham

Magnificent medieval fortress of the Welsh Marches

Cliff top view of the pale rocky cliffs and bay of Blast Beach on a sunny day, looking south.

Durham Coast

Seaham, County Durham

County Durham's coastline has emerged from a polluted industrial past to become a haven for wildlife

Cotehele

near Saltash, Cornwall

An atmospheric Tudor house with Medieval roots, a working mill on an historic quay, a glorious garden with valley views and an expansive estate to explore.

Latest visiting update

Our gardens, parks, cafés, shops, countryside locations and many houses are open. You no longer need to pre-book at many places. Some still require booking ahead, so please check the property webpage before you travel.

Check our helpful coronavirus FAQs >

Read our latest statement update 16 July 2021 >

Visiting and booking information

Find out what's open, which places need booking and what to expect from your visit.

Plan your visit

Summer fun

Family playing games on the lawn at Montacute House, Somerset

Summer family activities for every adventurer

Get set, go! There's lots to do this summer at places near you. We've got nature trails to keep the kids entertained, sporty challenges to get your heart racing, peaceful gardens to discover and arts and crafts activities for messy afternoons. Pick up a ‘Get set, go’ activity card when you visit and see what adventure you'll be having this summer.

Child skipping in the courtyard at Sutton House and Breaker's Yard, London

Summer family activities to do at home

We've got plenty of fun activities for you to do wherever you are this summer. We're joining in with Playday, a national day to celebrate all things play, on 4 August 2021. Download our play pack for lots of ideas to try, including inspiration from the Children's Country House Ambassadors on their favourite ways to play, a treasure hunt activity and arts and crafts to get messy.

Visitor jumping rocks on the beach at Durham Coast, County Durham

Top summer walks

There's nothing quite like taking a stroll surrounded by nature in the summer time. Enjoy a summer walk through the countryside, coast, parkland and gardens we look after. We’ve chosen some of our favourite trails full of flowers, wildlife and wonderful views.

A view of Coleton Fishacre house and garden in the summer

Gardens by the sea

There’s something magical about a garden by the sea. Enjoy the warmer climate, tropical plants and winding coastal paths framed by lush vegetation and sea views. From the palm trees at Overbeck's, Salcombe, to the colours in the Gertrude Jekyll Garden, Lindisfarne, you're sure to find a memorable spot.

Our top natural play areas

Follow willow tunnels or make your very own woodland den in our natural play areas. You can also splash along muddy trails, hang onto rope swings and hunt for treehouses and bug hotels. Here's our pick of the best natural play areas at our places.

Gustave Moreau exhibition at Waddesdon, A Rothschild House and Gardens in Buckinghamshire

Special exhibitions guide

Enjoy our summer guide to current and future exhibitions at the places we look after. Take your pick from exhibitions showcasing the work of Gustave Moreau, Grayson Perry, Ladybird designs and Beatrix Potter illustrations to contemporary art installations and ceramics, fashion and the best in astrophotography.

Harvesting potatoes in the Kitchen Garden at Ham House, London

What's in season: August

August is an abundant month for so many different vegetables, including cucumbers, one of Britain's favourites. Find out from our gardening experts which fruits and vegetables are best to harvest or buy this month and get ready serve up a storm at home.

Join

Enjoy access to more than 500 places with National Trust membership. Join today and help protect nature, beauty and history — for everyone, for ever.

Become a member

Bee on a chive flower at Biddulph Grange Garden, Staffordshire

Donate

Everyone needs nature, now more than ever. Donate today and you could help people and nature to thrive at the places we care for.

Make a donation

Fresh out the oven on a tray — These sweet and sticky buns will go down a treat with everyone

Tasty summer bakes

Keep little hands busy and hungry tums full over the summer holidays with our top family-friendly bakes. Roll up your sleeves and get stuck into some quick, easy and delicious recipes. From cheeky cakes to savoury snacks, making these recipes is fun, messy, creative and skill-building all rolled into one biscuit.

Get baking

E.C. Hardman, The Diver, Photograph, 1929 — E.C. Hardman (1898-1988), The Diver, 1929

The art of sports and games

As we watch the dazzling displays of our Olympic athletes, our collections are also a rich resource for delving into sporting cultures. From sportswear and equipment to photographs of sporting activity, along with sports-themed sculptures and paintings, the items we care for give a glimpse into our sporting past.

Step into a world of sport

Time for a family holiday

Feel inspired to book your next family getaway and create memories that'll last a lifetime. Already got your summer holiday sorted? Book ahead for an autumn adventure or winter escape together.

Plan your next family break

Children's toys and outdoor games from autumn winter range 2019

Fun toys and games

However old you are, we've got playtime covered this summer. Check out our outdoor toys, games, pretend play ideas and much more to keep the whole family entertained over the summer holidays.

Visit the online shop

Holcombe Moor, near Manchester, transformed into a 'giant sponge' with thousands of peat bunds visible from the air

Read our news

Get the latest news from around the Trust. Thousands of peat bunds have been created on Holcombe Moor near Manchester to help tackle climate change. The scallop-shaped banks will improve the condition of the peat and enable it to store carbon, attract birds and reduce flooding downstream.