A conservator works on the Dolphin armchairs from Ham House in Surrey in The Royal Oak Foundation Conservation Studio, Knole, Kent

Preserving the past

Looking after heritage for future generations

Learn about our conservation work

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Discover more than 500 places to visit and lots of events to get involved in.

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Exterior view of Dunster Castle and Garden in Somerset

Castles and forts

Immerse yourself in centuries past at one of the castles and forts in our care. Uncover the stories behind these historic buildings and learn about their previous residents.

Aerial view of the maze at Glendurgan Garden, Cornwall

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Explore mysterious mazes

Friend, foe or family member, who will be the first to find their way through these mazes and wind their way back out again? Here’s a selection of the best mazes and labyrinths we care for.

Visitors reading documents and exploring inside Hardy's Cottage, Dorset

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Places with famous connections

Walk in the footsteps of famous people. From The Beatles to Sir Winston Churchill, Agatha Christie to Isaac Newton, discover more as you step into their former homes.

A child in a forest, looking at trees that have little doors and windows on them

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Enchanted forests to visit with the family

Discover our top enchanted forests where children can let their imaginations run wild. Be sure to keep an eye out for fairies, dragons and creatures of the wild woods on your day out.

A coastline of geometrically shaped rocks with waves crashing against them

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Walks inspired by myths and legends

Many of the places we care for are steeped in myths and legends that bring the landscape to life. Discover our top walking trails where you'll uncover folklore, local legends and magical stories.

Little girl looking closely at a tree at Croome, Worcestershire, with lots of leaves on the ground

Nature

Get closer to nature by reading our guides on how to spot wildlife, facts about ancient trees and tips on identifying birdsong, plus many more activities.

Start your journey of discovery

Delve into history, get tips from our experts, learn a new skill and go behind the scenes of your favourite places.

Learn something new

Lion of Judah flag raised above the house at Dunham Massey with a grass circle in the foreground and white clouds in the background

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Black histories and the National Trust

This Black History Month, discover the places and collections we care for that have connections to Black histories. Learn more about the people behind these connections, including the lady of the house at Dyrham Park in South Gloucestershire and an exiled emperor at Dunham Massey in Greater Manchester.

The superstitious mark in one of the ceiling timbers in the Great Parlour at Little Moreton Hall, Cheshire

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Warding off evil with witch marks

Get in the Halloween mood and learn about the mysterious markings our ancestors carved into doorways, fireplaces and joists to ward off evil and protect their homes from witches and demons.

Otter swimming in the river at Croome, Worcestershire

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Top tips for spotting otters

Although otter numbers are on the rise, the shy and elusive marine mammals are still notoriously difficult to find. To boost your chances, here are our top tips on how to spot them in the wild.

Two bowls of spiced carrot and orange soup

Soups, stews and curries

As we move into the cooler months, find inspiration for your next meal with our selection of warming soups, seasonal stews and hearty curries.

Visitors at Wightwick Manor and Gardens, West Midlands

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How to write your will

October is Free Wills Month, which means you can write or amend a simple will for free. Find out how we've partnered with a number of legal specialists so you can write yours for free, either online or face-to-face.

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Walkers on the path besides the wall at Hadrian's Wall and Housesteads Fort, Northumberland

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Sycamore Gap Trees of Hope scheme launched

We've launched the Trees of Hope initiative, where we'll gift 49 saplings – one to represent each foot of the height of the Sycamore Gap tree at the time of felling last year – to communities around the country.

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Book a last-minute getaway

Whisk the family away on a last-minute holiday this half-term. Stay in the very heart of nature with coastal cottages and woodland hideaways offering the promise of adventure on your doorstep.

A woman wears a woolly hat and a yellow ROKA rucksack

Wrap up and get outdoors

Witness autumn’s spectacle with a walk or a family adventure in the countryside. Browse outdoor accessories, from woolly hats to rucksacks and reusable coffee cups.