London and the South East

From waterlilies in the lakes at Sheffield Park in Sussex, rambling roses at the world-famous rose garden at Mottisfont in Hampshire to the secret garden charms of the garden at Fenton House in Hampstead, London, you're bound to find a blaze of glorious garden colour at your local National Trust garden in the South East.

Launching a kite, your dad flinging it hopefully in the air then leaping to avoid the double-back and dive. But when the wind took it and the strings tugged and it was flying, actually flying - do you remember the thrill of it as a child?

Such simple pleasures are among the activities you can get stuck into with the kids at our places across the South East this summer.

Enjoy a walk on the wild side across the South East this summer and spot hares, birds, butterflies and sheep thriving on our lands which we work hard to protect, maintain and conserve for the future.

Gather up your family and friends, pack your favourite summer lunch and seek out the perfect spot to unroll your picnic blanket on a visit to our countryside and gardens in the South East. Follow in the footsteps of Jane Austen’s Emma, who famously picnicked at Box Hill, or set up on top of Devil’s Dyke for glorious views of the rolling South Downs.

From wildflower meadows, ancient woodland and hilltop trails with a view, there is a summer walking adventure for everyone to enjoy. Make new discoveries on your favourite National Trust walk.

From the homes of great politicians to moated houses, to iconic cliff tops and strolls over green hills, welcome to Kent, the Garden of England.

The home of an Edwardian party house, the Surrey Hills and a watermill.

Finding new ways for Londoners to enjoy the capital’s special places

Home to a watermill, a mansion with a creative spirit and much more.

Whether its walking, cycling, family fun, wildlife or history that interests you, you can find it all on the Isle of Wight.

Where will you visit today? The rolling Chiltern hills? A magical garden? The home of a Victorian prime minister?

Unusual houses and countryside to walk through are yours to enjoy in Oxfordshire.

Visit grand gardens and country mansions surrounded by rolling parkland. Or drop in on intimate homes with intriguing stories to tell.

The home of a famous author, fairytale castles and more await you in and around East Sussex.

Gardens, South Downs countyside and grand houses await you in West Sussex.

Taking early retirement was a difficult life change for Peter. He missed the routine of going to work, and the connections and friendships he had there. All this changed when Peter got his dogs. Through regular walks at Osterley Park in west London he gets to socialise with other walkers, which is a source of great joy and happiness for him.

Margaret has found friendship and fun at Sutton House in East London. As part of the Recycled Teenagers – a group for the over 55s – Margaret keeps busy and shares her love of dancing, socialising and art.

With no garden, and living in a big city, Lucy used to spend most of her time indoors. Now she is designing wildflower meadows with the rangers at Modern Hall Park. She works with other young people to make a difference to her local green space – and protect the wildlife that lives there.

Interested in making the most of your National Trust membership? Why not join your local supporter group in London and the South East? It's a great way to meet people and to enjoy special talks, visits, holidays and other social and fundraising events. You'll also be helping a great cause.

There are holiday cottages for you to enjoy across the South East from a lighthouse keepers cottage in Kent to garden retreats in Sussex. And every time you stay, you're supporting our conservation work too. How good is that?