London and the South East

Escape the high street, burn off some festive calories, and enjoy views of the South Downs, the woods of the Surrey Hills or many of the parks and gardens we look after. Afterwards, warm up with something hot.

You might think of gardens being a spring or summer thing, but there's still plenty to see in our gardens across the South East this winter. From snowdrops at Stowe in Buckinghamshire, to aconites at Polesden Lacey in Surrey and brightly coloured dogwood at Mottisfont in Hampshire.

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?

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

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

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?