London and the South East

Panoramic view at sunset in August from Devil's Dyke, South Downs, West Sussex — Enjoy a walk along the South Downs

From sprawling countryside and bracing coastline, to ancient castles and stately homes, the South East has it all.

Places to visit

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Where you can visit

We're reopening the places you love across the South East, safely and in line with government guidance. We recommend you book in advance for visits to gardens, parks and houses, especially at busy times like weekends. See what's open and ready for you to book this week below....

Video

Dahlias at Hinton Ampner

Hinton Ampner’s dahlia displays reach their peak in early autumn. Here, head gardener John Wood reveals how he planted over 500 of these exotic beauties on his own, during lockdown. Dahlias were a great passion of former owner Sir Ralph Dutton. On your visit you’ll find beautiful displays all around the 14 acre gardens.

Plan your visit to Hinton Ampner

Dahlias in front of a greenhouse at The Vyne — The Vyne's dahlia border stretches the entire length of its walled garden

Late summer gardens

As long summer nights give way to cooler days, the colours in our gardens in and around the South East slide gently into warming tones.

From the burgeoning dahlias at Polesden and Chartwell to knock out borders at Nymans, the holidays may be over but many shrubs, climbers and herbaceous perennials aren’t ready to pack up just yet.

Gardens and parks in London and the South East

Looking ahead

A photo of a family playing with autumn leaves at The Vyne

Half-term in the South East

With russet trees, crunchy leaves and conkers galore providing the backdrop to October half-term fun in the South East, you and the kids can appreciate the wonders of the natural world at our places. You can embrace this spectacular season with nature activities at Basildon Park in Berkshire or finding funghi at Polesden Lacey in Surrey. Bring the family on a half-term autumn adventure.

Red and orange autumn foliage on show from trees around The Vyne's large lake

Try one of our top autumn colour walks

From the radiant reds and breath-taking bronzes of Scotney Castle and Sissinghurst in Kent to the wilderness of the New Forest commons turning into fields of gold. So breathe in the crisp autumnal air, dust off the cobwebs and enjoy one of our downloadable walks.

Autumn treasures

Visitors enjoying the autumn leaves at Belton House, Lincolnshire

Red and white Fly agaric fungi growing among fallen leaves

Six things to see on an autumn woodland walk

An autumn woodland glowing with colour and rich with the smell of damp earth is a wonderful place to be. National Trust Ranger Chloe Bradbrooke suggests six mini wonders of nature to look out for on an autumn woodland walk.

Chilterns Countryside’s autumn colours explained

Autumn in the Chilterns Countryside is when the woodlands and hedgerows reveal a magnificent kaleidoscope of colour. The National Trust sites in the Chilterns offer some of the best places in England to see the golden glow of autumn.

Top tips for autumn photography

Hugh Mothersole, our volunteer photographer and web editor for the Chilterns Countryside, gives us his top tips for taking pictures of autumn colour.

Fabulous fungi

Often used to illustrate fairy tales and associated with folklore, fungi remind us of mythical creatures, favourite stories or childhood characters. But what are they and what do they do?

What's near you?

Kent

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.

Surrey

The enjoy the gardens of an Edwardian party house, the Surrey Hills or a beautiful arboretum.

View across the garden at Ham House showing the tulips and muscari coming in to flower in spring

London

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

West Sussex

Flourishing gardens and South Downs countyside await you in West Sussex.

A springtime view of the postern gate or back door of Bodiam Castle in East Sussex

In and around East Sussex

Stroll around the grounds of fairytale castles and the summer gardens of famous authors in and around East Sussex.

Colourful wall-climbing roses in the walled gardens at Mottisfont, Hampshire

In and around Hampshire

Take in summer gardens and estate walks at Hinton Ampner and Mottisfont in Hampshire.

roses bloom in the foreground as a statue looks on behind

In and around Berkshire

Visit grand gardens or walk around the grounds of country mansions surrounded by rolling parkland.

A golden arch sits in the background with bright yellow buttercups in spring at Stowe

In and around Buckinghamshire

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

Green hills and blue sea entice the walkers on Ventonr Downs — Ventnor Downs are a great place to go walking on a fine summer day

Coast and countryside

There's coast, downland, grassland, hills to climb, rivers and more for you to enjoy on a day out in the countryside in the South East.

Coast and countryside in London and the South East

To enjoy at home

Scone recipes to try

We know our scones are rather popular. So we asked our teams to share some of their recipe ideas that you can try at home. From the traditional to the quirky, which will be your favourite scone?

The Parterre in spring at Cliveden, Buckinghamshire

Listen to our gardens podcast

Come and explore the immersive landscape, ornate monuments and tranquil lakes at Stowe, Buckinghamshire in our gardens podcast. Or try and episode about Cliveden, home to a world famous parterre, Japanese Garden and topiary-lined long walk. Around every corner you’ll find stories of mystery, decadence and the fame and misfortune of Britain’s political elite.

Painting of Nancy Astor by John Singer Sargent

Explore our collection online

We care for one of the world's largest and most significant collections of art and heritage objects, but did you know that you can explore many of them online from the comfort of your home?

Geese on water with the Palladian Bridge in the background at Stowe — Spend your lazy days at Stowe

Delve deeper with Trusted Source

Created in partnership with the University of Oxford, Trusted Source is a knowledge bank of short and easily understood articles about history, culture and the natural environment. The articles look at the big ideas behind our special places and collections.

Find an article