Around Bath & Bristol

Situated near Bath, this ancient parkland is full of magnificent trees and view points with extensive vistas that stretch as far as the Welsh mountains. The garden is home to sumptuous planting, formal areas and peaceful wooded terraces.

A beautiful and intimate 18th-century landscape garden in Bath, undergoing a major restoration on its historic dams. Set in a sweeping valley above Bath, it's a place of magnificent views and lawns to relax on, with one of only four Palladian bridges in the world.

Extensive garden and parkland, just a stone's throw from Bristol. Flower filled terraces, an empty lake, woodland, champion trees and the kitchen garden balance faded beauty and function with an abundance of nature.

Arts and Crafts-inspired garden with intricately designed outdoor spaces in the rolling Cotswold hills. Explore the maze of narrow paved pathways and discover secret gardens, delightful vistas and colourful planting.

Tudor hunting lodge set proudly in an estate on top of the Cotswold escarpment, looking down into the Ozleworth valley and to the Mendips beyond.

The garden of this Cotswold manor house is the perfect place to unwind and explore hidden vistas, quiet corners and unexpected delights.

A rare and beautiful survivor, explore the canals in this Dutch water garden near Gloucester; the only restored one in the country.

Romantic Arts and Crafts garden near Melksham with terraces, topiary houses, gazebo, lily pond, roses and views across the spring-fed fishpond.

Lacock Abbey, a quirky country house built upon the foundations of a former nunnery, located within its own woodland grounds at the heart of a Wiltshire village.

World-famous landscape garden with magnificent lake reflecting classical temples, mystical grottoes, and rare and exotic trees.

Charming English country garden full of variety, with peaceful water gardens, herbaceous borders, organically shaped topiary and an imaginative use of colour and planting.

Summer is a wonderful time of year to be outside in the fresh air, taking in the sights and smells of flowers in bloom, warmer temperatures and longer days.

There are lots of places to enjoy a picnic around Bath and Bristol, out in the countryside, under shady tree in a garden or at one of the many picnic areas.

There are many walks near Bristol and Bath which will take you out to hidden places, scenic corners and peaceful viewpoints. Here a few ideas to start you off.

Meadows across the South West are alive with wildflowers, providing vital habitats for nature. Find out about the work we're doing to care for and improve these special places.

While the ‘#urbanjungle’ hashtag has become ubiquitous with social media, there’s one special place in Devon that started embracing this trend over 100 years before Instagram. Overbeck’s has been home to plants from all corners of the globe since the 19th century. So, how do the garden team care for these unusual plants, and could they lend some tips to help you care for your own house plants and exotics?

Connecting with nature can bring a sense of continuity and calm. Whether it be on a walk, from your window or in your garden, here are some tips for looking out for nature.

Looking for some inspiration for your next walk? Here's the nine most popular National Trust walks in the South West at the moment. Please follow social distancing measures, and don't forget to check the property home pages before you set out for your walk, for up to date opening details and see if you need to book.

We’re doing everything we can to make space for nature in the countryside, thanks to your support. Find out about the projects that are taking place in the South West to create space for nature.

Take inspiration from one of the grand houses in the South West, and create a National Trust gingerbread house.

Honey tea bread, a recipe from Kingston Lacy, is perfect with a generous spread of butter and a steaming pot of tea.

Stephanie Couch from 'A Cornish Mum' shares her recipe for the perfect chocolate chip shortbread. These are her go to at Christmas time with a hot chocolate, but work perfectly year-round.

How did you sleep last night? Did you have a nice quiet room to yourself? A comfy mattress? Such luxurious solitude we take for granted. Martin Papworth, National Trust archaeologist, takes a look at our houses where we glimpse an older, more communal lifestyle.

Learn something new about Cornish mining with our top ten surprising facts.