Dartmoor

Lydford Gorge is a fascinating outdoor retreat, always cool even on a scorching summers day. Perfect for a walk and a picnic, its a great place to tick off 50 things, or just relax and watch the wildlife.

Home to the last set of working Victorian water-powered forge tools in England, Finch Foundry is 50 things haven with a lovely garden. Snails are the 50 things focus here in honour of the metal snails that used to be produced in the forge.

This summer Castle Drogo is home to colourful flowering borders and roses, lawn games to keep everyone entertained and lots of places to complete 50 things. There's also wide open spaces, woodland, riverside walks and miles of paths in the Teign Valley to wander away the hours.

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.

Beverley Todd, Kitchen Garden Supervisor at Knightshayes explains how every year she scours the seed catalogues for new things to grow in keeping with the spirit of Victorian innovation.

National Trust places act as striking backdrops to hundreds of outdoor performances every year. So, why does it still hold such an appeal to modern day audiences? Two renowned outdoor theatre companies shed some light on the magic.