South West

Visitors enjoying a picnic in the formal gardens at Tyntesfield, Somerset — Picnicking at Tyntesfield, near Bristol

View of the River Fal from Trelissick — River Fal

Unspoilt pebble beach at Branscombe — A great beach for skimming stones and making wild art

Classic coastline, tropical gardens, iconic monuments and the great outdoors

Two young girls in matching dresses looking around Saltram, Devon — Admire the plasterwork ceilings to ornate door handles at Saltram

Things to do during the heatwave

As the days stay hot, there are plenty of historic houses, countryside and gardens that are perfect to make the most of or get away from the sun for a few hours.

Find out more

Things to do this summer

Summer holiday days out

Looking for something to do with the family during the summer holidays? In the South West we've got trails, events, games, walks and more. Perfect for keeping everyone entertained.

Visitors cycling at Kingston Lacy, Dorset

Summer of sport in the South West

There's lots of opportunities to get outside this summer, here's some sporty ideas to get you started.

Days out for a rainy day

Stuck for something to do during wet weather? We've got lots of things you can do, from pulling on wellies and getting outside to indoor activities.

Top gardens for summer in the South West

There's colour everywhere at this time of year and it's at its most glorious in the summer sun. You'll also find shady spots to cool off in and follies to hide in from the inevitable rain shower.

Picnic spots in the South West

Top spots in our view are the endless sands of Studland Beach, Dorset or the woodlands and orchards of Lydford Gorge in Devon. Pack your picnic and find out for yourselves.

The South West is home so all sorts of wildlife, and the places we care for are great for spotting some of the species that live here. There's the weird, wonderful and colourful waiting to be found, in particular, there's butterflies galore.

Laura and George Ridding and Sylvia Pankhurst portrait images — 1. Lady Laura Elizabeth Ridding (née Palmer) and George Ridding; Artist: Michele Schemboche; after 1876; © National Portrait Gallery, London. 2. Sylvia Pankhurst; Artist: Sylvia Pankhurst; circa 1907-1910; © National Portrait Gallery, London.

Faces of Change: Votes for Women

Rare portraits of Devon women who were influential in the suffrage campaign will be on display at Killerton from August to October. In partnership with the National Portrait Gallery, an incredible array of photographs and paintings are being displayed at Killerton in Devon celebrating key figures in the national campaign for women’s suffrage.

Find out more

The view over the River Dart in summer as seen from the walk from Galmpton to Greenway via Mill Lane — Soak up the breathtaking views over the River Dart

Summer walks in the South West by county

Some of the best summer walks in the South West to help you find the perfect route, whether it's near where you live or where you're heading for the summer holidays.

Read the list

Mel and Jonty Brunyee with two sheep at Conygree Farm — Farming for Nature award-winners Mel and Jonty Brunyee

Fine Farm Produce Awards 2018

Sustainable food isn't just better for nature, it tastes better too. Read the list of winners of this year's Fine Farm Produce Awards, recognising the very best farm food producers from our 1,500 tenant farmers and estates.

Find out who won

Visitor sketching one of our special places — Sketching is a wonderful way to experience the world around you

Drawing inspiration

Wherever you live in the South West, find somewhere near to inspire your creativity

Discover your creativity with these inspiring South West places

Ideas for mindfulness and well being

Drawing is something we did at school isn’t it? Do we still need to draw? What use is it?

Give drawing a go and you may discover that it is good for you. It is a unique expression of yourself and teaches you to see in a new way: to question the detail and to interpret your surroundings.

Five digital detox ideas to keep you off your phone in the South West

In an increasingly digital world, it's hard to disconnect. Here are some ideas to get you in the great outdoors, and keep you active and distracted from your phone.

Wild running in the South West

Jen and Sim Benson are two dedicated runners who love to explore the country on a run. Here they've shared some of their top tips with us, and favourite National Trust routes.

Stories from the places we care for

Secrets of the National Trust in the South West

We’re back for a second series of 'Secrets of the National Trust' with Alan Titchmarsh, getting a behind-the-scenes look at some of Britain’s most intriguing historic homes and gardens. Here's some of the secrets behind places in the South West.

Suffragettes dressed in whitte marching.

Women and Power in the South West

This year marks the centenary of a key victory in the struggle for suffrage which gave some women the right to vote. Here's a selection of places in the South West who are exploring the stories of women who fought for the vote and influenced change throughout history.