South West

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

Spring gardens and flowers

The gardens are in full spring bloom at Hidcote

Spring gardens in the South West 

We care for lots of gardens across the South West which are filled with spring colour. Find out the best places to get outdoors and see the flowers in bloom.

English bluebell, Hyacinthus non-scriptus, in the garden in May at Killerton, Devon

Bluebells in the South West 

From Godolpin in Cornwall to Stourhead in Wiltshire, places in the South West are brimming with bluebells during the spring months. Take a look at this list to see where bluebells are blooming near you.

A family enjoying a picnic

May half-term and family fun in the South West 

Places across the South West are full of things to keep you and your whole family entertained, with half-term fun, '50 things' adventures, trails and events.

Read the list
Spring bulbs flowering at Tyntesfield

Find a place to visit 

Discover somewhere to visit using our search. In the South West you're never far from somewhere to explore.

Find a place to visit
The Drake portrait

Sir Francis Drake comes home to Buckland Abbey 

This year the portrait of Sir Francis Drake, which belongs to the National Portrait Gallery, is at Buckland Abbey, offering a rare opportunity to see this wonderful Elizabethan portrait exhibited in his former Devon home.

Read more about the exhibition

Where to go today?

Visitors carrying their luggage

Reasons to book a trip to England today 

As we head into spring, what's better than taking a trip away? Better still when you haven't got far to go. Disclaimer: this article may lead to the uncontrollable urge to book a holiday in Britain.

Girls sitting on a bench overlooking the coast

Places to embrace JOMO (the joy of missing out) in the South West 

If you’re looking to get away from the constant pressure of texts, WhatsApp groups and social media here’s a list of our locations with truly awful phone reception. Perfect to escape to for a little quiet contemplation.

Visitor sketching one of our special places

Drawing inspiration 

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

Groups of people outside the front of the house for a popular event at Arlington Court

Find an event 

Places in the South West host everything from guided house tours and ranger days to walks and runs.

Find an event
Walkers enjoy Killerton's garden in spring

Spring walks by county 

The outdoors begins to transform in the spring as colour returns to the landscape and the temperature starts to warm up. It's a great time of year for getting outdoors and exploring on foot.

Read the list
A group on a tour along the Tin Coast

People's Landscapes in the South West 

This year, the National Trust is launching People’s Landscapes, a series of events and activities that will explore landscapes where people came together to seek dramatic social change.

View People's Landscapes in the South West
A family walk by Stourhead's lake

Explore the South West by county 

Know what county you're looking for? These are our county pages, packed with ideas and inspiration for what to do in the South West.

Morning view over the Plym Estuary running through Saltram Park

Explore the South West by area or city 

Discover what you can do on Exmoor, Dartmoor and the Jurassic Coast, what you'll find in the Cotswolds and the English Riviera, and what you can do around Bath & Bristol, Plymouth and Exeter.

Social Media

We love talking to our supporters, after all we wouldn't be here without you. Join our communities where we talk about coast, countryside, caring for houses, gardens & woods in the South West (and the odd slice of cake).

A black 1930s-style telephone

Get in touch 

How to get in touch with our teams in the South West

Red squirrel in a tree

Visit our blog 

To read about the latest news and stories in the South West and view our latest events leaflet visit our blog.