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

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.

Peek behind closed doors

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.

Summer wildlife

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.

Mum and child playing tennis on a lawn — Tennis on the lawn

Tennis in the South West

With players back on the courts at Wimbledon, we've taken a look at the tennis items we care for, and the places you can pick up a racket and have a go yourself.

Read the list

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.

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

Stories from the places we care for

Secrets of the National Trust 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.