South West

A view across the lake at Stourhead in autumn — In autumn Stourhead garden is truly spectacular

Avebury: Partial view of stone circle with sun shining through trees behind — Discover the magic of the stones at Avebury

Heddon Valley in autumn — Beautiful autumn colours at Heddon Valley

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

Things to do this autumn

Half term in the South West

There's lots going on this October half-term including craft activities, spooky trails and pumpkins to see.

The Fal river on an autumn woodland walk

Autumn colour in the South West

A rainbow of colour spreads across the South West in the autumn. Find some of the best spots to discover this year's autumn colour.

Autumn walks by county

The South West is perfect for exploring on foot and autumn gives the chance to take in the changing colour.

big pick up weekend killerton october autumn apple

Apple Days across the South West

Across the South West there are historic orchards that are looked after by our dedicated teams of gardeners and rangers. This time of year is ideal to explore these fascinating places and to celebrate the great British apple. Find an event taking place near you.

Behind the scenes tours and talks

This time of year is a great chance to get involved in all the tours and talks that take place across the South West everyday. Here's a list of ways to get involved and discover more on a visit.

Water voles make a welcome return to Exmoor

This September, 150 water voles were reintroduced at six carefully chosen sites on the Holnicote Estate on Exmoor. The water vole is one of the fastest declining land mammal, disappearing from 94 per cent of its habitats. The plan for one of Britain’s most adorable, yet rare creatures is that it will be given a whole new start in a healthy environment, where they can breed and flourish.

Find out how they plan to help water voles make a come back

All about apples

Restoring orchards for nature

As well as providing abundant harvests every year, orchards are an important habitat for nature and wildlife. Unfortunately many orchards have been lost over the years, but we are helping maintain and reinstate these forgotten priority habitats at many National Trust places.

Pink Ladies or Pig Snouts?

Bored of Granny Smiths? Why not try a Gillyflower or a Grow-Bi-Night? The South West is home to hundreds of unique apple verities. Click here to explore their heritage and find out what's being done to protect them.

Orchards in the South West

Throughout the South West there are traditional orchards cared for by the National Trust. Find out where you can get your apple fix and how important orchards are for nature.

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.