National Trust staff and visitors at Knole, Kent | © National Trust Images/Chris Lacey

Discover and learn

Would you like to dig a bit deeper into history, find gardening tips or even make a bug hotel? Discover more about the places you love and pick up some new skills.

Learn about people and places from the past and discover remarkable works of art, architecture and gardens.

More history

Two caricatures side by side from the collection in the Caricature Room at Calke Abbey, both depicting people braving a blizzard. In the first picture is a women with an umbrella, while the second picture is a man holding onto his hat, while blizzards blow around both of them.

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Advent calendar of Christmas treasures

Get into the Christmas spirit with our Advent calendar of 24 festive objects from the collections in our care. Find out what today's object is and delve into the origins of the Advent calendar.

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The history of architecture

Learn how social and technological change have influenced architecture throughout history, and find out where to see examples of each period at the places in our care.

Oval framed photographic portrait of Henry, Airmyne and Charles Jenney, aged about 8, 9 and 10. They're shown bust-length, wearing summer clothing. It's signed on the lower right; 'Debenham G.?/Bournemouth/1929'

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Disability histories at the places in our care

This Disability History Month (16 November–16 December), learn about some of the disabled people with connections to the places we look after, the experiences and challenges they faced and the individuals who supported them.

Interior of a greenhouse with pelargoniums, succulents and other plants potted on a bench, and other larger houseplants on the floor

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A potted history of houseplants

Wander through our collections and gardens to learn the high-society origins of the ferns, orchids and pelargoniums in your home.

Read our guides to help you get closer to nature. Learn how to identify birdsong and spot bats, water voles and ancient trees, or have a go at forest bathing, rock pooling and many more activities.

More nature

A wide shot of a few cedar of Lebanon trees bordering the lawn at Upton House, Warwickshire

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Ancient and notable trees

Ancient trees are links to our past, they're species-rich habitats that support countless other organisms. Discover what makes a tree ancient and how to recognise them.

Red squirrel sitting on a mossy rock eating a nut

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Red squirrel spotting tips

Find out how to spot red squirrels, the best times to see them and how to tell them apart from grey squirrels.

Fungi growing on the woodland floor next to a fallen tree trunk

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Facts about fungi

Fungi play a vital role in the natural world and decomposition process, helping break down organic woodland material. Learn all you need to know about these important organisms.

Close view of fossils at the disused Loftus Alum Works, North Yorkshire

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Common fossils to find at the coast

Do you know your ammonites from your devil’s toenails? Discover how to identify some of the fossils commonly found around the UK coast and where you might see them.

Learn from our gardeners and make the most of your garden, plot or window box.

More gardening tips

Volunteer pruning an espaliered fruit tree in the Walled Garden during a working holiday at Clumber Park, Nottinghamshire

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Gardening tips for winter

Keep your garden or green spaces thriving with our winter gardening tips. There are plenty of jobs to keep you busy, including protecting your plants and wildlife, planting for winter colour, pruning rose bushes or planning ahead for warmer days.

Gardeners adding compost to the beds at Nymans, West Sussex

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How to make your own compost

Follow these simple steps to make your own nutrient-packed compost at home. Learn about the qualities of good compost and find out top tips, including how to turn your heap and build your compost beds.

Two blue tits perched on a green bird feeder with brick wall in the background

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How to build a wildlife-friendly garden

Looking for new ways to help your local wildlife? Here are some of our top tips on how to make your garden a haven for animals, birds and insects.

Green cuttings sprouting in natural plastic-free pots and peat-free compost

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Guide to peat-free gardening

Find out how your plants can thrive without using peat-based products and learn about the changes our gardeners have made at the gardens and nurseries in our care.

Discover the benefits of eating seasonally and try some National Trust recipes for yourself.

More food

In the background is a red napkin and white fairy light. In the foreground, a slice of vegan Christmas pudding on a white plate with a fork alongside, with brandy sauce being poured onto it from a white jug

Recipes

Browse a selection of National Trust recipe ideas, from classics such as cheese scones and family-friendly treats to vegetarian and vegan dishes and seasonal delights.

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Vegan Christmas pudding

Christmas wouldn't be the same without a Christmas pudding. A twist on the classic British pudding, this fruity vegan version is a festive must.

An ornate teapot set on a low table with a plate of scones behind

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The history of tea

Tea first arrived in Britain in the mid-17th century and the places we care for are full of stories that explain how this simple brew has become a British institution.

Gardener picking fennel from the vegetable garden at Speke Hall, Liverpool

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Guide to seasonal food

Grow your own fruit and vegetables and help the environment by reducing food miles. Find out what to harvest, plant and buy each month with our handy guide to seasonal food.

Follow one of our many how-to guides and become an expert in something new in no time.

More crafts

Christmas wreath on a door at Scotney Castle, Kent

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Make a natural Christmas wreath

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing activity or a fun and festive way to bring the family together, follow our step-by-step guide to learn how to make a Christmas wreath.

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How to make a bird feeder

If you’d like to see more birds in your garden, discover how you can make a simple bird feeder with just a few items and ingredients.

Draught excluder made with fabric printed with pictures of dogs

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Make a cosy draught excluder

Follow our easy guide to sewing a simple draught excluder that will keep the heat in this winter. Make one for your own home or gift one to friends and family.

Looking down onto a table where someone is hammering leaves onto a cotton tote bag to create a pattern.

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How to make a leaf print tote bag

Create a nature-inspired tote bag using leaves gathered from your local park or garden. It's easier than you think – simply hammer leaves onto cotton fabric and they'll release their natural pigments for a simple and effective design.

Enjoy a virtual exhibition, watch a behind-the-scenes video or listen to one of our podcasts.

More virtual visits

A black and white image of a group of performers on stage in costume

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National Trust Podcast: series seven

Listen to series seven of the National Trust Podcast. From the communities celebrating blossom to the Anglo-Saxon ship buried at Sutton Hoo in Suffolk, discover stories filled with history and nature.

Walkers on the South West coast path to Old Harry, Studland Bay, Dorset

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Sounds of our shores

We worked with the British Library and the National Trust for Scotland to create the UK’s first ever coastal sound map. Find out about the project and top tips for making your own recording of the sounds of our shores.

Painting of Saint Agatha, by Carlo Dolci, circa 1665-70 at Osterley Park, London

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Online exhibitions

Delve into our online exhibitions, where you can see artworks and explore the history of the places and collections in our care from the comfort of your own home.

Wildflower meadow at Holnicote Estate, Somerset

Holnicote, Somerset

Take an interactive 360° virtual tour of the diverse landscapes and habitats on the Holnicote Estate. Explore beaver enclosures, ancient oak woodland, saltmarshes and more in this immersive audio experience, and learn about the vital work for nature in west Somerset.

Featuring in costume dramas, fantasy worlds and fairy tales, discover the films and TV shows that have been made at National Trust places.

More film and TV