Secrets of the National Trust at Erddig with Alan Titchmarsh

Alan Titchmarsh outside Erddig with a horse and carriage in the background

Arriving by horse and carriage, the Channel 5 presenter and national treasure uncovers the scandal of the thief-cook and delves into secret spaces on Erddig’s 1,200-acre estate on 27 June at 9pm on Channel 5.

" It's like entering a lost world."
- Alan Titchmarsh
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Alan goes on a wet adventure to enter the lost world of Erddig's cup and saucer water feature
Alan Titchmarsh and Head Ranger James Stein inside Erddig's cup and saucer water feature
Alan goes on a wet adventure to enter the lost world of Erddig's cup and saucer water feature

18th Century water feature

Erddig Head Ranger James Stein couldn’t resist inviting the presenter - famous for creating a water feature or two in his time - to join him for his annual check of William Emes’ cylindrical water cascade. In the programme Alan walks along the river bed, through the tunnel and directly underneath the falling water, describing it ‘like entering a lost world’. The 18th Century design, cleverly created to manage flooding and drain the surrounding fields, is known locally as the ‘cup and saucer’ and is the only known one of its kind in the UK.

Alan uncovers the unique relationship between the Yorke family and their servants
Alan Titchmarsh sitting on the kitchen table with Conservation Assistant Heather Vernon
Alan uncovers the unique relationship between the Yorke family and their servants

Unique servant relationship

House and Collections Manager Graeme Clarke invites Alan to take a closer look into the unique relationship between the Yorke family and their staff that saw the Yorkes encourage a romance between nanny and groomsman, immortalise them in photos and verse and treat them with a respect unheard of among other grand houses.

Erddig Gardener Helen Eardley puts her back into cider pressing with Secrets of the National Trust presenter Angellica Bell
Erddig Gardener Helen Eardley filmed demonstrating how to use a mini cider press for Angellica Bell
Erddig Gardener Helen Eardley puts her back into cider pressing with Secrets of the National Trust presenter Angellica Bell

A taste of Erddig

Angellica Bell uncovers the history of Erddig’s garden with our Gardener Helen Eardley and takes a look at the restoration of the garden in the seventies. Later, she enjoys a tour of the apple orchards an opportunity to try her hand at a mini cider press, then enjoy (or not) a taste of Erddig cider.

Secrets of the National Trust presenter Angellica Bell with Gardener Helen Eardley and the pick of the crop of Erddig's orchard
Channel 5 presenter Angellica Bell in the orchard with Erddig Gardener Helen Eardley
Secrets of the National Trust presenter Angellica Bell with Gardener Helen Eardley and the pick of the crop of Erddig's orchard

To see Erddig take its turn in the spotlight, tune in on 27 June at 9pm, Channel 5 to find out more.

The second series of Channel 5’s Secrets of the National Trust with national treasure, Alan Titchmarsh, takes a look at some of Britain’s most intriguing historic homes and gardens. Follow Alan as he embarks on the second half of his 12-part journey across the Trust and visits a different property each week to unlock its secrets. Along the way he’ll be joined by some familiar faces, who will uncover tales of high society, life below stairs and the trials, triumphs and scandals of our great estates all across the country.