Start your journey of discovery
Delve into history, get tips from our experts, learn a new skill and go behind the scenes of your favourite places.
History
Find out more about people from the past, discover remarkable art and collections and brush up on your knowledge of architecture and gardens.
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History of summer solstice traditions
Learn the ancient origins, traditions and folklore of the summer solstice and discover how midsummer was celebrated in millennia past at some of the places we care for.
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What is Egyptomania?
Egyptomania refers to the enthusiasm for everything related to ancient Egypt. Discover how it has captured the imagination and influenced everything from clothes to architecture.
Art and collections
Delve into one of the world's greatest collections of art and historical objects. From paintings to sculptures, there’s something for every art lover to discover.
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Roses in art and collections we care for
Did you know that the ancient Greeks and Romans loved to grow roses? Discover the roots and symbolism of these much-loved flowers through the objects and art in our care.
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Where to find the best dolls' houses
From 18th-century mini palaces to entire model villages, discover the rare and exquisite dolls’ houses in the collections we care for.
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Great tapestries in our collections
We look after the largest collection of tapestries in the UK and one of the largest in the world. Learn more about these status symbols and explore some of the best examples of this craftmanship at the places in our care.
Cultural Heritage Magazine
Download the Spring/Summer issue of the Cultural Heritage Magazine. In this issue, hear from Sandi Toksvig and Rachel Conroy as they discuss women artists and designers, explore the groundbreaking menswear collection at Anglesey Abbey in Cambridgeshire, learn the intriguing tale of two 18th-century Yorkshire families, and much more.
People
Read the stories of people from history and learn about their connections to the historic places in our care, from Beatrix Potter to the Beatles.
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South Asian histories at the places in our care
This South Asian Heritage Month (18 July–17 August), discover the places and collections we care for that reveal stories from, and connections to, South Asian history.
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Octavia Hill: her life and legacy
One of three founders of the National Trust, Octavia Hill is among the greatest social entrepreneurs in British history and the impact of her life and work is still felt today.
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LGBTQ+ histories at the places we care for
Learn more about the LGBTQ+ people with connections to the places we care for and why highlighting their stories is important.
Architecture
Read up on architecture with in-depth articles about architectural styles, interior design through history and architectural structures.
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Interior design through the ages
As fashions change over the eras, so do our homes. Explore the history of British interior design and learn about the centuries of design innovation at the places we care for.
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What is Baroque?
Explore the Baroque cultural movement and discover how its opulent, theatrical style swept across Europe in the 17th century, influencing art, architecture and music.
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What is Gothic Revival?
Discover how it became popular in the 18th and 19th centuries to style literature, architecture, art, music and more after the features of the late medieval Gothic period.
Gardens and landscapes
Discover the history of the natural landscapes around you. From glasshouses to sunken lanes, understand more about how these gardens and green spaces were formed.
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The history of dahlias
Uncover the horticultural history of the dahlia, from its origins in Central America to becoming an inspiration for legendary crime writer Agatha Christie.
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Garden design through the ages
Explore how changing tastes influenced the style of gardens over the centuries and discover where you can find the best examples from each period at the places we care for.
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What is the picturesque?
Find out more about the picturesque aesthetic style and how it became a fashionable choice for wealthy estates in the 18th century. Learn more about the people who influenced the movement.