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A visitor with a camera up to his face, one eye closed, as he takes a photo of a nearby statue of a figure with a pointy hat and cloak on
Taking photographs at Lacock Abbey, Wiltshire | © National Trust Images/Arnhel de Serra

Discover and learn

Would you like to dig a bit deeper into history, find gardening tips or even make your own World Heritage Site? Discover more about the places we care for and pick up some new skills. 

History

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

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.

Dahlias in bloom in the Dahlia Garden at Anglesey Abbey, Cambridgeshire, in September.

Black histories and the National Trust 

Black people connected to the places and collections we care for have shaped global history. Discover the individuals behind these connections, including a Birmingham businessman, an African American artist and an exiled emperor.

Robert Wynter Blathwayt (1850–1936); Margaret Ermintrude Chandos-Pole-Gell, Mrs Robert Wynter Blathwayt (1854–1927); and his stepmother Mary Sarah Oates, Mrs Wynter Thomas Blathwayt (1834–1925)

Autumn scenes and stories in our collections 

With its bright colours, natural spectacles and abundant harvests, autumn has inspired artists for generations. From paintings and tapestries to ceramics, discover autumn through the collections in our care.

A `CAROLINA BROWN SQUIRREL' WITH BIRDS, BUTTERFLIES AND FLOWERS by Sarah Lethieullier, Lady Fetherstonhaugh (1725-88) in the Red Drawing Room at Uppark. Watercolour, signed and dated 1754.

The history of architecture 

Learn how both social and technological change have influenced architecture throughout history, and find out where to see examples of each period at the places we look after.

Exterior of Hardwick Hall, Derbyshire

Nature

Get closer to nature with our guides on identifying fauna, spotting wildlife in their natural habitats, enjoying the outdoors responsibly, and much more.

A beginner's guide to forest bathing 

Learn about forest bathing, a way of relaxing and slowing down the mind by immersing yourself in nature.

A woman lying upon a slanted piece of wood in the summer surrounded by  woodland and trees taking part in forest bathing at Wallington, Northumberland,

Facts about fungi 

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

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

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.

Red squirrel sitting on a mossy rock eating a nut

Common fossils to find at the coast 

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

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

Food

Try some of our recipes at home and find out why we champion sustainable, local and seasonal food.

Recipes 

Browse a selection of recipe ideas, from cream-tea classics and family-friendly treats to meat-free dishes and seasonal delights.

Spiced toffee apple cake

Potato, pepper and courgette curry 

Learn how to make this spicy vegetable curry, a healthier alternative to a takeaway that's still full of flavour.

Potato, pepper and courgette curry with naan bread

Apple cinnamon buns 

Soft, spiced and irresistibly sticky – follow the steps to create these apple cinnamon buns, which are the perfect sweet treat for cosy afternoons.

Apple cinnamon bun is a tasty tea-time treat

Guide to seasonal food 

Discover which vegetables and fruit to harvest, plant and buy each month with our handy guide. Growing your own fruit and vegetables reduces food miles, which helps the environment.

Two gardeners harvest rhubarb from a large garden border in the walled kitchen garden at Clumber Park.

Gardening tips

Discover top tips from our expert gardeners and learn how to make the most of your garden, plot or window box.

Gardening tips for autumn 

Would you like to get more out of your garden this autumn? Our experts share their tips on how to prepare your green space for colder weather and keep your plants thriving.

Gardener deadheading dahlias at Anglesey Abbey, Cambridgeshire

How to grow a balcony garden 

Learn how the right plants can transform your balcony into a vibrant green space, which will also help to support wildlife and improve wellbeing.

Contestant balcony as part of our Sky Gardening Challenge 2024, in Manchester

Guide to peat-free gardening 

We've committed to going peat free as an organisation, and all the plants we grow, buy and sell are potted in peat-free compost. Discover top tips for peat-free gardening in your own green space.

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

Growing tips for allotments 

Find out how to get the most from your allotment or patch, and learn why growing your own fruit and vegetables is good for you in more ways than one.

A gardener picking carrots in the Walled Garden at Dunham Massey, Cheshire

Crafts

Follow our step-by-step craft guides and create something new, from eco-friendly gifts to projects that help the wildlife on your doorstep.

How to make a leaf print tote bag 

Create your own nature-inspired tote bag using leaves gathered from your local park or garden. Simply hammer leaves onto cotton fabric and they'll release their natural pigments for a simple yet effective design.

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

Build your own World Heritage Site 

Challenge yourself to build a World Heritage Site or ancient place with whatever you have at home and create your own piece of history.

Making bug houses in the garden at Washington Old Hall, Tyne & Wear

How to make a bird feeder 

If you'd like to try and attract more birds to your garden, learn how you can make a simple bird feeder with just a few items and ingredients.

Making a pinecone bird feeder

Virtual visit

Immerse yourself in nature, beauty and history from the comfort of your own home with virtual exhibitions, behind-the-scenes videos or our podcasts.

Podcasts 

Tune into award-winning stories of history, nature and adventure linked to the places in our care with our podcasts.

A view down a hill with a woodland and the sea in the background. Three people are walking up the hill recording a podcast.

Online exhibitions 

Delve into our online exhibitions, where you can explore artworks and discover the history of the places and collections we look after from your seat.

Detail of the elaborate ceiling in the Tapestry Room at Nostell Priory, Yorkshire

Explore Holnicote Estate 

Take an interactive 360° virtual tour of the diverse landscapes and habitats on the Holnicote Estate in Somerset. Roam around beaver enclosures, ancient oak woodland and saltmarshes, and learn how conservation is shaping the future of this estate.

Wildflower meadow at Holnicote Estate, Somerset

Film and TV

Step into the spotlight and explore the real-life locations behind your favourite films and TV shows, from grand estates in period dramas to magical landscapes in fantasy worlds.

Top filming locations 

Many of the places in our care have been locations for films and TV dramas. Go behind the scenes at our most popular filming locations and discover how iconic moments were created on screen.

Colin Bridgerton and Penelope Featherington in Bridgerton stood next to each other inside Claydon House, Buckinghamshire

Hidden Treasures of the National Trust 

Follow our conservators, curators and volunteers at work and get closer to the objects they care for in the BBC's Hidden Treasures of the National Trust.

Conservator restoring Beatrix Potter’s Doll’s House at Hill Top, Cumbria, including items that appear in Beatrix Potter's The Tale of Two Bad Mice

On location with Downton Abbey 

Learn about the places we look after that have been used as filming locations for the six seasons and three films of Downton Abbey.

Some of the cast of Downton Abbey sitting on sofas in a circle with two members walking to join them in an ornate room, with red walls and many paintings around them.
Two visitors in raincoats exploring the autumnal garden at Hinton Ampner, Hampshire

Become a member

Join today and help protect nature, beauty and history – for everyone, for ever. Enjoy access to more than 500 places with National Trust membership.