Let membership show you the world

You may think that National Trust places are quintessentially British, with stately homes, walled gardens, castles and sandy beaches – but you can also find influences from around the world. From Italian terraces to French chateaux and Chinese bridges to Dutch water gardens, National Trust membership could help you become a globe trotter without getting on a plane.

1. Soak up Italian influences

Pretend you’re in Tuscany at Ickworth’s Italianate garden which brings a little of the Mediterranean to Suffolk with its towering cypress trees, or enjoy a stroll along the terrace at Plas Newydd in Wales. As a member you’re free to explore all of these places, so wherever you Rome (sorry, roam), you’ll be feeling buonissimo!

The Pompeian Garden at Dyffryn House, Vale of Glamorgan, designed with its impressive colonnade, loggia and central fountain
Pompeian Garden at Dyffryn House and Gardens, Vale of Glamorgan
The Pompeian Garden at Dyffryn House, Vale of Glamorgan, designed with its impressive colonnade, loggia and central fountain

2. Immerse yourself in Eastern delights 

If you’re a fan of Chinese style, look out for the beautifully intricate Chinese wallpapers at Saltram in Devon, Erddig in Wales and Felbrigg Hall in Norfolk. And outside, Biddulph Grange in Staffordshire has a Willow Pattern design garden and Croome in Worcestershire boasts a Chinese bridge crossing an artificial river. 

Chinese bedroom and woodblock-printed wallpaper at Felbrigg Hall in Norfolk
Chinese wallpaper at Felbrigg Hall in Norfolk
Chinese bedroom and woodblock-printed wallpaper at Felbrigg Hall in Norfolk

3. Live la vie Française

The terraces at Powis Castle in Wales have been blasted from solid rock, and were based on the one at St Germain-en-Laye near Paris. If they’re not Francophile enough for you, then we challenge you to arrive at Waddesdon, Buckinghamshire, and not feel like you’ve stepped across the channel.

Visitors on the French-inspired terrace at Powis Castle and Garden, Powys, Wales
Visitors on the terrace at Powis Castle and Garden, Powys, Wales
Visitors on the French-inspired terrace at Powis Castle and Garden, Powys, Wales

4. Seek out Canadian visitors

At Sheffield Park and Garden in Sussex, Canadian troops arrived in large numbers during the Second World War, fascinating the locals with their sweets and tinned goods. A little further back in time, the Bear Hut at Killerton, Devon, housed a large black Canadian bear called Tom in the 1860s. Although Tom has long since moved on, it’s a great spot to discover a fascinating glimpse of times gone by. And when you visit, there’s free parking at many of our places for members too.

Killerton's bear hut was once home to a Canadian black bear called Tom
the bear's hut at killerton, devon
Killerton's bear hut was once home to a Canadian black bear called Tom

5. Stroll through tropical gardens

Lush vegetation and vibrant greens conjure up a sense of the tropics. At Dyffryn in Wales you’ll find orchids, cacti and banana plants in the tropical glasshouse, and at Overbecks, Devon, the mild climate helps lilies and echiums grow like they’re halfway round the world. Support from members helps us to care for all of these incredible places and their plants.

Visitors enjoying the tropical setting from the terrace at Overbecks, overlooking the Salcombe Estuary
Visitors on the terrace, with views overlooking the Salcombe Estuary at Overbeck's, Devon.
Visitors enjoying the tropical setting from the terrace at Overbecks, overlooking the Salcombe Estuary

6. Be enchanted by German forests

Explore the dark evergreen woods at Hughenden, Buckinghamshire which were inspired by Disraeli’s visits to the Northern Bohemian forests on the German/Czech border. If you can’t see the wood for the trees, then take your next visit inspiration from our newsletter, sent out to members monthly.

Dark evergreen woods surrounding Hughenden, Buckinghamshire, inspired by Disraeli’s visits to Northern Bohemian forests
German forest around Hughenden
Dark evergreen woods surrounding Hughenden, Buckinghamshire, inspired by Disraeli’s visits to Northern Bohemian forests

7. Go Dutch 

Westbury Court Garden, Gloucestershire, is one of the only surviving Dutch water gardens in the UK, which was rescued and restored with help from our supporters. The house at Dyrham Park, also Gloucestershire, is built in the Dutch style, and although its water garden was lost, you can still catch glimpses of it in the gardens. Members can learn more about the places in our care at regular tours and talks, listed in the ‘Near You’ newsletters which are sent to members with National Trust magazines.

Enjoying the lily pads and T-Canal in Westbury Court's Dutch-influenced water garden, Gloucestershire.
Enjoying lily pads and T-canal Dutch water garden at Westbury Court Garden, Gloucestershire
Enjoying the lily pads and T-Canal in Westbury Court's Dutch-influenced water garden, Gloucestershire.

With so many adventures possible without even reaching for your passport, becoming a member will help you see the world, as well as look after special places.