Listen to our podcast about gardens

The oriental inspired Water Garden at Cliveden, Buckinghamshire

Now in its third series, the National Trust Podcast continues to bring to light the stories and people that make our gardens, landscapes and collections so special.

From sub-tropical havens to ornate sculpture parks, the gardens we look after are not only spectacular, but steeped in history too. In our podcast they provide the backdrop to remarkable tales of mystery, adventure and fame.

You can listen to our gardens episodes for free on a number of platforms including iTunes, SoundCloud and Acast. So whether you’re on your daily commute or relaxing at home, simply pick your favourite platform and experience the wonders of the National Trust through sound. 

Each instalment is accompanied by a five-minute mini episode featuring extra content you won't have heard in the main show. 

Tune in to series three
Member of staff checking the records at the Plant Conservation Centre

Caring for the UK's rarest plants 

In this episode we’re at the Trust’s most secretive location: the Plant Conservation Centre. Few visitors will have heard of this well-guarded site; it doesn’t appear in the National Trust Handbook nor does it have its own guidebook. But this secret garden is one of the most important places in our care. Join us as we go beyond its locked gates to find out how we protect our rarest species of plant. Along the way we’ll brush shoulders with famous trees that have lined the pages of literature, and try our hand at grafting.

Listen on iTunes
Listen to the episode on SoundCloud Listen now
A waterfall in winter surrounded by trees

A winter garden in Wales 

Join us in the foothills of Snowdonia National Park as we take a crisp winter stroll through the world-famous Bodnant Garden. You’ll encounter dramatic waterfalls and romantic dells, towering trees and exotic rhododendrons – all set before a backdrop of snow-dusted mountains. Hear about Henry Pochin, the plant hunter and aspiring politician who created Bodnant 150 years ago, and meet the gardeners who continue his legacy today.

Listen on iTunes
Listen to the episode on SoundCloud Listen now
visitors in the maze summerhouse at Glendurgan Garden

A tropical garden at Glendurgan 

Join us on a journey through a tropical Cornish paradise at Glendurgan Garden – where lush rolling valleys meet the sea, and exotic plants grow alongside native wildflowers. We get to know the Fox family, who laid down the plans for the garden back in the 1820s, and still live in the house today. And we’ll navigate the mind-bending maze that continues to puzzle visitors of all ages, and embodies the spirit of play in which Glendurgan was conceived.

Listen on iTunes
Listen to the episode on SoundCloud Listen now
The temple at Sheringham Park

Repton's vision at Sheringham 

In this episode we’re at Sheringham in Norfolk to discover 1,000 acres of glorious parkland, woods and clifftops. Learn about the designer who sculpted the landscape, Humphry Repton, and meet the staff and volunteers who keep his vision alive today. We’ll take you on a stroll through Sheringham’s magnificent rhododendron gardens as we unearth the colourful history of these exotic flowers – from the adventures of the plant hunter who sourced them to their starring role in the Upcher family’s 1950s champagne parties.

Download on iTunes
Listen back to the 2017 series
Parterre Cliveden Summer 2016

Beauty and scandal at Cliveden 

We're starting out at Cliveden, Buckinghamshire. Set high above the Thames, Cliveden is home to a world famous parterre, Japanese Garden and topiary-lined long walk. Around every corner you’ll find stories of mystery, decadence and the fame and misfortune of Britain’s political elite. We’ll take you behind the scenes of the Trust and shed light on how our staff and volunteers keep the gardens at Cliveden looking spectacular all year round.

Download on iTunes
Geese on water with the Palladian Bridge in the background at Stowe

Breaking new ground at Stowe 

Come and explore the immersive landscape, ornate monuments and tranquil lakes at Stowe, Buckinghamshire. It's a garden shaped by the ground-breaking landscape architect Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown. Learn about the beginnings of the British landscape garden movement and the hidden meaning behind many of Stowe’s monuments and sculptures.

Download on iTunes
Mount Stewart house overlooking the Italian Garden

Sub-tropical Mount Stewart 

In this episode, we're in Northern Ireland to visit one of the most astonishing gardens cared for by the National Trust. Full of exotic plants more usually found in the jungles of Burma or the Australian outback, the garden of Mount Stewart, County Down was designed by 'Society Queen' Edith, Lady Londonderry and needs to be seen to be believed. Discover how her adventurous spirit and quirky sense of humour shaped the gardens we see today.

Download on iTunes

Make sure you don’t miss an episode by subscribing on Apple podcasts or wherever you find great audio. 

Subscribe now on iTunes

A young woman in the Chinese Chippendale bedroom at Saltram, Devon.

Discover more podcasts 

Download and listen to more audio episodes for free exploring the renowned gardens, world-class interiors and breathtaking walks of the National Trust.