Gardens & parks

We care for more than 200 gardens and parks. From small secret hideaways and kitchen gardens to landscaped lawns, beautiful borders and acres of parkland. We’ve reopened many of our gardens and parks so you can see them blooming in their colourful glory.

Visitors in Cotehele's spring garden

Latest visiting update

Our gardens, parks and countryside locations are open. Cafés are offering a takeaway service and some outdoor seating is available at cafés in England only. Some shops are open in England and Wales but remain closed in Northern Ireland. All houses are currently closed. The safety of our staff, volunteers and visitors remains our priority. To avoid disappointment please book in advance, especially at busier times such as weekends and bank holidays. Please check the property webpage before you visit and follow government guidance.

More details on how to book >

Visitors in the garden in spring at Waddesdon Manor, Buckinghamshire

Places to see daffodils 

Daffodils are a classic sign of spring - their bright-coloured blooms are sure to lift your spirits. Check out our best places near you to catch them in flower on your local walk or cycle ride. And get some handy tips on planting your own daffodil garden from our gardeners.

A sea of delicate daffodils cover areas of the main lawn at Nymans in Sussex in late April

The story of daffodils 

From Wordsworth’s golden daffodils in Cumbria to the cut-flower industry in Cornwall, daffodils are woven into the stories of many National Trust places. Explore the history and fascinating stories behind our favourite spring flower, the daffodil.

Spring bulbs flowering at Tyntesfield

Best spring gardens 

From beds of colourful daffodils to delicate blossom, gardens across the country are starting to show their true colours for spring. Discover the delights of the season if you’re visiting a local spring garden.

Spring gardens near you
Cardboard egg from the collection at Lanhydrock, Cornwall

Easter activities at home 

From curious Easter objects in our collections to advice for gardeners there is plenty to enjoy over Easter at home or in the garden. Find out how the humble egg became synonymous with Easter or get inspired on your local walk by looking out for more signs of spring. And there's inspiration and activities for the whole family too.

Things to do at home this Easter
The garden in the summertime at Hill Top, Cumbria.

Go behind the scenes at our gardens 

Sit back and enjoy a personal video tour of some of the beautiful gardens in our care. Discover the garden at Hill Top, the much-loved home of author Beatrix Potter, you can explore these stunning gardens from the comfort of your own home.

Take a look
Dixie Egerickx (Mary Lennox) on set at Fountains Abbey, Yorkshire

Explore The Secret Garden film locations 

Since it was published in 1910, Frances Hodgson Burnett’s novel The Secret Garden has bewitched generations of children and adults alike. The star-studded film adaptation released on Sky Cinema in October 2020 breathed new life into the tale. Discover how places in our care proved the perfect settings for this retelling of the evergreen children’s classic.

A waterfall in winter surrounded by trees

Podcast episodes on gardens 

Delve into a world of tropical paradises and tranquil lakes as you explore episodes from the National Trust Podcast that explore our gardens. We'll shed light on the visionaries who designed these spectacular landscapes, and find out what it takes to care for them today.

Listen now

Gardens through the ages

Powis Castle, Welshpool
The Pleasure Grounds at Osterley
Orchard House at Cragside
Hidcote Manor garden
Studley Royal Water Garden, Fountains Abbey
The garden at Moseley Old Hall

Stuart Gardens: 1600-early 1700s 

Gardens grew larger during the Stuart period as the influence of French and Dutch formal gardens brought features such as long avenues, terraces and topiary.

Georgian gardens: 1714-1830 

Gardens and parks merged into one during the 18th century to create a British style that would influence gardens across Europe.

Victorian Garden Designs: 1837-1901 

Exotic plants from around the world were brought home to gardens by Victorian collectors. The bright new colours were displayed in more formal garden styles.

20th-century gardens: Edwardian gardens to present day 

The structured 'rooms' that epitomised gardens at the turn of the century were later softened with borders of the many new herbaceous plants being bred.

Medieval gardens: Middle Ages to 1500 

Medieval garden style was dominated by monasteries and manor houses. Herbs were grown for medicine and gardens were an important food source.

Tudor gardens: Henry VII 1485 - Elizabeth I 1603 

The influence of the Renaissance left its mark on the gardens of the Tudors, seen in the inclusion of architectural features. The most recognised feature from this period is the knot garden.

Bumblebee nectaring on pink cherry blossom

Give back to nature 

More than ever before, nature has been our source of comfort during difficult times. But climate change is accelerating the decline of these green spaces. Nature gives us so much, donate today and help us protect these precious places and the wildlife that live there.

Donate now
Details of three portraits

Addressing our stories of colonialism and historic slavery 

The National Trust cares for places and collections on behalf of the nation, and many have direct and indirect links to colonialism and historic slavery. We're addressing these histories and their cultural significance and have published our report into these links.

Garden conservation

Find out more about the work that goes on behind the scenes by our talented garden teams to restore and conserve the gardens you love to visit

What we do

Gardening tips

Looking after more than 200 gardens has taught us a thing or two. Here, our gardeners share some of their top tips so that you too can create your perfect garden.

Get gardening