Houses

One size doesn't fit all when it comes to the houses we look after. From the biggest to the smallest, the most innovative to the most scandalous, discover the amazing variety of houses in our care.

From Bosch and Burne-Jones to Rembrandt, Stubbs and Whistler, these are exceptional paintings on show among the 200 historic houses we care for. Chosen by the National Trust's Curator of Pictures and Sculpture, from our collection of 13,000 oil paintings.

How do you keep the kids entertained on a rainy day? Head to one of the special places we look after for some great activities that won't be ruined by a downpour. They can run around in an indoor adventure play area, play dress up or take part in a house trail and search for clues.

Searching for indoor inspiration? You can play a piano in a Jazz Age house or have a game of pool in a Tudor home. Watch re-created early experiments into electricity, browse art exhibitions, or go behind the scenes at our conservation stores.

Dressing up is a fun way for children to get in touch with the past. We've picked our top places to try on costumes and play make-believe.

These hiding places were created to hide priests during a time when Catholics were imprisoned, tortured and killed. They're craftily disguised in some of our houses to baffle search parties.

With the return to school just around the corner, a trip back in time is just what's needed. Roman soldiers, hidden wartime bunkers and ancient forts wait to be discovered by your budding historians.