Houses & buildings

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.

Where our houses are concerned size doesn't matter. Explore the grandest, the smallest or the spookiest places under our care.

We look after some of the most interesting and enchanting castles in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Here's our pick of the best must-see castles.

From the house where Sir Isaac Newton first discovered gravity to the childhood homes of the Beatles and the site of the first radio broadcast, find out how some of the ideas that changed the world were thought up at our places.

Some of the houses, gardens and landscapes we look after have inspired famous writers, playwrights and poets. Here's our pick of the best.

Think you know our places? Here's our list of the secret surprises that you will have missed.

Our places have been havens for princesses and prime ministers' children. The childhood memories they created have inspired world-famous authors as well as offering safety to children during the war. Find out more about some of our younger residents' favourite places.

Delve back into the past to discover the remarkable women who helped shape our places. Meet the political player who helped restore the monarchy, beloved children's authors and an acclaimed archaeologist.

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.