Where will you visit next?
Discover lots of gardens, historic houses, days out at the coast and more.
Special exhibitions
The special exhibitions at the places in our care showcase contemporary artwork and share items from the collections we look after. Explore history, celebrate connections with people, and get closer to nature, beauty and history when you visit.
Exhibitions in the East
Journeys at Blickling, Norfolk: Global Textiles from the Karun Thakar Collection
This showcase of Karun Thakar’s renowned global textile collection features Japanese kimonos, Punjabi baghs, French toiles, Italian embroideries, Turkoman coats and Ghanaian Kente cloths. The exhibition highlights Blickling’s role as a global country house and the interwoven histories of textiles and culture.
22 May – 1 November 2026
Exhibitions in London and the South East
Powerhouse featuring Chinwe Russell’s 20 Historical Women Who Changed the World at Knole, Kent
See portraits by artist Chinwe Russell alongside works from Knole’s collection including a new painting of La Baccelli. Chinwe’s series of portraits, '20 Historical Women who Changed the World', is a bold, colourful and historically inspired body of work which gives an insight into the lives and legacies of some remarkable women.
1 May – 31 July 2026
The Art & Craft of Print at Mottisfont, Hampshire
Curated in partnership with St Jude’s Prints, The Art & Craft of Print brings together one of the most comprehensive exhibitions of UK printmaking to-date, showcasing the work of nearly 30 major printmakers working in Britain today, including Angie Lewin, Mark Hearld, Emily Sutton and Jonny Hannah.
9 May – 1 November 2026
Expressions in Blue: Monumental Porcelain by Felicity Aylieff at Petworth House and Park, Sussex
Towering sculptures by renowned ceramicist Felicity Aylieff are being exhibited for the first time at Petworth House and Park. The exhibition takes place across the whole property including installations throughout the house, and two monolithic obelisks in the grounds.
23 May – 27 September 2026
Journeys at Osterley, London: Global Textiles from the Karun Thakar Collection
Displays featuring highlights from Karun Thakar’s renowned global textile collection, exploring migration, trade, craftsmanship, colonialism and design. Featuring Punjabi baghs and phulkaris, the exhibition will explore tangible cultural heritage and living traditions, while reframing Osterley's close links to trade and empire and highlighting unspoken or hard-to-see histories.
22 May – 1 November 2026
Visions Unreel at Basildon Park, Berkshire
Basildon Park is one the National Trust's most popular filming locations. This exhibition of artefacts celebrating the many productions that have been shot at the house and in the grounds over more than 20 years. Its film and TV credits include Pride and Prejudice, Bridgerton, The Gentlemen and The Crown.
Permanent
The Jurors at Runnymede, Surrey
Take a seat in this ancient landscape, where the Magna Carta was signed more than 800 years ago. Twelve bronze chairs are intricately worked, with images representing key moments in the struggle for freedom around the world, as well as flowers, keys and other significant symbols. Hew Locke’s jurors’ chairs invite you to reflect on the histories and issues on display and to debate the meaning of justice.
Permanent
Writ in Water at Runnymede, Surrey
At Runnymede more than 800 years ago, the feudal barons forced King John to seal the Magna Carta. Now, Turner Prize-winning artist Mark Wallinger, in collaboration with architectural practice Studio Octopi, has created a tranquil space that gives visitors the chance to consider the ongoing significance and influences of this historic agreement. This work was commissioned in association with independent arts charity Situations.
Permanent
Exhibitions in the Midlands
Meet Rembrandt: a slow-looking experience at Upton House and Gardens, Warwickshire
What might you discover by spending some time with a great work of art? Take your time to examine one of the National Trust’s greatest treasures: a self-portrait by Dutch master, Rembrandt. Usually on display at Buckland Abbey in Devon, Rembrandt’s self-portrait has been on tour in the country and will continue to be on tour until the end of 2026, enabling more people than ever to ‘meet Rembrandt’. Give yourself permission to have a seat, relax and take your time looking at this masterpiece with a free audio guide.
On display at Upton from 17 July until 8 November 2026
The Six Seasons at Upton House and Gardens Warwickshire
The Six Seasons is an exhibition of new digital collages by the British artist Emily Allchurch inspired by Bruegel the Elder’s Seasons paintings from 1565. Allchurch’s new series of photographic collages uses modern technology to make new, imagined spaces. It reflects on the fragility of nature and the seasons and on the landscape interventions we make, mostly through leisure and tourism. The Six Seasons is presented alongside 16th-19th-century paintings from the country house’s permanent collection which resonate with Allchurch’s work.
On display from 19 March until 5 July 2026
Exhibitions in the North
Wordsworth the Influencer at Allan Bank, Cumbria
Uncover Wordsworth’s role as a conservation pioneer and find out how the poet helped protect the Lake District. You can take a look at rare 19th-century photos, original illustrations, and a first edition of his travel book, 'Guide to the Lakes,' which is on display.
Exhibition ongoing – see website for opening times
Vanbrugh 300 at Seaton Delaval Hall, Northumberland
Vanbrugh 300 is a year-long celebration of Sir John Vanbrugh, architect of Seaton Delaval Hall and England’s finest Baroque architect and dramatist. Presented by The Georgian Group with support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the festival will explore how he became the most prominent architect of his time, through events, exhibitions and activities.
Vanbrugh 300 takes place at Seaton Delaval Hall from 25 March to 18 October 2026
Exhibitions in Northern Ireland
Artificial Sunshine at The Argory, County Armagh
This neon-light installation, designed by Northern Irish artist Kevin Killen, places a bespoke contemporary display inside a historic house. Inspired by the glow of the acetylene gas flames that at one time lit The Argory, Artificial Sunshine gives a modern take on this once-popular form of lighting.
Permanent
Exhibitions in the South West
Lacock by Martin Parr: Photography Exhibition at Lacock, Wiltshire
Martin Parr is known worldwide for his wry observations of ordinary Britons and British life. In 2025, the photographer returned to Lacock for his final major commission before his death later in the year. Through his lens, he created a deeply human portrait of the village, its people and its rhythms of daily life. The images are on display in the village's Fox Talbot Museum.
27 June 2026 – 27 June 2027
Journeys: Asafo flags from the Karun Thakar Collection at Dyrham Park, South Gloucestershire
Explore the house at Dyrham Park and find it filled with vibrant Asafo flags, one of the most important textile art forms to emerge from West Africa. The exhibition is a partnership with renowned collector and curator Karun Thakar. Journeys brings together standout pieces from Thakar’s global textile collection to explore themes including migration, trade, craftsmanship, colonialism, global histories and beauty.
22 May – 1 November 2026
Exhibitions in Wales
A State Bed restored at Erddig, Wales
Visit the Print Room to see a display of the original 18th century bed hangings from Erddig's State Bedroom, now back after an eight-year restoration. These delicate white silk textiles, embroidered with Chinese figures, pagodas, birds and flowers, were saved by Louisa Yorke after the First World War. Her journal forms part of the display alongside fragments of material, including patches of flowers and butterflies, found in her workbook.
Exhibition ongoing – see website for opening times
You might also be interested in
What's on
We've got plenty of events and activities on at the places in our care. From exhibitions and guided walks to outdoor theatre events, discover what's on near you.
Connecting people and places through creativity
Creativity and art can enhance our everyday lives and bring us closer to beauty, nature, history and each other. Find out how we're connecting people and places through art, and learn about past, present and upcoming projects.
Online exhibitions
Delve into our online exhibitions, where you can see artworks and explore the history of the places and collections in our care from the comfort of your own home.
Art and collections
The art and heritage collections we care for rival the world’s greatest museums. Learn more about the collection of paintings, decorative art, costume, books, household and other objects at historic places.
