Skip to content

Visit

Visitors exploring festive decorations at Belton House, Lincolnshire with Christmas trees and lights in the foreground and a painting in the background
Visitors admiring Christmas decorations at Belton House, Lincolnshire | © National Trust Images/James Dobson

Your next visit

There are no suggestions available

Plan your day out

Woodland walks 

From tree-lined avenues to ancient woodland, find a sense of calm among the trees with our pick of the best woodland and forest walks.

Visitors walking on a trail with autumn colour trees

Best natural play areas 

Whether it's splashing, climbing or running, there's nothing quite like playing outdoors. Explore the best natural play areas at the places in our care where kids can run wild.

Children balancing on a big tree trunk in the woods

Top free places to visit 

Did you know that many of the places we look after are free to access? Find some of the best places for a budget-friendly day out.

Children looking out across estuary at Pin Mill, Suffolk

Places to spot red squirrels 

Discover the best places across England, Wales and Northern Ireland to see the elusive red squirrel. Autumn is a great time to spot them as they're busy gathering food ahead of winter.

Red squirrel on the feeder at Allan Bank, Cumbria

Indoor exploration

Unique houses 

Learn about some of the most unusual houses we look after. There's a hydroelectric-powered Arts and Crafts home with an early dishwasher, a 16-sided house and even a Jacobean time capsule to visit.

Two visitors are looking up at an enormous, highly decorated marble fireplace in the Drawing Room at Cragside

Special exhibitions 

Connect with nature, beauty and history at an exhibition near you. From showcasing art and collections, to exploring the connections between people and places, there's something for everyone.

Two people looking at a large willow sculpture in a grand historic room with wooden floors and golden pillars

Places with literary connections 

Visit some of the places we care for that have inspired famous writers, playwrights and poets, including the homes of Beatrix Potter, Virginia Woolf and Thomas Hardy.

A mother and child read a book with a volunteer at Max Gate, Dorset

Kids’ indoor activities for rainy days 

Looking for ways to keep the kids entertained on a rainy day? Here's a selection of indoor activities at places we care for that won't be ruined by a sudden downpour.

The Long Gallery at The Children's Country House at Sudbury, Derbyshire

Christmas adventures

Visit Father Christmas 

Plan a festive family day out and meet Father Christmas in his grotto. You can also settle down for a storytelling session or meet real reindeer at some of the places in our care this Christmas.

A young boy meeting Father Christmas at Scotney Castle, Kent

Historic houses decked out for Christmas 

Step back in time and visit a historic house decorated for Christmas. Discover traditions from medieval to modern times, join in with crafting and carol singing, and celebrate the season.

Christmas at Powis Castle, Powys

Christmas markets and winter fairs 

Find perfect Christmas presents or stock up on seasonal treats and decorations at a Christmas market or winter fair.

Visitors exploring the Christmas market at Waddesdon Manor, Buckinghamshire

'50 things to do before you're 11¾'

Top ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’ activities to do in winter 

Winter is the perfect time for many of the ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’ activities. Wrap up warm and go welly wandering, fossil hunting or stargazing.

Children playing at Brimham Rocks, North Yorkshire

No. 15 Go on a wintry adventure 

When it's cold or snowing, there's still plenty to discover outdoors as lots of outside activities are just as fun in the winter. Wrap up in your warmest clothes, and maybe take a hot drink with you, before setting off.

Children playing in the garden in winter at Sudbury Hall and the National Trust Museum of Childhood, Derbyshire

No. 34 Discover wild animal clues 

Learn some top tips for nature spotting, track animal footprints and identify common types of animal poo in no. 34 of our ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’ challenge.

Looking through a magnifying glass at Quarry Bank Mill, Cheshire

No. 47 Cook on a campfire 

From top tips to campfire safety, find out how food cooked over an open fire can give you a tasty outdoor experience, whether you’re having toasted marshmallows or bacon and eggs.

A family toasting marshmallows over an open campfire at Colby Woodland Garden, Pembrokeshire

Information about visiting

Places you need to pre-book 

Planning to visit one of the places we care for? Find out which places require booking, and how you can join a guided tour experience.

Visitors listening to the tour guide on the closed communal courtyard at Birmingham Back to Backs, West Midlands

Visiting and booking frequently asked questions 

Find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about visiting and using the booking system.

Visitors exploring Bodnant Garden, Wales

Enhanced facilities for disabled visitors 

Learn more about which places in our care have specialised, accessible facilities for disabled visitors.

Changing Places room in relation to other facilities at Knoll Beach

Sustainable travel to the places in our care 

Find out how you can travel to the places in our care by train, bus, bike or on foot, helping you to save money and care for the environment.

Two adults and a child cycling along lakeside path on sunny day, with one adult pulling another child in a bike trailer

Explorer Pass 

If you're planning a trip in England, Wales or Northern Ireland this year, buy a National Trust Explorer Pass for entry to most of the places in our care. With 4-, 8- and 14-day options available, the pass can be tailored to fit your trip. Discover where you can visit with the Explorer Pass and how to buy yours.

Two dog walker walking at Kinver Edge and the Rock Houses, Staffordshire
Two visitors in raincoats exploring the autumnal garden at Hinton Ampner, Hampshire

Become a member

Join today and help protect nature, beauty and history – for everyone, for ever. Enjoy access to more than 500 places with National Trust membership.