Things to do

Get some inspiration for activities to do on your own or with family... you won't be short of things to do at home or in the garden this spring.

A girl making seed bombs

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Playing outside at Sutton House, London

Join in the Festival of Mischief 

Inspired by the history of mischief at Seaton Delaval Hall, we've created a Festival of Mischief to keep you and your family entertained during the May half-term break. We've got top tips from comedians on putting on a family comedy show, dressing up, weird and wonderful objects, kitchen mayhem, and much more.

Unleash your silly side
Cattle on a misty morning in June on the Shugborough Estate, Staffordshire

Dawns to brighten your day 

Wake up with the birds and make the most of those extra hours of morning daylight. Whether it’s learning how to identify birdsong or watching how the golden hour transforms the appearance of your street, there’s plenty of reasons to fall in love with the morning again.

Embrace the sunrise
Plate of pre cut Bakewell slices with pot of raspberry jam to dip in

Recipe of the day: Bakewell slice 

Whether you fancy a cheeky afternoon snack or something a little more indulgent for dessert, this delicious Bakewell slice if perfect for any occasion.

A bee orchid on the Isle of Wight

Gardening tips: from our garden to yours 

While we are all staying at home, for many of us our thoughts turn to gardening. Mischief is in the air this week and the natural world's masters of trickery and disguise have taken over our gardens.

Plants growing on a London balcony

How to garden in small spaces 

You might think that not having a large outdoor space limits your gardening options, but balcony gardener, Alice Vincent has created a mini oasis in her London flat. In this article, Alice shares her top tips for gardening in small spaces. You can also listen to our special podcast episode with her to hear how she went from gardening novice to an expert in micro gardening.

Woman and child baking

Top family-friendly bakes 

We've picked out top recipes to cook with kids. Quick, easy and delicious, take a look at recipes for cakes, biscuits and savoury snacks.

Cherry blossom in the gardens of Sizergh, Cumbria

Blossom watch 

Take time to admire spring blossom, whether this be from your window, down the street on your daily exercise or in your garden if you’re lucky enough to have it grow there. You can also learn more about how these floral wonders support wildlife.

Wicken Fen - Male bearded tit with fledglings

Spot birds from your window and garden 

Enjoy the chorus of birdsong wherever you are; fling open your windows to hear local songbird populations in full voice or head out into the garden to spot birds twittering in the trees. With our guide to birdsong and bird spotting you’ll be an expert bird spotter in no time.

Family sitting in garden gazing up at the sky

Top tips for stargazing 

You don't need to be an expert to spot stars, satellites and planets. Just follow our top tips for a stargazing experience from the comfort of your garden. It's also no.27 on our list of '50 things to do before you’re 11¾'.

Pallets and pipes stacked up to create bug hotel

Make a home for wildlife 

Making a home for wildlife is no. 36 of our '50 things to do before you're 11¾' activities. Different animals need different homes, what sort of home will you choose to make?

Find out more
Materials for making a bird feeder laid on a work bench

Learn something new 

Have you ever wanted to learn how to climb a tree, make a bird feeder or create a bee box for your garden? Follow one of our many how to guides and become an expert in something new in no time.

Codger's Fort on the estate at Wallington, Northumberland

Listen to podcasts from the National Trust 

Did you know that we now produce podcasts? You can download episodes for free on a variety of subjects, from the stories behind our gardens, collections and outdoor places, to the houses that helped shape and influence the work of great writers.

Download our podcasts
Learn more
Tapestry depicting the Homecoming of Ulysses

Explore our collections online 

There are around 650 tapestries in the historic houses we care for. It's the largest collection of tapestries in Britain and one of the biggest in the world. Get closer to some of the most exceptional ones.

Read the article
Discover more of our collections Collections of the National Trust
Rhododendrons in May at Sheffield Park by the lake

Bringing our gardens into your home  

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. Explore our gardens from afar and see them blooming in their colourful glory.

The Entrance Front at Cragside

Bringing our houses and buildings into your home  

We look after over 300 historic buildings, from the grand and imposing to the small and quirky. Explore our places from afar and discover some of the stories behind our houses and the inhabitants who shaped them and called them home.

A man with a thank you sign on a cliff

We need your support 

For 125 years, people like you have helped us protect some of the UK's best-loved places. Everyone needs nature, beauty and green spaces now more than ever. But our income has dropped sharply due to the coronavirus crisis. As a charity, we rely on donations. Please give what you can to help us look after these places, so people and nature can thrive.

Donate now

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