Essex, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire

Enjoy a day out amongst an ancient forest or discover age-old traditions in a number of quaint, quiet villages in the counties of Essex, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire.

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Sheep grazing on Dunstable Downs, with grassy fields below

Place

Dunstable Downs and Whipsnade Estate

Dunstable Downs is within the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The highest point in Bedfordshire, from here you can enjoy views of a landscape that has been sculpted over time.

Horse chestnut in autumn at Whipsnade Tree Cathedral, Bedfordshire

Place

Whipsnade Tree Cathedral

This incredible tree cathedral, made from trees, shrubs and plants, was created after the First World War in the spirit of 'faith, hope and reconciliation'.

Tree roots and leaves in autumn at Sharpenhoe Clappers, Bedfordshire

Place

Sharpenhoe

An ancient woodland and chalk escarpment, crowned with traces of an Iron Age hillfort.

Trees in autumn mist at Hatfield Forest, Essex

Place

Hatfield Forest National Nature Reserve

Shaped by people over centuries and home to the rarest species of wildlife and oldest ancient trees, no other forest on earth evokes the atmosphere of a medieval hunting Forest so completely.

Place

Bourne Mill

A picturesque watermill with working waterwheel a short stroll from the centre of Colchester.

A view of Paycocke's, Essex, on street level

Place

Paycocke's House and Garden

Book a guided experience around this perfectly formed Tudor merchant's house whose walls have more than a few stories to tell.

The exterior of Grange Barn in sunshine, Essex

Place

Grange Barn

One of Europe's oldest timber-framed buildings, Grange Barn stands as a lasting reminder of the once powerful Coggeshall Abbey.

Couple walking with their dog on Danbury Common, Essex

Place

Danbury Commons and Blakes Wood

Explore Essex's second largest area of common land.

Two people in winter coats and hats walk their black dog through winter woodland, with bare trees and brown undergrowth

Place

Ashridge Estate

Ashridge Estate is a 5,000 acre area of the Chiltern Hills, with ancient trees, rolling chalk downlands and lush meadows in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

View of the south front of Shaw's Corner, Hertfordshire

Place

Shaw's Corner

Join a guided tour of Shaw's Corner and learn more about its owner, playwright George Bernard Shaw, who lived here for 44 years.

A woman and little boy looking at decorations and wishes hanging from a Christmas tree

Get ready to unwrap the magic of the season at Dunstable Downs! This holiday season, we are thrilled to bring you an enchanting array of festive experiences that will make Christmas special for all the family.

Christmas tree decorated with traditional ornaments and a family in the background at Cragside, Northumberland

Article

Christmas at Paycocke’s

Visit Paycocke's House for an authentic Tudor Yuletide, kick off your Christmas shopping at the Tudor Craft Fayre and enjoy a mince pie or two in the tea-room.

Tudor Yuletide at Paycocke's

Visit Paycocke’s House and Garden and be transported back 500 years to and authentic Tudor Yuletide. The Companye of Merrie Folke will bring to life the sights, sounds and smells of the festive season from Tudor times.

A Christmas Carol at Paycocke's

Enjoy a special performance of Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol in the beautiful, atmospheric and intimate setting of Paycocke’s Great Hall. Tickets are limited to book now to avoid disappointment.

Refresh the mind and blow away the cobwebs as you explore the Essex coast.

A view along the coastline of Northey Island, Essex

Article

Plan your visit to Northey Island

Plan your visit to Northey Island, and discover what you can see and do while you're there.

Woman with a dog at Copt Hall Marshes, Essex

Article

Explore Copt Hall Marshes

Explore Copt Hall Marshes, a wildlife-rich working farm on the Blackwater Estuary, part of the extensive Essex coastline.

A flock of dark-bellied brent geese on Northey Island, Essex

Press release

Numbers of protected birds soar to new record after overhead power lines are removed on remote Essex island

National Trust rangers at Northey Island in Essex, with support from volunteers, have recorded record numbers of two protected bird species following the re-routing of the island’s power infrastructure.

Protective track mats in midst of trees in ancient woodland at Ashridge Estate

Press release

National Trust's largest ancient woodland set to be restored on a scale rarely seen

A major restoration project is underway at the National Trust’s largest ancient woodland, Ashridge Estate in Hertfordshire, to improve the site’s prospects for wildlife and protect its diverse habitats, which are home to many species that are endangered or in decline.

Project

Coastal adaptation project at Northey Island

Learn about the major conservation work we’re carrying out at Northey Island in partnership with the RSPB to restore and retain vital saltmarsh habitat in the Blackwater Estuary.

Project

Ashridge Estate - Protecting Our Roots

We are looking at making changes to the infrastructure across the estate to help manage the careful balance of increased visitor numbers with the impact on nature. Read about the 'Protecting Our Roots' project and find out more about our vision for the future of Ashridge Estate.

Volunteer ranger hedgelaying at Kingston Lacy, Dorset

Volunteering in Essex, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire

Making new friends, working in amazing places, and knowing that you're helping a cause you care about – just three great reasons to volunteer with the National Trust in Essex, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire.

Visitors on a guided nature walk at Sharpenhoe Clappers, Sharpenhoe, Bedfordshire

Article

Supporter groups in Essex, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire

There are a number of supporter groups in Essex, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire. Find out more about what they do and how you can join one near you.

Family on a bike ride in autumnal woods, looking at a map

Article

Sustainable travel in Essex, Beds and Herts

There are a number of sustainable options for travelling to and from the places in our care in Essex, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire, whether you’re looking to travel by train, bus, bike or foot. Here’s a little more information that can help you plan your visit.

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Event

Breakfast with the Elves

Dunstable Downs and Whipsnade Estate, Dunstable, Bedfordshire

Another magical Christmas season awaits as the elves return for breakfast at the View Café!

Event

Festive Lunch

Dunstable Downs and Whipsnade Estate, Dunstable, Bedfordshire

Enjoy a family-friendly, festive lunch with a view at the Chiltern Gateway Centre.

Event

Festive Afternoon Tea

Dunstable Downs and Whipsnade Estate, Dunstable, Bedfordshire

Get cosy and enjoy winter views as you treat yourself to a festive afternoon tea!

Event

A Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens

Paycocke's House and Garden, Colchester, Essex

Anthony Roberts' traditional and atmospheric telling of the Christmas classic.

Event

Family Trail: Mystery Mail with the Elves

Dunstable Downs and Whipsnade Estate, Dunstable, Bedfordshire

Santa’s lost a letter, and he needs you to help find it!

Event

Festive Evenings at Dunstable Downs

Dunstable Downs and Whipsnade Estate, Dunstable, Bedfordshire

As darkness descends on the Downs, see us light up the courtyard for a cosy evening of music, wreath making, late night shopping and night time version of our family trail.

Event

Festive Gentle Stroll with Santa Paws Competition

Dunstable Downs and Whipsnade Estate, Dunstable, Bedfordshire

Calling all dogs of Dunstable - Santa Paws is coming to town! Don your favourite Christmas garments, win best in show, and take your two-legged friends on a stress-busting gentle stroll that will be sure to earn you a place on the nice list.

Event

‘Twixmas’- Post Christmas Gentle Stroll

Dunstable Downs and Whipsnade Estate, Dunstable, Bedfordshire

Walk away from the stress of Christmas and join us for a gentle stroll across Dunstable Downs before the start of 2024! This walk will be led by our legendary volunteers, Geoff and Annette and will be along the multi-user path.

Explore an area nearby

Visitors at the Christmas market at Waddesdon Manor, Buckinghamshire

Where will you visit next?

Discover lots of gardens, historic houses, days out at the coast and more.

Plan a visit