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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.

Places to visit

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Top places to visit in Essex, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire

Sheep grazing on Dunstable Downs, with grassy fields below
Place
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.

Dunstable, Bedfordshire

Fully open today
Horse chestnut in autumn at Whipsnade Tree Cathedral, Bedfordshire
Place
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'.

Dunstable, Bedfordshire

Fully open today
Tree roots and leaves in autumn at Sharpenhoe Clappers, Bedfordshire
Place
Place

Sharpenhoe 

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

Streatley, Bedfordshire

Fully open today
Trees in autumn mist at Hatfield Forest, Essex
Place
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.

Bishop's Stortford, Essex

Partially open today
Close up of the exterior of Bourne Mill
Place
Place

Bourne Mill 

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

Colchester, Essex

Closed now
A view of Paycocke's, Essex, on street level
Place
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.

Colchester, Essex

Closed now
The exterior of Grange Barn in sunshine, Essex
Place
Place

Grange Barn 

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

Colchester, Essex

Closed now
Couple walking with their dog on Danbury Common, Essex
Place
Place

Danbury Commons and Blakes Wood 

Explore Essex's second largest area of common land.

Danbury, Essex

Fully open today
Two people in winter coats and hats walk their black dog through winter woodland, with bare trees and brown undergrowth
Place
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.

Near Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire

Fully open today
View of the south front of Shaw's Corner, Hertfordshire
Place
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.

near Welwyn, Hertfordshire

Closed now

Christmas in Essex, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire

Night time shot of the Chiltern's Gateway Centre and Courtyard at Dunstable Downs. The Centre is lit up by fairylights.
Article
Article

Christmas at Dunstable Downs 

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
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.

Spotlight events and exhibitions

Tudor Yuletide at Paycocke's

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

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.

The coast

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

A view along the coastline of Northey Island, Essex
Article
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
Article

Explore Copt Hall Marshes 

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

Latest news and projects

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

Get involved

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
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.

Sustainable travel

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

Upcoming events

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 summary

on
3 Dec to 23 Dec 2023
at
09:00 to 09:30
+ 43 other dates or times
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 summary

on
4 Dec to 22 Dec 2023
at
12:00 to 14:30
+ 14 other dates or times
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 summary

on
6 Dec to 22 Dec 2023
at
12:00 to 15:00
+ 8 other dates or times
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 summary

on
11 Dec 2023
at
15:00 to 16:45
+ 1 other date or time
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 summary

on
15 Dec to 23 Dec 2023
at
10:30 to 15:00
+ 8 other dates or times
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 summary

on
15 Dec to 22 Dec 2023
at
17:00 to 19:00
+ 1 other date or time
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 summary

on
19 Dec 2023
at
10:30 to 13:00
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.

Event summary

on
29 Dec 2023
at
10:30 to 13:00
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.