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Special exhibitions

A ldy wearing headphones and holding an audio guide, looks at a painting of a man with a cap with two flambouyant feathers and a large dark velvet cloak with bright silver embroidery on the hem. The man has long curly hair and a thin beard - he is Rembrandt
A self-portrait by Rembrandt van Rijn is touring to inspire visitors to slow down and reconnect with art and themselves | © National Trust Images/James Dobson

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 London and the South East

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

Family admiring the Artifical Sunshine neon sculpture installation in the West Hall at The Argory, with the family standing on a staircase with the neon sculpture in the foreground
Visitors admiring the Artificial Sunshine neon sculpture at The Argory, County Armagh | © National Trust Images/Brian Morrison

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

Two women look at a display of information stands in a room at Dyrham Park, South Gloucestershire
Visitors looking at an exhibition at Dyrham Park, South Gloucestershire | © National Trust Images/Dawn Biggs

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

The World of William Blathwayt at Dyrham Park, South Gloucestershire

Featuring short videos and interactive displays of items from Dyrham Park's collections, this exhibition takes visitors back to the 1690s when leading civil servant William Blathwayt set about rebuilding the estate. It introduces the transforming local, national and global climate of the period and links historic events and contemporary figures that shaped Blathwayt's world and home. 

Exhibition ongoing

Unseen Colour by Werner Bischof: Photography Exhbition at Lacock, Wiltshire

Known for his black and white photojournalism of the post-war world, Bishof used a Devin Tricolor camera for fashion, still life and documentary work. After his death, his son Marco discovered unseen negatives and worked with a scanning specialist to recreate the lost prints. This exhibition presents a treasure trove of previously unknown colour images from the late 1930s and early 1940s which are on display at the Fox Talbot Museum, Lacock.

31 May 2025 – 31 May 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

Visitor garden Erddig Wrexham Wales

Where will you visit next?

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

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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.

Children looking through binoculars outside

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.

The artist Bob and Roberta Smith holds a free painting class under the Tolpuddle Martyrs’ Tree in Dorset

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.

The bowl is painted showing male figures in Manchu dress mounted on horses carrying bows and arrows, one appears to hold a matchlock, perhaps with a bayonet, they are chasing deer and a leopard,

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.

Two visitors in a room with a white vaulted ceiling with a sky light with dark red walls and various artworks displayed.