The National Trust celebrated its 131st birthday on 12 January 2026, which marks its founding in 1895 as an organisation that preserves historic and natural places in the UK for everyone to enjoy.
The Trust cares for more than 500 places across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, including grand houses, castles, natural landscapes, and quirky historic properties. There’s something to please all ages, interests, and fitness levels.
You can either pay entry as a visitor or take out a membership that gives you access to all the Trust’s locations.
Here are five wonderful National Trust places you might want to include in your “must-visit” list for 2026.
1. Stourhead, Wiltshire – A beautiful landscape garden and classical architecture
Stourhead is one of the most celebrated gardens in the UK, and if you’re Bristol-based (like us), it’s just 35 to 40 miles away.
Garden lovers and photography enthusiasts will relish the striking spring flower walks and autumn colour weekends.
While there are some steep routes for those who fancy a challenge, such as the White Sheet Hill walk, there are plenty of flat routes available, including a gentle winding circuit around the lake.
If the heavens open, there are a few indoor options to keep you entertained, including a grand Palladian-style villa, a restaurant, a shop, and a plant centre.
As with most National Trust properties, there’s a programme of events that runs year-round, including activities such as wellbeing walks and festive games, so it’s worth checking the website before planning your trip.
2. Bodiam Castle, East Sussex – A fairytale medieval castle
If you’re a history fan, this beautiful 14th-century moated castle should be high on your list of National Trust places to visit in 2026.
This picturesque ancient monument offers spiral staircases, battlements, and the building’s original portcullis – it’s like stepping into a fairytale.
Once you’ve explored the medieval castle, take a walk through the surrounding landscape, which includes wetland, grassland, and veteran tree and deadwood habitats.
There’s also a nationally significant bat maternity roost, where female bats gather in warm, safe spots within the historic structure in early summer to give birth and raise their pups. The castle may close parts of the building during peak activity to protect these vulnerable colonies.
Of course, there’s also a National Trust shop and a tearoom that serves light lunches, snacks, and drinks. Bookworms will love browsing in the riverside second-hand bookshop.
3. Clouds Hill, Dorset – The tiny, isolated retreat of TE Lawrence
If you’re keen to see something a little bit out of the ordinary, this tiny, almost monk-like cottage in the heart of Dorset is a great choice.
Clouds Hill is about an hour and a half’s drive from Bristol and not far from the stunning Jurassic Coast, making it perfect for a day trip or an overnight stay.
The property has an intriguing history. It was the rural retreat of TE Lawrence, the British intelligence officer who became known as Lawrence of Arabia.
When he found the cottage, it was abandoned and uncared for. Lawrence turned it into a retreat away from army life where he could write, read, and relax. The rooms remain much as he left them, giving visitors an insight into his complex personality.
After you’ve explored the house and shed (where Lawrence indulged his passion for motorbikes), you might like to climb the small hill overlooking the cottage to enjoy your packed lunch with a view.
4. Hidcote Manor Garden, Gloucestershire – A world-famous Arts and Crafts garden
Save this National Trust attraction for a good-weather day in late spring to early autumn, when you can make the most of your visit.
Hidcote is a world-famous Arts and Crafts-inspired garden, created by the celebrated horticulturalist and plant collector, Major Lawrence Johnston. It covers 10.5 acres, including formal “garden rooms” near the house and natural areas that blend into the surrounding countryside.
There’s also a potting shed with information about the restoration and seasonal work being undertaken, and a well-stocked plant centre.
The events calendar includes photography exhibitions, garden talks, and plenty more, so be sure to check what’s on before travelling.
5. Tintagel Old Post Office, Cornwall – A wonderfully preserved medieval property
This charming and eccentric property is located in the dramatic coastal village of Tintagel in Cornwall.
The name dates from Victorian times, when the property briefly served as a letter receiving station for the district. The building itself is an unusual and atmospheric 14th-century yeoman’s farmhouse with a famously “wonky” roof.
The house includes displays of Victorian postal equipment and a collection of 13 needlework samplers dating from 1768. Outside, a traditional Victorian-style Cornish cottage garden is meticulously maintained, and you’re welcome to bring your own picnic.
There’s also a shop selling second-hand books, stamps, and vintage postcards.
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This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at retail clients only.
All information is correct at the time of writing and is subject to change in the future.
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