10 unmissable National Trust properties across the UK, chosen by the National Trust itself

Summer is coming. Longer days and warmer breezes are on the way – and, obviously, they’re best enjoyed out of doors. Which is where the National Trust comes in. 

The charity takes care of more than 500 historic sites up and down the UK, meaning wherever you are, you’re probably within reasonable distance of one of these beautiful spots. But which ones are most worth planning a trip for? Well, the National Trust has kindly put together a guide for Time Out, detailing which of its properties are most unmissable this year. 

now a list of the top 10 places where you can enjoy gorgeous vistas, long walks in the country and commune with some wildlife. 

So, if you’re looking to plan a day trip for a summer picnic, here are the top 10 National Trust properties around the country, as chosen by the charity itself.

RECOMMENDED: The best National Trust properties near London.

The best National Trust sites to visit across the UK in 2026

Blickling Estate, Norfolk

The Jacobean mansion at the heart of the Blickling Estate – home to one of the most impressive libraries in the country – is fit for royalty. We mean that literally, because it was once home to the family of Anne Boleyn, aka the second wife of Henry VIII. Books aren’t the only thing to get excited about here: 5,000 acres of rolling parkland offers hidden corners, scenic stretches and wildlife-rich habitats, plus a central garden which has been pruned and planted for more than 300 years. From May 22, there’ll be an exhibition on textiles from the Karun Thakar Collection, showcasing everything from Japanese kimonos to Ghanaian Kente cloths.

Sutton Hoo, Suffolk 

Any budding archaeologist will be familiar with Sutton Hoo. Set above the River Deben, it was the site of one of Britain’s biggest excavations when an Anglo-Saxon royal burial ship was uncovered in the 1930s. Its latest exhibition, The Dig: A Story Unearthed, revisits the famous discovery through props, costumes and a deep-dive into the story of the historic dig. Seems like the perfect excuse to grab your fedora and bullwhip and make like Indiana Jones. 

Dyrham Park, Gloucestershire

If you’re interested in learning more about British colonial history, then Dyrham Park is a good place to start. In the 17th century it was originally home to diplomat William Blathwayt, who created the government War Office and helped establish British colonies in North America. The baroque mansion and 270 acres of ancient parkland give insight into how the empire funded a landed estate. The Thakar Collection’s textiles series will be on display here, so expect Asafo flags from Ghana to bring vibrant colours to the walls from May 22.

Lacock Abbey, Wiltshire

Bet you didn’t guess that some shots of Hogwarts in the early Harry Potter films were actually a medieval nunnery. Yep, Wiltshire’s Lacock Abbey, a country house with monastic roots, made a couple of cameos in the first two movies. And its storied past doesn’t end there, having been the home of William Henry Fox Talbot, who helped invent photography. His legacy lives on in the form of the Fox Talbot Museum. Right now, you can catch an exhibition presenting early colour images from the 1930s and ’40s, shown in the UK for the first time.

Dyffryn Gardens, Wales

Just outside Cardiff, at the Grade I-listed Edwardian Dyffryn Gardens you can experience a maze of different landscapes in just 55 acres. Designed by Thomas Mawson and shaped by horticulturalist Reginald Cory, you can expect rose gardens, an arboreum of trees from around the world, an Italian-inspired Pompeiian Garden and a lush rainforest-like Exotics Garden. Plus, The Other Bennet Sister exhibition, which is running until August 31, is a chance to see parts of the Victorian mansion which aren’t usually open to the public and see some of the BTS details from the BBC series filmed here.

Powis Castle and Garden, Powys

Dramatic architecture, colourful gardens, and centuries of history – what’s not to love? Rising above the Severn Valley, Powis Castle is a medieval fortress dating back to the 13th century. It’s also home to a collection of Chinese porcelain, world-famous paintings, furniture, tapestries and plenty of other treasures collated inside its own in-house Clive Museum.

Dunham Massey, Cheshire

Mancunians looking for a break from city life, we have just the thing for you. Less than an hour’s drive from the city centre sits Dunham Massey, a grand Georgian mansion with a 300-acre deer park, all-season gardens and woodland walks. From spring it’ll also be home to an exhibition titled Meet Rembrandt, which teaches visitors ‘slow looking’ – asking them to reflect and spend some time with the artist’s self-portrait. It opens this spring and is on until July 12. And breathe. 

Gibside, Tyne & Wear

Perched just outside Newcastle is this wildlife haven. Ruins which were once Gibside Hall are now a roost for bats, the old stables have been nested by swallows and the Octagon Pond a home for great-crested newts. Let’s hope they’re happy to share their homes this spring and summer when a series of music and theatre events comes to the Palladian chapel. Expect folk singing, brass bands, jazz performances and al-fresco plays. 

Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland

A trip to Giant’s Causeway isn’t something you’ll ever forget. The fact that the perfectly hexagonal stone columns rising from the North Antrim coast are naturally occurring is pretty mind-boggling; it’s no wonder there are so many ancient myths and legends about the UNESCO World Heritage site. Luckily for anyone keen to explore its sweeping sea views, the National Trust has just revamped the local walking trails and upgraded the visitor facilities.

Mount Stewart, Northern Ireland

Set on the shores of Strangford Lough, there’s a reason why Mount Stewart is the most visited National Trust mansion house property in Northern Ireland. It’s considered one of the most beautiful gardens in the world, and offers a slice of Northern Irish history. Acquired by the Stewart family in 1744, the woodlands, estate roads, bridle paths, follies and farmland remain unchanged since then. Plus, it’s a great example of the Irish demesne, intended to be both beautiful and productive and provide food and resources for the household. 

Looking for gorgeous properties close to the capital? Check out 10 of the greatest National Trust sites near London (as chosen by the National Trust).

Did you see that this historic and very steep hill has been crowned the prettiest street in Britain?

Plus: the 11 sunniest beaches in the UK for summer 2026.