The Best National Trust Properties

With over two hundred historic houses, properties and buildings in its ownership, The National Trust is dedicated to preserving history for the enjoyment of future generations. We take a look at some of the best National Trust properties to visit this year.

Formed in 1894, The National Trust (full name The National Trust for Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty) is a charitable organisation that exists to preserve historic buildings, land and natural features for the enjoyment of future generations.

Founded by Octavia Hill, Robert Hunter and Canon Hardwicke Rawnsley, and in part the first Duke of Westminster, the Trust has been acquiring and managing properties that are no longer able to be maintained by their owners.

The National Trust owns two hundred historic houses that are open to the general public - the majority of these being country houses containing art, furniture, books, textiles and pictures that have historic importance attached to them.

BritEvents brings you a list of the best National Trust properties to visit - although we'll be constantly adding to this list. Please feel free to suggest your own favourites at the bottom of this page.

Stourhead Garden

Often referred to as 'Paradise', Stourhead Garden has been called one of the finest landscape gardens in the world. Created by Henry Hoare II in the 1700's, the gardens include classical features including The Temple of Flora, the Pantheon, and The Temple of Apollo. The garden changes dramatically with the position of the sun, giving spectacular swathes of light and shade. A truly beautiful garden.

Bodiam Castle

Built in 1385 as a home as well as a defensive castle, Bodiam Castle is one of the most famous in Britain. Being almost complete, the ramparts rise dramatically above the impressive moat. Lots of features are open to explore to visitors, including spiral staircases, battlements, and incredible views across the Rother Valley await you. Look out for the original wooden portcullis, a very rare example of its kind. Costumed historical interpreters are available in the courtyard from April to October.

Corfe Castle

Corfe Castle is one of Britain's most majestic castles. Rising above the Isle of Purbeck, Corfe Castle is one of the most majestic runed castles in Britain, once the controlling gateway through the Purbeck Hills. Demolished in 1646 by the Parliamentarians, the remains are still open to enjoy and explore. Look out for the murder holes!

Ightham Mote

A delightfully romantic 14th century moated manor house, Ightham Mote is set in extensive gardens, and has been described by David Starkey as 'one of the most beautiful and interesting of English country houses'. Visitors can explore the Great Hall, crypt, Charles Henry Robinson's private apartments, and the wonderful gardens.

Coleton Fishacre

At Coleton Fishacre visitors can step back in time to the age of Jazz at the D'Oyly Carte family home in Kingswear, Devon. A magical 30 acre garden is open to exploration that leads you through ponds, exotic plants and glimpses out to sea. Inside the Art Deco style house visitors can immerse themselves in a musical atmosphere. Jazz and open air theatre events are available throughout the year.

Cotehele

Set in extensive grounds in Saltash in Cornwall, Cotehele is a Tudor house with plenty to explore, including tapestries, textiles, arms, and furniture from Tudor times past. Take time to have a stroll around the formal planted terraces and Valley Garden, which includes a dovecote and medieval stewpond. Climb up the 18th Century Prospect Tower folly for fantastic views of the local area.

Hardwick Hall

Hardwick Hall is without a doubt one of Britain's finest Elizabethan houses, demonstrating the wealth and authority of its builder, Bess of Hardwick, who built the house in Chesterfield, Derbyshire in the 1590's. Unaltered since it was constructed, Hardwick Hall contains rich tapestries, freizes and alabaster fireplaces. Make sure you check out the hauntingly atmospheric Long Gallery, the fascinating new exhibition of Bess of Hardwick's letters, and the new Discovery Room.

Erddig Hall

Set in wonderful gardens, wood, and parkland in Wrexham, Erddig Hall has previously been described as 'the jewel in the crown of Welsh country houses'. Erddig is an 18th century house that reflects 250 years of upstairs-downstairs life between the owners and their servants. Plenty of areas to explore, including stables, smithy, joiners room and sawmill, as well as delighful gardens and park.

Powis Castle

A medieval castle that rises dramatically above the spectacular gardens overhung with clipped yews, Powis Castle has one of the most incredible terraced gardens in the world. Originally built in the 1200's as a medieval fortress, the castle in Welshpool, Powis, is home to a collection of paintings, furniture, tapestries and sculpture, as well as a collection of treasures from Clive of India. Make sure you don't miss the spectacular gardens.

Belton House

Belton House is a restoration country house in Grantham, Lincs, set in its own magnificent deer park. Built for Sir John Brownlow in the late 17th century, visitors can see opulent decor, fine furnishings and silverware. Out in the parklands, take time to explore the tranquil lakeshore, and children can have fun at one of Lincolnshire's largest adventure playgrounds.

Blickling Hall

A stunning bulding of local red brick and Ketton limestone, Blickling Hall is surrounded by rolling Norfolk countryside and parklands with views over the gardens and lake. Located in Norwich, Norfolk, visitors can follow four centuries of history from the Boleyn family through to the Second World War. Don't miss the magnificent collection of books in the library, and the RAF Museum.

Dunster Castle

Located near Minehead in Somerset, Dunster Castle is an ancient castle containing a fine oak staircase and unique leather hangings. Visitors to the castle, home of the Luttrell family for more than 600 years, can relax on the south terrace to enjoy panoramic views of the local surrounding countryside, and views across Exmoor and Bristol channel.

Waddesdon Manor

Waddesdon Manor, near Aylesbury in Buckinghamshire, was designed in the style of a 16th century French Renaissance chateau by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild in order to show his impressive collection of art treasures. The Victorian garden is one of the finest in Britain - at its heart is a well stocked aviary that was once part of the Baron's collection. Look out for the new contemporary art gallery, located in the Coach House by the stables.