Recommendations for National Trust properties to visit.

I completely forgot about The Dunstable Downs and Whipsnade Estate but I agree with another poster, maybe there aren't any bad NT places to report!

Burghley is worth a visit too but obviously that isn't NT either but Stamford is also so lovely, so you could make a weekend of it or longer.

Culzean Castle on the Ayrshire coast is worth a visit. The east coast of Scotland has loads of castles, houses with good gardens and the scenery on the coast is beautiful.

Kingston Lacy Dorset is lovely, lots of super places to visit. Barrington Court, Montacute, Laycock just work your way round as many as you can

I loved the gardens of Osborne House, Isle of Wight but very underwhelmed by the house

Fountains Abbey in North Yorkshire and then when you ve been there you can visit the lovely spa town of Harrogate and go walking in the beautiful Yorkshire Dales x

Gibside Rowlands Gill worth a visit if you like walking. Also Wallington Hall. Both on North East.

Both IN North East.

If you venture as far as Suffolk can highly recommend Sutton Hoo and Ickworth House both well worth a visit

Thank you all. ?

If you'll be in Derbyshire/Nottinghamshire area,we have a good choice.There is beautiful Kedleston Hall and Belton House.We have Calke Abbey,which has been left in a neglected state,but well worth seeing,the grounds are beautiful.There is Mr Straw's house,a semi detached house in a time warp.We have beautiful Clumber Park and its walled garden.There is Sudbury Hall and the Museum of Childhood.We also have the unique Southwell Workhouse.So many properties, and all different, but so interesting.

Dunham Massey in Altrincham is beautiful too. There is a heard of deer that roam all around the grounds and it’s lovely to see.

I forgot to put Hardwick Hall,one of my favourites.Beautiful gardens,and the Hall tells the story of the amazing Bess of Hardwick,a powerful woman ahead of her time.

In addition to the West Midlands locations recommended by JaneJudge, can I recommend the Birmingham Back to Backs and on our rural west side, the Rock Houses at Kinver. The West Midlands is worth a visit on it's own, as we are happily surrounded by NT houses and property.

Best Buy a National Trust Handbook and a Scottish National Trust Handbook. You will get the handbook free with membership card depending on which membership you choose. Each membership gets you with countries properties. Scottish NT membership is cheaper.

Stourhead in Wiltshire, lovely gardens to walk around dotted with temples, lake and woodland. Also has a house, church and a good pub.

ginny

So many beautiful and interesting properties and gardens.
However if you find yourself in N . Wales, Penrhyn Castle is not to be missed. Took my breath away when we entered, not what I expected at all.

Bodnant Gardens (near Llanrwst, Wales) is stunning. There is a house but it is not open to the public.

I agree about Chartwell. You’ll be spoilt for choice in Kent!

Oh yes! Cragside and Wightwick Manor!
We love near Fountains Abbey, beautiful landscape and walks, lovely cafes and food, level smooth paths for buggies and wheelchairs if needed. The trees are magnificent and is worth a visit at any time of the year

Oh yes Blinko. The Back to Backs are very interesting. Someone in my family is a guide there. Sturdy shoes and ability to negotiate narrow stairs required!

If you like science then you must out Woolsthorpe Manor on your list. It was the home of Sir Isaac Newton and is packed with fascinating information.

Ro60

Wightwick Manor nr. Wolverhampton is one of my favourites - Arts & Crafts period. Difficult to get there from the South but so with it.
Another Midlands one - Charlcotte Park near Stratford on Avon.

That’s one if my favourites too. I could actually imagine living there, unlike many other NT properties which are too grand.
I live very close to Charlecote Park so tend not to visit. I loved the back to backs in Birmingham too and the cave houses in the hills somewhere in Staffordshire I think.

Just remembered, Snowshill Manor in the Cotswolds. Crammed full of the stuff collected by Charles Wade who lived there. Each room has a theme, clocks in one, toys another, even Japanese warrior uniforms in another, just fascinating. It’s quite small, with lovely gardens too, a must and just up the road is a beautiful lavender farm with a shop selling lavender products.

Just thought of another favourite, Castle Drogo in Devon, think it’s on Dartmoor.
Fabulous place, with modern comforts. Designed by Lutyens for the owner of the Home and Colonial chain of food shops.
I loved it and wanted to move in. Unlike lots of big stately homes it feels cosy.

Janetashbolt

I loved the gardens of Osborne House, Isle of Wight but very underwhelmed by the house

I loved Osbourne House. Was talking about it the other day and especially about the fabulous portrait of Queen Victoria’s Indian manservant.

Don’t forget outdoor NT places - Cardingmill Valley in Shropshire, but it gets busy on sunny weekends and Wenlock Edge to name but two.