CrossCountry is discovering some of the UK’s most stunning National Trust parks and gardens. During the 19th century, Britain rapidly expanded. Villages swelled into sweeping industrial towns, while mines and quarries scarred moorlands and valleys and coastal escapes were bedecked with hotels, arcades, and fairgrounds. As infrastructure advanced and freedom of movement thrived, our precious rural landscapes became threatened by the path of development.
In 1895, Octavia Hill, Robert Hunter, and Hardwicke Rawnsley reminded us that natural beauty is for everyone - and therefore should be protected for future generations. Thanks to their hard work and social reform, swathes of beautiful landscapes, grand stately homes, and charming parks and gardens have all been conserved for us to enjoy over 130 years later.
Best National Trust Parks in the UK
National Trust sites are like a favourite colour, book, or film: deeply subjective, with our fondness for them shaped by our memories and individual tastes. That said, some places have a knack for rising above personal preference. These parklands are alive with seasonal flora, provide safe havens for wildlife, and are perfect for exploring.
Calke Abbey, Derbyshire
Calke Abbey’s Baroque mansion is frozen in a state of lustreless grandeur. Its stonework is weathered, its wallpapers discoloured, and the floorboards creaky. All of this contributes to an air of romantic decay that is no less striking than if the National Trust had chosen to reverse its decline rather than preserve it.
The mansion is surrounded by 600 acres of cheerful parkland, contrasting with and softening the grey, imposing house. Every season brings a new palette of colours, from snowdrops in February and cherry blossom in April, to pumpkins and gourds in October. Wander past ancient oaks, walled gardens, and glistening ponds. If you’re heading to Calke Abbey to enjoy the gardens in spring, be sure to say hello to the new Portland lambs.
Clumber Park, Nottinghamshire
Clumber Park spans 3,800 acres of parkland - much of it was once part of Sherwood Forest, which was enclosed as a deer park in 1707. While exploring its inviting natural beauty, you’ll see a tranquil lake accented by daffodils in spring. The walled kitchen garden is also a highlight - it's home to the National Trust’s longest glasshouse and a range of healthy, seasonal produce which you can buy at the produce cart.
Parts of the park are designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to their biodiversity. The lake, wetlands, heath, and deciduous woodland all make perfect homes for wildlife. Be sure to make time to visit the English Longhorn cows as they graze in the meadows of Clumber Park.
Killerton Orchards, Devon
The gentle parklands of Killerton in Devon are home to all kinds of wonderful wildlife, from Highland Cows to tiny beetles. You can spot them as you roam through the ancient woodland - the ideal habitat for insects, fungi, and birds. Killerton is also known for its acres of orchard, where apples are grown and pressed into their award-winning cider.
Killerton is a two-pawprint-rated site, meaning they welcome canine friends and provide water and dog bins throughout the estate. Killerton is easily reached by bus from Exeter and Tiverton, and if you show your bus ticket at the visitor reception, you’ll receive a small discount and even a free second-hand book. If you’re travelling by rail, CrossCountry services run to Exeter St Davids, making the estate an easy day trip out.
Best National Trust Gardens in the UK
While parklands offer sweeping views and room to roam, National Trust gardens give the human artistic spirit a chance to flourish. These carefully cultivated spaces are places where horticulture, history, and creativity come together. From formal parterres to wild, meandering borders, each garden tells its own story.
Anglesey Abbey, Cambridgeshire
Anglesey Abbey is a gardener’s heaven close to Cambridge. Its beautifully curated grounds transform dramatically with the seasons. Originally a priory, the estate was later converted into a country house surrounded by a series of imaginative garden rooms, each offering something uniquely special.
As you slowly move through the gardens, you’ll discover winding paths, reflective ponds, and charming viewpoints. Why not sit down at one of the many picnic spots across the site, where the views over the South Lawn in summer are the loveliest? If you visit in late winter or early spring, you'll enjoy over 500 species of delicate snowdrops blanketing the grounds. And as the year progresses, vibrant dahlia and rose gardens attract visitors from all over the UK.
Trengwainton Garden, Cornwall
Trengwainton Garden enjoys Cornwall’s famously mild climate, allowing an extraordinary range of exotic plants to thrive. Catch glimpses of the ocean through the foliage, wander amongst towering tree ferns and colourful camellias, and feel a wonderful sense of calm and seclusion that you can only get when close to the sea.
The kitchen garden, orchard, and woodland areas provide a wonderful contrast to the more ornamental planting. On clear days, the views stretch across the bay towards St Michael’s Mount, a perfect next stop if you’re enjoying a weekend trip to Cornwall.
If you’re planning a visit to a National Trust park, don’t forget to book Advance rail tickets via our website or the CrossCountry app. Before you travel, make sure to check scheduled train times to find the best journey for you. If you need more information, you can contact us here.
Info
At the time of publishing, all information given is correct. Details of events, businesses, and locations included may be subject to change by third parties. Please make sure to check any details with organisers before you travel.
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