13 incredible National Trust sites within an hour of Nottingham (2023)

From breathtaking scenery to historic halls, the National Trust has much to offer people of all ages.

And with so many locations under his management, we're spoiled for choice.

If you're planning a day trip, there are plenty of places to visit within less than an hour's drive from Nottingham city centre.

Here's our pick of the best - let us know your favorite with a comment!

the asylum

Nottingham Miles:12

What is it?Located in the historic town of Southwell, Nottinghamshire, this rural workhouse was designed to house around 160 inmates. They lived and worked in a strictly segregated environment, with virtually no contact between old and sick, healthy men, women and children. The austere building shows what life would have been like for the poorest of Victorian society in the 1840s.

must do:'Joy' of gardening.

ADDRESS:Upton Road, Southwell, Nottinghamshire, NG25 0PT

Hartwick

Nottingham Miles:15

What is it?It was the impressive "Bess of Hardwick" who first created the impressive Hardwick Hall in the 16th century. In the centuries that followed, their descendants, farmers, gardeners, builders, decorators, embroiderers and artisans of all kinds contributed to and made Hardwick their creation. In addition there is the extensive estate and nearby Stainsby Mill also run by the Trust to enjoy.

must do:Enjoy the luxurious interiors, especially the impressive tapestries.

ADDRESS:Damhirschkuh Lea, Chesterfield, Derbyshire, S44 5QJ

Kedleston Hall

Nottingham Miles:sixteen

What is it?Step back in time to the 1760s at this spectacular neoclassical mansion set in historic parkland. Designed for lavish entertainment, Kedleston features an extensive collection of original paintings, sculpture and furniture and is a stunning example of the work of architect Robert Adam. The hall served as a filming location for The Duchess, the Hollywood blockbuster starring Keira Knightley.

must do:Take a long walk through the Pleasure Grounds.

ADDRESS:Cerca de Quarndon, Derby, Derbyshire, DE22 5JH

Calke Abbey

Nottingham Miles:17

What is it?With peeling paint and overgrown courtyards, Calke Abbey tells the story of a country house's dramatic decline. The house and stables are poorly restored, with many abandoned areas vividly depicting a time in the 20th century when countless farms did not survive to tell their stories. Staunton Harold Church, owned by the Trust, is also nearby.

must do:Take a look at the huge taxidermy collection.

ADDRESS:Ticknall, Derby, Derbyshire, DE73 7JF

Steinwell

Nottingham Miles:19

What is it?Zigzagging from its rocky outcrop, Stoneywell is the realization of one man's artistic and craft vision in a family home. Original furniture and family treasures fill the quirky rooms of the Gimson family home, and outside every nook and cranny evokes childhood memories of exciting holidays: one path to the fort, another to the forest beyond. . Stoneywell is also close to the Trust's Ulverscroft Nature Reserve.

must do:Explore the gardens and try to spot neighboring Old John in Bradgate Park on the horizon.

ADDRESS:Rua Whitcrofts, Ulverscroft, Leicestershire, LE67 9QE

climbing park

Nottingham Miles:21

What is it?Clumber Park is a beautiful parkland, moorland and woodland stretching over 3,800 acres. Clumber was once owned by the Dukes of Newcastle. Although the house was demolished in 1938, there are many glimpses of its great past to discover. From the Gothic-style chapel, often referred to as a "miniature cathedral", you can follow in the footsteps of the dukes via the tranquil playground to Horta Murada, where you can experience the sights, smells and tastes of times gone by.

must do:Bring some food to feed the ducks, geese and swans.

ADDRESS:Mehr Alt, Nottinghamshire, S80 3AZ

Casa Grantham

Nottingham Miles:22

What is it?A beautiful townhouse with architectural features from different eras. The Grantham estate also has a walled riverside garden.

must do:Visited by bike as part of the extensive Sustrans Route 15 which runs from Belton in Leicestershire via Nottingham to Sleaford in Lincolnshire.

ADDRESS:Castlegate, Grantham, Lincolnshire, NG31 6SS

Casa Belton

Nottingham Miles:23

What is it?Belton is set elegantly in formal gardens overlooking playgrounds and a former deer park and is often cited as the perfect example of an English country house. Although built on a modest scale, it boasts an excellent collection of porcelain and silver, a world-renowned library and an architectural elegance that reflects the enduring wealth and refined tastes of its former owners, the Brownlow family.

must do:Let the kids romp around in the fantastic play area.

ADDRESS:Grantham, Lincolnshire, NG32 2LS

casa do Sr Stroh

Nottingham Miles:24

What is it?Step back in time to the 1920s and discover how a grocer family lived in Worksop through their furniture and household items. The modest home at 7 Blyth Grove has remained virtually unchanged since the Straws moved here in 1923. For over 60 years, they have made it a point to live without many of the modern conveniences we take for granted today.

must do:Find cactus collection.

ADDRESS:5-7 Blyth Grove, Worksop, Nottinghamshire, S81 0JG

Woolsthorpe mansion

Nottingham Miles:25

What is it?Without Isaac Newton this little manor house would have been just another Lincolnshire farmhouse, but in 1665 the plague sent him back from college to his birthplace. For 18 months, Newton worked alone, experimenting obsessively and laying the foundations of today's science.

must do:See the apple tree in the orchard believed to have inspired his theory of gravity.

ADDRESS:Water Lane, Woolsthorpe von Colsterworth, Cerca de Grantham, Lincolnshire, NG33 5PD

Sudbury-Halle

Nottingham Miles:26

What is it?Come and discover two contrasting experiences sitting side by side. Explore the historic Vernon family home and meet some of the amazing people who have shaped Sudbury over the centuries. Then, visit the Museum of Childhood to explore childhood past, play with toys, and tell stories. Test your skills as a chimney sweep, kitchen hand or Victorian student and marvel at our archive films and interactive displays.

must do:Relive your childhood!

ADDRESS:Carretera Principal, Sudbury, Ashbourne, Derbyshire, DE6 5HT

the old mansion

Nottingham Miles:27

What is it?Norbury Manor, the former home of the Fitzherbert family, is a very rare example of a first floor medieval hall that was once part of the Fitzherbert family's private apartments. Visitors can also find a small, manicured garden area that includes a knot garden, as well as a short walk through the woods.

must do:Go to the river bank.

ADDRESS:Norbury, Ashbourne, Derbyshire, DE6 2ED

Roman Baths of Letocetum

Nottingham Miles:36

What is it?Explore the ruins of this important Roman stop, including a 'mansio' (Roman inn) and bathhouse. The military fort grounds are open year-round, with a museum open one weekend a month from March to October.

must do:Time your visit to enjoy a guided walk.

ADDRESS:Watling Street, Muro, Cerca de Lichfield, Staffordshire, WS14 0AW

How to become a member of the National Trust

Isnational trustserves over 500 locations across the UK, including some of the best beaches, parks, forests and wildlife areas in the country.

For a monthly or annual fee, you can enjoy as much as you like by becoming a member of the National Trust.

In return, you get access to parks, forests, and impressive buildings.

What memberships are there?

Individual subscription costs:

• Adults (26 and over): £69 per year or £5.75 per month
• Youth (18-25 years) - £34.50 per year
• Junior (0-17 years) - £10 per year

Shared Subscription Costs:

• Two adults (18+): £114 per year or £9.50 per month

Family subscription costs:

• Family of two adults (18+) and up to 10 children or grandchildren (under 17): £120 per year or £10 per month
• Family of 1 adult (over 18) and up to 10 children or grandchildren (under 17): £75 per year or £6.25 per month

Lifetime subscription costs:

• Single Life - £1,695
• Single Living for Seniors (60+) – £1,240

• Family life together – £2,255

How do I join?

To join the National Trust, go towww.nationaltrust.org.uk/join-us.

Choose your preferred membership and payment and get started.

You can buy the subscription for yourself or give it as a gift. However, a monthly payment is not available for the gift subscription.

What benefits do I receive?

When you become a member you will receive:

• Free entry to over 500 special places
• Free parking in most National Trust car parks
• National Trust handbook full of ideas to help you plan a visit
• The National Trust magazine is sent to you three times a year
• Regular newsletters straight to your inbox

where can i go

With over 500 National Trust sites to visit, there is plenty to choose from across the UK.

If you're looking for a family outing, you can look to places with wildlife, flower gardens, or tree climbing opportunities.

For those looking to bring their four-legged friends to a National Trust property, there are dog-friendly cafes and stunning countryside to roam around in.

Now films like Poldark, Journey's End and Gunpowder have all been shot on National Trust locations. Here's how every movie and TV lover can make a bucket list to score every point.

In addition, Game of Thrones is often filmed at National Trust sites, including the Georgian Stockyard in Castle Ward, County Down, which depicted Winterfell, home of the Stark family. Now it receives up to 2500 guests per month.

Northern Ireland is a popular filming location for Game of Thrones with Portstewart Strand in County Londonderry, Larrybane Quarry in County Antrim and Murlough Bay all starring in the hit TV series.

Use the map to view National Trust locations by areaHere.