National Trust Podcast

Oct 5/2023

The Philae Obelisk at Kingston Lacy in Dorset is an ancient reminder of a very different world. Learn about its origins, why it came to be in England and how its hand-carved inscriptions were key to unlocking the secrets of Egyptian hieroglyphs. Listen to this classic episode from our series 125 Treasures, presented by Alison[...]
Join us as we celebrate the season of blossom with poetry and music written and produced by Poet Laureate Simon Armitage and his band LYR. In this episode, Simon shares the inspiration behind his poetry, and the band discuss how they produced the song Blossom: A CV and collaborated with community choirs as part of[...]
In the 1930s, the mysterious Ferguson’s Gang captivated the British public with their daring and unusual stunts. Led by the enigmatic “Bill Stickers”, the group was unlike any other gangsters of the era. They were mask-wearing, all-women activists who gave money in quirky ways to help save the countryside. In this docudrama, uncover the identities[...]
Google Podcasts is coming to an end between April and June this year. To keep up with the National Trust Podcast please follow or subscribe using an alternative app. Spotify - https://spoti.fi/4a88H3d Apple Podcasts - https://apple.co/4a1nH2N Youtube (Coming Soon) - https://www.youtube.com/nationaltrustcharity More - https://audioboom.com/channels/4957126-national-trust-podcast Info from Google: After April 2, 2024, users in the US[...]
National Trust Podcast is back with a new collection of immersive tales in nature, history and adventure. Look out for Series 8 launching 4 April. Travel to the 1930s to unmask the eccentric Ferguson’s Gang, find out how the felling of the Sycamore Gap tree impacted the community, and discover what life was like for[...]
For the past few years Holnicote Estate, Exmoor National Park, has been home to furry inhabitants engineering a solution to local flooding, and developing a habitat not seen in the UK for centuries. In this episode we revisit the site to check in on its charismatic residents. And discover the exciting news of a[...]
Growing up, Drag Queen Misty Monique thought it was a bit unfair that at the weddings she went to, men wore suits while women could wear a variety of outfits and costumes. Discovering drag opened a whole new world of expression and also a means to entertain. Misty heads to the stage at Smallhythe[...]
Embark on the last voyage of an Anglo-Saxon burial ship and learn how its discovery changed our understanding of a civilisation. In 1939, archaeologists uncovered a “ghost ship” under the acidic sandy soil of Sutton Hoo, in Suffolk. Now, presenter James Grasby reimagines the last journey of that vessel, and who was aboard, as it[...]
In March 1939 a group of 23 children and their two adult guardians stepped off a coach in Waddesdon village, Buckinghamshire. The arrivals were Jewish refugees who had escaped Nazi Germany, where they had been forced to leave behind their homes and loved ones. With support from their sponsors James and Dorothy de Rothschild and[...]
Geocaching is the 21st century answer to treasure hunting with items hidden across the world in towns, cities, forests and wild expanses. Novice Jo Dyson and expert Rich Foster embark on a modern-day adventure at the 320-million-year-old Brimham Rocks in Yorkshire. Follow in the footsteps of dinosaurs, druids and Victorian day-trippers across this rugged landscape[...]
Join a tour of a garden designed for pleasure, as we relive its party heyday. Claremont in Surrey once played host to events described as the lovechild of a festival and a palace garden party. Presenter James Grasby uncovers the best spots, the shenanigans they elicited, and the most incredible views reminiscent of scenes from[...]
Journey to a tiny island renowned for adventure. Brownsea Island, off England’s southwest coast is the birthplace of the Scout movement and where history and the outdoors collide for a favourite British pastime, camping. Join presenter Jo Dyson as she spends the night in a tree tent and discovers what this unique island has to[...]
Take a tour through time as we explore the rich past and promising future of Castlefield Viaduct – a Victorian railway bridge transformed into a green oasis and bustling garden in the heart of the Manchester city skyline. Production Host: Michelle Douglass Producer: Michelle Douglass Sound editor: Jesus Gomez Discover more Find out more about[...]
Revisit a favourite episode from our mini series 125 Treasures. Join actor Alison Steadman and explore the story behind Hambletonian, Rubbing Down, a painting by George Stubbs at Mount Stewart in County Down. Delve into the world of horse racing and uncover the hidden criticisms of this treasure's past owner. Production Host: Alison Steadman Producer:[...]
The rolling hills of Stockbridge Down in Hampshire have a secret that comes after night falls. Ranger Kate Martin is hot on the trail of a mysterious species you might be surprised to meet in the UK, and uncover why this high vantage point was a perfect spot for grisly goings on. Production Host: Kate[...]
Wildlife and nature is not just found in the countryside. Meet the buzzing birding community in the unlikely location of Leeds city centre. Ranger Kate Martin meets experts watching the skies for Peregrine Falcons, learns how listen for bird calls and discovers how even the smallest of spaces can be transformed into a haven for[...]
Hear the story of how an eccentric Victorian and a potato helped save Japan’s lost cherry blossom blooms. Visit an international Hanami party in London and wander through an underwater flowering meadow. Join us as we celebrate the beauty of blossom. Production Host: Kate Martin Producer: Jesse Edbrooke Sound editor: Jesus Gomez Discover more Find[...]
Get set for adventure with the National Trust Kids’ Podcast. Join a host of colourful characters in stories exploring the world around us, from going wild outdoors to uncovering scientific marvels. Dive into our first story, Ranger Rae and the Wildlifers. When some humans get in a pickle on a kayak, Ranger Rae and a[...]
Experience life on Blakeney Point in Norfolk as it transforms throughout the year. From the mass arrival of seal pups in winter to the noisy feathered-frenzy of summer, discover how a remote stretch of shingle coastline is home to some of the UK's most unique marine wildlife. Production Host: Michelle Douglass Producer: Michelle Douglass Sound[...]
A disco ball, a pirate ship and portraits with speech bubbles are perhaps not what you’d expect to see when visiting a historic property, but at the UK’s first Children’s Country House, anything could happen. Join Curator James Grasby, as he explores this place filled with surprises at every turn. Production Hosts: James Grasby and[...]
A covert and secretive wilderness lies just off the Suffolk coast. Until recently the history of Orford Ness has been kept top secret but now is home to endangered plants and animals making their home alongside eerie abandoned buildings once the hub of historic and world changing science experiments. Production Host: Kate Martin[...]
Many of us grew up reading about Peter Rabbit and Mrs Tiggywinkle, but how much do you know about the woman behind the stories? In this episode we explore the lesser-known sides of Beatrix Potter. Discover how her love of natural science, fascination with fungi and knack for sheep farming formed one of Britain's most[...]
Just beneath our feet lies a hidden world of ancient curiosities and undiscovered treasures but laying your hands on them and figuring out exactly what they are requires some extra special underfloor sleuthing to sort the rubbish from the rarities. An archaeological adventure awaits in the story of the Dust Detectives as the team uncover[...]
There’s a midnight party happening deep in the woods. Meet the ravers, movers and shakers as they emerge from slumber to rule nature’s nightclub. Ranger Kate Martin heads out into the twilight landscape of Cragside in search of Bats, Moths and underwater noise makers. To explore Cragside by daylight please listen to part one of[...]
Buckle up for a safari through a land where nothing is at it seems, and uncover the story of an audacious Victorian inventor known as the Magician of the North. Ranger Kate Martin heads to Cragside to learn about the maverick Lord Armstrong, the worlds first smart home and a transformed landscape that makes gadgets[...]
If historic houses are the treasure boxes that keep the jewels within them safe, what happens when the box starts to fall apart? Find out how one precious item of home decor was left hanging when the walls around it crumbled, until conservators devised a rescue plan. Curator James Grasby heads to North Wales and[...]
Hiking, running, and cycling can be great ways to get from A to B for the environmentally conscious traveller. But for a truly alternative mode of transport why not embrace the power of the paddle? Jo Dyson heads to Anglesey to learn the ropes and become an expert in Stand Up Paddleboarding aka SUP. Production[...]
Mae'r Gymraeg yn un o ieithoedd byw hynaf Ewrop, ond pa ran chwaraeodd ffermdy bychan ger Penmachno yng ngoroesiad yr iaith hyd heddiw? Ymunwch a Betsan Powys wrth iddi fynd ar siwrne i Dŷ Mawr Wybrnant i ddysgu mwy am Esgob William Morgan, un o gewri'r genedl sy'n cael ei adnabod gan lawer fel gwaredwr[...]
Speaking and reading the language of your country of origin is something many people take for granted. But for many in the country of Wales, being able to engage with these elements of Welsh heritage takes on a much greater significance. That's because if it wasn’t from a very special man and a very special[...]
At Knole house in Kent, there’s an endangered red list species lurking amid the antique furniture. After remaining at the property for hundreds of years, the house team are doing all they can to ensure its survival for the future. Curator James Grasby unravels this story of heritage craft work as he finds out the[...]
After 5 years of climate change and fluctuating weather, we catch up with the highs and lows of our fluttery friends, the Silver Studded Blue butterfly in this revisted episode. Ranger Kate Martin hears how the team at Hafod Garregog nature reserve have been caring for the habitat of this peculiar butterfly species away from[...]
If you stumble upon 20 Forthlin Road, without knowing its history, you may assume it’s an unremarkable house, on an unremarkable suburban street. But it’s when you meet its former resident you realise, there’s much to this house than meets the eye. Producer and presenter Sean Douglas heads to Liverpool to meet the brother of[...]
A family trip takes a surprising turn when a mysterious encounter changes the course of National Trust member Sally’s life. Hear how a chance meeting with a stranger set off a chain of events in this will they, won't they tale of romance and adventure. Production Host: Heather Birkett Producer: Michelle Douglass Sound editor:[...]
As a Black Brit from London, going out for a hike used to feel like an alien concept for Sean. However, after 4 years working at the National Trust, he’s now developed a love for the great outdoors and all things Wilderness. His sister, like many others, has never been for a hike in her[...]
Jo and Katherine are back on two wheels to continue their bikepacking adventure cycling along the Cornish and Devon coast finding out everything you need to know about taking a holiday by bike. This time on their bikes, they’re given some unexpected assistance, they come face to face with some curious creatures and they visit[...]
You’ve probably heard of backpacking and/or bike touring, but BikePacking is a combination of the two that makes for an exciting and exhilarating way to explore the great outdoors. In this episode join Jo Dyson on her two day bikepacking adventure along the North Cornish Coast. Production Host: Jo Dyson Producer: Pippa Tilbury-Harris Sound editor:[...]
Wicken Fen is the National Trust's oldest Nature reserve and home to some of England's most spectacular wildlife. Three years after her first visit to Wicken Fen, Ranger Kate Martin catches up with wildlife photographer Richard Nicoll, for whom lockdown has presented some unique photographic opportunities. Production Host: Kate Martin Producer: Sean Douglas Sound editor:[...]
In this episode we catch up with Shaw’s Corner, the former home of celebrated playwright George Bernard Shaw. We'll be finding out how things have changed since we were last there and how the house team have being tackling the challenge of Covid-19. Production Host: James Grasby Producer: Sean Douglas Sound editor: Jesus Gomez[...]
Exmoor National Park and the Holnicote estate is known for its rolling hills, green pastures and flowing rivers, but these natural features also pose an ecological threat. To engineer a solution, our area rangers have sought the help of a rather mischievous workforce of Beavers. Once hunted to extinction, Beavers have now been reintroduced into[...]
Experiencing nature and connecting with the world around us has been proven to have positive and lasting effects on our mental health and wellbeing. Created by 3x students from Bristol using sounds and music created in the natural world, this episode aims to transport you away from the hustle and bustle, and into a calm,[...]
Join Actress Alison Steadman as she explores some of the most intriguing objects in the National Trust’s collections. In the first episode from this series we uncover an 18th century, mechanical marvel, hidden behind the doors at Waddesdon Manor. Once part of a prized collection by the Rothschild family and the creation of master clock[...]
Once the home of British Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli, Hughenden Manor played an important role in helping to shape the outcome of World War 2. A chance encounter between a former British intelligence operative and a National Trust volunteer uncovers mysteries from inside a once top secret headquarters. Production Host: James Grasby Producer: Sean[...]
Rainham Hall’s Anthony Denny; a name you’ve probably never heard, but one that’s likely influenced the clothes you wear, how you decorate and furnish your home and even the food you eat. In the first episode of a brand-new series of the National Trust podcast. We take a look at the fashion and photography of[...]
Revisit a classic and one of our favourite episodes. Ranger and presenter Kate Martin braves the North Sea and head to the remote Northumbrian Farne Islands. There, she encounters one of Britain’s most entertaining bird species, the Atlantic Puffin and learns just what it takes to secure their feathery future. Production Host: Kate Martin Producer:[...]
Revisit a classic and one of our favourite episodes from the archives. Join Sean Douglas as he heads to the National Trust’s annual apple grafting festival at the Cotehele Estate, Cornwall, to unravel the scions from the rootstocks and sow the seeds of love in this quaint cornish orchard. Production Host: Sean Douglas Producer: Pippa[...]
Revisit a classic and one of our favourite episodes from the archives. Presenter and gardener, Alan Power, navigates his way to the National Trust's Plant Conservation Centre, hidden away in a top secret location, to see exactly what it takes to look after some of the planets most important plant species. Production Host: Alan Power[...]
Whilst we break for the holidays and prepare for the launch of series 5, we’re revisiting some of our favourite episodes from the archives. This month it’s ‘A Mystery Guest at the Beatles Childhood Homes’ from Series 3. In this episode, a famous mystery guest joins a public tour of John Lennon’s childhood home. So,[...]
In our first taste along episode, Ranger Kate Martin and her mystery guest experience a Lake District walk in an intriguingly new way. If you’d like to taste along with Kate, you’ll need some fruit chews, mac & cheese, mint bubble filled chocolates and some cream soda. We are currently planning and producing[...]
After one of the most challenging years, the Trust is starting to nurture the green shoots of a new normal. Let us take you behind the scenes to witness the events and people that made our reopening possible. For more audio programmes from the National Trust, visit nationaltrust.org.uk/podcasts.
Edible nettles, sweet shop flavoured berries and deadly carrots are just some of the culinary, and not so culinary delights, Ranger Kate Martin encounters when she meets Fred the Forager for a late summer stroll. This episode aims to inspire you to explore nature in a new way. And should not be used as[...]
While many of us are familiar with Agatha Christie’s characters, just how well do we know Agatha the person? As we celebrate 100 years of Christie publications, we take a look back at the woman behind the books, through the eye of her grandson, at her beloved Greenway House. Listen to more audio programmes from[...]
In 2017 Teleri Fielden started her National Trust shepherdess scholarship deep in the valleys of Snowdonia. We revisit her three years on to find out if the early mornings, harsh winters and constant rain have dampened her spirits or given her the drive to prove she’s got what it takes. Listen to more audio programmes[...]
While we were all indoors during lockdown, stories of our wild neighbours bouncing back emerged across the globe. In this episode, podcast producer, Sean Douglas visits the Isle of Wight to investigate reports of wildlife taking over the island while humans were away. We also explore whether there will be a long-term positive impact[...]
From small seeds grow mighty oaks. This a phrase that astronaut Tim Peake knows well. In this episode we’ll explore how nature inspired and enabled man’s (and woman’s) most epic adventures. For more audio programmes from the National Trust, visit nationaltrust.org.uk/podcasts Do you have an exciting idea but not enough time and space to make[...]
Zoom, Whatsapp, Instagram and TikTok are no longer just Millennial buzzwords. For many senior citizens social media has become a part of daily life. Negotiating our new world over the past few months has meant many of those who may have traditionally shunned technology are learning new skills. In this episode, over-60s share how[...]
For millennia, midsummer has been steeped in tales of mystery and magic. It inspired the construction of great temples, the lighting of bonfires and was even said to have caused people to act in strange and surprising ways. In this episode, we explore the meaning behind the legends of the longest day of the[...]
In this episode we’re bringing you another story to inspire you during lockdown. Paul Zabel, an engineer and novice gardener, was sent to work in his first greenhouse in one of the most extreme locations on Earth. At the end of his isolation, as Paul eased his way back into society, he realised[...]
In this episode we continue to bring you ideas and advice on how to keep in tune with nature during lockdown. This time Andy Beer, author of Every Day Nature, gives us his top tips on how to grow a deeper understanding of the dawn chorus and to get better acquainted with your favourite feathered[...]
When faced with heartache, music journalist Alice Vincent found a surprising remedy in her tiny balcony garden at her London flat. A complete gardening novice, Alice made the most of the little space and resources she had. What started as a distraction became an obsession and Alice slowly built a small urban sanctuary teeming[...]
In this episode, presenter Jo Dyson heads to the Lake District for a night of camping and stargazing. But unfortunately for Jo things don’t quite go to plan. Jo swaps her tent for a tripod to try her hand at some astrophotography on a night time stroll. Jo turns to astrophotographer, Steven Hanna for a[...]
With its icy winds, relentless hail and plunging temperature, are you prepared for a winter mountain walk? Armed with a map, compass and warm flask, presenter Jo Dyson embarks on a walk to experience the remote and barren beauty of the Lake District. Jo meets the Wasdale Mountain Rescue team to learn how to[...]
As spring approaches and trees across the UK burst into blossom, why not make this special time of year a regular date in your nature calendar?
Britain’s answer to a housing crisis caused by the industrial revolution, Back to Back houses were once a prominent feature of northern towns. An early type of social housing, the Back to Backs became known for their poor conditions, with their cramped design and bad sanitation. But what was life really like for the people[...]
Nature is under threat! So we’re calling on the public to take one small step to protect the natural world. This leap day we’re asking you to make a promise for nature. So how will you use your extra 24 hours to make a difference?
This week, we bring you a special episode from our Countryfile Live 2019 podcast. This new series brings you some of the best moments from debates at the BBC’s Countryfile Live event at Blenheim Palace. In this episode, Countryfile presenter Tom Heap and a panel of experts consider how we might fix the plastic problem.[...]
The beginning of this year marks the start of a year-long celebration of our 125th anniversary. This January we’re bringing you two special episodes from the podcast series we’re launching on sustainability. The series ‘50% Renewable’ explores how the National Trust is working towards meeting 50% of its energy needs from renewable sources by 2021.[...]
Tucked away off a busy street in London lies a sanctuary for endangered sounds. The Benton Fletcher Collection at Fenton House and Garden is a rare treasure that boasts restored and working early keyboard instruments, some of which are nearly 500 years old. Guided by the Keeper of Instruments, National Trust curator, James Grasby[...]
Wild swimming isn’t just for summer. As winter approaches, the hardiest swimmers enjoy the benefits the off-season brings. In this episode, Coastal Officer Kate Martin heads to Carding Mill Valley where she’s introduced to the Shropshire Wild Swimmers and Dippers. She’s challenged to a “refreshing” dip and discovers how open waters bring a sense[...]
Time spent in the great outdoors can be an immersive experience. But how often do we stop and take the time to really absorb the sounds, touch and feel of nature? Walker Julian Jackson senses things differently to most people. In this episode, he shows us how to create a deeper connection with the[...]
In Tudor times disease and death were never far away, as were other more mysterious terrors that many claimed were lurking in the dark. In this Halloween special, curator James Grasby visits 500-year old Little Moreton Hall in Cheshire, to find out how the Tudors protected their homes against evil. James meets house[...]
National Trust places are great to spend time at with those we know and love, but they can also be places where new friendships are born. In this mini episode we follow Joanna and Rachel, two mothers that met at a charity-run buggy walking group at Stourhead, as they embark on one of the National[...]
Taking time away from his expeditions to the Amazon, professional tree climber James Aldred leads presenter Jo Dyson on a treetop adventure in the slightly less exotic garden at Tyntesfield in Somerset. Jo realises that tree climbing is not just for kids and discovers that we are all more connected to trees than we might[...]
In this special episode we bring you part one of our People’s Landscapes podcast series. It’s Northey Island, 991 AD. Viking raiders clash in bloody battle with the Anglo-Saxon army defending their land. Dr Eleanor Barraclough, lecturer in medieval history at Durham University, explores how this violent incident resulted in a mashup of cultures[...]
As thousands of places across the UK open their doors for Heritage Open Days, we head to Blackpool to explore what heritage means to us as individuals and as a nation. In this episode, National Trust curator James Grasby goes behind the scenes to witness the thrill of the Blackpool Illuminations – a spectacle that’s[...]
In this mini episode, we’re back at Divis and the Black Mountain to meet Ned Clarke who has walked on the mountain for thirty years. Hear what it’s like to live side-by-side with these giants and discover how the mountain has been an escape in times of trouble. Listen to Ned’s moving story in the[...]
In the penultimate episode of this series, we take a bracing walk with ranger Kate Martin as she battles against howling winds and biting rain to the summit on Divis Mountain, 1,500 feet above Belfast. As we cross this wild landscape we’ll discover blanket bogs that are as dangerous as they are healing, ruins that[...]
This week we’re at the annual apple grafting weekend at Cotehele. We’ll uncover the mysteries of apple grafting and learn how you can grow your very own Crimson Queen, Pendragon and even a Pig’s Nose. All will be revealed in this mini episode.
This week we’re at the Trust’s most secretive location: the Plant Conservation Centre. Join us as we go beyond the locked gates of this well-guarded site to find out how we protect our rarest and most historically-significant species of plant. Along the way we’ll brush shoulders with famous trees that have lined the pages of[...]
In this mini podcast, we’ll meet the man who welcomes visitors from around the world to John Lennon’s childhood home, and hear about his encounter with one very famous daytripper. Four teenagers from Liverpool started meeting up to make music together. They went on to become the Beatles. Do you have an exciting idea but[...]
Join us in Liverpool as we step inside the childhood homes of John Lennon and Paul McCartney. We’ll take you on a trip down Penny Lane to visit the houses where John and Paul grew up, fell in love with rock and roll, and wrote some of the Beatles’ first songs. Four teenagers from Liverpool[...]
We’re delving into the military history of Box Hill in Surrey in this mini podcast, with a behind-the-scenes tour of an old fort that was used to protect London from invasion in the late nineteenth century.
In this episode we’re at Box Hill, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty just a short train ride from Central London. You’ll hear what makes this corner of Surrey so special for the cyclists, walkers and children that flock here every year, and discover how getting out into the countryside might be easier than you[...]
In this mini episode we’re back in North Wales exploring the sights, sounds and scents of Bodnant Garden with a group of dog-walkers and their four-legged pals.
This week we’re in the foothills of Snowdonia National Park for a crisp winter stroll through the world-famous Bodnant Garden. Join us to explore dramatic waterfalls, romantic dells and towering trees, and hear from the gardeners who care for this exotic and ever-changing landscape. Find out more about this horticultural gem: nationaltrust.org.uk/bodnant-garden
As there are five Thursday’s in this month, this week we’re giving you a bonus episode. To fill the gap until our next regular episode on the first Thursday of next month, we thought you might like to hear the first episode of a mini series we launched earlier this year called Women and Power.[...]
In this mini episode we’ll hear about the famous friends of T.E. Lawrence. From artists and writers like Thomas Hardy to fellow soldiers from the army, Lawrence welcomed an array of visitors to his rustic retreat. Learn how he entertained them, and gain a new perspective on his life from one of his relatives who[...]
In this episode we’re at Clouds Hill, the rustic retreat of T.E. Lawrence. Nestled among pine trees in the Dorset countryside, this dilapidated cottage is where Lawrence of Arabia fled his new-found fame, following his adventures in the desert during the First World War. We’ll take you on a tour of the intimate spaces where[...]
In this mini episode we follow the wild ponies that roam Wicken Fen. Introduced to the fen 100 years ago, these hardy animals graze the land, enabling plants and wildlife to thrive. Later we investigate the smaller creatures that call this ancient landscape home, including dragonflies and water voles.
We’re at Wicken Fen in East Anglia for a walk through the National Trust’s oldest nature reserve. We’ll set off on foot, exploring the multi-use trails that allow easy access to this other-worldly landscape, before venturing down the narrow waterways on boat. Along the way, we’ll discover how a place created thousands of years ago[...]
In this mini episode we meet one of Glendurgan’s longest-serving volunteers. Sylvia describes her memories of this special place - from navigating the mind-boggling maze as a child, to sharing her love of the garden with visitors today.
In this episode we’re at Glendurgan Garden to discover its unusual microclimate, centuries-old history and fiendish maze. Join us on a journey through this tropical Cornish paradise – where lush rolling valleys meet the sea, and exotic plants grow alongside native wildflowers. We get to know the Fox family, who laid down the plans for[...]
In this special episode, we join composer Michael Price as he records his new classical album in some of the Trusts most unlikely places. Michael Price is best known for the scores he creates for film and popular television shows like Sherlock Holmes. For his latest album, Tender Symmetry, he’s swapped the comforts of Abbey[...]
In this mini episode, we’ll discover the secret creations hidden behind a wardrobe in William Morris’s former home.
We’re at Red House in South East London, once home to one of Britain’s most celebrated designers of the 20th Century, William Morris. Famous for his iconic floral wallpaper designs, Morris’s prints and patterns are still in fashion today. But his story doesn’t end there – among other things, he was also a poet and[...]
A short boat ride off the Northumbrian coast lies the remote Farne Islands home to one of Britain's favourite seabirds, the Atlantic Puffin. Kate Martin finds out how a hardy team of rangers goes about monitoring them and finds out what the future holds for these much-loved birds. Production Host: Kate Martin Producer: Pippa Tilbury-Harris[...]
We’re off to the Northumberland coast this week for a bracing and beautiful walk along Long Nanny beach. Join ranger Kate Martin as she strolls over sand dunes and past a freshwater stream, exploring the wildlife that calls this spectacular shoreline home. Learn to identify the birds that breed here each year – including ringed[...]
In this mini episode of the National Trust Podcast, we take a look at Sheringham Park’s military past.
This week we’re at Sheringham in Norfolk to discover 1,000 acres of glorious parkland, woods and clifftops. Learn about the designer who sculpted the landscape, Humphry Repton, and meet the staff and volunteers who keep his vision alive today. We’ll take you on a stroll through Sheringham’s magnificent rhododendron gardens as we unearth the colourful[...]
n 2018, Nostell will hear the 300-year-old Harrison clock chime for the last time. This mini episode celebrates the ticks, tocks, and bongs of a clock made by a man who changed the world. The clock is the product of ‘out-the-box’ thinking, and suitably, it is exhibited at Nostell Priory out of it’s case with[...]
In the first episode of the new series, we’ll explore how the rich owners of Nostell used furniture, architecture and interior design to elevate their status. At the centre of the story is a local man named Thomas Chippendale, known today as "The Shakespeare of Furniture”. Through exploring his exquisite craftsmanship and the magnificent interiors[...]
In this Episode, James Grasby meets Greenway's writer in residence, Roselle Angwin, and Community Involvement Officer, Carly Mays, to learn how the former holiday home of crime-writing extraordinaire, Agatha Christie, continues to inspire writers today.
In this episode James Grasby explores the intriguing military past of Agatha Christie's home in Greenway, Devon. A stronghold throughout history, the house and grounds feature many relics – most notably from the Second World War when the site was requisitioned for use by the 10th Flotilla of the U.S. Coast Guard, in the preparations for D-Day.
Agatha Christie called Greenway in Devon 'the loveliest place in the world' and treasured it as a holiday home for her and her family. In this episode James Grasby explores house and gardens that inspired some of Poirot and Miss Marple’s most famous tales.
In this mini episode, we’ll be heading to Allan Bank – the former home of William Wordsworth – to see how the place continues to inspire and nurture today’s creative minds.
In this mini episode, James goes back in time - via the kitchen - to sample the foods that a young Wordsworth might have enjoyed.
This week, join James on a journey into the homeland of Romantic poetry, in the Lake District. We’ll explore the places that inspired of one of the nation’s best loved poets, William Wordsworth.
In this mini episode, Producer Michael Friend explores his deep personal connection to George Bernard Shaw's writings, at Shaw's Corner in Hertfordshire.
In this mini episode we meet Evelyn Ellis – a key member of the Shaw Society – a group celebrating the work of George Bernard Shaw with performances at the playwright's country home in Hertfordshire.
This week we visit the Hertfordshire home of Bernard Shaw, one of the most photographed and quoted men in the world. Podcast: National Trust Podcast Episode: S2 Ep28: Authors of the National Trust: Shaw's Corner Introduction: - Hosted by James Grasby - Explores the homes and lives of famous authors associated with the National Trust[...]
In the last of our episodes from Formby we join Kate on her home turf as she reveals some of the secrets hidden in Formby’s shape shifting dunes.
In this mini episode, we accompany Formby’s squirrel feeders on their morning rounds, as we learn of the challenges they face maintaining the area’s red squirrel population.
For this episode of the National Trust Podcast, we head north west as we explore the walks that criss-cross the pine forests, dunes and golden sands of Formby Point, Liverpool. Whether you’re seeking secluded beaches, rare sightings of endangered species or want to get better acquainted with Liverpool’s past, Formby has something for everyone.
You’ll be familiar with the red dragon that proudly adorns the Welsh national flag. But how did it get there and what’s its significance? All will be revealed…
Meet Sabine Nouvert, a National Trust Ranger in Beddgelert who’s been working on a rather unusual project: conserving seaside butterflies in inland Wales!
Episode 5 of the National Trust Podcast heads to picturesque Snowdonia in North Wales. Join Kate in the village of Beddgelert, located at the base of Mount Snowdon and a gateway to some of the UK’s most exciting walks. Find out how the Trust is making some of this spectacular landscape more accessible.
Kinder Scout's magical mermaid pool is steeped in legend. The pool, an icy body of water nestled within the folds of Kinder Scout’s rugged terrain, has been associated with beautiful mermaids and Celtic water rituals for millennia.
Paul Besley, author and Mountain Rescue volunteer, shares stories from his 40-plus years of walking in the Peaks. In this mini-episode, he explains just why Kinder Scout’s pleasures keep him coming back, and warns of its perils.
In the first of our ‘walking’ podcasts, presenter and National Trust ranger Kate Martin takes listeners on a pilgrimage to Kinder Scout, in the Peak District – the birthplace of the 'right to roam' movement and a landscape that has come to symbolise walking freedoms in the UK.
If you venture into Mount Stewart’s shamrock garden, you’ll find an intriguing mythical tale clipped into its ornate hedges. In this mini episode Neil Porteous, Mount Stewart's head gardener, unravels the mystery of the figures in the topiary.
The colour purple is often associated with power, royalty and wealth, which may be one of the reasons it is so prevalent in the gardens at Mount Stewart. In this episode of the National Trust Podcast, we learn why there is more to purple than meets the eye
This week we’re at the uniquely exotic Mount Stewart, County Down. Described as the ‘scratch and sniff’ garden, Mount Stewart is a multi-sensory experience that is not to be missed. In this episode we explore the style, motivation and vision of the garden’s creator, Edith, Lady Londonderry, and learn about the ingenious techniques the Trust[...]
In this mini episode, we explore ‘The Sleeping Wood,’ a secluded, disorientating and illicit corner of the gardens at Stowe, Buckinghamshire. Listen and find out the secrets and mysteries that still linger in its winding paths today.
In this mini episode from Stowe, we meet Ranger Isabelle Thompson, to learn about the conservation and ecology of the grasslands within Stowe’s picturesque Grecian Valley.
In this episode of the National Trust Podcast, we’re at Stowe. We marvel at the unbroken views and ornate temples of this Capability Brown inspired landscape, while digging into the past to understand the people and the politics that have given Stowe its distinctive style and character
Do you know your buzzard from your blackbird or your bullfinch from your barn owl? Join Josh Turner, Cliveden’s resident birder, as he acquaints us with some of Cliveden’s feathered residents. In this mini episode from Cliveden, you’ll hear the sounds and learn about the sights that await you once you venture into some of[...]
In this Cliveden mini episode, we learn of the mysteries and myths surrounding the world famous Sancy Diamond. This 55.23 carat diamond has travelled the world, passing through the hands of aristocrats, kings, queens and even the British Royal Family. The diamond also spent some time with the Astor family at Cliveden House.
In this episode of the National Trust Podcast we’re at Cliveden, Buckinghamshire. Set high above the Thames, the grounds of Cliveden House are home to a world famous parterre, Japanese Garden and topiary-lined long walk. Around every corner you’ll find stories of mystery, decadence and the fame and misfortune of Britain’s political elite. We take[...]
Enjoy these classic episodes from our pilot series. For deeper dives into history, nature and adventure be sure to check out our most recent episodes. Clay soil can be tough and difficult to work with. Gardeners in the veg garden at Sissinghurst explain how no dig gardening has worked deliciously well to provide fresh[...]
Enjoy these classic episodes from our pilot series. For deeper dives into history, nature and adventure be sure to check out our most recent episodes. Alan meets Josh Sparkes, a gardener at Sissinghurst and self-proclaimed meadow obsessive. He explains how a return to traditional practices has helped revitalised the wildlife at Sissinghurst. Scythes at the[...]
Enjoy these classic episodes from our pilot series. For deeper dives into history, nature and adventure be sure to check out our most recent episodes. Alan Power visits Sissinghurst Castle Garden in Kent, previously home to poet and novelist Vita Sackville-West and her husband, politician Harold Nicolson. Working from ruins, the couple’s personalities collided and[...]
Enjoy these classic episodes from our pilot series. For deeper dives into history, nature and adventure be sure to check out our most recent episodes. In this mini episode Alan joins in with the festivities at Croome as the team prepare for Christmas. Learn from the volunteers how to make the perfect festive wreath from[...]
Enjoy these classic episodes from our pilot series. For deeper dives into history, nature and adventure be sure to check out our most recent episodes. In this mini episode Alan meets the owners of the walled garden at Croome Court who have turned this wild and derelict space into a beautiful and productive garden for[...]
Enjoy these classic episodes from our pilot series. For deeper dives into history, nature and adventure be sure to check out our most recent episodes. Gardener and host, Alan Power visits Croome in Worcestershire, the first landscape that Capability Brown got his capable hands on. With a diverse history from a secret RAF base, to[...]
Enjoy these classic episodes from our pilot series. For deeper dives into history, nature and adventure be sure to check out our most recent episodes. In this mini episode, gardener and host Alan power discovers why a walled garden at Stourhead is home to a superb collection of pelargoniums and find out a tasty way[...]
Enjoy these classic episodes from our pilot series. For deeper dives into history, nature and adventure be sure to check out our most recent episodes. The first of our little extra mini episodes “ Garden cuttings”. Autumn is the perfect time to build a compost heap. Join the green fingered gardeners at Stourhead, Wiltshire to[...]
Enjoy these classic episodes from our pilot series. For deeper dives into history, nature and adventure be sure to check out our most recent episodes. Beginning the series on his home turf, Gardener and presenter Alan Power takes a walk around Stourhead in Wiltshire, one of England’s greatest landscape gardens. Its fabulous tree collection make[...]

Delve into tales of history, nature and adventure with the award-winning National Trust Podcast. From wild landscapes to heritage sites and historical legends, unearth fascinating stories about people and places in the UK. In our upcoming series, travel to the 1930s to unmask the eccentric Ferguson’s Gang, find out how the felling of the Sycamore Gap tree impacted the community, and discover what life was like for the people who toiled deep in a Roman gold mine. Look out for new episodes in spring 2024. To learn more about podcasts from the National Trust go to http://nationaltrust.org.uk/podcasts This podcast is made by the National Trust, Europe’s biggest conservation charity. Looking after history, nature and beauty for everyone to enjoy.

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