The National Trust is Europe’s biggest conservation charity, preserving nature, beauty and history across the UK. Their many locations are ideal for a wholesome day out, and you're always bound to learn something interesting when exploring one of their destinations.
Though they may be synonymous with the countryside, there are actually a huge number of hidden gems right here in the capital. We've picked out all the best ones to visit, from expansive 18th century estates to huge parks or quirky houses from the 1930s. Wondering where they are? Then check out our guide to the best London National Trust sites, all over the city and in its surrounding areas.
Best National Trust London Properties To Visit
Morden Hall Park
- Morden Hall Road, London, Morden SM4 5JD
- Entry Price: Free
A South London gem that's easily accessible via the Northern Line, Morden Hall Park boasts a whopping 120 acres of stunning parkland, alongside the National Trust's only garden centre. The river Wandle runs through the centre, and you'll even find families paddling here in the summer.
The grand building and its estate were left to the National Trust in 1941 by Gilliat Hatfield, who stipulated that it should be freely accessible to the public. You can explore the rose garden, natural play area and wetland habitat to your heart's content, and there are some more modern additions too. There are two cafes where you can get your hands on hot and cold drinks paired with tasty eats, as well as a charming second-hand bookshop.
This is one of the best free National Trust sites in London.
Carlyle's House
- 24 Cheyne Row, London SW3 5HL
- Entry Price: £11
Victorian literary legends Jane and Thomas Carlyle lived in an unassuming house on Cheyne Row in Chelsea, having been visited by the likes of Dickens, Ruskin and Tennyson in the past. The Carlyle's House is now one of the best National Trust places in London, preserving the heritage of these authors.
As you wander round the building, you'll learn all about the fascinating history of the couple, and the things that went on there over the years. Explore artefacts and art collections, as well as the peaceful oasis of their small walled garden. It costs £11 per person to enter, with group discounts available.
Dive into some of London's most fascinating literary history.
Sutton House and Breaker's Yard
- 2-4 Homerton High Street, London E9 6JQ
- Entry Price: £6.30 (Breaker's Yard is free)
The oldest residential building in Hackney, Sutton House is one of the city's last remaining Tudor houses. It was built in 1535 by Henry VIII's Secretary of State Sir Ralph Sadler, who used it as his family home for many years. There are many original features still intact today, from the oak panelling to carved fireplaces and Jacobean paintings.
This property has been many things over the decades, including a Victorian school, a WWI church and even a punk squat in the 80s. The garden (Breaker's Yard) is also well worth a visit, filled with palms and bamboo - and there's even a two-storey upcycled caravan in the courtyard. Plus, they offer guided tours of the venue and grounds.
Discover one of London's oldest residential buildings in the heart of Hackney.
Ham House and Garden
- Ham Street, Ham, Richmond TW10 7RS
- Entry Price: £15
As seen in The Young Victoria, Anna Karenina and other period dramas, Ham House and its gardens can be found in Richmond. It was built in 1610, originally inhabited by courtier William Murray, a friend of Charles I, and his daughter Elizabeth. The stunning building features Baroque ceiling murals created by Antonio Verrio, alongside hand-carved staircases and one of the oldest and most impressive home libraries in the country.
This spot houses a vast collection of paintings, furniture and textiles, most of which have been around for over 400 years. The gardens are equally impressive, complete with both a neat, lawn and a maze-like wilderness area. You'll also find a cafe inside the original orangery. Planning a visit? You can book tickets from £15 per head.
Live out your period drama fantasies at Ham House.
George Inn
- The George Inn Yard, 77 Borough High Street, Southwark, SE1 1NH
- Entry Price: Free (though we'd recommend buying a pint)
Looking for a National Trust site in Central London? Nestled down a quiet lane close to Borough Market, the George Inn is the last remaining timber-framed galleried inn that dates back to the 1300s, though it was destroyed by a fire in 1676 and then rebuilt.
Though owned by the National Trust, it's leased by Greene King, meaning you can enjoy an ale or two here - just like people have been doing since the Medieval period. The ground floor is separated into a number of connecting bars, one of which used to be a waiting room for passengers on carriages, while another was a coffee room that was frequented by Charles Dickens - it's even mentioned in Little Dorrit.
Have a pint at one of London's most historic pubs.
Osterley Park and House
- Jersey Road, Isleworth, TW7 4RB
- Entry Price: £7
Accessible on the Piccadilly Line, Osterley Park and House is situated in Isleworth. This Georgian country estate, created in the late 18th century by architect and designer Robert Adam. The grand building is sat at the end of a tree-lined drive, surrounded by over 350 acres of landscaped park, farmland and lakes.
Take in the luxurious furniture and patterned carpets, all put together by Adam himself, before taking a stroll around the woodlands. This is an affordable visit, as tickets start from only £7, or £17.50 for a family. They even host weekly parkruns here if you're after some scenic exercise.
Osterley is one of London's most extravagant buildings.
575 Wandsworth Road
- 575 Wandsworth Road, Lambeth, SW8 3JD
- Entry Price: £15
Of all the National Trust locations in the UK, 575 Wandsworth Road is one of the most unique. You need to bring along socks or slippers when visiting, as the floors are hand-painted and this helps to protect them. The South London site may not look like much from the outside, but step through the doors and you'll discover a work of art in the form of a house.
Kenyan-born poet Khadambi Asalache lived here until 2006, and over a 20-year period he decorated the entire place with intricate patterns from the handmade furniture to the doors and walls. The property was handed over to the National Trust in 2010, and it remains exactly as he left it today - which you can see for yourself on a guided tour.
Stop off in Wandsworth for one of the most unique National Trust properties in the London area.
Red House
- Red House Lane, Bexleyheath, DA6 8JF
- Entry Price: £13
Bexleyheath destination Red House is the former home of artist, designer and poet William Morris. He famously said ‘have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful’, a rule he clearly lived by, as his home is filled with ornate tapestries, stained glass, paintings and furniture.
Described by Edward Burne-Jones as 'the beautifullest place on earth', this spot gives you an exclusive peek into the lives of the Morrises. Don't miss out on the gorgeous gardens either, featuring damsons, apple trees, flowers and even beehives. For all of that, tickets cost just £13 each.
Red House is one of the prettiest places on the National Trust London map.
Two Willow Road
- 2 Willow Road, Hampstead, London, NW3 1TH
- Entry Price: £12
Been searching for 'National Trust properties near me' lately? Situated in Hampstead, Two Willow Road is a small 1930s house that was designed by Modern Movement architect Erno Goldfinger. This was his family home, featuring unusual details that were groundbreaking at the time, and still remain interesting today.
It contains a vast array of contemporary furniture, modernist paintings and sculptures, curated by Goldfinger himself. Tickets cost just £12 per person, and there are guided tours of you really want to get the most out of your visit.
Discover unique architecture at Two Willow Road.
Rainham Hall
- The Broadway, Rainham RM13 9YN
- Entry Price: £6.50
Having recently undergone a £2.5 million conservation project, Rainham Hall is one of the UK's finest remaining 18th century merchant's homes. It's found on the borders of London and Essex, and it has been home to some deeply interesting characters over the many decades it's been around.
They've taken inspiration from the house's inhabitants to tell the stories of the building, which you can enjoy a guided tour of. As for the grounds, expect wild marshland, sweeping landscaped lawns and lots of gorgeous flowers.
This grand hall is one of the best sites belonging to the National Trust near London.
If you fancy visiting these places for a bargain price, check out our guide to securing a free National Trust pass.
