Victoria, Albert and the Christmas Tree Trend
In 1848 an image of Queen Victoria, Prince Albert and their children decorating an evergreen caused a sensation, and sparked a Christmas tree trend in Britain. Many people began to bring trees into their homes and decorate them with homemade ornaments, sweet treats and naked candles tied with ribbons. The Victorians can be credited with inventing our modern Christmas.  In this episode, Clara ...
16m Dec 19, 2024
16m
World Heritage Heroes | Saving History in Cairo & Norfolk
Heritage sites like the medieval palace Bayt Al Razzaz in Egypt and the picturesque Blickling estate in the UK, are under threat from climate change. What connects these vastly different places? And what can the guardians of these historic treasures learn from each other as they battle extreme weather, social upheaval and other challenges? Discover the global fight to protect our heritage. Y...
28m Dec 05, 2024
28m
Surfing in the North Sea | An Unimaginable Dream
As a wheelchair user, Melissa rarely has the opportunity of spending time on the beach with the rest of her family; and an activity for them all in the water together was unimaginable. But an ‘adaptive surfing for families’ session in South Shields in the North East, changed everything. You can watch a video of this podcast on National Trust Youtube: https://ntpodcasts.org/Video [Ad] Open th...
19m Nov 21, 2024
19m
Isaac Newton | The Gravity of Good Friends
Sir Isaac Newton is best known for coming up with the theory of gravity while relaxing in his orchard, thanks to an apple that fell beside him one afternoon – helping him to unravel one of the universe's great mysteries. But that story is only a small part of the tale... Heather Birkett delves into one of the greatest minds of all time. Discover how a friendship with astronomer Edmund Halley ...
18m Nov 07, 2024
18m
Ghost Stories | Murder in the Castle
On 18th March AD 978 at Corfe Castle in Dorset, a 16-year-old boy was brutally stabbed in the back and died shortly after. That boy was the teenage king, Edward the Martyr. But who was the murderer, or murderers? Join James Grasby and author Anna Groves on this Halloween historical Whodunnit, as they try and figure out who committed the regicide, with the help of some other worldly encounters....
24m Oct 17, 2024
24m
New Kids' Podcast | Ranger Rae and the Wildlifers
Join the adventures of Ranger Rae and the Wildlifers, the new kids' podcast from the National Trust. Introducing the Wildlifers, a crew of colourful creatures who use their special skills to help where there's trouble in nature. Beaver’s a super engineer. Sleepy Bat’s skill is sonar. Wildcat’s a proud predator. Deer’s strong and speedy. Fox has a nose for trouble. Shy Mole’s an expert digger,...
1m Oct 16, 2024
1m
WWII ‘Brown Babies’ | A Hidden History
Historian David Olusoga tells the story of the children born to white British mothers and black American servicemen during the Second World War, dubbed Britain’s ‘Brown Babies’ in the African American press at the time. Carol and Ann, now in their 80s, revisit their childhood home, Holnicote House in Somerset. During the 1940s, the building was used for the care of around 30 children of black ...
24m Oct 10, 2024
24m
Introducing: Step into the Past | The Craftsmen of Calke Abbey
What if you could follow in the footsteps of your ancestors and reveal the hidden tales behind some of the UK’s fascinating historical locations? Introducing Step into the Past, a podcast from our sponsors at Findmypast. In this episode, Professor Suzannah Lipscomb and her guest Sandy travel to the not-so-stately home of Calke Abbey in Derbyshire to discover Sandy’s family’s longstanding conn...
46m Oct 03, 2024
46m
Sycamore Gap | One Year On
On September 27th 2023, the famous Sycamore Gap tree in Northumberland was felled overnight in an act of vandalism, triggering a far-reaching wave of shock and sorrow. Join Heather Birkett as she goes behind the scenes to explore the enduring impact of this beloved landmark, the aftermath of its loss, and the community’s efforts to preserve its memory. A video version of this podcast is avail...
27m Sep 27, 2024
27m
Farewell Kate!
Our lovely nature presenter and ranger Kate Martin is leaving to join our friends at the RSPB, helping to care for wildlife in Scotland. Here are some of Kate's best bits and few moments from behind the scenes. On behalf of everyone at the National Trust, from our listeners and from the podcast team, thank you and wishing you a great and adventure filled future.
2m Sep 20, 2024
2m
Northern Ireland Adventure | Sea Safari at Rathlin Island
A stretch of water between the mainland and Rathlin Island is home to some of the world’s most unique wildlife and infamous shipwrecks. Ranger Kate Martin continues her adventure along Northern Ireland’s causeway coast, this time exploring life under water. [Ad from our sponsor] This podcast is supported by Tourism Ireland Experience all of what Northern Ireland has to offer from standing on ...
25m Sep 19, 2024
25m
Northern Ireland Adventure | Beyond the Bridge
Don’t look down! Across a rope bridge over a  stretch of water on Northern Ireland’s causeway coast lies the Island of Carrick-a-Rede and a fisherman’s cottage that has stood for centuries. Ranger Kate Martin, heads off on her holiday, to make the crossing and to learn how this old bridge became the focal point for a community and rich coastal traditions. [Ad from our sponsor] This podcast is...
23m Sep 05, 2024
23m
Classic | A Beginners Guide to Bikepacking Day 2
Jo and Katherine continue their bikepacking adventure, starting day two in Bude, with a surprise twist after breakfast, before heading up the coast to Devon. They visit the National Trust’s smallest property, Hawkers Hut, on the way and join in an activity Jo last did at the age of eight. With thanks to Raleigh UK Production Hosts: Jo Dyson and Katherine Moore, and introduced by Claire Hicki...
22m Aug 15, 2024
22m
Classic | A Beginners Guide to Bikepacking Day 1
What happens when you combine backpacking and cycling? In this classic 2-parter we join Jo Dyson as she gets to grips with ‘bikepacking’ under the expert guidance of Katherine Moore and tackles the unforgiving hills of the north Cornish coast. With thanks to Raleigh UK Production Hosts: Jo Dyson and Katherine Moore, and introduced by Claire Hickinbotham Producers: Sean Douglas, Pippa Tilbury...
23m Aug 15, 2024
23m
Classic | The Twilight Creatures of Cragside
In this classic episode, you’re invited to 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, Northumberland in search of bats, moths and underwater noise makers. Production Host: Kate Martin Producer: Michelle Douglass Sound editor: Jesu...
19m Aug 01, 2024
19m
Going Underground | Inside a Roman Gold Mine
Deep under the hillsides of Carmarthenshire lie the remains of the UK’s only known Roman gold mines. With a head torch to guide the way, James Grasby ventures into the void to unearth the secrets that lurk in the darkness and finds out the pioneering efforts that the Romans went to in order to extract this precious metal. Click here (https://audioboom.com/posts/8542788-mynd-o-dan-y-ddaear-y-t...
24m Jul 18, 2024
24m
City Growing with Tayshan Hayden-Smith
Ex-professional footballer Tayshan Hayden-Smith turned to the healing power of nature after the Grenfell Tower fire tragedy in 2017. Since then, he’s been on a journey to bring access to nature to all. He shows ranger Kate Martin around his local community garden and together they see that a garden can be anywhere and anything. Later Kate heads to the National Trust’s Sutton House to see the ...
23m Jun 27, 2024
23m
The Workhouse | One Step Up From Prison?
If you didn’t have money and a way to support yourself and your family in the 1800s you might be forced to go into the workhouse. Find out what life was really like for the men, women and children who ended up there. Heading into the Workhouse, even if modern times, feels ominous and foreboding. Walk alongside Curator James Grasby as he enters The Workhouse and Infirmary in Southwell and takes...
26m Jun 13, 2024
26m
My Dog Walk Saved Me | A Mental Health Journey
When one man set off on a walk around the UK coast, little did he know that adopting a rescue dog would change the course of his life. Christian Lewis was at rock bottom when he embarked on a journey that would last 6 years, but it was ‘Jet’ and the power of nature, that would piece him back together to lead him onto a life that would otherwise have been unimaginable for this army veteran. [A...
23m May 23, 2024
23m
125 Treasures | The Needle on the Lawn
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 Steadman. [Ad from our sponsor] This podcast episode is sponsored b...
28m May 09, 2024
28m
Poetry and Music in Bloom with Simon Armitage and LYR
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 the Blossomise album. Production Producer: Jesse Edbrooke Sound editor: Jesus G...
17m Apr 18, 2024
17m
The Mysterious Tale of Ferguson's Gang
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 of the people behind the secretive Ferguson's...
30m Apr 03, 2024
30m
Dam Engineers | The Beavers of Holnicote | Revisited
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 brood of babies, just in time for Christmas. Production Host: Kate Martin P...
25m Dec 14, 2023
25m
A History of Drag | Panto and Shakespeare
Drag and British history go hand in hand with each other when the two meet on the stage. From Shakespeare to Pantomime the idea of gender play as part of performance has been a staple of British culture for centuries. 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.  Disco...
20m Oct 12, 2023
20m
The Last Voyage | Sutton Hoo
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 was hauled from the water and dragged to its final resting place at Sutton Hoo some 1,400 years ago. Embark on the last voyage of this Anglo-Saxon burial ship and learn how its discovery changed...
25m Sep 21, 2023
25m
The Cedar Children | Kindertransport in WW2
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 the local community, the children began a new life in England. Pre...
31m Sep 07, 2023
31m
A Beginner’s Guide to Geocaching
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 in search of hidden gems. P...
21m Aug 24, 2023
21m
A Garden Fit for Bridgerton | Garden Parties at Claremont
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 hit Netflix drama, Bridgerton. Production Host: James Grasby Prod...
20m Aug 10, 2023
20m
Escape to Adventure Island | Camping at Brownsea
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 offer after dark. Production Host: Jo Dyson Producer: Pippa Tilbu...
21m Jul 27, 2023
21m
The Secret Sky Garden | Manchester's Garden Viaduct
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 visiting Castlefield Viaduct: https://www.national...
22m Jul 13, 2023
22m
125 Treasures | The Horse on the Staircase
Revisit a favourite episode from our mini series 125 Treasures (https://link.chtbl.com/NT125T) . 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: Claire ...
26m Jun 22, 2023
26m
Spooky Nights & Glowing Lights | Glow Worm Hunting
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 Martin Producer: Claire Hickinbotham Sound editor: Jesus Gomez Discover more For informatio...
19m Jun 08, 2023
19m
Winging it in the City | Urban Bird Spotting
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 winged companions. Production Host: Kate Martin Producer: Nikki R...
21m May 18, 2023
21m
Cherry’s Lost Blossoms | Spring Special
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 the best places to see blossom: https://nation...
23m May 01, 2023
23m
Introducing: National Trust Kids’ Podcast
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 band of animal heroes rush in to help with the rescue. Discover the wonderful ...
33s Apr 14, 2023
33s
Seasons by the Sea | Grey Seals at Blakeney Point
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 editor: Jesus Gomez Discover more Please follow o...
22m Apr 13, 2023
22m
The Children’s Country House | Sudbury Hall
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 Manhoor Producer: Nikki Ruck Sound editor: Jesus Gomez Disco...
19m Mar 30, 2023
19m
Deserts, Deception & Decay | Classified History
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, including Britain's Atomic Bomb. A covert and secretive wilderness lies just off the Suffolk coast, join Ranger Kate Martin as she explores this military base tu...
21m Dec 01, 2022
21m
The Tale of Beatrix Potter
An updated version of this episode is now available on our new History Podcast, Back When. To listen, please visit https://ntpodcasts.org/BW8 and make sure to follow the show to hear more tales from time. The original version of this episode, uploaded in 2022, will remain here for you to enjoy. Many of us grew up reading about Peter Rabbit and Mrs Tiggywinkle, but how much do you know about t...
26m Nov 16, 2022
26m
Dust Detectives | History Under the Floorboards
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 early medieval music and learn about the lives of ordina...
24m Nov 03, 2022
24m
A Wild Night Out | Twilight Creatures of Cragside
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 our North East Adventure please listen to The Inventors Playgrou...
20m Oct 20, 2022
20m
The Inventors Playground | Green Gadgets
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 from the surrounding natural world. To explore Cragside after dark listen to A...
23m Oct 06, 2022
23m
The Treasure on the Wall | Heritage Home Decor
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 to a warm welcome to Wrexham to visit Erddig, a home he once cared for to find ou...
24m Sep 22, 2022
24m
A Beginner’s Guide to Paddleboarding
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 Host: Jo Dyson Producer: Michelle Douglass Sound editor: Jesus Gomez Discover more...
20m Sep 08, 2022
20m
Tŷ Mawr Wybrnant | Cartref y cyfieithydd
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 yr iaith Gymraeg. Click here (https://smarturl.it/106E) to hear this story in English
28m Aug 04, 2022
28m
Not Lost in Translation | Home of the Welsh Language
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 book, these elements of Wales' culture could have been lost to the sands of time. Prese...
33m Aug 04, 2022
33m
Our first Welsh language podcast is coming soon
1m Jul 29, 2022
1m
On the Fringe of Extinction | Heritage Crafts
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 lengths and efforts going into this item's survival. Production Host: James Gras...
26m Jul 28, 2022
26m
Seaside Butterflies | Robots in the countryside
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 their usual home on the coast and learns how a team in Devon are maki...
14m Jun 30, 2022
14m
Beatles Beginnings | At home with Mike McCartney
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 Beatle, Paul McCartney. Now a photographer and visual artist, Mike Mc...
28m Jun 16, 2022
28m