5 gorgeous National Trust places accessible car-free
Lots of people think that you need a car to visit stunning National Trust places.
And, to be honest, for some you do.
But there are some superb ones that you don’t.
And remember, if (just once!) you don’t jump in the car and do a 30 mile round trip to a National Trust place, you’ll be avoiding 6,000 grams of CO2 being emitted.
That’d a good feeling to end a great day out!
Ham House
Richmond claims to be in London, but it’s clearly got an identity crisis. How can somewhere dominated by deer parks, woodland, riverbanks and stately homes be in the capital?
Ham House is our favourite of the many stunning places to visit.
Our recommendation is to get the train to Twickenham station, stroll along the opposite bank to Hammertons Ferry, where you chug across the river on a tiny boat to a little landing stage just across the fields from Ham House.
Hammerton’s Ferry: there’s no app for that…
One of the first residents of Ham House was Charles I’s whipping boy. Whenever the young King did anything wrong, it was William Murray who got whacked on his behalf. Our youngest liked the idea of this system (assuming, obviously, that she was in the position of the king…)
Ham House. Simply lovely.
Then, for the return trip, simply stroll along the river bank to Richmond Riverside, through Richmond Green and back to Richmond Station.
So obviously WE didn’t take this photo. A chap called Marc Baker did. But, honestly, the River Thames at Richmond (zone 4!) really does look like this. Don’t ask me how, it just does.
Sutton House
Not every National Trust house is surrounded by trees and parkland. This beautiful Jacobean manor is in Hackney, though you’d never know it once you’re inside.
Hackney. Obvs…
We’ve been to see Father Christmas there year after year, and also did the panto once.
But while it’s probably something of a Christmas place for us, it certainly doesn’t have to be for everyone, as it also has a crazy garden with an insane oversized caravan sporting full-sized wooden fire place. Obviously.
I can’t really explain to you how this is in a caravan. You just need to visit yourself and see.
Knole
If you’re after somewhere a bit more traditional, then it’s got to be Knole.
It was originally an Archbishop’s Palace and really channels the palace vibe well.
And it’s surrounded by deer. And who doesn’t love deer?
Picture postcard perfect Knole
Osterley
Osterley’s an incredible place.
Suburban London broke round Osterley manor in the 1930s like a wave round a rock. The park still sits there, entirely rural, neatly surrounded by Greater London.
You enter the estate from an ordinary suburban street and, minutes later, you cannot believe you’re still in the capital.
And yet the whole thing’s on the Piccadillly line…
It’s great being on the Piccadilly line. I can just pop into town for a show, you know.
Fenton House
Our all-time favourite National Trust place has to be Fenton House.
The garden reminds us of Mr McGregor’s in Peter Rabbit; it’s all so picturesque and perfect.
The orchard reminds us of Mr McGregor’s garden
The house isn’t the point of this place for us - it’s a lovely Queen Anne mansion but the collection of dolls is a bit scary. But the garden is just heaven.
And it’s in Hampstead, which means you can combine it with a walk on the Heath, a visit to one of the other stately homes (like Burgh House or Kenwood House) or just a meander through the charming streets of Hampstead Village.
All on the Northern line and the Overground - in Zone 2, no less.
The rest of the family in one of our favourite places: Fenton House garden
We love all of these places so hope you do as well! Let us know how you get on at @carefreecarfree.
