Wonders of the National Trust: Places to Explore This Autumn

As Autumn settles in, there is no better time to trade your desk and your lecture halls for crisp morning air, golden leaves, and historic architecture. Whether you want a quick day out or a longer escape into nature, National Trust properties offer some of the finest seasonal backdrops in the country. Today, I’ve picked seven of my favourite places to explore at this time of year. I hope you enjoy discovering their stories as much as me.

Discovery as a Student: Memberships and Travel

Stepping into some of Britain’s grandest stately homes and grounds is essential for keeping your mind clear, in my opinion. It can be expensive to visit some of these places, but you can save money quite easily with a little planning.

• If you’re aged between 18 and 25, the National Trust offers a Young Person Membership for just £50.40 a year (paid annually or monthly). That is a 50% discount on standard memberships and gives you unlimited access to over 500 sites around the country. Members also receive free parking at all Trust car parks. It pays for itself after a couple of trips.
• Railcard savings can help get you where you want to be. Get your 16-25 Railcard and save a third on most rail services.
• While most of these properties are in the countryside, they aren’t cut off. Most have direct bus routes into major university cities costing just a few pounds.

Quarry Bank Mill

Closest to: Manchester

On the banks of the River Bollin in Cheshire, Quarry Bank Mill offers a blend of industrial heritage and natural landscapes. It’s an amalgamation of two worlds that makes it stand out among the National Trust’s collection. Autumn transforms the ancient woodlands and gardens into a rich palette of ambers and oranges. It’s ideal for a walk along the river, exploring the workings of the cotton mill, or grabbing a warm drink on a chilly morning.

How to Get There

Take a train from Manchester Piccadilly to Styal. From here, it’s a short walk through the village to the main entrance.

Hardwick Hall

Closest to: Sheffield, Nottingham, Derby

Built in the 16th Century by Bess of Hardwick, this Elizabethan masterpiece overlooks the Derby countryside. In Autumn, the estate parklands become a prime spot for spotting native wildlife and walking through avenues of ancient trees. The dramatic silhouette of the hall against the moody Autumn sky is ideal for budding photographers.

How to Get There

Catch a train to Chesterfield before booking a taxi direct to Hardwick Hall.

Speke Hall

Closest to: Liverpool

Speke Hall is a rarity among the Trust’s catalogue. A wood-framed Tudor manor sat along the banks of the River Mersey; it sits in the shadow of Liverpool John Lennon Airport. This makes it a good place to watch planes take off and land, too. In Autumn, the woodland trails are emblazoned with orange, providing an escape from the nearby city centre.

How to Get There

From Liverpool Central, you can get a train to Liverpool South Parkway or Hunts Cross. From there, a local bus (the 80 or 86A) towards the airport will take you close to the entrance.

Kedleston Hall

Closest to: Derby, Nottingham

Designed in the 18th Century by Robert Adam, Kedleston Hall is a majestic neo-classical mansion that sits within 800 hectares of stunning parkland. Autumn is the best time of year to explore its long walking trails, lakes, and rolling hills. The open grounds provide plenty of space for decompression and exploration.

How to Get There

Upon arriving in Derby by train, you can catch the Mickleover or Swift buses toward Kedleston.

Penrhyn Castle

Closest to: Bangor, Chester

For students in Bangor, Penrhyn Castle is one of the defining features of their city. This neo-Norman castle sits close to the Menai Strait, under the gaze of the Eryri (Snowdonia) mountain range. The grounds feature exotic trees, walled gardens, and wooded trails that show off vivid Autumn backdrops, while the terrace views across North Wales are unbeatable on clear days.

How to Get There

From Bangor station, take a short bus ride towards Llandudno or Conwy. The castle is very close to the city centre.

Ironbridge Gorge

Closest to: Wolverhampton, Birmingham

New to the National Trust, Ironbridge is a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with museums. The gorge is famous for being the home of the world’s first cast-iron bridge over the River Severn. In Autumn, the steep, wooded hillsides surrounding the area light up in a fiery shade of red. Walking along the riverbank or exploring the historic Blists Hill living museum makes for a memorable day out.

How to Get There

The nearest mainline station is Telford Central. From here, regular buses carry tourists down into Ironbridge Gorge.

Cliveden

Closest to: London, Reading

Perched high above the famous River Thames, Cliveden is known for its formal gardens, trails, and sweeping views of the Berkshire countryside. This time of year is a great time to take in the spectacular Water Garden, explore the yew maze, or follow the woodland walks along the river.

How to Get There

The Elizabeth Line from London Paddington or Reading to Taplow or Burnham is the best route. From the station it’s a short taxi ride to the main Feathers Gate entrance.

Get Out There This Autumn

Taking time out of your schedule to step into nature this Autumn will be fun and refreshing. Explore my favourite spots or find your own on the National Trust’s website. There are hundreds of great places to discover, and you’ll have plenty of time to visit during your time as a student.