The Most Popular National Trust Property, Ranked

Choose the property you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 2, 2024 06:44
Every year, countless visitors enjoy the beauty and historical significance of National Trust properties across the country. Determining which property stands out among the rest can greatly enhance the planning process for potential visitors. By establishing a ranking system based on user votes, it’s easier for everyone to identify which sites are capturing the most interest and why. This ranking serves as a dynamic guide that adjusts with new votes, reflecting current preferences and trends. Whether you’re planning a visit, reminiscing about past experiences, or just curious about which properties are favored by others, your participation helps paint a clearer picture. Cast your vote today and see how your favorite stacks up against others in real-time.

What Is the Most Popular National Trust Property?

  1. 1
    69
    votes
    One of the most popular National Trust properties due to its historical significance as a prehistoric monument and its unique stone structures.
    Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument located in Wiltshire, England. It consists of a ring of standing stones, each measuring approximately 13 feet (4 meters) high, 7 feet (2 meters) wide, and weighing around 25 tons. The stones are arranged in a circular pattern, with an inner horseshoe-shaped setting and two concentric outer circles. The monument is surrounded by a circular earthwork enclosure known as a henge.
    • Age: Built between 3000 and 1500 BCE
    • Location: Wiltshire, England
    • Stone height: Approximately 13 feet (4 meters)
    • Stone width: Approximately 7 feet (2 meters)
    • Stone weight: Around 25 tons
  2. 2
    17
    votes
    Giant's Causeway
    Shaw, Simeon · Public domain
    A natural wonder and UNESCO World Heritage site that attracts millions of visitors each year.
    The Giant's Causeway is a mesmerizing natural wonder located on the coast of County Antrim in Northern Ireland. It consists of approximately 40,000 interlocking basalt columns formed as a result of ancient volcanic activity. The unique geological formation stretches over an area of about 40,000 square meters and is renowned for its polygonal-shaped columns that appear as if they were meticulously crafted by giants.
    • Location: County Antrim, Northern Ireland
    • Formation: Result of volcanic activity
    • Type: Natural wonder
    • Size: Approximately 40,000 square meters
    • Number of columns: Approximately 40,000
  3. 3
    9
    votes
    A stately home that has a rich history and is famous for its beautiful gardens and stunning views.
    Cliveden House is a grand country mansion located in Buckinghamshire, England. It is considered one of the most popular National Trust properties, renowned for its magnificent architecture, stunning gardens, and rich historical significance.
    • Location: Buckinghamshire, England
    • Architecture: Grand country mansion
    • Construction: Built in 1666
    • Ownership: Multiple ownerships throughout history
    • Gardens: Stunning and meticulously maintained gardens
  4. 4
    13
    votes
    A picturesque estate with a stunning lake, classical temples, and beautiful gardens that have inspired many artists and writers.
    Stourhead is a renowned National Trust property located in Wiltshire, England. It is a stunning landscape garden filled with picturesque scenery and architectural features.
    • Location: Wiltshire, England
    • Year Established: 1740
    • Type: Landscape Garden
    • Size: Approximately 670 acres
    • Architectural Style: Palladian
  5. 5
    4
    votes
    Chatsworth House
    Rprof · CC BY-SA 3.0
    A grand estate with a rich history and stunning architecture, including a famous sculpture gallery and beautiful gardens.
    Chatsworth House is a renowned stately home located in the heart of the Peak District, Derbyshire, England. It is considered one of the most beautiful parts of the Peak District National Park. With its exquisite architecture, expansive gardens, and rich history, Chatsworth House attracts thousands of visitors each year.
    • Architectural Style: Baroque
    • Size: Approximately 35,000 square feet
    • Grounds Area: Over 105 acres
    • Gardens: Includes a famous 300-year-old Cascade and several water features
    • Art Collection: Displays paintings, sculptures, and artifacts from various periods
  6. 6
    4
    votes
    A Georgian mansion with beautiful gardens that are home to a wide range of exotic plants and wildlife.
    Mount Stewart House and Gardens is a stunning historic estate located in County Down, Northern Ireland. It is renowned for its beautiful gardens, manicured lawns, and impressive neoclassical house. The estate covers an area of 98 acres and offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into the grandeur of a bygone era.
    • Neoclassical Architecture: The Mount Stewart House is an exemplary piece of neoclassical architecture, featuring elegant columns, intricate detailing, and a grand entrance hall. The interior showcases exquisite craftsmanship and opulent decor.
    • Stunning Gardens: The gardens at Mount Stewart are renowned for their beauty and variety. They include formal gardens, woodlands, lakes, and even a picturesque Italian-style garden. The flora is carefully curated, with an extensive collection of rare and exotic plants.
    • Temple of the Winds: One of the standout features of the gardens is the Temple of the Winds, a stunning structure inspired by classical Greek architecture. It offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
    • Walled Garden: The Walled Garden is a hidden gem within the estate. Enclosed by high walls, it features vibrant flowerbeds, perfectly manicured lawns, and a tranquil reflecting pool.
    • Lake Walk: Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the picturesque Lake Walk, which winds its way through the estate's woodland and offers magnificent views of the lake and surrounding scenery.
  7. 7
    10
    votes
    A Victorian country house with beautiful gardens and the first house in the world to be lit by hydroelectric power.
    Cragside is a magnificent country house located in Northumberland, England. It is considered one of the most popular National Trust properties, attracting thousands of visitors each year. Built in the mid-19th century, Cragside holds the distinction of being the first house in the world to be lit by hydroelectric power, highlighting its innovative and progressive nature.
    • Location: Northumberland, England
    • Year of construction: Mid-19th century
    • Architectural Style: Victorian
    • Unique Feature: First house lit by hydroelectric power
    • Size: Over 6,000 acres
  8. 8
    3
    votes
    A UNESCO World Heritage site that includes the ruins of a Cistercian monastery and a stunning water garden.
    Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in North Yorkshire, England. It is a historic estate combining the ruins of the Fountains Abbey, one of England's largest and best-preserved Cistercian monasteries, with an exceptional water garden. The site covers over 800 acres of land and offers a unique combination of natural beauty, architectural grandeur, and historical significance.
    • Location: North Yorkshire, England
    • Year Established: 1132
    • UNESCO World Heritage Site: Yes
    • Type of Property: Historic Estate
    • Size: Over 800 acres
  9. 9
    11
    votes
    Lacock Abbey
    Jürgen Matern · CC BY-SA 2.5

    Lacock Abbey

    Elstob family
    A medieval abbey that has been used as a filming location for many popular TV shows and movies, including Harry Potter and Downton Abbey.
    Lacock Abbey is a historic country house located in the village of Lacock, Wiltshire, England. Originally a medieval nunnery, it was converted into a home in the 16th century. With its picturesque architecture and serene surroundings, Lacock Abbey has become one of the most popular National Trust properties in the country, attracting thousands of visitors each year.
    • Location: Lacock, Wiltshire, England
    • Architectural Style: Medieval
    • Year Established: 13th century
    • Converted into a home: 16th century
    • Ownership: National Trust
  10. 10
    4
    votes
    Bodiam Castle
    Antony McCallum · CC BY-SA 3.0

    Bodiam Castle

    Sir Edward Dalyngrigge
    A 14th-century castle that is famous for its picturesque appearance and stunning moat.
    Bodiam Castle is a stunning medieval castle located in East Sussex, England. It is known for its picturesque setting and is considered one of the most beautiful castles in the country. The castle was built in the 14th century by Sir Edward Dalyngrigge, a former knight of Edward III.
    • Location: East Sussex, England
    • Date of Construction: 14th century
    • Architectural Style: Medieval
    • Materials Used: Stone and timber
    • Surroundings: Moat and picturesque landscape

Missing your favorite property?

Graphs
Discussion

Ranking factors for popular property

  1. Number of visitors
    The total number of visitors annually or monthly provides an excellent gauge of the National Trust property's popularity.
  2. Historical and cultural significance
    The importance of the property's role in significant historical events or contribution to local or national culture can be a key factor in its appeal.
  3. Architectural value
    Unique, rare, or impressive architectural elements of the National Trust property can draw visitors and contribute to its popularity.
  4. Natural Beauty
    Properties with beautiful gardens, rich landscapes, or stunning views can be appealing to a wide range of visitors, making them more popular.
  5. Accessibility
    The ease of access to the property, including transport options, parking, and proximity to other major tourist attractions, can impact its popularity.
  6. Facilities and amenities
    The availability of on-site amenities like cafes, restaurants, gift shops, and restrooms can influence visitor satisfaction and, therefore, a property's popularity.
  7. Events and attractions
    Special events, exhibitions, and seasonal attractions can drive visitor numbers up and boost a property's popularity.
  8. Educational offerings
    National Trust properties that offer guided tours, educational programs, or interactive displays are often more popular among school groups and families.
  9. Marketing and publicity
    The level of publicity and brand recognition, a National Trust property receives from its marketing strategies can greatly affect its popularity.
  10. Online presence and Social Media engagement
    A strong online presence, including an active social media presence and positive visitor reviews, can influence popularity and help bring in more visitors.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular National Trust property. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or property is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 1527 views
  • 143 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each property once every 24 hours. The rank of each property is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most popular national trust property

The National Trust is a UK-based conservation charity that aims to protect and preserve historic places and green spaces across the country. Since its founding in 1895, the National Trust has acquired over 500 historic properties, ranging from grand country estates to humble cottages, and has opened them up to the public to visit and explore. These properties offer a fascinating glimpse into the history and culture of the UK, and are popular destinations for tourists and locals alike. With so many properties to choose from, it can be difficult to determine which is the most popular, but through our polls and rankings, we aim to provide insight into the public's favourite National Trust properties.

Share this article