Curation and experiences

We will make sure the places in our care keep evolving, welcoming and inspiring people.

Programming brings places to life. It’s been such a pleasure to see visitors taking part in their thousands this year. I’ve watched visitors immersed in autumn-themed tours at Lanhydrock, Cornwall, enjoyed the wonder we all feel at winter lights in places like Anglesey Abbey, Cambridgeshire and delighted at dozens of children proudly wearing Easter bunny ears at Hardwick Hall, Derbyshire. Magical!

John Orna-Ornstein, Director of Culture and Engagement

As pandemic restrictions came to an end, we were able to open more places, and for longer. We offered innovative and creative events and exhibitions and took strides in improving our accessibility.

Our performance

We welcomed 24.1 million people to

pay-for-entry places. This was below our target of 25.5 million, as the effects of the pandemic lingered for longer than we anticipated, but 3.6 million more than in 2021–22.

As visitors returned, we targeted improving the visitor experience by increasing our programming. We will resume measuring visitor satisfaction in 2023–24.

The stories we told

At Kedleston Hall in Derbyshire, the ‘My Adornment is My Power’ exhibition uncovered the stories of some of the South Asian jewellery brought to the house by George Nathaniel Curzon in the late 19th century. Curated by artist and jewellery-maker Anisha Parmar, the exhibition explored the themes of power and female adornment.

At Quarry Bank Mill in Cheshire, the ‘Gathering Downstream’ exhibition told the story of the Mill during the Industrial Revolution, while drawing attention to the impact that industrialisation had on the surrounding landscapes.

Curated by artist Jen Southern, the exhibition encouraged visitors to reflect on the history of the site and on their own environmental impact.

The ‘Home from Home’ exhibition at the back-to-back houses in Birmingham replicated Mykal ‘Wassifa’ Brown’s childhood home in Handsworth and explored ideas around home and identity through the West Indian front room and African Caribbean back room. It was curated in collaboration with the Mykal Wassifa Brown Heritage Foundation and Blackstory partnership. It opened to mark Windrush Day in 2022 and celebrate the 50th anniversary of Wassifa Sound System.

What I want people to take away from visiting “Home from Home” is that we have more similarities than differences. We might look different on the outside, but we are all people and, in this city, we are all Brummies.

Mykal Brown, Chief Executive Officer, Wassifa

During Pride Month, Hatchlands Park in Surrey hosted a celebration of LGBTQ+ history, exploring LGBTQ+ stories from Hatchland’s heritage. The event was curated by historian Sacha Coward and included contributions from other historians, writers and performers.

One visitor described her son’s response to the event:

He felt welcomed, accepted, recognised and valued…The main thing he took away was the powerful message ‘we have always been here'.

How we are promoting the outdoors

Many people have enjoyed spending more time outdoors in recent years resulting from the pandemic. We’re responding to this by creating new ways for people to engage with nature.

Pavilions of Play

We created ‘Pavilions of Play’ at nine places. These unique structures were created in collaboration with artists Wild Rumpus to encourage people of all ages to experience nature.

We also piloted ‘visual stories’ a visual support tool that helps children and young people with neurodiversity to move from one activity to another with understanding.

Creating more accessible spaces

We have launched several projects to help people with disabilities get more out of their visits.

The Reed Barn at Peckover House, Cambridgeshire is providing a safe place for people living with dementia and their informal carers. This is part of the MONUMENT Project. Participants can share experiences, gain new skills and take a break from caring responsibilities.
At Ickworth House in Suffolk, we’ve created a new audio-described guide for blind and visually impaired visitors with local charity Suffolk Sight. This gives historical information, and detailed descriptions of Ickworth’s architecture and interiors.
At Portstewart Strand in Londonderry, we have provided beach-friendly wheelchairs and walking frames for people to borrow, in partnership with the Mae Murray Foundation, set up to allow people of all ages and abilities to take part in activities, experience the world and enjoy friendship together in an inclusive environment.

Something very important to me is physical access to the outdoors. As a youngster this felt an unassailable barrier. But it is heartening to see that things are changing. Things like Trampers at National Trust locations, boardwalks and accessible trails are great to see.

Ade Adepitan MBE, TV presenter and paralympic medallist

Heritage Open Days

Heritage Open Days are supported by the players of People’s Postcode Lottery and co-ordinated by the National Trust. We host Heritage Open Days to encourage new audiences to explore and connect with history and culture, free of charge.

This year, 2,250 organisers and coordinators and 43,500 volunteers put on almost 5,000 events, attracting one million visits, an increase of 300,000 from last year.

Looking forward

We are undertaking a transformation programme for 28 of the most significant houses and collections we care for. We want to better understand what motivates people to visit them and will make changes so everyone feels welcome. We will also support staff in developing their skills in telling the stories of these places.