The National Trust reveals their best free attractions to visit this summer – from sky gardens to ‘city oasis’ parks
AS the weather warms up and school holidays approach, The National Trust has revealed to The Sun it's top free things to do.
The Trust owns almost 620,000 acres of land, 780 miles of coast and 500 historic houses, castles, archaeological and industrial monuments, gardens, parks and nature reserves.
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Whilst most of the properties have a charge to enter, all of the Trust's open spaces are free.
Tom Freshwater, head of visitor programming, at The National Trust, said: "In 2022 Manchester got its own answer to the New York City High Line when the Castlefield Viaduct opened – a lush sky garden built on a Victorian-era steel viaduct right through the city centre."
The Grade II-listed viaduct stretches over 330-metres in the oldest part of the city of Manchester and is "surrounded by 2000 years of history".
Built in 1892 by Heenan and Froude - the engineers who worked on the iconic Blackpool Tower - the viaduct was used to carry heavy rail traffic in and out of Manchester Central Station and the Great Northern Warehouse until 1969.
"Since then Castlefield Viaduct stood unused, though regularly maintained by National Highways," added Tom.
"Now it’s reclaimed its place in the heart of this vibrant city, celebrating its part in Manchester’s past, present and future by transforming into a temporary 'garden in the sky'.
"Thanks to support from private donations and players of People’s Postcode Lottery, the viaduct has been brought back into use and transformed into a freely accessible green space for Castlefield’s local community and the wider city for two years."
Visitors can walk-up and visit Castlefield Viaduct from Wednesday to Sunday 10am - 5pm and no booking required.
A green oasis in the city, Morden Hall Park gives visitors a taste of a country estate with a glimpse of its agricultural and industrial history.
Tom shared: "This tranquil former deer park is one of the few remaining estates that used to line the River Wandle during its industrial heyday.
"The river meanders through the park creating a haven for wildlife.
"The snuff mills, which generated the park's income in the past, survive to this day.
"We've renovated the western mill, and it's now used as a Children and Young People hub (offering outdoor learning experiences for schools, youth groups and universities)."
There is also the renovated Stable Yard in the heart of the park, with a second-hand bookshop, café and facilities, while surviving estate buildings are used as workshops by local artists.
The park is also home of the National Trust's only garden centre.
"When you step through the gates, you'd be forgiven for imagining yourself to be in the middle of the English countryside," Tom continued.
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"Surrounded by meadows, an Edwardian rose garden, trees and the gentle sounds of birdsong and running water, the park offers a rare sense of discovery and a chance to get away from it all."
There are also all-ability trails, such as the Wandle Trail which takes people along a well-maintained, flat path through a park, visiting meadow and wetlands.
Entry to the park is free for all.
"Resting in the heart of the Belfast Hills, this mountain provides a beautiful backdrop to the city's skyline," said Tom.
"Belfast and Strangford Lough lie at your feet, while the Sperrin Mountains, Lough Neagh, the Mourne Mountains, Donegal and the Scottish coast can all be seen in good weather."
The landscape is home to a wealth of wildlife and walking trails venture through heath, on stone tracks, along boardwalks and road surfaces - offering a variety of routes for walker of different experience levels.
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Situated on the edge of Waterfall Country in the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park, the waterfall at Aberdulais is the only accessible one in the area.
"Flowing through a rocky gorge, the River Dulais is an awesome force when in full flow and a haven for wildlife and birds, with dippers and herons in regular sight," said Tom.
Aberdulais with its waterfall and tinworks near Neath is free to visit and easy to travel to.
The Sun also visited the country’s number one hidden gem attraction.
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