National Trust

A 'lost' maze in the National Trust gardens at Cliveden in Buckinghamshire that disappeared for over half a century has been re-created using over 1,000 two metre (six feet six inches) high yew trees.

The fully-fledged maze is based on one that was built for Lord Astor in 1894 but had ceased to be maintained since the mid-1900s.

The National Trust has launched a collection of online walking guides based around some of the silliest place names found on its land.

Ten new ‘Silly Walks’ have been created at places such as Kiss me Arse Steps in Cornwall and Scrubby Bottoms in Pembrokeshire.

The walking guides will be available to download for free from 1 April 2011 and have been launched as part of a wider initiative by the National Trust to encourage the nation to get outdoors and closer to nature.

Holidaymakers are capitalising on the extra bank holiday this year and booking a National Trust holiday cottage for a bonus spring break.

The Trust’s holiday cottages team have taken more than double the number of early bookings compared for the same weekend of last year.

But with around 400 cottages to choose from, there are still places available for the extra holiday weekend when the timing will be perfect for the arrival of longer, warmer days to really make the most of time away.

The National Trust has seen its best year for filming, with its locations providing the setting for more major movie hits than ever before.

With the Oscars fast approaching, film stars are gearing up for the highly-acclaimed award ceremony on 27 February, but it’s not just the actors and directors who deserve a standing ovation.

Anyone who’s ever fancied the idea of taking part in a challenging cycle ride through stunning countryside or around a beautiful country estate could be in for a treat with one of the new series of National Trust challenge rides (also known as sportives).

All of the routes will start and finish at National Trust sites and the first ride will take place in Pembrokeshire in West Wales on the 1 May.

Love is in the air and for romantic inspiration this Valentine’s weekend, look no further than the National Trust. With tales of royal newly-weds and historic love affairs, our houses, castles and outdoor places continue to provide the perfect backdrop for love to blossom.

Here are ten idyllic havens of love and romance, beautiful places that are just right for a romantic stroll and some special time together - a world away from daily life.

Polesden Lacey, Surrey

A focus on walking, cycling and camping will help kick-start a major shift in focus for the National Trust as it aims to help more people enjoy the outdoors and get closer to nature.

The charity – often narrowly and wrongly associated only with country houses - will promote a range of activities that take place on the land it looks after, including walking, mountain biking, kayaking, surfing and camping, with over a thousand summer events aimed at helping children get closer to nature.

This February half term, the National Trust has plenty of excuses to get the kids to down game consoles, leave the sofa behind and discover new surroundings - whatever the weather. With uncertain forecasts threatening to ruin half terms everywhere, a rain-proof day out with the National Trust is sure to be a winner with the whole family.

Recent visitors to Ham House on the banks of the river Thames in Richmond were surprised to see what they thought was a drop in standards as they visited the National Trust house and gardens.

Formal lawns were left un-mown and weeds were 'planted' in the normally pristine turf. Inside the house, historic artefacts were removed and fluorescent lighting was brought in to create an 'institutional atmosphere'.

But the dishevelled look was not down to staff and volunteers, but a Hollywood makeover for the backdrop to the soon to be released Never Let Me Go starring Keira Knightley.

No sooner do the Christmas holidays finish and the kids are off again for February half term, so why not make the most of a bit of free time with the family now the weather is getting milder?

Across England, Northern Ireland and Wales, many National Trust places will be hosting fun family events, which are great value too. From seashore safaris and castle quests to scarecrow making and forest art, there’s never been a better time to get back to basics and enjoy some simple family fun.