Not all National Trust properties are grand estates and houses. Plymbridge Woods is where to head when you want to stretch your legs and enjoy nature. The wooded valley opens up to the moors of Dartmoor and has a rich and industrious past. There are several old quarries with interesting archaeological remains, alongside an abundance of wildlife. The woodland floor is covered with wildflowers, including primroses and bluebells. You may even discover some wild garlic.
Plymbridge Woods is a 12-minute drive from Future Inn Plymouth. There is no entrance fee and free parking.

©National Trust Images/John Millar

The Abbey is part museum, part house, and it is filled with treasures. It has remained virtually unchanged since it was built over 700 years ago. Beginning life as a tranquil monastery with a productive estate, Buckland has been redeveloped, restored and adapted, passing through the hands of famous seafarers such as Sir Francis Drake.

You will discover meadows, orchards and woodlands and enjoy far-reaching views of the Tavy Valley. The Elizabethan garden is a riot of colour, especially in the summer months. In the kitchen garden, fruit and vegetables are grown. The Cider House and Secret Wild Garden have many spots where you can admire the scenery and wildlife such as deer, birds and butterflies.

©National Trust Images/Sarah Davis

At Saltram, you’ll find a house full of treasures and a secret garden to lose yourself in. Overlooking the River Plym, there is lots of green space to enjoy. At its height, it was over 4,000 acres. Now there are 500 acres of parkland to explore. You can stroll along the riverside and through the woodland. In the garden, you can discover the orangery.

The magnificent Georgian mansion was home to the Parker family since they bought the estate in 1582. The house has an excellent collection of furniture, fine art and china. The upstairs bedrooms also feature some beautifully preserved Chinese wallpaper depicting scenes from everyday life in China.

©National Trust Images/Paul Barker

Shaugh Bridge is a 16-minute drive from Future Inn Plymouth. It is an ancient riverside and beautiful woodland walk.

Ruined walls and other industrial remains such as an iron mine, quarry tramway and charcoal burners.

The drive from Future Inn Plymouth to Shaugh Bridge is only 16-minutes. There is no entrance fee and free parking.

©National Trust Images/Mel Peters

There are 32 pools on this stretch of the River Plym. It is a popular local spot for sunbathing, walking or enjoying the scenery with a good book or picnic.

There is a 7.7km walking trail that takes you to Shaugh Bridge and features a waterfall.

The drive from Future Inn Plymouth to Cadover Bridge is only 22-minutes. There is no entrance fee and free parking.

©National Trust Images/Chris Lacey

At Wembury, you’ll find a spectacular stretch of coastline with dramatic cliffs, wildlife and a beach. It is an area of outstanding natural beauty where you can sunbathe, swim or explore the rock pools. Get a flavour of the local scenery with a stroll along the cliff paths.

The beach is a 29-minute drive from Future Inn Plymouth. The car park is free for National Trust members. Non-members pay £3 between November and January and £6 between February and October.

©National Trust Images/James Dobson

The tiny, pretty little village of Noss Mayo is hidden away on the southern bank of the Yealm Estuary. This ancient and secluded village is an ideal location if you’re looking to get away from the hustle and bustle. Across the water is the larger village of Newton Ferrers, which you can get to by ferry.

Noss Mayo is a bird watcher’s paradise, as it is home to flocks of migratory birds and many other species. There are also plenty of things to do for walkers, with a coastal path with three routes, and one the villagers have named ‘The Drive’.

You can be in Noss Mayo in 31-minutes when driving from Future Inn Plymouth. There is no entrance fee and free parking.

©National Trust Images/Phil Hemsley

The atmospheric Tudor house and expansive estate, which has Medieval roots, is 34-minutes from Future Inn Plymouth. Cotehele has a glorious garden and valley views. The estate was the ancestral home to the Edgcume family for centuries. It is decorated with tapestries, armour and old oak furniture.

Outside, there are formal and natural gardens to be explored. As well as the planted terraces, there is an Upper Garden and two orchards planted with apples and cherries. The grounds are renowned for the old oaks, yews and Spanish chestnut trees.

©National Trust Images/Mel Peters

Around a 35-minute drive from Future Inn Plymouth is Antony. An 18th Century house in a magnificent landscape garden. It is believed to be one of the finest surviving Queen Anne buildings in the West Country.

The Carew Pole family have lived on here for over six hundred years. It holds a collection of portraits, including a famous painting of Charles I during his trial. As well as fine examples of period furniture, textiles and tapestries.

In the formal gardens, you can enjoy the sweeping views out to the River Lynher. You can explore the Summer Garden, where you’ll find blooms in pink, purple and white.

©National Trust Images/James Dobson

A gorge is a great place for an adventure at any time of the year. The circular walking trail takes you on a sloping route to the Whitelady Waterfall. The walk also takes you along the old Great Western Railway tracks. During this time, you can take in nature, wildlife and river views. Wildflowers such as wild garlic and bluebells can be found in abundance.

You can be in Lydford Gorge in 40-minutes when driving from Future Inn Plymouth. Entry is £8.50 per person, £4.25 per child (under 5’s are free), £19.50 for a family or £14 for a one adult family. National Trust members are free.

©National Trust Images/Mel Peters

The Georgian townhouse was built in 1753 and is a museum spread over three floors. It predominantly focuses on local history, including its association with Australia. Following Philip Gidley King, who sailed on HMS Sirius, the ship accompanied the first fleet of convicts. There is also a collection of costumes from the Victorian era up until now.

Lawrence House is in Launceston, a 53-minute drive from Future Inn Plymouth. The museum is open on weekdays, and selected Saturdays between 10.30am and 4.30pm. Admission is free. There are pay and display car parks nearby.

©National Trust Images/Arnhel de Serra

Even though it sounds like it should be found in an episode of Game of Thrones, it is actually in Exeter. Castle Drogo is about an hours drive from Future Inn Plymouth. So it could be an excellent stop-off point if you are driving through.

The 20th Century castle, chapel, garden and estate are high above ancient woodlands of Teign Gorge and have been inspired by the rugged Dartmoor. The castle has recently been refurbished and refreshed. You can discover its precious treasures, fascinating stories and unique history. Or, stroll around the formal gardens, which are alive with colour throughout the seasons.

©National Trust Images/James Dobson