Some National Trust Properties to Visit in London

London is one of the world’s center of trade and tourism. With so many things to do here, you’ll find it overwhelming to travel around, especially if you only have a few days to spend. Heritage travels in the UK could center on tours to different historic palaces, houses, and parks. Buckingham Palace, for example, is open the public for two months a year, when the sovereign in not in residence. You could also check out other destinations near Buckingham Palace. The National Trust properties may pique your interest as well. Here are some National Trust properties to visit in London…

Fenton House

This late-17th century house boasts of an exquisite collection of porcelain and keyboard instrument. It also has a  large walled garden. Location: Hampstead NW3 6RT

Carlyle’s House

This Queen Anne town house was home of Victorian writer Thomas Carlyle and his wife Jane from1834 until their respective deaths. The life and times of the Carlyles can be seen through the original furniture and decoration of the house, together with the many books, portraits and personal relics acquired during Carlyle’s 47-year-stay here. The Carlyles also welcomed many of their great contemporaries, including Dickens, Chopin, Tennyson, George Eliot and Emerson. The house is part of a terrace in a peaceful backwater of old Chelsea. The house opens up to a walled garden, which also reflects the lives of the Carlyles. Location: 24 Cheyne Row, Chelsea SW3 5HL.

Ham House

Built in 1610 and expanded in the 1670s, Ham House is one of the outstanding Stuart houses built along the River Thames. The house is a showcase of the 17^th century, with its fine closets, furniture, textile and pictures. The house was the center of Restoration social life, reaching its apex in the 1670s when the Duke of Lauderdale, one of King Charles II’s most power minister, married Elizabeth Countess of Dysart. Her descendants, the Tollemarches, lived in the house until 1948. Seventeenth century formal gardens surround the house. Location: Ham, Richmond TW10 7RS.

Osterley Park

Originally built in 1575, Osterley was transformed by Robert Adam into an elegant 18^th century villa for the founders of Child’s Bank. The superb interiors contain one of the country’s most complete examples of Adam’s workand include plasterwork, carpets and furniture.  An interesting kitchen could also be found in the house. The house is set in a 140-hectarure park and farmland and the ornamental lakes and pleasure grounds feature classical garden buildings. The Tudor features of Osterley  are found in the stable block,which still has working stables. Location: Isleworth, Middlesex TW7 4RB.

Sutton House

Located in London’s East End, Sutton House is a rare example of Tudor red-brick house, built in 1535 by Sir Rafe Sadleir, Principal Secretary of State for Henry VIII. Alterations and additions were made in the 18^th century. Restorations in the 1990s revealed 16th century details which were hidden by the works done on the house in the successive centuries. Among the house’s notable features include the 17th century wall-paintings. An audiovisual presentation can be found in the chapel. There is also a permanent exhibition about the history of the house and its occupants and a multimedia presentation of the house’s local material, and changing exhibits of contemporary art and sculpture. Location: 2 & 4 Homerton High Street, Hackney E9 6JQ