Bank holiday days out: The four East Midlands National Trust spots that just ranked among the UK's best

As holidaymakers prepare for the Bank Holiday weekend, a new nationwide study has revealed that four National Trust properties in the East Midlands are among the best in the UK — placing the region firmly on the map for top-tier heritage tourism.

The rankings, released by Fruity King after analysing all 610 National Trust locations across the UK, scored sites based on the number of facilities and accessibility features.

The results are in, and the East Midlands boasts four entries in the top tier: Calke Abbey, Belton Estate, Hardwick, and The Workhouse and Infirmary.

Calke Abbey in Derbyshire

Leading the East Midlands pack is Calke Abbey in Derbyshire, an 18th-century stately home set in a landscape of ancient parkland. It earned an impressive score of 28, thanks to 13 different facilities and 15 accessibility features. Standout features include a café, bookshop, dog-friendly policies, and a licensed wedding venue — plus a Changing Places facility that enhances accessibility for visitors with more severe disabilities.

Belton Estate, Lincolnshire

With its sweeping formal gardens, historic house, and family-friendly attractions, Belton Estate scored 27. The estate offers 12 different facilities, including a popular adventure playground and picnic areas, alongside 15 accessibility features such as ramp access, accessible toilets, and virtual tours. It’s a go-to spot for families looking for a full-day experience.

Belton Estate, near Grantham in Lincolnshire, is a stately 17th-century country house surrounded by formal gardens, sweeping parkland, and one of the National Trust’s best adventure playgrounds. Built for Sir John Brownlow in the 1680s, the mansion blends baroque elegance with family-friendly appeal.

Inside, visitors can explore richly decorated rooms and a vast art collection; outside, there are tranquil walks, picnic spots, and open spaces perfect for kids and dogs. With a strong focus on accessibility and family facilities, Belton offers a full day out for all ages.

Hardwick Hall, Derbyshire

The Elizabethan grandeur of Hardwick Hall helped it secure a total score of 27. While slightly fewer on the facilities front (10), it makes up ground with 17 accessibility features — including a Changing Places facility and virtual tour options. Its blend of historical significance and modern inclusivity makes it a standout.

Hardwick Hall in Derbyshire is one of the grandest Elizabethan houses in England, famously described as "more glass than wall" due to its strikingly large windows. Built in the late 1500s by the formidable Bess of Hardwick, the hall is a bold statement of wealth and ambition.

The Workhouse and Infirmary, Nottinghamshire

A lesser-known gem, The Workhouse and Infirmary in Southwell tied for ninth place nationally with 26 points. It offers 11 facilities, including a café and guided tours, and 15 accessibility features. The site provides a sobering yet vital window into the Victorian poor law system, and its high accessibility score ensures it’s open to all visitors.

These four East Midlands locations exemplify what the National Trust does best: preserve history while making it accessible and engaging. They also reflect a broader regional strength — sites across Cheshire and Greater Manchester scored highest on average, but the East Midlands is holding its own with world-class experiences for all kinds of visitors.

So, whether you're after a stately walk, a family day out, or a journey through social history, the East Midlands has a National Trust site that delivers — and now, with national rankings to prove it.

Planning a visit this weekend? Be sure to check each site’s official page for details on accessibility, dog-friendliness, and kid-friendly features. For more information and the full ranking, visit Fruity King.