Somerset is set to feature in a new six-part
Airing weekly from Sunday 23rd August at 9pm, the show presented by George Clarke will feature 11 houses, gardens and coastal sites across the South West.
Called ‘George Clarke’s National Trust Unlocked’, it will see George discover some of the UK’s most impressive historic homes; finding out more about the fascinating architecture, design and stories behind each property. He will also be taking walks around the stunning gardens, open countryside and spectacular surrounding scenery of these treasured estates.
Every year around 27 million visits are made to the National Trust’s 300 houses and gardens, but this all came to a halt in March as tourism sites across the country closed. In this TV series, Channel 4 has been granted special access to some of these historic and extraordinary places, delving into the hidden recesses that visitors don’t normally get to see.
George Clarke says: “I know lockdown has been unbelievably tough for so many people and that’s why I feel honoured and privileged to have been given the most amazing access to show the people of Britain some of the most wonderful buildings, gardens and landscapes we have across the nation.”
While adhering to social distancing, he will meet the people keeping these sites in working order until they are ready to be re-opened. George will also be joined by his faithful four-legged companion, Loki the Siberian husky, to take walks around some of the most scenic outdoor spaces in and around the National Trust’s properties.
He adds: “The history of our architecture tells the stories of our past, both good and bad, and the National Trust grounds and walks have made me realise, now more than ever, just how important our open, green and beautiful spaces are to our happiness, well-being and mental health. What an opportunity for me to explore so many properties, many of which I’ve never seen before. Stay safe, sit back and enjoy the series, because it’s the most unique series of programmes I’ve ever made.”
As lockdown eases, the National Trust is re-opening gardens, parks and some houses on a pre-booking basis. Tickets must be booked in advance via the website, with new batches of tickets released each Friday for the following week.
The conservation charity also recommends that visitors check the relevant property web pages before travelling to ensure they have the latest access and facilities information. Some of the locations featured in George Clarke’s National Trust Unlocked remain closed.
John Orna-Ornstein, Director of Culture and Engagement at the National Trust comments: “We are really looking forward to welcoming all our visitors back to our historic properties as we slowly continue to re-open.”
“In the meantime, we are delighted that Channel 4 viewers will be able to enjoy some of these special places from their homes as George Clarke explores diverse sites, from grand stately homes to quirky cottages and gardens and meets the staff who have been caring for them during lockdown.”
After the first episode has aired, the whole series will also be available to stream on-demand at www.channel4.com
South West places to feature in the series:
- Kingston Lacy in Dorset
- Hidcote Garden in Gloucestershire
- Studland Bay in Dorset
- Dunster Castle in Somerset
- Westbury Court Garden in Gloucestershire
- Snowshill Manor in Gloucestershire
- Bath Skyline
- Tyntesfield near Bristol
- Corfe Castle in Dorset
- Golden Cap in Dorset
- Killerton in Devon
