Stories

In this special cooking column, we spotlight recipes enjoyed by the Royal Family

The tradition of advent calendars began in Germany in the 19th century. Religious families marked the countdown to Christmas in various ways, including hanging devotional pictures on the wall. The first-known advent calendar was made out of wood in 1851. By the early 1900s printed calendars appeared doors were added in the 1920s and chocolates in the 1950s. Advent calendars continue to be popular today and come in all shapes and sizes.

If you’re looking for somewhere special to escape the hustle and bustle this Christmas, look no further than the National Trust. See historic houses decked out for the season in the style of centuries gone by, or stroll through frosty winter gardens covered in sparkling lights.

In a brand new book from the National Trust, Roasts, leading chef Laura Mason gives you all the best techniques for sourcing, preparing, and roasting all kinds of meat: beef, lamb, pork, chicken, turkey, duck, goose, and various game, including partridge, grouse, and woodcock. Read an excerpt here

High above the ancient woodlands of the Teign Gorge stands Castle Drogo. Inspired by the rugged Dartmoor tors that surround it, the castle was designed and built by renowned 20th-century architect Sir Edwin Lutyens. These fun napkin styles an instructions come from the team who takes care of the Castle. We hope you will try them out for your holiday dinners!

From J.K. Rowling who described September as “crisp and golden as an apple,” to the 17th-century English poet, Andrew Marvell who exclaimed: “What a wondrous life is this I lead! Ripe apples drop about my head,” many think of this season as a season for apples. Try these recipes to mark the occasion.

Whether you’re hoping to taste delicious apples or discover harvest traditions, there are plenty of ways to celebrate autumn with the National Trust. Have a go at apple identification, try your hand at picking and pressing, or simply indulge the taste buds with delicious crumbles and pies.

With still a few days left to dream about an English summer, we encourage you to try out a few recipes from a new book on jam-making from the National Trust. From Gooseberry Curd to Rose Petal Jelly to a Traditional Red Berry Jam, National Trust Book of Jam by Sara Lewis has something for everyone.

From the familiar Fish and Chips to something called Cullen Skink, we encourage you to explore our British fish recipes this summer season.

This month, to celebrate the National Trust's Great Scone Bake on June 28, we are featuring that most iconic of British treats