The National Trust

Episode 01

The Beach

Nov 16, 2003 · 60 min

Studland Bay in Dorset. This gem at the heart of the Dorset coastline is one of the Trust's most popular sites. But natural erosion is causing the beach to get smaller and smaller each year whilst more and more people pour onto it. Discover how the Trust attempts to reconcile the competing claims of a disgruntled bunch of families, dog owners, horse riders, locals and Britain's most vociferous nudists.

Episode 02

The Beatles

Nov 23, 2003 · 60 min

John Lennon's boyhood home in Liverpool. This modest semi on the outskirts of Liverpool, stripped bare of all Lennon memorabilia apart from an aquamarine bath suite, was acquired by the Trust as part of its controversial drive into modernity. As the clock ticks rapidly away until the press launch, the documentary looks at whether the builders will ever leave and whether Yoko and her army of advisers will ever give the final seal of approval.

Episode 03

The Purchase

Nov 30, 2003 · 60 min

Tyntesfield Manor near Bristol. This is the hidden story of how the Trust actually got its hands on Britain's last great Victorian house by beating off claimants and popstars (Kylie amongst them) and securing sums of public money. The cameras go behind-the-scenes to see if the Trust can actually deliver on all its promises.

Episode 04

The Lord

Dec 7, 2003 · 60 min

Waddesdon Manor in Buckinghamshire. Unbeknown to the casual visitor, many of the Trust's houses are still occupied, and often controlled, by the families who 'gave' them to the nation. One of these is the gothic extravaganza Waddesdon Manor, home to the tenth richest man in Britain, Jacob Lord Rothschild, and his bevy of servants. Meet the man himself and take a peek behind his curtains to see what really goes on behind all the pomp and ceremony.

Episode 05

The Stones

Dec 14, 2003 · 79 min

Stonehenge attracts a 20,000-strong crowd of hippies, pagans, druids and travellers every year. As celebrations for summer solstice draw ever closer, the National Trust and English Heritage face Druids, Pagans and revellers for negotiations, including characters such as 'Viziondanz' and 'King Arthur'. Meanwhile, the little matter of Britain's most contentious planning battle rages on - will the eyesore of the A303 finally be banished?