Get packing: What to bring on you National Trust adventure

Michael Buerk, the presenter of Inside The National Trust, visits six locations, including Northumbria’s Cragside, built by Victorian inventor Lord Armstrong and the first house to be lit by hydroelectricity.

Travelling west to Cumbria, he discovers more about Georgian life at 18th century Wordsworth House, Cockermouth, and visits Sizergh Castle, near Kendal.

Other highlights include the wildlife on the Farne Islands off Northumberland and 17th century Wimpole Hall in Cambridgeshire.

Follow in Buerk’s footsteps by staying in one of the Trust’s properties such as Garden Cottage in Cragside (0844 800 2070/ nationaltrustcottages.co.uk) where a two-night break costs from £307, self-catering.

FASHIONABLE FEET A favourite of the fashionable crowd, Hunter wellies (0131 240 3672/hunterboot.com) area stylish addition for this time of year. Wear on countryside yomps or gentle strolls through the autumn leaves.

Now a new boot with a buckle feature combining iconic black with a bright top is the latest musthave for Hunter enthusiasts. Choose from black on brick, crimson, dark ruby, feather blue, moss green or sovereign purple to brighten up even the dampest of days. £95.

SAFARI CHIC Keep your eyes peeled for the “Big Five” on safari in Zambia.

This time of year is known as the Emerald Season when there is a higher chance of rain but it is still a good time to take a wildlife spotting boat trip.

Watch elephants along the riverbank and hippos and crocodiles as you cruise along the Luangwa River.

Norman Carr Safaris’ new Chinzombo Camp (normancarrsafaris.com) is the ideal place to explore the wilds and waterways of Africa in style.

Set within 60 acres of private land it has access to the richest game area of the South Luangwa National Park which boast more than 60 animal species and over 400 types of bird.

Six private villas each with their own pool blend effortlessly into the surrounding wilderness with canvas walls and rustic decor. Expert Africa (0208 232 9777/expertafrica.com) offers eight nights at Chinzombo from £3,535pp (two sharing), all-inclusive. Price includes return flights from London with South African Airways, internal flights, transfers and safari activities.