George Clarke granted exclusive access to the National Trust in lockdown for Channel 4

4 August 2020

Tuesday 4 August 2020 - Channel 4 has commissioned a new George Clarke series from Amazing Productions with exclusive access to the National Trust’s most remarkable properties during their closure to visitors. George Clarke’s National Trust Unlocked (w/t) sees George discover some of the UK’s most impressive historic homes; finding out more about the fascinating architecture, design and stories behind each property, George 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 six-part series, George Clarke is granted special access to some of these historic and extraordinary places, delving into the hidden recesses that visitors don’t normally get to see.

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.

George Clarke comments: “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.”

The 6 x 60 series has been commissioned for Channel 4 by Sarah Lazenby, Head of Features & Formats and Clemency Green, Commissioning Editor, Features & Formats. The series is Executive Produced for Amazing Productions by Tania Fallon and Rebecca Mulraine and Series Producer is Tom Cullum.

Clemency Green Commissioning Editor, Features & Formats at Channel 4 comments: “Over the last few months many of us have really missed exploring Britain’s stunning countryside and fascinating historical sites. We’ve commissioned this series to bring some of that beauty and history to viewers at home while the sites are closed to visitors allowing George (and his dog Loki) unique access and to act as our guide to these remarkable places”

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.”

George Clarke’s National Trust Unlocked (w/t) will TX on Channel 4 later this year.

ENDS