Get ready for the Epic summer adventure with the National Trust and Pokémon GO. Trainers, grab your walking shoes and pack your power banks. Pokémon GO has officially partnered with the National Trust for a massive summer event! From Saturday, July 18 to Sunday, September 6, 2026, players across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland can explore historic castles, stunning gardens, and scenic coastlines while catching Pokémon and earning exclusive rewards.
This summer, Pokémon GO is teaming up with the National Trust to inspire Trainers to get outside, explore remarkable sites, and create unforgettable memories with family and friends. From historic houses and castles to gardens, parklands, and coastal landscapes, the National Trust offers countless opportunities for adventure
Here is everything you need to know to make the most of this summer collaboration.
Update: The Pokémon GO and National Trust partnership has been extended until December 31, 2026! Trainers can continue to enjoy local Timed Research and Raid Battles with site Location Background at participating National Trust sites through the end of the year, alongside the existing PokéStops, Gyms, and Routes available to explore.
Summer Adventure with the National Trust: New PokéStops, Gyms, and Exclusive Raids
The event brings new PokéStops and Gyms to 140 National Trust sites, making it easier than ever to explore rich local history while hunting for Pokémon. Even better, 27 dedicated sites will feature exclusive One-Star Raids. If you are lucky, the first featured Pokémon you catch at these locations will come with a special Location Background unique to that specific site!
What are Location Backgrounds?
Introduced for special real-world events, Location Backgrounds are unique souvenir graphics that appear behind your Pokémon on its information screen. Instead of the standard generic catch background, these show an illustration of the specific real-world landmark where you caught it, making them incredibly rare badges of honor for collectors.
The raid bosses are split by region:
Southern England Coast: Hoppip
Midlands and London: Sewaddle
North: Pineco
South West and Wales: Seedot
Summer Adventure with the National Trust Limited-Time Timed Research
Visiting any participating National Trust site unlocks exclusive Timed Research. To keep things fresh all summer long, Niantic will release separate sets of tasks and rewards for July, August, and September. Local Timed Research at these sites will also reward encounters with Treecko, Grovyle, and Sceptile that have the unique site Location Background.
Complete research tasks to earn items and encounters with event-themed Pokémon.
Can’t make it to a site?
Don’t worry if you can’t travel to one of the official spots. If you are in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland, Niantic is launching a nationwide Timed Research that you can join in on the fun from your local neighborhood.
Top Tips for Your Summer Adventure with the National Trust and Pokémon GO
To make the most of your trip, keep these quick tips in mind before you head out:
- Pack a Power Bank: Exploring large historic estates and keeping your screen on for raids will drain your battery quickly.
- Check Opening Times & Fees: While many National Trust landscapes are open to the public, some castles and gardens require timed entry tickets or parking fees (free for National Trust members). Check their official website before traveling.
- Stay on the Paths: Respect the historic grounds and wildlife by staying on designated paths, even if a rare raid boss pops up nearby.
- Team Up: The exclusive One-Star raids are easy to solo, but bringing friends or family along makes the adventure much more fun!
Where to Find the 27 Dedicated Summer Adventure with the National Trust Sites
If you want to hunt for those exclusive Location Backgrounds, here are the 27 official spots hosting dedicated raids and research:
Southern England Coast: Cliveden, Mottisfont, Nymans, Polesden Lacey, Scotney Castle, and Stowe Gardens.
Midlands and London: Anglesey Abbey, Attingham Park, Belton Estate, Calke Abbey, Clumber Park, Hanbury Hall, Hardwick, and Wimpole Estate.
North: Dunham Massey, Fountains Abbey, Gibside, Lyme, and Mount Stewart.
South West and Wales: Chirk Castle and Garden, Killerton, Kingston Lacy, Lacock, Stourhead, Tredegar House, Trelissick, and Tyntesfield.
Get Ready to Explore!
Whether you are a casual player looking for a scenic weekend walk or a hardcore collector hunting for rare Location Backgrounds, this event is the perfect excuse to get outside this summer.
Manage your personalized search experience:
Add this site to your Google Search Preferences list
