Is it worth joining the National Trust?
Is it worth joining the National Trust? It’s a definite yes from me! If, like me, you thought there was an age restriction to joining the National Trust, or you had to wear certain clothes or vote for a certain political party. Think again.
National Trust
If you love history; whether it’s the stuff of Kings and Queens or how your ancestors lived (unless you happen to be a royal reading this, then it’s both), the National Trust will entertain you like no history programme on ‘Yesterday’ can. If you are reading this in Britain, you can pretty much guarantee that within 20-30 miles of where you are right now, there will be a National Trust property. (I should say that in Scotland, there is the National Trust for Scotland. Separate from the charity south of the border, but with equally fascinating properties and value for money). No matter which country, I can guarantee that you won’t leave a property without having learnt something interesting, amazing or even mind-blowing. (I have to point out that they also have exceptionally clean toilets, great cafés and wonderful green open spaces.)
We joined the National Trust very early on in our trip around Britain. Stopping on the second day at Corfe Castle in Dorset. As we were on a very tight budget, the single day entry fee seemed pretty steep. So we thought we’d just have a look at the grounds. A very enthusiastic guide met us in the little entrance room set aside for ticket-buying and leaflet browsing. In one quick movement, like an old time salesman flinging open his camel overcoat to reveal rows of dodgy watches, he unfolded a map of Britain.
500 National Trust historic houses
We gasped at the sight of the country covered with different coloured name tags. Each one represented a National Trust property or a protected piece of land. The number was staggering. To be precise there are (in 2021) over 500 historic houses, castles, ancient monuments, gardens, parks and nature reserves (including 9 lighthouses, 56 villages, 39 pubs and a gold mine). There are 638,000 acres of land and 780 miles of coastline with Scotland looking after 130 properties and 180,000 acres of land. That’s pretty impressive.
Despite having very little funds, we joined both and boy were we glad we did. Not just for the history, the toilets and the cake, but when the heavens opened, which they frequently did on our trip around Britain, we had somewhere to keep dry.
National Trust history
So, how did this wonderful charity begin? Back in 1895, Miss Octavia Hill, Sir Robert Hunter and Canon H D Rawnsley founded The National Trust for Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty. They were living in an age when industrialisation was sweeping through the country. The population was growing rapidly and large areas of the countryside were being swallowed up into urbanisation beyond recognition. Thankfully they decided to do something about it.
They set up a body of private people to act as trustees for the nation in the acquisition and ownership of land and buildings worthy of preservation. The National Trust was born. Over a 100 years later, it is a registered charity, independent of Government. We can’t ignore the charity’s achievements and what it has saved for the country. Great expanses of land, historic monuments and homes, that give an insight into how people once lived, are now preserved for the nation. Not to mention how it shows us the lavish attention to detail in the homes of the gentry and the hardships of the unmechanised lifestyles of the lower classes.
Is it worth buying a National Trust membership?
You might think it isn’t worth buying a membership. Maybe you don’t have time to visit many places; you don’t want to travel too far from home for a day trip; you have kids who won’t enjoy visiting dusty old houses? As I said earlier, you are never far from a National Trust property and their website makes it very easy to check your local area to find what’s close by.
During our trip around Britain, we managed to visit about 80 National Trust places in England, Wales and Scotland. Obviously, many show the great social divide that has existed throughout British history; those upstairs and downstairs, the real ‘Downton Abbey’. My favourites are definitely downstairs, which probably explains my origins. But, no matter what your family history is, there is something for everyone.
Here are a few facts to help you decide if you want to join:
National Trust and kids
If you have kids to entertain, most National Trust properties have playgrounds, large open spaces of gardens and parkland. What would the original occupants have thought if they had known that the future children of working class Britain would be cartwheeling across their immaculate grass or playing hide and seek amongst the exotic fauna and flora brought back from expensive overseas expeditions? I like that thought. Many of the larger houses also have indoor activities for children, like quizzes and dressing up boxes.
The great thing is that you don’t have to go into the house, you can just enjoy the grounds; take a picnic and explore.
National Trust and gardeners
If you like gardening, National Trust properties are for you. Nearly all of the 500 historic properties have outdoor space and most are looked after by dedicated and knowledgeable gardeners. With a membership, you can visit at different times of the year to appreciate the seasonal flora and fauna. Usually you will find seeds and plants for sale!
National Trust shops
One of my favourite places at NT properties. They have a great selection of books and memorabilia relating to the property. Also, lovely biscuits and chocolate!
National Trust car parks
With a membership car parking is free at all National Trust properties. Scanning machines are now available in many the car parks, so you just have to scan your card. There is a charge for non-members. From the horse’s mouth!
National Trust Membership cost
So, is it worth joining? If you just happen to be passing a place and want to visit, the cost might seem a bit steep. Single entry prices vary a lot depending on the property. Some are as high as £15 for an adult with £37 for a family of four (2021 prices). Many are much less. Still, if you compare to a membership, it won’t take many visits to the same or different properties to recoup your money.
An individual membership costs (2021 prices) £72 year or £6 per month (based on sign up for 12 months). For Under 17 year olds, it’s £10 per year. A Family Membership is £126 a year or £10.50 per month. Family includes two adults, parents or grandparents, and their children/grandchildren. Check out all the details here. If you’re really keen, they have Life Memberships. Membership includes a National Trust handbook, which was invaluable to us when we were travelling around Britain.
Apologies if this has seemed like a sales pitch, I honestly don’t work for the National Trust. I just think it’s an amazing charity that we need to support for us and future generations.
