What is the National Trust?

From time to time, I mention here about the National Trust, but what that actually is?

The National Trust for Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty is an independent charity and membership organisation that oversees historic houses, gardens, mills, cottages, pubs and inns, islands, forests, castles, coastline and whole villages in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The charity was founded in 1895, and it is financed by membership subscriptions, entrance fees, legacies, donations and revenue from gift shops and restaurants within its properties.

For you to have an idea, the trust takes care of:
500 historic houses, gardens and parks, ancient monuments
61 pubs and inns
400 factories and mines (including two gold mines)
59 villages
618,000 acres of farmland
775 miles of coastline
76 nature reserves

Most of the houses were owned by famous individuals, like Winston Churchill, Agatha Christie, Paul McCartney, John Lennon and many more.
The majority of these country houses includes collections of pictures, furniture, books, ceramics and memorabilia of its previous owners.

The trust owns or has covenant over part of the Lake District and Peak District, and it owns or protects roughly one-fifth of the coastline in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Incredible, isn’t it?

In Scotland, there is an independent National Trust for Scotland. Though, you can use your England membership card to get entrance or get discounts at some of the places there.

We did our membership last year, and it was one of the best investments we ever made, culturally speaking.
Every weekend that we do not have or do not know what to do, we get our little NT book, we pick a site, and we go there.
We discovered many stunning places, we saw beautiful landscapes, and we learned a lot about history.

You can visit each place and pay a fee there, or you can do the membership. It depends on what you prefer.
However, in my opinion, the membership is worth it, especially if you live in the UK as I do.

For you to have an idea, if you visit 4 or 5 historic places within a year, you have reached the amount that you would pay for each one individually. Besides, I’m pretty sure you will visit more than that for sure.

How much does it cost?

Adult 26+ years = £76.80 a year or £6.40 a month (includes free entry and welcome pack. Car parking, Handbook and National Trust Magazines are not included).

Joint: Two adults (aged 18+) living at the same address = £127.20 a year or £10.60 a month. Car parking, Handbook and National Trust Magazines are included.

Family membership
Two adults living at the same address and up to 10 of their children or grandchildren (17 or under). Under 5s go free.
£133.80 a year or £11.15 a month.

Family 1 adult
One adult (aged 18+) and up to 10 of their children or grandchildren (17 or under). Under 5s go free.
£83.40 a year or £6.95 a month.

You can have a look about the prices here.

It is a great deal, and you will always have something to see and spend the day.
I hope you have a lovely day!