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Original poster

Anyone have National Trust membership, and is it worth it ??

53 replies

nutcracker · 16/01/2006 16:25

Was looking at this yesterday. I want us to start going out more together but w rarely have much money and so I though the National Trust membership might be good.

Not entirly sure how much us we would get out of it though, does anyone else use it ??

OP posts:
cod · 16/01/2006 20:01

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cod · 16/01/2006 20:03

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nikkie · 16/01/2006 20:04

Yes especially when you have free parking from it!

Nightynight · 16/01/2006 20:33

About 10 years ago, I had an insight into how the National Trust works right at the top, and I have to say I will never set foot in one of their properties again.
MN would probably be sued if I repeated it though

roisin · 16/01/2006 20:38

We just have a single membership in dh's name, as for lots of properties that gets you and the car into the grounds, and the boys (and me if I'm honest) are not that bothered about looking round buildings. It pays for itself just with carpark fees in Cumbria.

We also have family English Heritage membership, which we use a lot. They seem to have more of the sort of events/properties which appeal to our family.

philippat · 16/01/2006 20:43

I don't see what being professional has got to do with not wanting to move to Swindon, I'd imagine it's rather more to do with not wanting to move families etc etc.

However, I'm not going to argue this one with you, cod, I know many people who work for the trust and for the most part I consider them my proficent colleagues in the museum profession. We will just have to agree to disagree.

Was that nutty DOES live in Brum? Couldn't make head nor tail of that.

If so... you do need to travel a bit.

I've not been to the back-to-backs in Brum but I know they've incredibly busy so and of course no run-around space so may not be ideal for young kids (good outreach work though). I'd avoid Wightwick in Wolves as it's entry on timed ticket (although it is amazing inside).

In worcs, Hanbury Hall has nice small garden to explore, big flat bowling green to run on
Croome Park is interesting 'cos they are restoring it, nice (about a mile) circular walk with lake and a small grotto and folly

Biddulph grange in Stoke is great, fish pond, chinese style garden, egyptian pyramid to explore

Shugborough in Staffs I've never got on with, not sure why, nice ice cream in courtyard, though

Carding Mill Valley at Long Mynd (shrops) is really beautiful, little stream to paddle in, nice easy walk up the hill to great views (no house, just free parking)

Dudmaston (bridgnorth) we go to a lot, fantastic picnic spot, lovely gardens on hill down to lake, house manageable

Attingham (shrewsbury) enormous grounds and great little kids farm (which you have to pay for as it run by tenant not NT), house good for older kids, great 'below stairs'

never been to any in Warwicks I'm afrraid which are probably closest to you. Charlecote and Upton have good reputation.

Marina · 16/01/2006 20:46

I am kicking myself for spending 3 years in Brum and not visiting Wightwick...
I do think the NT are having grave problems at the mo in the membership section. We had a nightmare upgrading when ds turned 5...endless phone calls, random direct debits, random membership cards dispatched etc.

DumbledoresGirl · 16/01/2006 20:48

Dh and I debate this every time we visit a property, but dh doesns't think it is worth it as half the places we go to are actually English Heritage properties. If only the 2 would combine, we would get membership immediately.

Skribble · 16/01/2006 21:04

I got mine last year and as I have a big property nearby I am in about 2 to 3 times a week myself for a run (well a walk). The kids go to the club every fornight and we go at least once a week if not 3 times through the summer.

Its nice not to have to park 3 miles away and walk in the back gates like we used to . We haven't even had the chance to visit anywhere else yet but have definatly got my moneys worth already. We have the Scottish NT membership I didn't realise it was cheaper. It costs IIRR £3.90 a month.

There will always be conflicts in land use and other activities but I have seen the good and positive work at our local property and the joy that my children get from being involved.

notasheep · 16/01/2006 21:37

I am one of those annoying people who will borrow another persons card to get free admission!

suedonim · 16/01/2006 22:10

We belong to the NT for Scotland and definitely get value for money. There's a castle about 5miles from us which I visit quite often for the gardens, which are lovely. There are several other places within an afternoon drive, plus we can visit English properties if we're on holiday near an NT place. We even got into Stonehenge free last summer!

Janh · 16/01/2006 22:17

We have had it for nearly 16 years; hardly ever go to any properties (there are only 2 in Lancs anyway) but it's nice

a) knowing any time we go anywhere else there probably is a place to visit and it's always great looking at the entrance prices and knowing how much we are saving

b) feeling nice cosy glow environmentally speaking.

Also you can take extra kids along with a family membership - they don't know how many you have!

Life membership was recommended as an unusual christening pres in the Guardian this week - it's £912 now so a very generous one!

lalaa · 16/01/2006 22:19

Yes and yes. Stourhead is a fave of ours too, plus parking at Studland for free in the summer is an absolute godsend! We'll be there a lot this summer....

Janh · 16/01/2006 22:20

suedonim, Stonehenge??? That's Heritage, isn't it? How did you manage that?

Rowlers · 16/01/2006 22:20

We are NT members and do find it useful for odd days out, stopping at properties to break up a journey etc.
Don't think much of their food though - usually end up with a bowl of bland soup.
Agree with Cod on NT though but try to ignore the fact that they are a bunch of twossers. I am perfecting the art of being selectively bovered.

Janh · 16/01/2006 22:20

Studland is where we got signed up, lalaa!

Rowlers · 16/01/2006 22:21

Free parking at Studland saved us about £40 last Summer.

cod · 17/01/2006 07:47

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cod · 17/01/2006 07:48

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Original poster
nutcracker · 17/01/2006 09:52

Ok so the general answer is, that it is worth it if there is lots of national trust places by, you which there isn't by me, is that right ?

OP posts:
mummytosteven · 17/01/2006 09:53

nutty - check out whether it's cheaper for you to join the Scottish National Trust - if you join that you still get access to England and Wales National Trust too!

Enid · 17/01/2006 09:55

bet all you anti NT people shop at Tescos though

worse treatment of staff and suppliers

Original poster
nutcracker · 17/01/2006 10:12

Oh thanks for that MTS, will have a look.

OP posts:
Prettybird · 17/01/2006 11:23

If you are prepared to pay by Direct debit, then at the moment, the National Trust has a three months free offer, which makes it chepaer than NTS.

But in future years, National Trust for Scotland would be cheaper! (£57 for family membership - two adults plus kids, compared to £68.50)

The only thin gis that you would get the Scottish newlsetter as opposed to the English one!

philippat · 17/01/2006 14:57

for anyone that is unclear, English Heritage is a government body falling under DCMS with management of certain publically-owned sites (including Stonehenge). They also have other responsibilities to do with heritage such as building listing and grant giving for building restoration. If you have concerns about their work, you could raise it with DCMS or with your MP. You could also apply to become a commissioner (there are 16 and the posts come up occasionally).

The National Trust is a charity which manages properties donated to them or purchased by them to fulfill their charitable aims (broadly preservation and eductation). Concerns about their work should be raised with the Charity Commission.