"The National Trust works to preserve and protect the coastline, countryside and buildings of England, Wales and Northern Ireland".
Most visitors to Britain have heard of the National Trust, but it is far more than just a portfolio of grand country estates. The National Trust is one of the world’s leading conservation organizations which cares for an impressive 215 buildings and gardens, 40 castles, 76 nature reserves, 12 lighthouses, 43 pubs, 627,000 acres of countryside, numerous watermills, windmills and 709 miles of coastline.
The National Trust was founded as a charity in 1895 by three eminent philanthropists, Miss Octavia Hill, Canon Hardwicke Rawnsley and Sir Robert Hunter who were concerned about the erosion of Britain’s heritage. This was accelerated by the change in inheritance tax laws and the two world wars which left stately homes and estates without the necessary legions of staff required to maintain the extensive parkland, kitchen gardens and numerous rooms. The mansions were gradually being closed off or even abandoned altogether and left to decay.
The National Trust quickly became known as the guardian and protector of Britain’s coastline, countryside and buildings. Its mission statement was to “preserve and protect….through practical caring and conservation, through educating and informing, and through encouraging millions of people to enjoy their national heritage”.
Many of the stately homes and estates were in poor repair when they were donated to the National Trust and in the early years the charity had insufficient funds to do more than patch roofs and simply make the buildings secure. Today the work of the National Trust includes magnificent restoration of buildings, gardens, artworks and antique furnishings. All these properties must be maintained and the work is done by specialist conservation staff and a legion of willing volunteers.
The National Trust collection of buildings spans more than 1,000 years of history, covering homes of eccentrics, adventurers, politicians, aristocrats and inventors. Woolsthorpe Manor was where Isaac Newton discovered gravity, and the offending apple tree still stands in the garden! Buckland Abbey in Devon was where Sir Francis Drake planned his attack on the Spanish Armada in 1588. The childhood home of Beatle John Lennon sits in a 1950s time warp in Liverpool. From the great to the humble, from unspoilt countryside to ostentatious mansions and magnificent gardens, the National Trust has something for every taste.
The contents of National Trust properties are equally diverse. Arlington Court in Devon has a fine collection of horsedrawn carriages, some used for attending state royal occasions; Mompesson House has a collection of drinking glasses; Petworth has a magnificent gallery of artworks by J.M.W. Turner and Snowshill Manor in the Cotswolds has an attic crammed with 100 antique bicycles! From beauty spots such as the scenic Lydford Gorge to the remains of Roman baths at Strand Lane in London, the National Trust offers some great days out.
Those staying in London should consider visiting Fenton House in Hampstead, a merchant’s house crammed with collectible treasures, or enjoy lunch at the galleried George Inn in Southwark High Street (free admission). Other attractions are the grand 17th century Ham House and Gardens at Richmond-upon-Thames or the staggeringly opulent Osterley Park in Isleworth described as the “palace of all palaces”.
Most National Trust properties are open to the public, and some are free to enjoy. The admission fees at other sites go towards maintaining the work of this independent charity. The National Trust also relies on its 3.6 million members and their annual subscriptions to support the ongoing work of the National Trust. Members receive regular information and unlimited free access to the properties.
Other income sources for the National Trust are donations, legacies and profit-making businesses, which include National Trust gift shops and restaurants at some properties, and the letting of unique holiday homes.
Each property has a calendar of events from medieval battle re-enactments to farmers’ markets, Easter egg hunts and Halloween fun. You are never too young or too old to enjoy a day out at a National Trust property! Enjoy a lunch or afternoon tea of homebaked goodies and rest assured that your money is supporting this worthwhile cause. The onsite gift shops are also ideal for picking up tasteful souvenirs and memorabilia, all themed to reflect the place you are visiting.
Most National Trust properties charge around ₤7-9 entrance for those not paying the annual membership subscription which starts at a very reasonable ₤36 for one adult and ₤59 for a couple. However there is a special Touring Pass membership option for non-residents which covers unlimited entrance to all National Trust properties for 7 or 14 days from just ₤22. The excellent money-saving pass must be ordered in advance via www.nationaltrust.org.uk and be mailed to your non-UK address before your departure. |
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