OK, so aside from our home, food, car etc. – I’m talking entertainment and happiness factor here!
I cannot stop going on about this. To anyone and everyone, so I’ll say it here, too. We love our National Trust membership! We joined as a family for Christmas, and it’s opened up a whole new world to us. So far, we’ve visited…
Sudbury Hall and the Museum of Childhood
Just click on the names, and they’ll show you how we got on there.
I think it helps that we live in the Midlands, as we can get to quite a lot of properties relatively quickly and easily. We also make a point of finding them if we go away, as they’re perfect stop off breaks on long journeys rather than a services!
We visit a property at least once a month, often 2 or 3 times, so we are really making the most of it. The children love these outings, and Boo must cover miles running about exploring. Most properties have play areas, too, and the houses often have children’s trails on and I’ve mentioned them in a few of my posts. At the vast majority of sites, there are no additional charges, so it feels like amazingly good value – the annual price we paid generally pays for 2-3 family days out, but we’ve already had way more than that and it’s only May. There are events and activities on, too, at various points, and we’ve just had our quarterly newsletter telling us about forthcoming events in our area. I’ve made a note of a teddy bear’s picnic, food fair and a book fair (I’m particularly excited about that last one!).
My in-laws have since joined, inspired by our enthusiasm, and they’ve been enjoying trips out, too. And no, I’m not on commission and this is not a sponsored post, I am just this passionate about it! We love our days out, and the family are big fans of the cake break that we take on most visits, too 😉
At the moment, you can use this code, for 25% off membership prices: F14001
Are you a member? If not, have I tempted you?!
I would love to become a member but all the places near to us a are too awkward to get to on public transport and as we don’t drive it’s very annoying….
It looks like you’ve made the most of it and had a fab time 🙂 x
Ah, yes, I’d say you’d need a car to make the most of it. Shame for you. We definitely make the most of it 🙂
We really need to pull our fingers out and get using ours! I’m hoping we will get the chance when we’re on holiday in North Norfolk in a couple of weeks time. I also have the newletter for our local area so I’m going to see if there is anything good coming up. Hatchlands wasn’t a roaring success because the house was shut when we went and JJ was a bit whiney! Shame, cause we had a great time with our friends at Clandon for the Easter Egg trail!
Oh, I do hope your next outing is more successful! There’s bound to be some while you’re away, so fingers crossed, you’ll have a great time x
We were members a few years ago before kids and I think it’s time to join again, thanks for the code I am off to check out prices now. We have a few fabulous places locally and now the kids are old enough to enjoy it would be great to go again 🙂
We all love it. So much space for the kids to run about in! And I love soaking up the history surrounding them all 🙂
I REALLY need to join NT! I see your posts and should definitely sign up I think as a family we would love it x
Do it, Donna! My kids love their outings and we love having nice things to do most weekends. Feels like we’ve made the most of the time x
What I love about national trust is how they have nailed it for the kids. We have museums near us that have spent millions on interactive exhibits that never work and leave the kids flumuxed. NT however – try to spot a teddy bear in every room of a stately home and they could stay there all day. That museum of childhood looks great. Must look it up. Thanks for reminding me to look into joining.
You are so right. Wide open spaces, a teddy bear hunt, and my kids are happy! The Museum of Childhood is a brilliant visit, and again, lovely house and grounds. Happy to remind!
You have visited some beautiful places. I really like the look of them all x
They are all so beautiful. Wonderful outings x
Such a good idea instead of the services. I’ve often considered it and the discount makes sense. x
So much better! The kids can really stretch their legs and it makes a great addition to the holidays. Yes, it’s fab value at the moment. x
We have a Norfolk Museums annual pass and it has saved us a fortune, we go to one of the museums almost every week as there is always an activity on. I wish we lived closer to some more National Trust properties as your reviews of them look amazing.
That sounds really good. It’s great to always have somewhere fun to go like that. We’re lucky to have lots of NT places within an hour or so of us 🙂
I’m so looking forward to joining once we move back to UK. Love how they’ve become so kid friendly too.
They really are. And yes, you’ll be back soon! x
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