What to enjoy as a member

Friend group walking in the grounds of Kingston Lacy, Dorset on a gravel path with a building and flower border in the background — A group of friends walking in the grounds of Kingston Lacy, Dorset | © National Trust Images/Barbara Evripidou

Whether you’re a new member or you’ve been with us a while, there’s always the opportunity to experience something new. From exploring your creative side to increasing your gardening knowledge, here are some top tips for getting the most out of your membership.

Endless opportunities to explore

Every penny from National Trust memberships helps care for places filled with nature, beauty and history. As a member, you get free access to more than 500 of these places across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, including houses, castles, parks and gardens. You also get free parking at many of our coast and countryside spots.

Visit these places and you can trace their history through a diverse collection of more than a million objects. These include four ornate stained glass windows by William Morris at Red House in Kent, and the Gideon Tapestries at Hardwick Hall in Derbyshire – a conservation project that spanned more than 20 years.

Visit somewhere new

Things to do and discover all year round

Whatever the season, weather, or time of day there's always new things to do and see at the places in our care. Vary the time of your visit to enjoy some quiet time or see a well-known place in a new light. Don't forget to check back in regularly with your favourite places to see what new exhibitions, experiences or events each season has to offer.

Browse special exhibitions

Member exclusives

Summer 2024 magazine front cover | © National Trust Images/James Dobson

Magazine and Handbook

You'll receive the National Trust members' magazine three times a year, which contains all the inspiration you need to make the most out of your membership. The magazine is full of stories from places in our care and submissions from supporters, and it's now available digitally. It's a great way to catch up on all the things you're helping us to achieve. You can also receive the yearly member handbook, which is full of information about our places.

Discover the magazine's latest issue

Visitor looking at her phone at Gibside, Tyne & Wear | © National Trust/John Millar

Member email

If you sign up to the member emails, you'll get information and inspiration about places near you, member-exclusive competitions, access to discounts and promotions with some of our partners, and much more. You'll also get access to the online members' area, home to content made for our members.

Go to My Account

National Trust Council Chair, René Olivieri at the 2023 AGM | © National Trust Images/Megan Taylor

Annual General Meeting

As a member, you can vote at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) on proposed resolutions and make your voice heard on decisions that will influence the direction of the National Trust for years to come. For more information, check out your digital AGM booklet this autumn.

Find out about the AGM

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Exercise in the great outdoors

Add variety to your exercise routine by choosing a new route for your regular walk, run or cycle. At National Trust places across the country, you’ll find expansive views to motivate yourself, from gentle woodland trails to steep hills that are well worth the climb. Getting outdoors certainly beats running on a gym treadmill any day and you'll have plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife such as red squirrels, birds and deer.

Head outside

Take your dog for a special walk

Rather than doing the same old loop round the block, why not take your dog somewhere a bit more special? You'll both appreciate the opportunity to discover a whole new world on a woodland wander or coastal stroll – with all the sights, sounds and smells that go with it. Check out the new pawprint rating system on the homepage for each place to help you plan a visit both you and your dog will love.

Explore dog-friendly places

A woman and child walk in front of the abbey at Fountains Abbey North Yorkshire — Visitors walk in front of the abbey at Fountains Abbey, North Yorkshire | © National Trust Images/Annapurna Mellor

Treats that make a difference

You can find cakes, snacks and savoury treats from our cafés, which generate vital income for the places we look after. Wherever possible, we use sustainable, locally sourced and seasonal ingredients, because whatever’s best for the environment is usually best for our tastebuds. For romantic treats or get-togethers with friends or family, we care for plenty of picturesque spots where you can lay out your picnic blanket and soak up your surroundings.

Find a place to eat

Get creative in the kitchen

Not only is there plenty to do outdoors over the warmer months, but we've got lots of recipes for you to try at home once you’ve worked up an appetite. From classics like summer berry panna cotta, to twists on the traditional with vegetarian dishes like mushroom and thyme rolls, there's plenty to try with our diverse recipe range.

Try out a recipe

salad in a bowl surrounded by cooking ingredients — Why not try creating one of our salads? | © National Trust Images/William Shaw

Get stuck in with school holiday activities

You can find family events, outdoor activities, wide open spaces and lots more to keep curious children entertained during school holidays and after school. Check out our list of ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’ – from skimming stones to flying a kite, you can have a mini adventure no matter what the weather. Our website is full of ideas to keep kids busy, and for the whole family to join in with.

Try out '50 things'

Become a green-fingered expert

Your support helps us look after some of the best gardens in the UK, so we've got plenty of tips and inspiration to help take your garden to the next level. Even if you don't have a patch of green to take care of, we've got lots of ideas so you can make the best of smaller spaces like balconies, window boxes and indoor displays.

Discover gardening tips

A group of young adults kicking up autumn leaves on a walk around the estate at Hardwick, Derbyshire

Renew your membership

Renew today and help protect nature, beauty and history – for everyone, for ever. Enjoy access to more than 500 places with National Trust membership.

Renew