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Your members' handbook

A selection of National Trust Handbooks from various years
A selection of National Trust Handbooks | © National Trust Images/James Dobson

The National Trust members' handbook is where you'll find all the inspiration you need to plan a great day out or to discover more about the places we look after. Without your support, we wouldn't be able to care for them.

The 2024 handbook

For many members, the handbook has always been an important source of inspiration and information. You can find opening times, maps, descriptions and photographs, contact details and access information for each of the places in our care. We recommend checking the website of the place you want to visit before travelling for our most up-to-date visiting information.

The handbook also has a dog-friendliness rating to help you plan your visit. Each place that allows dogs has a score of either one, two or three pawprints, which indicate the level of facilities available for your dog, such as water bowls, off-lead areas and dog-friendly cafés.

Your handbook preferences

Many of you have told us you'd like to choose whether to receive a printed handbook. You can now select this option in My Account, as well as make other changes to your membership online. Should you choose not to receive the handbook, you can still find lots of visiting inspiration and information on our website.

The 2024 handbook cover

Aerial view of the restored orchard at Brockhampton, Herefordshire
Aerial view of the restored orchard at Brockhampton, Herefordshire | © National Trust Images/James Dobson

The orchard at Brockhampton Estate, Herefordshire

This year the photograph for the 2024 handbook cover was taken by James Dobson at Brockhampton Estate and is an aerial view of the recently restored orchard.

What's in the handbook?

In the handbook you will discover:

  • who the National Trust is and what we do
  • opening dates and times, although we recommend checking online before you travel as they can change
  • descriptions and photographs of most of the places in our care
  • how to contact and visit places
  • maps showing the places in each region
  • basic access information
  • a dog-friendliness pawprint rating for each place
  • facilities (including accessibility facilities) at each place.

What's on the website?

On the website, you can also find:

  • opening dates and times, prices and all visiting details
  • more detailed access information
  • things to see and do
  • eating, drinking and shopping
  • information on where dogs are welcome and where there are restrictions
  • holiday cottages, hotels, bothies and campsites
  • our ‘Land Map’ – showing everything we look after
  • how to get involved and volunteer with us.


Welsh version of the handbook

We’ve translated the Wales section of the handbook so that our Welsh members can learn about our work and the places in our care in the Welsh language.

Get a replacement handbook

If you've lost your handbook or just fancy having an extra one, you can buy a replacement handbook on our online shop.

A short history of the handbook

Family playing in the woodland area near the lake at Lyme Park, Cheshire
Family playing in the woodland area near the lake at Lyme Park, Cheshire | © National Trust Images/Annapurna Mellor

1977: The first handbook

As the number of places in our care grew, members wanted to know more about them. National Trust members began to receive an early, black and white version of the handbook in 1977. It contained lots of practical and historical information about houses, gardens and other places opening up to be discovered.

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

Become a member

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

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