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Making the Most of my National Trust Membership

March 5, 2017

I’ve been a member of the National Trust for a few years now. To begin with I just had a membership for me. I used to take an afternoon every week to go and visit somewhere and feed my History obsession. When the kids got a bit older we decided to upgrade to a family membership, so we could all enjoy family days out together at beautiful places.

I love to get the kids outdoors, running around and making their own fun. I also really love to share my interests with them and help them learn a little bit of History along the way. Our National trust membership has really helped us to come up with fun ideas for days out and just spend some quality time together.

Both kids have enjoyed doing the 50 Things challenge and Jess only has 5 more things to do to complete her list. It’s given me loads of ideas to keep them busy and we love simple things like rolling down hills and building dens. I also like them to experience nature and all the beauty thats out there to enjoy.

I thought I’d share some pictures of a few of our favourite places and amazing days out we’ve had a National Trust properties and places over the last few years.

My all time favourite place would have to be Claremont Landscape Garden, I’ve featured it numerous times on the blog and it’s just my happy place. I collect books on Princess Charlotte, and knowing this was her garden is absolutely wonderful. So much history lives on in this beautiful place. I have a video I filmed here ages ago here.

Polesden Lacey is a regency house re-decorated in the Edwardian era. It is surrounded by beautiful gardens and stunning view across the Surrey countryside. We’ve been a here a few times and sometimes look round the beautiful house, but we also love to just explore the beautiful grounds.

Ham House, is the location of many of my outfit photos. This beautifully preserved 17th Century house is such a rare survivor from history. The gardens are lovely for a good run around and game of hide and seek and the cafe serves beautiful home grown food. This is only a short drive for me, so we go here all the time. The kids favourite part is the kitchen, where they can happily play with all the herbs and spices for hours.

Morden Hall Park, is just down the road from our house and I have been going there all my life. We always say how lucky we are to have somewhere so beautiful to enjoy right on our doorstep. In the summer it’s great to have a paddle in the river and fish out little creatures. I also like to go for a little run here, on the rare occasions that I can be bothered.

Hatchlands Park is a beautiful house near Guildford. We’ve been a few times, and really enjoyed the natural play area and the bluebell walk, which is absolutely stunning in Spring.

I’ve also explored and visited many more places owned by the National Trust. Mostly in London and Surrey, but also while we’ve been away on UK holidays, it’s been really nice to be able to pop in to new places.

One of the best things about having a membership and using it regularly, is that it works out really good value for money. We use it so often, that our cost per visit is really low and we’re never stuck for ideas.

I love getting the kids away from the TV and computer and out getting fresh air. They both would happily stay in and be couch potatoes, so it really encourages us all to have a break from technology.

If you’re stuck for ideas of things to do with or without children I’d really recommend trying out a National Trust membership. There are so many beautiful places out there to discover.

This post is full of pictures that I’ve taken on days out over the years.

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  • Reply
    Porcelina
    March 6, 2017 at 7:47 am

    I became a member in January, it’s great! Lots on my list to explore, Ham House does look beautiful. X

  • Reply
    lucylovesvintage
    March 7, 2017 at 6:55 pm

    Hi Catherine,

    I also love the National Trust and often visit the Houses and Gardens near where I live. One of my favourite places is Packwood House. The gardens are beautiful and it’s a great place to take a picnic. When my girls are older I plan to become a member. Great Post! xx

    Lucy Loves Vintage

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