National Trust Membership Christmas Present

With birthdays, Christmas and Eids, the number of things that the children are getting has now become a constant battle for me to overcome.  Doc and I have decided that experiences make for lasting memories and would rather spend money on these rather than buying lots of “things”.  The memories that we will make from going on an adventure, spending time together, enjoying one another company, and learning something new cannot be quantified in monetary terms.  This coupled with all the research that experiences and not “things” bring more happiness into our lives.  So as people are searching for Christmas gifts, I would wholeheartedly recommend National Trust (NT) membership.  We are a family of 5 and only have one income, we know how expensive days out can be.  Through the membership which is really reasonable you can plan lots of days out and mini breaks without breaking the bank.

National Trust membership has lots of different make ups, from individuals, to single parents to family membership.  We got the membership for the first time in 2014 and though we didn’t use it as often as we should have, we have been on a number of adventures.  We have been to attractions all over the country from Cragside in the Northumberland, Sizergh Castle in the lakes to Lymm Park in Cheshire to name a few.  When you start your membership you are sent a great guidebook f all the NT sites across England and Wales and its amazing how many places are covered,

So why the national Trust

The National Trust has been striving to eradicate the image associated with them as being old, stuffy and not family friendly.  The strive to set up child friendly activities in the houses/properties coupled with gorgeous grounds to explore and play, I have loved all of our visits to the National Trust sites.  Also, the money from membership helps to maintain these buildings for future generations.  I think its important that we try to get our children to go to these places as they are part of the UK’s history and there are lots to learn from them.

There are attractions all over the country and I have found that finding cheap accommodation near a few NT attractions can make for a cheap holiday or lovely weekend away.

50 things

In addition to make head way in trying to change their image, the NT have launched a fantastic scheme called 50 things to do before 11 3/4.  They are 50 things that the NT identified that all children should have done before they reach 11 3/4 and are a great way for parents to encourage their children to get outdoors and setting goals.  I love the fact that they are things that are suitable for all ages.  Maya loves climbing tress, all the adventurers love rolling down hills (however small) whenever they can.

Offer

The National Trust have a great offer at the moment, where you get the 25% off when you pay for the 12 month membership in one payment on direct debit, using code Q15004. The code is valid until the 7/12/15, perfect for an extra saving at Christmas.  So a family pass costs £78 for the year.  This family pass also allows you to add grandchildren/extended family children on to your pass, who may not necessarily live with you.I think this is fantastic value for money for an annual membership as it includes entry, parking (few exemptions) and lots of newsletters and ideas of activities and events in your area.

Overall, there are hundreds of attractions all over the country and you can have so many different types of days out.  I would wholeheartedly recommend it to families, you will have a fantastic time,