The National Trust
Last Updated on Sunday, 11 April 2010 22:27 Written by Administrator
These days a family day out to a large tourist attraction can cost you an arm and a leg. You can be looking at £50 for a family before you’ve even taken your coat off especially once your tots (who were once free) need to be paid for. Clearly, unless you’re made of money, you’re not going be able to splash out on such treats too frequently.
However we all know that kids love the occasion of a planned family visit to a special venue; planning it, talking about what you’ll be doing, packing a picnic, the journey, arriving, etc. It creates memories for them, and you as a family. How bad would it be if your kids looked back on their childhoods and could only ever remember watching telly or playing on their DS?
So how can we visit interesting places where we know there will be something to do with good facilities for all the family? Well one way that ensures you will be able to get out and about to varied venues on a regular basis is to join the National Trust. Having been a member for years with a young family I have found it invaluable for visits both locally and when we are away on UK holidays or visiting family and friends up and down the country.
The National Trust offers families an array of places to go, with facilities ranging from mazes to playgrounds, from stately homes to mills. If you join the NT for one annual fee £61.50 for a family, you can enter the vast majority of the properties for free (even if it is a woodland property where entrance would be free anyway, you will be able to park for free). Best of all, wherever you go in the UK you will find NT properties to visit. While visiting the East of Scotland last summer we hung out in various castles, played in adventure playgrounds and the children had a ball – for FREE. Many NT venues will also have children’s events, trails and activity packs to keep the children busy. But don’t take my word for it - join up and make memories!
What is the National Trust?
The NT is a charity relying on membership fees, donations and legacies, and revenue raised from its commercial operations.
It has over 3.6 million members and 55,000 volunteers. The NT protects and opens to the public over 350 historic houses, gardens and ancient monuments.
They also look after forests, woods, fens, beaches, farmland, downs, moorland, islands, archaeological remains, castles, nature reserves, villages - for ever, for everyone.
Here are some of the National Trust Properties in Yorkshire.
East Riddlesden Hall
This is a 17th Century manor house. It is quite dark inside with lots of wood panelling. It does have a very lived in feel to it. We enjoyed wandering around looking at the various rooms. There is food in the kitchen - it actually makes you feel like a family or their servants could be just about to enter the room and make a meal. There are volunteers in some of the rooms who are helpful in answering any questions you might have. There is no access upstairs if you have a buggy, but there are hip-carrying seats for loan if you don’t have your own carrier.
We spent a good while in the house before going outside for a picnic. After lunch we visited the beautiful gardens and the playground.
Facilities:17th-century manor house, shop, tea-room, playground, country garden, grass maze and duck pond.
Open: 27 Feb – beginning 31 Oct: Mon, Tues, Weds, Sat and Sun 12 – 5pm. Winter tea-room and shop only Sat & Sun only 12 – 4pm.
Admission: £4.75, child £2.40, family £10.50.
Contacts: 01535 607075 Bradford Rd, Keighley, W.Yorks BD20 5EL
Hardcastle Crags
Beautiful walks at anytime of the year. There is also a visitor centre with interactive exhibitions for all ages and a cafe. The children’s favourite bit at this venue are the stepping stones which take you across the river! (Don’t worry, there are bridges too).There are walks along the bottom of the valley, following the river or along the valley side. There are some excellent circular walks here. Gibson Mill at its heart is an exemplar of sustainable energy. Look out for the massive anthills that the area is noted for.
Facilities:Woodland walks, cafe, visitor centre.
Open: Hardcastle Crags – daily. Gibson Mill - 2 Mar - 31 Oct Tues, Weds, Thurs, Sat, Sun 11.4pm. Winter - Weekends only 11 - 3pm
For cafe opening times check website
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
01422 844518 Hollin Hall, Crimsworth Dean, Hebden Bridge, W.Yorks HX7 7AP
Nostell Priory and Parkland
A lovely place to visit at any time of year with plenty going on. Nostell Priory has a good schedule of events throughout the year. There is a beautiful house, lovely gardens and a lake to walk around with various trails available and points of interest for your little walkers. There is a recently updated adventure playground and a tea-shop with an ideal spot for the children in the stalls of the old stable. There is drawing equipment for children in the tea-rooms
Facilities: House, church or chapel, garden, playground, park, tea rooms, shop, refreshments, tours, picnics, events, walking, cycling.
Open: Telephone or check the website for details as opening times vary throughout the year.
Admission: £7.70, child £3.70, family £18. Garden only: £4.80, child £2.40, family £12.
Doncaster Rd, Nostell, nr Wakefield, WF4 1QE 01924 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal Water Garden
This is a great place for families with great facilities, regular activities and an excellent programme of events. There are the amazing ruins of the 12th-centuary abbey set in lovely scenery with great walks. The playground is situated near to the restaurant and is a must for the children. Loads to do, a whole day's entertainment. We visit Fountain’s Abbey every year and always find plenty to do.
Dress up in costumes in Fountains Hall and delight in discovering the dark Serpentine Tunnel and Hermit’s Grotto.
Facilities: Cistercian abbey, adventure playground, water garden, deer park, restaurant, tea-room, visitor centre, shop, walking.
Open: Times for facilities vary please check website or telephone.
Admission: £7.50, child £4, family £20. English Heritage members free. St Mary’s Church: free.
01765 608888, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden
Fountains, Ripon, N.Yorkshire HG4 3DY
Brimham Rocks
Dramatic moorland rock formations make this a memorable day out that the children will remember. There is lots of walking and clambering over rocks and climbing rock formations and heart in mouth moments for mums! The children love this place and ask to go back each summer. You’ll need good sturdy footwear. This venue is ideal for picnics. There is also a visitor centre where you can learn something about the area.
Facilities: Moorland walks, visitor centre, cafe, shop, refreshments, tracker packs available.
Open: Daily, all year, 8- dusk. Shop/exhibition/kiosk vary.
Admission: cars £4. NT members free.
01423 780688, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , Summerbridge, Harrogate, N.Yorks HG3 4DW
Marsden Moor
Marsden is a gritty little village nestled in the foothills of the Pennines, with all the facilities you need for a day out. Ice-cream parlour, pubs, shops etc. Marsden Moor is situated around Marsden. It consists of open countryside with windswept moors. There is some great family walking on the pack horse routes and footpaths that cross over the moors and wind around reservoirs. The moor is home to golden plovers, red grouse, curlew, snipe and the twite. It is a Special Protection Area for birds.
Facilities: Exhibition centre, plenty of facilities in Marsden village
Open: The exhibition centre is open all year 9 - 5pm, the moors are open anytime.
Admission: Free
: 01484 847016 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
