Exploring the UK’s historic sites and stunning landscapes doesn’t have to cost a fortune, with the National Trust offering plenty of ways to enjoy memorable days out and unique staycations without overspending. With more than 500 sites across the country – from medieval castles and grand stately homes to scenic coastal trails – there’s no shortage of places to explore. And should you be looking for inspiration, we’ve even rounded up the best National Trust sites in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Many National Trust properties offer free-entry days, but if you’re looking for unlimited entry, opting for a membership makes it cheaper to enjoy history, nature and fresh air for less. And here’s something you might not know: you can even book to stay at a National Trust property. Think chic barn conversions, lighthouse retreats and countryside cottages – all with free access to nearby sites, making them a budget-friendly alternative to Airbnb. Parkdean’s holiday parks are another great option, offering family-friendly stays in stunning coastal and countryside locations.
If you’re considering investing in a membership, now’s a great time to sign up, with discounts available for seniors, families and young adults. Plus, we’ve found extra savings on last-minute stays and shop buys, so you can plan your next trip for less. Take a look at the latest National Trust deals below, plus our favourite UK hotspots and on-site activities.
The National Trust values its loyal members and is currently offering 25 per cent off memberships for seniors aged 60 or older, who have been members for at least three years. If you qualify for this discount, you’ll pay £68.40 for individual senior membership and £113.40 for joint senior membership.
If you’ve never been a member before, we’ve found a deal that gets you a £10 National Trust gift card when you sign up for a membership, be it a new joint, family, individual or young person account. The gift card can then be spent in National Trust shops and cafes – so, you could save on something new for your home or garden, or, if you’re on a day out, a spot of lunch and a slice of cake.
The conservation charity has more to offer than stately homes and gardens – there is also a huge range of free outdoor activities. Whether it’s stargazing, kayaking or rambling, you can choose from more than 900 activities across the UK. You can download a number of scenic running routes, such as Cheddar Gorge in Somerset and Fountains Abbey in Yorkshire, but, if you prefer peddle power, at select properties, you can hire bikes for as little as £5.
Where memorable, last-minute getaways are concerned, we’d recommend booking a stay in a National Trust holiday cottage. Hawthorn Cottage in Wales, for example, looks like the perfect countryside retreat, with cosy interiors and coastal walks on its doorstep – it sleeps six and is dog-friendly, so it’s perfect for groups. Plus, when you stay at one of National Trust’s holiday lets, you’ll be able to enjoy free entry to all of its sites for the duration of your trip. Don’t forget to use the code “LASTMINUTE” to save 25 per cent on stays within 14 days of booking.
If you’re looking to escape the city for fresh sea air, National Trust is offering 15 per cent off select stays by the beach. You can benefit from the discount on a stay at Rockside Cottage in Alnwick, Northumberland, which sleeps four, plus it’s dog-friendly. The saving will be applied to stays booked from now until 30 April and trips must be completed by 30 April.
How many National Trust sites are in the UK?
From its historic buildings to its stunning stretches of land across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, there’s so much to discover. As it stands, more than 500 places in the UK are being looked after by the National Trust, from houses and castles to parks, and gardens, while 780 miles of coastline and more than 250,000 hectares of land are also waiting to be explored – so, really, what are you waiting for?
How we find the best discount codes
The Independent’s team of deal hunters dedicate themselves to carefully selecting the best deals on the things that matter to our readers. We are constantly on the hunt for new discounts on National Trust, be it holiday bookings, membership benefits or extras – we do this by scouring the website for the latest savings as they drop.
Why you can trust us
The Independent has been a trusted consumer champion since 1986, reporting on behalf of our readers to find the best deals and discounts. Whether it’s sourcing savings on memberships, regular deals coverage (everything from the best AirPods deals to offers on wine) or helping you source the top offers during some of the biggest annual shopping events (think Amazon Prime Day, Black Friday and the Boxing Day sales), our team are always looking out for the best ways to save you money on the products worth buying. We only ever select savings from providers and brands that we trust.
