Booking National Trust Sites

Katie, these two websites might help:

https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/services/help-centre/places-you-need-to-pre-book?type=place
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/services/help-centre/visiting-and-booking-faqs

Also, I don't know if you're interested or not, but when I spent almost six weeks in England in 2024, I wound up buying a Royal Oak Foundation membership, rather than a National Trust membership. It's a society that works with the National Trust but offers membership to Americans, and there was some benefit to it, which I, of course, can't remember at this time. It may have been a bit cheaper, too. But you might look into it. You get the same benefits as with the National Trust, and you also get a parking pass that's included. Buying a Royal Oak membership doesn't hurt the National Trust at all, as they work jointly with the Royal Oak Society. https://www.royal-oak.org

I just remembered. It was tax-deductible for Americans and a bit cheaper. You must buy the membership in the Royal Oak before you go, though.

Edit: I just checked the prices, and it's actually more than just a bit cheaper. For two people, the cost for a Royal Oak membership is $125 a year, and the price for a National Trust membership for two people is £160.80 a year. That's a savings of around $123.

Hi Mardee,

Thanks so much for those links. They are exactly what I was looking for. (Feeling a little inadequate as a researcher. I don't tend to go to help links as they often aren't helpful). I found this quote which may have been what I had seen before: "You no longer need to pre-book your visit to most places in England, Wales and Northern Ireland". There was also a list of the (few) sites that you do need to pre-book. The only one of our sites on the list was the Beatles Childhood Homes which I had already booked.

And yes, we have our Royal Oaks membership based on your 2024 trip report. It's a great deal.

Thanks again for all your help

Katie

Booking was just something they brought in with Covid. As outdoor attractions when many other things were closed, a lot of sites were getting overwhelmed with visitors. Things have gone back to normal now.

Just an FYI, I'm going to Australia soon. I am visiting a couple historical houses in Melbourne. I discovered that there is reciprocity between many countries' national trust' sites. Had I purchased a National Trust membership in England, the sites in Australia would be free. There were at least 20 reciprocal countries in the group.

Oh great, Katie! I’m glad those links helped. And I can’t wait to hear about your trip. I am getting very excited for you!

Thanks, Mardee, for sharing that link- I wasn't even aware there was a page on the NT site that listed those, and it's really helpful. I just had a look and will add that I've been to several of the ones I saw just on the first page, and we just turned up on the day, so while you can book those sites ahead many you might not even need to. Or to put it another way, if you decide on the day you want to go to one, you may still be able to visit. The only NT sites I've booked in advance are the ones that have limited tickets and sell out quickly, like Red House (and hopefully one of these days I will make it to 575 Wandsworth Road- another one that sells out right away). I do know that Beatles Childhood Homes also book up in advance.

Helen,

That makes sense. I was wondering what was behind the change.

Cat, good to know. And those places you mentioned are interesting. I'm going to check them out.

Sometimes it can be a bit tricky, though. When I was in Devon, I wanted to see Greenway, home of Agatha Christie, which is a National Trust site. I checked and found that you did not need to book ahead, so I decided not to worry about it. However, I found out the night before that while you don't have to book a ticket to the house ahead of time, you do have to book a spot in the parking area. By the time I realized that, parking was sold out, and I had no way of getting there. It's in a strange location, and you can't just go and park up the street and then walk down. I really kicked myself for that because I did want to see it. But at least I got to see Coleton Fishacre that day, which Golden Girl had told me about.

sorry you missed Greenway, Mardee.

We love the place but getting there is no piece of cake. When we went once we were delayed in the lane a couple of miles away by following a steam traction engine which took the full width of the lane and a bit and because it was so tight they were making less than 5 mph!!!

Well worth the patience though - and I love steam power.

Maybe you could have taken the boat up from Dartmouth. I haven't done that yet but I am sure we will one day. Maybe this summer - I hope...

one of my other favourite properties is Fenton House and Garden in Hampstead, in north London. Full of ancient keyboard instruments which are played by qualified volunteers and some pretty good cabinets including lovely porcelain. Nice garden too.

It has been by timed ticket since covid, and reduced to just two days a week. For me it was difficult to get there more than a few times at the right time.

I've just had a look, and while is hibernating asleep for the winter and reopens in March, it looks to me that the prebooking is gone there too. They will still open just 2 days a week, Fridays and Sundays, but at least planning to within half an hour on a long journey is past.

Anybody interested in very early harpsichords, spinets and pianofortes would find a visit very rewarding.

Maybe you could have taken the boat up from Dartmouth.

Nigel, I wish. Unfortunately, by the time I discovered all this, it was the evening before, and there was no way of trying to figure out all the logistics of getting there, so I just gave up. But it did mean that I got to spend a lot more time at Coleton Fishacre, and I really enjoyed that place.

So sorry you missed Greenway, Mardee! Hopefully next time. I had forgotten about booking the car park as when we went we took a taxi from Paignton. We actually had the same experience as Nigel at getting delayed in the narrow lane. It is in a difficult location. I remember a story a few years ago where a tree fell across the road leading out and visitors were stuck there for a while- which many commented sounded like the opening to a Christie mystery!

I highly recommend Red House to anyone who has any interest in William Morris- amazing to see the home he designed for himself. You just need to know when tickets go on sale and be ready to book immediately.

Fenton House is another favourite- I can confirm there was no more prebooking when we went a couple of years ago. And there was a very nice older gentleman playing the harpsichords and explaining them to us. It's a great day out especially in the nice weather when you can enjoy the gardens.

I remember a story a few years ago where a tree fell across the road leading out and visitors were stuck there for a while- which many commented sounded like the opening to a Christie mystery!

I love it! Death at Greenway! And solved by Miss Marple, of course. 😊

This thread is a wealth of inspiration! All places now saved - I love these houses and gardens.