I've been a member of the National Trust for 5 years now (I've got the car stickers to prove it) and the memberships pay themselves off pretty quickly. They cover parking and entry fees to Trust locations, so in just a few visits I find myself actually saving money, but if you really want your membership card to work hard, follow my tips for making the most of it.

Visit paths and woodlands as well as properties

The National Trust is synonymous with manicured gardens and historic stately homes, but they also own, manage, and protect natural landscapes like Brimham Rocks, Cuckmere Valley, and Tarn Hows, where you can explore the best of our beautiful British countryside.

By having a National Trust membership, you're helping to fund the conservation of these sites, so make the most of them by taking along a picnic and spending time spotting the British plants and wildlife.

Plan trips with National Trust places in mind

As the name suggests, National Trust properties are widespread, so to tick lots off your list it's a good idea to stay a night or two in a location close to a few of them.

When I stayed in The Lakes I knew Fell Foot and Wray Castle were close, and since I had my membership card they were a great, inexpensive way to spend a few hours, and I'd like to plan a break to Llandudno to enjoy another trip to Erdigg and Bodnnant Garden.

Go along to organised events and activities

Bat watching, craft workshops, even yoga and mindfulness, there's always something happening at National Trust properties that will leave you with new memories, souvenirs, or more knowledge about your favourite places. 

Allan Bank in Grasmere is an especially good property to enjoy these activities, with a dedicated craft room for you to create at your own pace alongside planned workshops where you can try your hand at felting, embroidery, and more.

Visit in every season

Nature paints the landscape with new colours and textures every season, so where better to enjoy them than National Trust properties, woods, and gardens? One of my favourite places for this is Dunham Massey, Cheshire. 

In Spring and Summer I love seeing both the wildflowers and the beautiful gardens, in early Autumn the deer are out in droves, and the whole place is perfectly picturesque under a blanket of Winter snow- plus it's a great excuse to warm up with treats in the restaurant.

Which National Trust property is your favourite?

Fountains Abbey

Such is my love for this place, I have planned my imaginary wedding here! I think a lot of my love is tied to the memories of summer days I've spent exploring the Abbey. When I've visited with my parents we have always struck lucky with the weather, and once there was a rotisserie van serving potatoes, chicken, and salad. A simple meal, but eating it outdoors, after a long walk, was one of the most memorable meals of my life!

Dunham Massey

I've lost count of how many times we have walked the hallways of the house or pottered by the plants in the spectacular gardens here, and yet every time we visit there is something new to be discovered. The first time we visited Dunham was when we made the best discovery of all- it's home to hundreds of deer!

I have to give a special mention to the restaurant and cafe at Dunham, too, because the food is delicious and sourced as locally as their own garden when possible. You can really taste how fresh and clean the vegetables are, and everything tastes especially lovely after a biting winter walk.

Lyme Park

If Allan Bank is informal, Lyme Park is the complete opposite- it's no surprise that it was chosen for the backdrop for Pride and Prejudice! I had my own romantic moment there when I visited with my boyfriend and Lyme's very own costume queen kitted us out in period clothing. I felt like I was in a BBC drama!

I love being a member of the National Trust. It makes me feel smug and swotty, as though it's up there with being fluent in 3 languages and a grade 6 on the cello. However, some of the properties have the same stuffy, formal feeling that a grade 6 cellist might. Not Allan Bank!

Peeping over the picturesque village of Grasmere, in The Lake District, Allan Bank is both wowing and welcoming. Just stepping into the entrance, you are met with a piano which (careful) visitors are invited to play, while staff encourage you to browse at leisure, and gently remind you of their whereabouts should you have any questions.

Looking around, it's hard not to notice that the grand staircase is rather different to the standard National Trust fare. Instead of artisan wallpaper and thick carpets, Allan Bank have kept the shabby chic look that came with the aftermath of a fire many years ago. Instead of being ominous, it's actually more beautiful to see it still standing strong.