National Trust Map Notes

The Map

There are 2 maps, one with an OS background (better for countryside), and one with a roads background (better for buildings).

[Not yet working] By using the checkboxes, 'only countryside', or 'only buildings' properties can be displayed. Houses with parkland count as both buildings and countryside.

Note that some countryside is poorly advertised, for example 'Chilterns Countryside' covers several hills.

Ratings

The ratings are, of course, subjective. It is meant to mean 'how interesting is this to a visitor', rather than 'what is the historical value'.

Buildings

Barns, dovecotes, closed properties, and 'no public access' properties will score low, and larger or more famous gardens, houses and estates will score higher.

The 'average' building scores 3 out of 5, with 5 being outstanding, and 1 being limited appeal.

Countryside

'Countryside' ratings are relative to all countryside. The average isn't 3 - all spectacular hills and coast will score high, whereas small lowland meadows or woods will score lower

Visiting

If the property has guided tours, they are strongly recommended.

If not, read the house's wikipedia page before you go, to put get the historical context of the place

Popular but smaller places, like Chartwell, require pre-booking at peak times, e.g. summer Bank Holiday Weekends.

Parking

Parking is free for members, except in a few places like Wakehurst Place (which although NT owned, are run by someone else), or St Michael's Mount (car park not NT).

The NT use 'Pay by Phone' app for parking, typically £2 per hour up to £8 per day for non-members. Take change for places where there is poor reception

NT Free Days and Other Offers

The NT takes part in Heritage Opens Days (September) and National Lottery Week (April-ish), which gives free entry to most properties.

The annual Gardeners World 2-4-1 scheme gives 2-4-1 entry to most Gardens, making the entry price reasonable for 2 people.