When we moved out to the country in 2007, Mr Working Mum suggested signing up for a joint National Trust membership. Far from accepting this as a practical and quite romantic gesture, I reacted by having a mini-meltdown - had I hit middle age already? Had I really left our vibrant London
When he pointed out that we would be entitled to a free cream tea when we joined I came round a bit, but was far from convinced.
Four years on and I am a true convert. In fact, they should sign me up to be an ambassador, because I LOVE the National Trust! We were at Waddesdon Manor today for a Bank Holiday outing and we had a fantastic time. With a woodland play area, ice cream kiosk, toy shop and sweet shop, Toddler-Not-So-Tiny-Temper was in her element. In my experience the National Trust cafés, without fail, serve the best cream teas around and most of the properties we have visited have been brilliantly equipped with masses of parking, clean loos, baby changing, play areas and places to eat. The other thing I love are the room attendants that are stationed in the houses. They are so knowledgeable and passionate and they answer all the questions thrown at them, even toddler ones such as ‘why did they wee on their chairs?’ (Working Mum having tried to explain the concept of the commode).
If you’re not a member you’re missing a trick – great days out and the warm glow that comes from helping save some of the UK
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A friend of mine recommended I join the NT when my daughter was born. I hadn't thought of it, but she said they were so on the ball for families I gave it a go. She was right - baby changing, hippy chick seats, family activities, organic baby food,children's food boxes, etc, etc.
ReplyDeleteWe're lucky to live near about ten different NT properties here in the NW and we enjoy all of them! We even use our membership when on holiday to have a couple of "free" days out (see my post about Yorkshire Dales: Brimham Rocks, Fountain's Abbey and Studley Royal were great days out)
Definitely worth the membership fee for families!
I second (or third!) everything both you Working Mums have said - absolutely worth every penny. I was at Tyntesfield near Bristol today and even though I'm still really small, they'd thought of me. It just got a bit dull towards the end because Mummy kept asking the guides all sorts of questions about the people that used to live in the house. I'd seen it and there was a lovely big garden to explore!
ReplyDeleteAnd we checked today - children are free till they're 5! Yippee!