My kids are city kids through and through and although we are lucky to live in an area of South London which gives access to wide open spaces, nothing beats a trip to a National Trust property. We have an yearly family pass (you make your money back within a couple of trips), which has given us access to many beautiful properties all over the country. Armed with our 50 things to do before you’re 113/4, we are always in for a fabulous day and it is a great way for my city dwellers to get a healthy dose of the countryside.
Our favourite National Trust property is Hatchlands Park, in Surrey. We visited last spring, for the first time. As we walked out of the car park, we knew we were in for a treat: The open fields stretched out in front of us, blooming with buttercups. Whilst we waited for friends, the kids found the ‘outdoor playing equipment’, in other words a fallen log which they scrambled on, became pirates on and so forth! We then proceeded to walk through the rolling grounds – climbing the odd tree (National Trust did a report on how important this in childhood!), ambling through the bluebell woods and even having the odd (peaceful) encounter with the cows on the estate!
The beauty of Hatchlands is that there are five different marked walks, a tranquil garden, and especially for the kids, a natural adventure area. Plenty for everyone. That is all before you get to the house and give yourselves a history lesson on its previous owners and also browse the painting and keyboard collections.
Whenever we come away from National Trust Properties we always feel a bit smug and wholesome: The National Trust to an incredible job of preserving not only parts of our beautiful British countryside, but also our rich architectural history.
Win! A National Trust family day pass
This spring, get outside and explore all that’s on offer at the National Trust. The whole family can enjoy wide open spaces perfect for exploration, coast and countryside places brimming with wildlife and historic houses full of enchanting characters and stories; everything you need for great family fun.
The T&Cs are:
The pass gives you, one other and two children, one free entry to any National Trust place during normal opening times - except for those
listed on the back of the pass. Not valid on bank holidays or bank holiday weekends. The ticket can also be used by 1 adult and 3children.
Full terms and conditions can be found on the back of the pass.
In order to win a National Trust Family Pass, all you need to do is tell us which National Trust Property you would like to visit and why in the comments box below.
The competition will end on Friday 4th April 2014 at 7pm. A random number generator will pick 3 winners.
Good luck!
