If you’re tired of buying the same old chew toys and treats for your beloved dog, then we have a Christmas present idea that’ll improve their health and wellbeing… oh, and yours too, of course!
The National Trust is Europe’s biggest conservation charity, and looks after spaces in England, Wales and Northern Ireland so that people and nature can thrive. Indeed, becoming a member of the National Trust is one way that the general public can help support national wildlife protection efforts.
So, what’s the catch? Or should we say, fetch? National Trust are currently offering adult memberships from just £3.80 a month, with dogs able to waggle in for free. So, technically your dog’s Christmas present would be mostly a gift to yourself, but your animal companion won’t know the difference. Plus, join via annual Direct Debit for a free £15 National Trust gift card to spend at their shops, cafés and National Trust Holidays (bookings via phone only).
The top five National Trust locations to take your dog
The National Trust uses a pawprint ranking system to determine the best sites to take your pooch, with three pawprints marking the best locations you can visit. This means you’ll be able to take your dog to most areas, including indoors. Look out for clearly signed dog zones and dog-friendly experiences. The top five picks for the best National Trust sites to take your faithful friend is:
- The 125th anniversary trail at Coleton Fishacre (Kingswear, Devon)
- The circular walk around Packwood House (Lapworth, Warwickshire)
- The climb to the Mottistone Commons ancient monument (Brighstone, Isle of Wight)
- The short brisk walk around the woodlands of Hardwick (Chesterfield, Derbyshire)
- The Jurassic Coast roundabout trip (Burton Bradstock, Dorset)
You can discover all the dog-friendly National Trust locations here. Remember the four most important things for walking your dog on a National Trust trail - keep them close, pick up the poo, watch the signs and stay on the ball. Psychologically speaking of course - your pup may want you to throw their physical tennis ball, instead.
The National Trust membership: explained
The National Trust membership provides the member with access to the places they care for, with the money made from membership going towards conservation projects.
They are currently offering annual subscriptions for Joint, Family, Adult, Young Person and Junior memberships. These are also available to buy as gifts. Lifetime memberships are also available to purchase for most membership types.
Young person (18 - 25y.o.) £3.80 month / £45.60 year
Individual (26y.o. +) £7.60 month / £91.20 year
Junior (0 - 17y.o.) £12 year
Joint (2 adults living same address) £12.60 month / £151.20 year
Family (2 Adults 18+). Children and Grandchildren (17 y.o. and under). Under 5s go free. £13.25 month / £159 year
Family (1 Adult). Children and Grandchildren (17 y.o. and under). Under 5s go free. £8.25 month / £99 year
What are the benefits of becoming a National Trust member?
• You support nature, beauty and history with free entry to more than 500 National Trust sites.
• There is free parking at most National Trust car parks.
• Half-term plans are made easy, filled with adventures.
• With parks, woods, moors and miles of coastline to explore, find walks that both you and your dog will love.
• You get access to the National Trust Magazine three times a year, packed with inspiration, interviews and news (choose print or digital).
• You can access the online Members' Area, full of first-look previews and behind-the-scenes features.
• You can read the National Trust Handbook, full of information about the places they look after.