National Trust Members?

I've had EH and NT memberships in the past. It was definitely worth it when I had my car. We'd plan weekends or day trips out all the time.

I've been eyeing The Art Fund membership next!

We have a couple membership. Had it for 3 years and ceretainly first year it more than paid for itself, maybe not quite in last 2 but probably not far off. It's difficult to say really though because there's a property near us and we've been 3 times, if I had to pay (which first time we went we did, and then decided we'd join and got our entrance fee back), I wouldn't have gone back twice, but you end up seeing different aspects, and also seeing at different times of year. There's Clumber Park in Nottingham which we love, we get free parking so we go - we probably wouldn't otherwise. But I don't really look on it as "I'm saving money", more that I'm supporting the work they do....so I don't really mind if I fall short by £10 or so.

Yeah, we've been NT members for at least 6-7 years.  There are 3 or 4 big, really good NT properties within half an hours drive and a number of other ones slightly further afield.  We've been to Cliveden probably 30 times and it is NT and fantastic any time of year with huge house, lots of land, woods, etc and restaurants, orangery, etc.  Hughenden Manor in High Wycombe is similar, house to tour and lots of grounds.  Waddesdon Manor is a massive pile with lots of great gardens and grounds.

Someone mentioned conservation.  The entire West Wycombe village is owned by NT, people rent the cottages, the pubs and shops are all rented from NT and all the buildings look like they haven't been touched since 18th century.  West Wycombe Park is another house and property although only open in Summer.  If you go a little further afield you can Osterley Park, Ham House, Basildon Park.  Free entry, free parking, a really good deal and a good organization to be part of as they preserve so much that might otherwise be neglected or taken over by some wealthy landowner type.

I've been eyeing The Art Fund membership next!

I've JUST bought myself one! Can't wait to start using it!

I've been eyeing The Art Fund membership next!

I've JUST bought myself one! Can't wait to start using it!

Just took a look at that because of this thread, but not enough museums around here to make it worth it for me (the few ones that are around here are, well, frankly, pretty rubbish!  )

We had NT membership for quite a few years. For those that have younger kids - when the kids were younger (3-8 ish) they loved going to the larger "country estate" properties. At some NT places they run - Easter egg trails over Easter (usually a small charge); Christmas activities etc. Many of the larger NT houses have "treasure trails" for the younger kids to do around the houses - look out for clues in each room of the house. They don't tend to advertise them as such, but if you ask they usually have them.

I work for the National Trust, so I'm only a little biased but I think the family membership is great value (disclaimer: I work in conservation, not membership services!).  I would look around for the best value because sometimes they run membership offers or discounts online or on site.  One of the great perks of being an employee is the free family membership.  We live in the southeast where there are several fantastic properties within an hour's drive and we always take visitors somewhere new.  It's one of the largest membership organizations in the world for a good reason! 

I work for the National Trust, so I'm only a little biased but I think the family membership is great value

Yes, the family membership is what we have. 

I think it's cool that you work for the National Trust!  Are they a good employer?

I suppose that depends a bit on the property you work for but personally I LOVE working for the NT!  I work at a pretty small historic house without as many resources as a bigger place but it suits me better.  There are sometimes challenges to working for such a large organization but lots of benefits too - for example we've managed to avoid a lot of the pitfalls independent small museums faced during the economic downturn.

I had no idea that the NT had cottages to rent -- just took a look online and there are some really gorgeous ones. Are they available to all, or do you have to be a member? (Couldn't find that info on their site)

The cottages are available to anyone.  They look amazing, and prices at this time of year, and into October and November, are really good.