Group visits FAQs

Q. Who do I contact with a group enquiry?

A. For general information about group visits to National Trust houses and gardens, please contact the central Travel Trade Office for help and advice:
Email: traveltrade@nationaltrust.org.uk,
Tel: +44 (0)1793 817574
Fax: +44 (0)1793 817401

If your query relates specifically to one of our properties please contact the property direct.

Q. How do I book a group visit to National Trust properties?

A. There is no centralised booking system. Bookings should be made direct with the individual properties concerned. Details of how to book are displayed by property in the visits section. All groups are required to book in advance and must confirm the booking in writing. Some properties have restricted access for groups so early booking is recommended.

Q. How do I pay for a group visit?

A. Payment must be settled with individual properties. Please confirm the method of payment with the property when making the booking. Vouchers are accepted at most large properties. Special arrangements may be required at smaller properties, in particular those lived in by a tenant.

Q. Can I use vouchers to pay for group visits?

A. Vouchers are accepted at most large properties. Vouchers should clearly state the name and address of the company responsible for payment and the number of visitors in the group. They are not valid unless countersigned by a member of the property staff.

Q. Does the National Trust offer group rates?

A. A discount is available for groups of 15 people or more at most properties. It is clearly stated where properties do not offer a discount or where the minimum group size is higher than 15 people (ie the discount only applies to groups of 20 people or more). Some of the smaller properties and those with conservation constraints are not able to give any group discount.

Q. Does the National Trust offer special rates to school or educational groups?

A. The National Trust offers membership to school groups and many of our properties offer special packages for educational groups. Please call 0844 800 1895 for more details on how your school can join, or visit our learning and discovery pages where details of Education Group Membership can be found.

Q. Who's eligible for free entry?

A. Registered tourist board guides (on production of a valid badge) whether escorting a group or visiting independently; coach drivers; tour leaders escorting group of 15 people or more. National Trust members (except where an extra charge is being made for an event or an out-of-hours visit).

Q. What if National Trust members have paid for a tour package which includes admission?

A. National Trust members receive free admission to properties as part of their membership. This can cause complications if you are selling a package which includes admission to Trust properties, as in effect our members are paying twice. Please make it clear to your customers that admission is part of the total package and that no refunds are available. If you are paying on arrival National Trust members should bring their current membership card or they will be charged the full group rate. For further details of National Trust visit our 'Become a member' pages or call 0844 800 1895.

Q. How can members of my group join the National Trust?

A. Exclusive benefits to National Trust members include unlimited free admission to over 200 historic houses and gardens in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. If a member of your group wishes to join you can join online or at the property when you visit. For further details of National Trust membership please call 0844 800 1895.

Q. Can groups visit out of hours?

A. Many properties offer out-of-hours tours for groups. There is sometimes an extra charge for this so please liaise directly with the property concerned for confirmation.

Q. Where can I get information about access for visitors with disabilities?

A. We warmly welcome visitors with disabilities to our properties; we also welcome assistance dogs for people who are visually impaired, people who are deaf or hard of hearing and disabled people. Most properties have a good degree of access, however please confirm facilities directly with individual properties. Information can be found on this website in the visits section or a free booklet on access is available by calling 0844 800 1895.

Q. If I want to produce a tour programme brochure can I use National Trust images?

A. If you are producing a brochure and would like to use National Trust images to help promote particular itineraries please contact the National Trust Photo Library on 01793 817400.