Group accommodation

Organising a holiday for a group? Why not stay in a National Trust basecamp or bothy? What are basecamps and bothies? Basecamps are purpose-built or converted buildings, which provide simple self-catering accommodation for organised groups. They are all within easy reach of beautiful countryside or unspoilt coastlines, historic houses or landscape parks, and provide a functional base for a weekend, week or longer. As well as basecamps, there are also a few ‘bothies’, which offer very basic accommodation, often in an isolated location. Who are they suitable for? Basecamps and bothies are primarily used by groups taking part in practical conservation work for the National Trust. Most also take bookings from self-administered organised groups, including colleges, businesses, youth, families, and special interest groups. A few will accept bookings from individuals. Many basecamps cater for organised youth groups. Groups should be supervised by appropriately qualified and experienced leaders. Please contact the basecamp to ensure that your group’s needs can be accommodated. Some basecamps can accommodate physically disabled visitors; please contact individual basecamps to discuss their suitability before booking. What is provided? Basecamps vary in size and are suitable for mixed parties. All have adequate cooking facilities, dormitories with bunk-beds, lounge area and modern sanitation. Most have fully-equipped kitchens, showers, electricity and heating. Many also have a separate leaders’ room, payphone, washing machine and adjacent parking. First aid and fire alert facilities are always provided. Bothies have minimal facilities, although some form of water, light and sanitation is usually provided. Bothies are suitable if you like the idea of being miles from the nearest town, with no electricity or heating, sleeping platforms without mattresses, water from a hand-pump, gas lighting, and cooking on a Primus stove! What to bring You may need to bring some or all of the following: food and provisions, sleeping bag or sheets and blankets, pillow and pillowcase, towel and wash-kit, cutlery or crockery. Groups working in outdoor conservation will also need old work clothes, waterproofs, sturdy footwear and gardening gloves. Contact individual basecamps and bothies to find out exactly what is provided as this will vary. What will it cost? Basecamps are free or available at reduced rates to voluntary groups undertaking conservation work at National Trust properties. These groups have priority for booking. Charges for paying groups vary according to the standard of accommodation, the type of group, and the time of year. Most rates are based on full occupancy for seven nights. Some properties, however, may be prepared to offer reduced rates to smaller groups or a minimum nightly charge. For an exact price, please contact individual basecamps and bothies. To find out more about individual basecamps or bothies, and for contact details, search our basecamps. Members of the National Trust will get to experience something different when they are away. Join now and enjoy the savings too!

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The National Trust is experiencing a boom in its operations despite the recession as people in ever greater numbers seek unique and memorable experiences, Fiona Reynolds told the Trust’s AGM in Swindon today (Saturday 7 November 2009).

Visitor numbers are up by almost 18 per cent on 2008 and membership has grown from around 3.65 million to almost 3.8 million over the last 12 months. The Trust’s catering and retail operations are also up by 22 per cent and 15 per cent respectively, and bookings at holiday cottages are eight per cent higher than last year.

“We have had an amazing year and people have come to us in droves,” said Fiona Reynolds, the Trust’s Director-General. “The vision of our Victorian founders, to provide space for calm, peace and tranquillity, is as relevant now, during a recession, as it has ever been.

“What has captured the public imagination has been the authentic experiences we offer. Those moments of peace enjoyed in beautiful surroundings, or spending time with friends and family at a woodland, give us something lasting and memorable that stands above the cheap thrill of the consumer world.”

Simon Jenkins, the Trust’s Chairman, added: “At the heart of this is a confident and constructive spirit which, together with the support of our members, has ensured that the Trust is in good health and remains true to the causes of beauty, landscape, inspiration and heritage, for the benefit of the nation.”

Simon Jenkins also pointed to two major passions for his Chairmanship: bringing properties to life and improving the speed of the Trust’s decision making.

He added that the Trust’s responsiveness and ability to make decisions quickly will be improved by the thrust towards ‘localism’ now being planned. Through this, property and general managers are being given more authority, letting them get on with the job in hand. He concluded: “We are determined to recognise and promote the uniqueness of each Trust property and its relationship with its local community.”

Other AGM information

Fiona Reynolds also highlighted the Trust’s successful campaign activities on food, which have helped millions of people re-discover the delights of growing and eating their own food. In February, the Trust announced a plan to open 1,000 new allotments or growing spaces for the public over the next three years.

“My underlying belief is that our work is only possible if we continue to inspire people to want to be part of our movement, to share in our passion for history and nature, and to help us to do wonderful things,” she said. “Without their support we cannot hope to do this important work, and without their enjoyment and participation in our properties we would only be doing half our job.”

The AGM was also used to thank the Trust’s 55,000 volunteers for their tireless energy and support and highlight current appeals to save Seaton Delaval Hall (Northumberland), Khadambi Asalache’s house (London), Croome Court (Worcestershire) and fundraising for a new visitor centre at the Giant’s Causeway world heritage site (Northern Ireland).

The year has also seen progress on improvements and a new visitor centre for Stonehenge, an amazing gift from Historic House Hotels and the opening of Greenway, Agatha Christie’s summer home in Devon.