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Advance bookings
At present there is no centralised booking system so all bookings should be made
direct with the individual properties concerned.
All
group visits should be pre-booked; some properties have limited availability for groups so early booking
is essential!
Cancellations
If you need to cancel, please give the property as much notice as possible. Check
cancellation terms at the time of booking as in some instances (eg if special arrangements have been
made) a cancellation fee may charged if insufficient notice has been given.
Group discounts
Most properties offer a discount for groups of 15 people or more. The group discount
should apply even when National Trust members (who get free entry) form the majority of the group.
Payment
Payment must be settled with the individual properties. Please confirm your preferred
method of payment when booking. Most large properties accept payment by company voucher. Special arrangements
may be required at smaller properties.
Vouchers should clearly state the name and address of the company responsible for
payment and the number of visitors in the group. Vouchers are not valid unless signed by a member of
the property staff.
Timed tickets
Timed tickets operate at some properties during busy periods. They are issued to
make the flow of people entering the property more even (not to limit the duration of the visit) and
all visitors (including National Trust members) are required to use them. This system is designed to
create better viewing conditions for visitors and to minimise wear-and-tear on the historic houses or
gardens.
National Trust members
Members are eligible to free admission to National Trust properties. This can cause
complications if members have booked a package which includes admission, as effectively they are paying
twice. There is no simple solution but this is best dealt with at the booking stage. If possible, include
a clause about membership on your booking form so you know how many members to expect. Make it clear
that admission is part of the total package and that no refunds are available. National Trust members
should bring their current membership card or they will be charged the full group rate. If you are interested
in making all passengers members of the National Trust please call 0844 800 1895 or email enquiries@thenationaltrust.org.uk.
Members of the National Trust for Scotland, overseas National Trusts and the Royal
Oak Foundation (the Trust's affiliated body in the USA) also receive free entry.
Catering for groups
Many National Trust houses and gardens have on-site tea-rooms and restaurants. Details
of catering facilities are given under each property in the 'Visits' section of
this website. They are usually located in very special old buildings including castles, lighthouses,
stables and even hot houses. All aim to offer a welcoming atmosphere, value for money and traditional
home cooking with many properties featuring menus with an historical theme.
Many offer a pre-booking facility to help ensure the most efficient service possible.
Group bookings are an important and valuable business to the National Trust and properties can usually
offer a discounted rate for large groups, sometimes with specially-created menus. In addition, tea-rooms
and restaurants often can be booked outside normal opening times.
tea-rooms and restaurants often offer festive meals and special events (eg lecture
lunches) in the run-up to Christmas. Please email us for more information on enquiries@thenationaltrust.org.uk.
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