Some of our members' favourite places

Walker at Cwar Mawr Quarry in the Brecon Beacons National Park, Wales

Kayaking around Thurlestone Rock off South Milton Sands, Devon

Rockpooling on the beach at Lindisfarne Castle, Northumberland

What’s your favourite place? We asked some of our members that same question, and they shared their stories of family time, adventure and discovery.

As well as being places of heritage, habitats for wildlife and areas of natural beauty, the places we look after also hold strong emotional memories for many people.

Brimham Rocks, Yorkshire

Cheryl

There’s always something to do, from swimming and bodyboarding near the coasts we care for, hiking amongst the dramatic scenery of misty hills and mountains, or simply running around with younger members of the family in a lush, green field.

Cheryl describes how her favourite place is somewhere she cannot resist coming to, and how this protected space offers a social way to exercise.

'Our favourite place to visit has to be Brimham Rocks. At any time of the year, the park is simply beautiful. Our two dogs always come too, but sadly we lost one not so long ago.'

'Returning there brings back lovely memories of our beloved whippet, Milo. He loved climbing up the rocks after my husband, Mark, and our children, Ellis and Emily. Brimham is a place we'll return to every season and always discover a rock still to climb.'

Enjoying a picnic at Brimham Rocks, North Yorkshire — Visitors having a picnic at Brimham Rocks, North Yorkshire

" It's so much fun that we now have our own memberships so we can go [to Erddig] anytime."

Erddig, Wrexham

Meghan, Evie, Jaden and Aaran

For Meghan, Evie, Jaden and Aaran - aged 5-14 - Erddig is more than just a garden and estate; it’s a haven for inquisitive minds, and full of fun activities to do with their grandparents.

'We love going den-building at Erddig in Wrexham with our nana and taid. It's so much fun that we now have our own memberships so we can go anytime.'

Erddig is just one of the many places we love to care for. Having a junior membership can offer Meghan, Evie, Jaden, and Aaran the opportunity to learn more about conserving special places for even more young people to enjoy.

Young visitors inspect the flowers in the garden at Erddig, Wales — Young visitors inspecting the flowers in the garden at Erddig, Wales

Polesden Lacey, Surrey

Hannah

Whether you notice the calming sound of the wind rustling the branches of a tree, or the smell of freshly cut grass, this can help you to be at one with the natural space around you.

Hannah and her son love to take notice of how a seemingly small thing like bluebells can impact how you see the world.

'Our favourite moment was at Polesden Lacey, taking a stroll through the bluebell woods. My son has special needs and that day was the first time he had ever walked outdoors. He's very cautious and wobbly on uneven ground, but I think the bright colours kept him focused.'

Children examine wildflowers at Polesden Lacey — Children examining wildflowers at Polesden Lacey, Surrey

Upton House, Warwickshire

Tony

Conserving and protecting well-loved places couldn't be done without the help of volunteers. Tony, a volunteer at Upton House in Warwickshire, has been a National Trust member 'forever'.

'For most of my life, history has been a passion, in particular people, what they did and why they did it. I love talking to anyone about anything historical - indeed, there are many who would say, left to my own devices, I would talk forever. Volunteering with the Trust was an obvious decision and coming to Upton was an even better one.'

On his favourite part of Upton, Tony enjoys how particular details of the historical building allows him to interact more with the stories held within the house.

'I think the Inglenook downstairs and, perhaps surprisingly, the sitting room [are my favourite parts]. These convey the feeling that Upton was a much-loved home and it's easy to visualise the people relaxing in the big comfortable chairs with the newspaper and a little drink perhaps.'

A volunteer helps visitors at Upton House, Banbury

Wembury Beach, Devon

Izy

Special places can form a connection between us and nature, creating powerful memories that last a lifetime. For Izy, her favourite place is special because of the familial connection she has with it.

'Wembury is particularly special to me, as my dad's ashes were scattered in the sea off the Great Mewstone, and it makes me very happy to think that the area is well looked after by the National Trust. It's also extremely beautiful - the walk from Wembury Beach to Newton Ferrers and Noss Mayo, along the coast, is stunning.'

Not only does this serve as a place of recollection for her, but Izy associates Wembury with a place of learning, too.

'I also have many fond memories as a child of going to National Trust rockpooling events and learning about the diverse marine life in the area.'

Visitors rockpooling at Wembury Beach, Devon

By becoming a member you can explore more of England, Wales and Northern Ireland including unexpected corners such as rock pools, castles and windmills. With every new membership, more goes towards the conservation of these unique places.