Leaving a gift in your will

Visitors in the garden at Kedleston Hall, Derbyshire

From restoring world-famous art to protecting wildlife habitats, gifts in wills are used right at the heart of our work. Please consider leaving a legacy to help look after the places you love.

Together, we can help nature recover, bring people closer to it and ensure our shared history continues to inspire us all.

Take part in Free Wills Month

It's Free Wills Month from 1-31 October 2021, giving supporters aged 55 and over the opportunity to have a simple will written or updated for free, using participating solicitors in selected locations across the UK.

If you need a will or are thinking about updating your existing one, you can arrange a free appointment to discuss your options. There's no obligation to leave a gift to the National Trust, but we hope you might think about supporting our essential conservation work in this way.

Please note that spaces are limited and allocated on a first-come, first served basis, but there's plenty of other ways our supporters can have a will made or updated for free if you miss out.

Ready to start your will? Find out about our free wills services

Why gifts in wills are important

Without gifts in wills the National Trust wouldn’t be able to protect and look after all the places in our care. Any legacy, no matter how large or small, makes a lasting difference, and if you like, you can choose to leave your gift to the place that matters most to you.

These beautiful places of nature and history are at risk – and recent times have shown how much we need these places to escape to. Gifts in wills support rangers, conservation experts and volunteers to replant hedgerows and wildflower meadows, repair coastal paths, protect historic homes, look after wildlife and so much more. Together, we can look after nature and history for generations to come.

Image for video Play Video
Video

Philip's lasting legacy


Long-standing member, Philip Crossley-Dawson, shares his love of Arnside Knott in Cumbria in this video. As he walks through the countryside so rich with fond memories, he tells us about the lasting gift he's made and why.

Discover Philip's story

Gifts in wills advice

Family on an autumn walk

Download your free Gifts in Wills Guide 

Download your free Gifts in Wills Guide which tells you everything you need to know about leaving a legacy to the National Trust.

Admiring the Witch Hazel in Dunham Massey's Winter Garden

Leaving a gift in your will FAQs 

If you're thinking about leaving a gift in your will, our FAQs have answers to some of the most commonly asked questions.

How your gift will help

Your gift will only be used for the purpose you intend it for. This could be for anything you like, such as woodland or coast conservation, to help protect a particular historical property or to keep a garden in bloom for generations to come. Every penny of your gift will help to look after the places you love.

Our donor newsletter has more information on how gifts in wills have previously helped us. You can also read our Annual Report and statement of accounts to find out more.

Download our 2020 donor newsletter PDF >

Read the 2020/21 annual report & statement of accounts >