Your members' handbook
The National Trust members' handbook is where you'll find all the inspiration you need to plan a great day out or to discover more about the places we look after. Without your support, we wouldn't be able to care for them.
The 2026 handbook
For many members, the handbook has always been an important source of inspiration and information. You can find opening times, maps, descriptions and photographs, contact details and accessibility information for each of the places in our care. We recommend checking the website of the place you want to visit before travelling for our most up-to-date visiting information.
The handbook also has a dog-friendliness rating to help you plan your visit. Each place that allows dogs has a score of either one, two or three pawprints, which indicate the level of facilities available for your dog, such as water bowls, off-lead areas and dog-friendly cafés.
Your handbook preferences
Many of you have told us you'd like to choose whether to receive a printed handbook. You can now select this option in My Account, as well as make other changes to your membership online. Should you choose not to receive the handbook, you can still find lots of visiting inspiration and information on our website.
The 2026 handbook cover
A butterfly on a thistle
This year the photograph for the handbook cover was taken by Rob Coleman at Coombe Hill in Buckinghamshire. It shows the vulnerable chalkhill blue butterfly following habitat restoration.
What's in the handbook?
In the handbook you will discover:
- who the National Trust is and what we do
- opening dates and times, although we recommend checking online before you travel as they can change
- descriptions and photographs of most of the places in our care
- how to contact and visit places
- maps showing the places in each region
- basic access information
- a dog-friendliness pawprint rating for each place
- facilities (including accessibility facilities) at each place
- a visit checkbox where you can tick and date a place once visited.
What's on the website?
On the website, you can also find:
- opening dates and times, prices and all visiting details
- more detailed access information
- things to see and do
- eating, drinking and shopping
- information on where dogs are welcome and where there are restrictions
- holiday cottages, hotels, bothies and campsites
- our ‘Land Map’ – showing everything we look after
- how to get involved and volunteer with us.
Welsh version of the handbook
We’ve translated the Wales section of the handbook so that our Welsh members can learn about our work and the places in our care in the Welsh language.
Get a replacement handbook
If you've lost your handbook or just fancy having an extra one, you can buy a replacement handbook on our online shop.
A short history of the handbook
1977: The first handbook
As the number of places in our care grew, members wanted to know more about them. National Trust members began to receive an early, black and white version of the handbook in 1977. It contained lots of practical and historical information about houses, gardens and other places opening up to be discovered.
You might also be interested in...
What to enjoy as a member
Whether you’re a new member or you’ve been with us a while, there’s always the opportunity to experience something new. Discover our top tips for getting the most out of your membership.
Handbook click and collect
A handy list of places where you can click and collect your Handbook and start planning a great day out.
My Account
Find out about My Account, which gives you more flexibility around your membership. Make changes to your membership online and choose how you want to hear from us.
Frequently asked questions on volunteering
These frequently asked questions should give you all you need to know about who can volunteer, what it involves and how to apply.
Second-hand bookshops
Pick up a book from a second-hand bookshop to keep or share. Every purchase will raise funds for conservation projects at the places in our care.
International National Trusts Organisation (INTO)
Discover which countries offer free visiting arrangements with similar heritage organisations.
How your membership supports our work
Thanks to the support of our members, we're able to carry out our important conservation work across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Discover some of the crucial ways that you help us care for nature, beauty and history for future generations.
