Some of our members' favourite places

Two female visitors walking their dog at Tarn Hows, Cumbria — Visitors walking at Tarn Hows, Cumbria | © National Trust Images/Chris Lacey

What’s your favourite National Trust place? We asked some of our members this question, and received an array of stories of family time, adventure and discovery. Read on to hear how as well as being places of heritage, wildlife habitats and areas of natural beauty, the places we look after also hold strong emotional memories for many people.

Brimham Rocks, Yorkshire

Cheryl

Cheryl describes how one of the protected spaces in our care also offers a communal way to exercise with the family.

‘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.’

Polesden Lacey, Surrey

Hannah

Whether it’s the calming sound of the wind rustling the branches of a tree, the smell of freshly cut grass, or in the case of Hannah and her son: the sight of bluebells, it shows how nature can really impact on how you experience the world.

‘Our favourite moment together 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.’

Two girls eating ice cream with a woman at Brimham Rocks — Enjoying ice creams at Brimham Rocks | © National Trust Images/Paul Harris

Upton House, Warwickshire

Tony

Conserving and protecting the well-loved places in our care 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.’

What Tony enjoys most about Upton is how particular details of the historical building allow 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 a newspaper and a little drink perhaps.’

Visitors rockpooling at Wembury Beach, Wembury, Devon — Visitors rockpooling at Wembury Beach | © National Trust Images/Megan Taylor

Wembury Beach, Devon

Izy

Certain 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 Izy, but she associates Wembury with a place of youthful 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.’

Erddig, Wrexham, Wales

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 enjoy with their grandparents.

‘We love going den-building at Erddig with our nana and taid [grandad]. It's so much fun that we now have our own memberships, so we can go anytime!’

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.

Visitors exploring the festive interiors in the Entrance Hall at Castle Ward, County Down

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