The site of a medieval castle, now a green oasis for wildlife
Our gardens, parks, cafés, shops, countryside locations and many houses are open. You no longer need to pre-book at many places. Some still require booking ahead, so please check the property webpage before you travel.
Although you might not think it today, the mount and surrounding lands are the remnant of an early medieval wooden motte and bailey castle built by Sweyn, Sheriff of Essex. With the castle long gone, the area is now an urban wildlife haven and green lung in the heart of Rayleigh town centre, offering sweeping views across the Crouch Valley.
In the summer, the mount provides a perfect backdrop for dramatic open-air theatre productions. Make the most of your day by also visiting with the adjacent sensory garden and windmill, home to fascinating historical exhibitions (please note the windmill is not run by the National Trust).
Most of our places run the Gift Aid on Entry scheme at their admission points.
Under this scheme, if you're not a member you have the choice of two entry tickets:
If the place runs Gift Aid on Entry, we'll offer you a clear choice between the Gift Aid Admission prices and the Standard Admission prices at the admission point. It's entirely up to you which ticket you choose.
Gift Aid Admission includes a 10 per cent or more voluntary donation. Gift Aid Admissions let us reclaim tax on the whole amount paid - an extra 25 per cent - potentially a very significant boost to our places' funds.
An extra £1 paid under the scheme can be worth over £3 to the National Trust as shown below:
| Gift Aid | Standard | |
|---|---|---|
| Amount paid by visitor | £11.00 | £10.00 |
| Tax refund from Government* | £2.75 | £0.00 |
| Total received by the National Trust | £13.75 | £10.00 |
*Gift Aid Admissions let us reclaim tax on the whole amount paid - an extra 25 per cent - potentially a very significant boost to our places' funds.
