So, where do we start about the absolute wonder that is the National Trust?!
The National Trust is a charity which has over 3.7 million members and 64,000 volunteers. They protect and open to the public over 350 historic houses, gardens and ancient monuments with more than 65 million visitors recorded each year. And it doesn’t stop there! They also look after forests, woods, fens, beaches, farmland, downs, moorland, islands, archaeological remains, castles, nature reserves and villages…
The trust works around the clock to preserve these wonderful sites for all of us and they rely on income from membership fees, donations and legacies, and revenue raised from commercial operations to keep things going.
The south west is spoilt for choice when it comes to National Trust properties and Bristol even has a few located on its doorstep! Leigh Woods is a beautiful outdoor space overlooking the famous Clifton suspension bridge, Westbury College Gatehouse offers a medieval remain which was the Trust’s first acquisition back in 1907, Blaise Hamlet (a picturesque hamlet of nine cottages dating from 1811) is just four miles north of the city centre…and there are numerous others just outside of the city too.
One site which is well worth a visit it Tyntesfield – a spectacular Victorian Gothic Revival house just outside of Bristol with an exceptionally beautiful estate and gardens. The house itself is a wonderful Grade II listed building that has been restored to maintain its industrial heritage and the old Sawmill lies within the grounds also.
Tyntesfield is open all year round for visitors but there are two upcoming special events which we are very much looking forward to:
“A Very Victorian Christmas” is running until 3rd January 2016 and allows guests to immerse themselves into the Victorian family life and experience how the family and servants of the house would have prepared for the festive period. Help the acting servants decorate or just relax with them – either way it’s a great way to gain an insight into the history of this spectacular site!
“Sherlock’s Super Sleuth Mystery Trail” is open to all until 21st February 2016. Elementary my dear Watson…! Follow in the footsteps of our great Victorian detective and his trusty associate and solve the mysteries hidden around the estate – all for just £2.50 (and there is a prize included too!)
There is a full list of sites across the country on the Trust’s website and you can join, donate or volunteer here; http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/join-and-get-involved. Membership is from as little as £5 per month and means that you get unlimited access to hundreds of unforgettable places each year (you will also receive three editions of their illustrated magazine each year along with a free pair of binoculars for those who really want to get involved!)
A very worthy cause indeed…