The National Trust, formally the National Trust for Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty, is a charity and conservation organisation that operates in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. It does not cover Scotland, where a separate body cares for many similar sites.
What it cares for
The Trust manages a wide range of properties and land. Its portfolio includes historic houses and their gardens, stretches of coastline, countryside and many places valued for their natural beauty. These holdings are maintained for public enjoyment, education and environmental protection.
Visiting and access
Access arrangements vary by site. Many historic houses and curated gardens charge an entrance fee, while numerous open landscapes and viewpoints remain free to enter. The organisation also offers membership options that provide benefits and support its conservation work.
Status and scale
The National Trust is one of the largest registered charities in the United Kingdom and is among the country's biggest private landholders. Its activities combine heritage preservation with efforts to protect wildlife and public access to the countryside.