The Delight of National Trust Sites: Why They Should be Accessible for More Than the Odd Day 

By Rachel Scott

We’ve all experienced that inexplicable, yet simple joy of pseudo-retirement… that is, to say, indulging in a few stolen hours, unfettered by the daily grind. The ideal place for this would be one of the many gorgeous national trust sites in Northern Ireland. Cream scones and mossy trails meet avian enthusiasts with lingering notes of brewing coffee. ‘Why am I not here every day?’, I ask myself. The answer: the prices. 

Now, with university in full swing, and the freshers’ partying daze drawing to a close, (much to the relief of their immune systems and livers) the necessity of spending time in nature is more important than ever. From juggling the ever-mounting workload of classes to the various extracurricular activities you signed up for at the freshers’ fair, it’s easy to feel burnt out. As cliché as it may sound, grounding yourself in nature is such a good way to have balance amidst the chaos of university life. Yes, local parks do exist free of charge, but one cannot doubt the appeal of a historic site such as the Edwardian manor house at Castle Ward or the beautiful Montalto estate. 

After making it all the way to the stunning location, I find myself wanting to turn right back around when I see the prices. Suddenly those tasty cream scones and botanic walks around a Victorian estate seem much less appealing when overshadowed by the debt endowed. The good news – we can access these places in the month of September without selling our souls. The bad news – we’re coming into October.   

Taking a look at the admissions fees, however, it comes as no surprise why more of our students aren’t spending their weekends at these national trust properties. To name just a few: 

• Mount Stewart; perhaps one of the more well known places of interest, it costs a staggering £35 for a family to gain admission. Alternatively, for a couple to attend, it would cost £28. There are no special discounts for one off entrance to this national trust property.  [1] 

• Castle Ward, or perhaps Winterfell, an eccentric mansion most famous for its appearance on Game Of Thrones, would cost £30 for a family to visit. [2] 

• Rowallane Garden, a personal favourite of mine, is slightly more forgiving at £9.50 for an adult’s entry, however this slight reduction bears no weight in the eyes of the budgeting student. Regardless of the time capsule-esque Victorian walled garden, for many of us, a boojum seems a much more worthwhile purchase. [3] 

Education group access passes have become a viable option for groups of full time education students to tackle the financial obstacle. It is worth noting however, that the eligibility is strict, with the group visits having to be organised through an institution. The importance of no- screen time and grounding in nature is often overlooked but plays a crucial role in maintaining a balanced and healthy lifestyle.  

Sources:

[1] “Mount Stewart │ Northern Ireland.” n.d. National Trust. https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/northern-ireland/mount-stewart. 

[2] “Castle Ward │ Northern Ireland.” n.d. National Trust. https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/northern-ireland/castle-ward. 

[3] “Rowallane Garden │Northern Ireland.” n.d. National Trust. https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/northern-ireland/rowallane-garden.