A Flower Lover’s Guide to Joining the National Trust
If your heart beats a little faster at the sight of blooming wisteria, ancient rose gardens, or carpets of bluebells in the spring, then joining the National Trust might be the best decision you’ll ever make. With hundreds of glorious gardens, estates, and landscapes to explore, it’s a paradise for those enchanted by flowers and the stories they tell.
Why Join the National Trust?
The National Trust is the guardian of over 500 historic houses, gardens, and natural spaces across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Many of these properties boast meticulously maintained gardens, heritage plant collections, and rare species—perfect for those who love flora in all its forms.
Perks for Flower Enthusiasts:
Free access to hundreds of breathtaking gardens and green spaces.
Seasonal floral displays – from snowdrops in winter to summer rose gardens.
Behind-the-scenes garden tours and talks with head gardeners.
Member-only garden events like plant sales, workshops, and early blooms.
Supporting conservation, so Britain’s botanical heritage flourishes.
Top National Trust Gardens for Flower Lovers
1. Sissinghurst Castle Garden, Kent
A mecca for flower lovers. Designed by Vita Sackville-West, its White Garden and herbaceous borders are legendary.
2. Bodnant Garden, Conwy
Known for its stunning laburnum arch in late spring and vast collection of rhododendrons, camellias, and magnolias.
3. Stourhead, Wiltshire
A landscape garden masterpiece. In spring, azaleas and bluebells light up the grounds.
4. Nymans, West Sussex
Famed for its romantic ruins and exotic plantings—perfect for photography and inspiration.
5. Mount Stewart, Northern Ireland
An extraordinary garden influenced by Italian and Spanish styles, rich with rare and subtropical plants.
Membership Options
Individual Membership
Access for one adult
Ideal if you’re a solo flower wanderer
Joint/Family Memberships
Great for couples or families who want to cultivate a shared love of gardens
Life Membership
For those who know their love for flowers is forever
Most memberships come with:
A handbook detailing all properties
A car sticker for free parking
A subscription to the National Trust magazine, with seasonal garden guides
Tips for Making the Most of Your Membership
Plan your visits by season: spring bulbs, summer blooms, autumn foliage.
Bring a flower journal to sketch or jot down new plants and ideas.
Join local Trust events or garden tours to meet other enthusiasts.
Shop the plant sales at Trust properties for rare and heritage varieties.
Volunteer in National Trust gardens for hands-on experience.
How to Join
You can join:
Online at nationaltrust.org.uk
At any Trust property
By phone or post
Membership not only opens the gates to floral beauty—it helps preserve it for future generations.
Whether you're a casual admirer or a passionate gardener, the National Trust is your ticket to a blooming world of discovery.
