Mummy Budget – Days Out

If you are like me and have a family with children over the age of 2, you will know that even the simplest day out can cost a fortune.  With theme parks and zoo’s costing the earth and then charging inflated prices for food and drink, it feels like you need a second mortgage for just one day out.

Have you ever though about joining the National Trust?

We joined in 2010 and haven’t looked back since.  The kids love exploring the countryside and beaches, and many of the National Trust sites run events, especially during school holidays.  My personal favourite was zip wiring teddy bears from the top of Corfe Castle!

It isn’t a free option, but we got our money’s worth and more besides. Once you have your membership, your entry to all National Trust attractions is free, as is the parking. You also get to visit some really amazing places, some which you would never has gone to before – and it is valid all over the country.

You can find details of membership prices here, but I strongly recommend that join up using an Off Site Membership team as you get a 3 months free offer if paying by Direct Debit. Or sign up at the attraction / property as they often have offers too!

Local events are usually the best way to find your local Off-site team.  We have Ben and he has been amazingly helpful, not only finding us great activities to do, but also letting me use his van as a shelter to feed the baby when I have not been able to find a quiet spot!  He makes an awesome cuppa too!

The Dorset Team:

From April – October 2012 the Dorset Off-site Membership Team will be at shows, events, festivals, seafront and town centre locations throughout Dorset – including the Bournemouth Air Festival Dorset Seafood Festival, the Melplash Show and many more with their branded National Trust vehicles.

Look out for them as they carry a huge range of free literature about places to go & things to see & do. They can also offer advice on places to visit, walks, activities & events and much more.
You can find out where the Off-site Team will be using the online calendar or find them online on Twitter @jurassiccoastin and facebook.

Oh – and they provide some welcome relief from walking in the shape of deck chairs!!

2 thoughts on “Mummy Budget – Days Out”

  1. We love our national trust membership; we used it over 8 times in Cornwall last year and their Easter events are some of the best for kids. Oh and their teas are rather yummy too!

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  2. Think we’re going to check out the National Trust for Scotland. Living close to Edinburgh Zoo, we used to take a year’s membership. But now the prices have rocketed, members don’t even get free parking – and you have to pay extra to see the pandas. There are so many great castles to explore up here. I’m looking forward to the Summer.

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