Top 10 New Year's Resolutions
| Published: 2nd January 2008 16:40 |
1) Spend More Time with Family & Friends
National Trust properties offer events and activities that appeal to different ages and interests, enabling visitors to become engaged with the history of the house, its contents, the people who lived there and the work the trust is doing to preserve these special places for future generations.
With over 300 events this year in the East Midlands there is something to suit every visitor, from open-air concerts to guided walks and activities. For more details visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/events
2) Fit in Fitness
Many of us find going to the gym boring and can never seem to fit it in to our busy lives. Going for a long walk with family and friends in the fresh-air can stimulate the senses as well as the muscles.
Why not enjoy a bracing walk in the Peak District at Longshaw Estate or at Ilam Park, or you can also enjoy a walk around Calke Park, a National Nature Reserve with ancient trees that look stunning at this time of the year? Although many of the National Trust Houses are closed until March you can still enjoy a walk in the parkland throughout the winter.
For details check www.nationaltrust.org.uk/placestovisit
3) Tame the Bulge
Often when you’re out and about for the day it’s difficult to find alternatives to the fast food outlets. At Calke Abbey you can not only enjoy tasty home baking using local fresh ingredients, but you can also see exactly where you food has come from using our local suppliers map.
For more information visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/food
4) Take a Break
The National Trust has far more to offer than just great days out. There is also a delightful range of holiday cottages that are ideal for exploring the countryside, visiting National Trust houses, or just to get away from it all. Why not have a look at the new holidays cottages at Hardwick Hall or the Old Rectory on the Gunby Estate in Lincolnshire that sleeps 10 people.
For more information visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/holidays
5) Make A Difference
We are now all concerned about how our actions impact on the environment and what we can do to lessen our effect on the key issue of climate change. The Trust is committed to playing its part and also has suggestions that everyone can follow.
Why not visit the National Trust website to see if next time you visit a National Trust property you can do it by bus or train? Belton House in Grantham has bus service, which drops visitors right outside the gates, and with many other properties having good green transport links we can all do our bit.
For more information visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/climatechange
6) Give to Charity
After the excesses of Christmas, we all perhaps feel the need to give something to a good cause to redress the balance. Sometimes it’s easy to forget that the National Trust is a charity and relies on public support. Your donation could make a real difference by helping us to continue protecting the nation’s heritage and wild, beautiful places that we care for, for ever, for everyone. In the Peak District the National Trust has a large portfolio of land in its care and relies on donations to the Peak District Appeal to help fund the conservation work. You can make a donation and find out more about the Peak District by visiting www.nationaltrust.org.uk/peakdistrict
7) Get Out of Debt
National Trust membership is great value and for an annual payment you have a years worth of great days out for the whole family. In no time at all the membership will have paid for itself several times over. National Trust Family membership costs £73.00 for 2 adults and 2 children, under 5’s go free.
For more information visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/membership
8) Try Something New
Explore the Trust properties in your area and discover some of the hidden gems you might not have realised are on your doorstep. Even the properties you know may have exciting new developments including restoration projects, new rooms open to the public or opportunities to view conservation in action.
For more information visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/localtoyou
9) Help Others
The National Trust is always in need of volunteers to help out. If you like working indoors or outdoors, with people or on your own – the National Trust has an opportunity to suit you. For details about vacancies near to you call 01909 511007 or visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/volunteering
10) Get Organised
Plan your days out and make the most of your leisure time. Visit the National Trust website where you can access information on all our properties, including opening times and travel directions. There are also suggestions for inspiring itinerary ideas.
For more information visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/placestovisit
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