The National Trust is one of the UK’s most well loved, and largest, charities. It looks after over 300 historic buildings, one of the largest collections of historic gardens in Europe, over 600,000 acres of countryside, 700 miles of coastline, a million antique and collectible objects and over 45,000 archaeological sites.

When Octavia Hill, the nineteenth century social reformer and campaigner for green spaces and urban parks was asked to help save an historic garden in South East London in the mid 1880’s, she probably had no idea that her vision of a preservation society across England and Wales would reach such staggering proportions.

In 1894, the National Trust was officially founded by Octavia Hill, Sir Robert Hunter and Canon Hardwicke Rawnsley and a year later was given its first piece of land – five acres of cliff top at Dinas Oleu near Barmouth on the west coast of Wales. A year after that in 1896 the charity bought its first building, the historic Alfriston Clergy House in Surrey for the princely sum of £10.

In its 118 year history the National Trust has saved countless historic buildings from ruin and acres of natural land from development and destruction. And this wonderful organisation has many places to visit near to us here in Snowdonia. In fact, the National Trust in Snowdonia has over 16 different properties, historical attractions and natural locations across the region, each one open to visitors. A day out with the National Trust makes a great half term family day out in Snowdonia!

Here’s the Oakeley’s list of National Trust days in Snowdonia and North Wales…..

• Carneddau and Glyderau Mountains – much of the wild and mountainous landscape of Snowdonia is owned by the National Trust, and here you can explore some of Snowdonia’s wildest corners.
• Craflwyn, Beddgelert – in the beautiful Nant Gwynant Valley is the National Trust property of Craflwyn, along with the pretty village of Beddgelert. There is plenty to explore here!
• Ty Mawr, near Conwy – Ty Mawr was the birthplace of Bishop William Morgan, the first translator of the Bible into Welsh.
• Ysbyty Ifan – is an agricultural estate, rich in wildlife and history. The vast Ysbyty Estate lies just south of the picturesque village of Betws y Coed and is the largest single estate cared for by the National Trust.
• South Snowdonia – Remote and unspoilt mountains steeped in history, deep wooded valleys and spectacular estuaries. The mountains of south Snowdonia include some of Wales’ most fascinating National Trust places It is here that the roots of the Trust took hold, with the acquisition in 1895 of Dinas Oleu.
• Penrhyn Castle – is a 19th-century fantasy castle with spectacular surroundings and is crammed with fascinating items, such as a one-ton slate bed made for Queen Victoria, elaborate carvings, plasterwork and mock-Norman furniture.
• Segontium – the fascinating remains of a Roman fort that was built to defend the Roman Empire against rebellious tribes, although Segontium was later plundered to provide stone for Edward I’s castle at Caernarfon.
• Plas yn Rhiw – this lovely manor house with ornamental garden and wonderful views sits on the edge of the gorgeous Llyn Peninsula.
• Porthdinllaen – An old fishing village perched on the end of the Llyn Peninsula. With its clear sheltered waters lapping against stout stone houses, Porthdinllaen really is a jewel.

To find out more information about these, or any other, National Trust properties visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk