The Royal Oak Foundation is the American membership affiliate of the National Trust of England, Wales and Northern Ireland and provides free admission to National Trust properties in the UK.

National Trust Bodnant Garden, North Wales

Royal Oak members enjoy unlimited access to over 350 historic sites of outstanding interest and importance as well as 610,000 acres of countryside and over 775 miles of coastline in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The Royal Oak Foundation seeks to raise awareness of, and advance the work of, the National Trust of England, Wales, and Northern Ireland by inspiring support from the United States for the Trust’s efforts to preserve and protect historic places and spaces – for ever, for everyone.

As the American Membership affiliate of the National Trust, Royal Oak Members enjoy free admission to National Trust properties in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, as well as the National Trust of Scotland.

National Trust Sissinghurst Castle Garden © Visit Kent

The National Trust was founded in 1895 by three Victorian philanthropists who were concerned about the impact of uncontrolled development and industrialisation on Britain. The Trust was conceived as a guardian for the nation of special places, through the acquisition and protection of threatened coastline, countryside and buildings. More than a century later, the National Trust has over four million members in the UK.

National Trust properties range from the Tudor palace of Knole, to Winston Churchill’s Chartwell and the boyhood homes of John Lennon and Paul McCartney. Countryside under the Trust’s protection includes significant parts of the Lake District, the Snowdonia region in North Wales, East Anglia’s Wicken Fen and the South Downs. Coastline includes the famous White Cliffs of Dover, Cornwall’s rocky shores and the sweeping sands of Norfolk.

The National Trust also owns three Historic House Hotels in England, Bodysgallen Hall & Spa in North Wales, Middlethorpe Hall & Spa in York and Hartwell House & Spa near Aylesbury in Buckinghamshire. Royal Oak members can benefit from a number of discounts and offers at these hotels.

Snowdrops at Attingham Park © National Trust Images

Additionally, in the United States, Royal Oak offers a wide range of programmes, lectures and activities focused on the National Trust, in cities around the country. This includes British art and architecture, gardens, history and conservation. Royal Oak also hosts special events, such as its annual fundraiser, the Timeless Design Gala, honouring patrons of the arts and design, and the Seeds For Thought garden lectures.

As an independent American not-for-profit organisation, Royal Oak fundraises for National Trust priorities and offers Americans a tax-deduction for their contributions and membership dues. To date, the Foundation has raised and granted over $20 million to support the work of the National Trust.

On a tailor-made tour with Janet Redler Travel, you or your group can visit the finest National Trust castles, gardens and stately homes – and even stay at their historic hotels. Please contact our friendly team today to find out more.