A warm welcome ..
Welcome to the Upper Thames and Ridgeway National Trust Association (UTRNTA).
The UTRNTA is the local Supporter Group for the National Trust, covering parts of Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire and Wiltshire not catered for by surrounding Associations.
We attract members from a wide area centred on Cirencester, Lechlade and Highworth.
In addition to your existing membership of the National Trust we offer events such as:
Local talks on a wide variety of topics
Day-trips to NT Properties and other places of interest
An annual spring holiday
The talks take place in the winter months and are held in Cirencester, Lechlade and Highworth. The outings are in the warmer months, and are typically day-trips by coach to NT sites which are further away. Our 5-day holidays are specially arranged by coach visiting various interesting venues.
Some of our funds are donated to the National Trust to help in their work locally.
Our upcoming Events
.png)
NEXT MEETING
2026
Wendesday 7th October
Cirencester
Philip Garrahan
The Paradox of Swindon
FUTURE TALKS
2026
Saturday 21st November
Lechlade
Dr Gillian White
Henry VIII and the Field of Cloth of Gold
AGM to follow the talk
·
OUTINGS
2026
HOLIDAY
7th – 11th June 2026
Shropshire
The Holiday for June 2026 is based at the Albrighton Hall Hotel and Spa, Shrewsbury. This 4 star hotel, set within the walls of a stunning 18th-century manor house, is in 15 acres of landscaped grounds, including ornamental lake. Located just four miles from the historic town of Shrewsbury.
COFFEE MORNING
Monday, 22nd June
Our next coffee morning is to be held at Hilliers Garden Centre, Lechlade, GL7 3DP.
Come along from 10.30am for a friendly chat over a hot drink and maybe even a piece of cake!!
Thursday 2nd July
BEAULIEU
The estate owned by the Montague family includes the beautiful Palace House, the National Motor Museum and a Secret Army Exhibition as well as Gardens and views across the Beaulieu River
Tuesday, 21st July
AVEBURY MANOR
The National Trust at Avebury have invited a small group of us to be shown round the house, before opening time at 10am on the above date. This tour is to show us what has had to be done since being affected by serious flooding on 5th January 2024. It is just reopening to the public.
Avebury Manor rooms are not large so there is a limit of 20 people and spaces must be pre-booked.
We have asked if they will do a short henge tour and if you have ‘dowsing rods’ can you please bring them - it’s a bit of fun.
Tuesday 4th August
CORSHAM COURT
Built as a Tudor mansion in 1582, the house was extended in the mid-18th century to accommodate the extensive art collection of the new owner, Paul Methuen. It is believed to have one of the best art collections in private hands in the country. The 25 acres of gardens with arboretum feature an interesting 18th century Bath House, as well as a formal Lily Pond and Rose gardens. Explore Corsham and search for the peacocks and find what exists a 100’ below.
Included is a guided tour of the house, and a sandwich lunch at the Methuen Arms, a former nunnery.
Tuesday 8th September
WIGHTWICK MANOR
Wightwick (pronounced Witick) Manor is a mock Tudor house built for Theodore Mander, a local paint manufacturer, in 1887 and further developed by his son Geoffrey. Theodore was very much influenced by the designs of William Morris and the Arts and Crafts Movement. The interiors feature many Morris wallpapers and soft furnishings. Later on Geoffrey acquired a large collection of pre-Raphaelite paintings.
Wednesday 23rd September
HAM HOUSE
17th Century house in Richmond on
the banks of the Thames
Includes garden history tour