As a child, the idea of visiting a National Trust property was as likely as a day trip to Mars. It wasn't that my mum and dad didn't take me to places or that they were averse to a nice scone. But as a working class family, the National Trust was just not what we did; historic houses and knot gardens were for posher people and besides, our nearest property was a long bus ride away. Things changed when I grew up, moved away and had my own kids.
By then I understood that the charity was far more accessible than I thought; there were quizzes and nature trails to keep the children happy and, being a history lover, I adored hearing the compelling stories the houses could tell. But there were still properties which could be less than hospitable to families, full of roped off rooms full of unrelatable objects – what is an antimacassar, anyway? – stern signs and even sterner volunteers warning us not to touch this or climb there.
Here in 2026 things have moved on apace. Whenever we visit a National Trust property now it's teeming with families. So what if the kids are there because they like the skittles game on the lawn or the ice cream in the shop? The National Trust is embracing its ethos of 'for everyone, for ever.' But you can't please all of the people all of the time. Its latest initiative will see the charity team up with Pokémon. There will be 14 sites hosting exclusively designed trails all themed around the Japanese media franchise. I'd call it a stroke of genius. But some have taken such a dim view of what they see as the 'dumbing down' of historic sites you'd think the NT was offering the chance to crayon on a Rembrandt or use the Chippendale furniture as a trampoline.
The idea won't be to everyone's taste, I get that. But give them credit for trying new and innovative ways to engage with the next generation and in doing so pass on our heritage. This week, new research found that taking an active interest in art and culture helps people stay younger for longer. According to experts at University College London, visiting a museum or a gallery – as well as singing and painting – helps us age more slowly. I'd say the National Trust, with its historic collections, fits that criteria perfectly. We also know that getting out into the fresh air among nature is brilliant for our physical and mental health, no matter what your age.
Does it really matter if that woodland walk combines running and playing with finding Pokémon characters? It's our duty to pass on our past to future generations; only by understanding where we came from can we shape a future. But history and heritage need to be exciting things, not pickled in aspic or preserved under a dust sheet. And if that means using cartoon characters to hook kids in, then I'm all for it.
One more thing...
I don't usually comment on politics but the recent maelstrom of chaos around a certain leadership contest has me thinking: maybe me and my middle-aged chums could lead the country? I mean, this week all sorts of people – some of whom I've actually heard of – have been vying to wear the big hat of "I'm in charge at Number 10", so why not us? Think about it. Middle-aged women have zero tolerance of any nonsense. We've dealt with toddler tantrums, stroppy teenagers and difficult bosses so Donald Trump holds no fear.
We've seen and done it all, often at the same time, and can cook tea, answer emails, help with homework and feed the cat while keeping an eye on The One Show. Extreme efficiency is in our DNA. Budgets? We're all over that. Diplomacy? We've negotiated perplexing partners, difficult mothers-in-law and the hotbed of division that is the school PTA so international relations will be a breeze. There isn't much we haven't seen, done or experienced; we carry more collective wisdom than any Westminster front bench. We just need a slogan and a battle bus and we're in.
