Heelis National Trust HQ
Heelis is the National Trust's impressive headquarters, featuring a vibrant cafe, gift shop, and notable artworks.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

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Best Time
Unique access and tours
Heelis National Trust HQ
Best Time
Unique access and tours
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Heelis is the National Trust's impressive headquarters, featuring a vibrant cafe, gift shop, and notable artworks.
"The refurbished cafe and shop make Heelis much more vibrant and welcoming.
"🎯 Check for Events
Look for Heritage Open Days or special exhibitions for unique access.
☕ Enjoy the Cafe
The refurbished cafe offers high-quality food and a welcoming atmosphere.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
National Trust HQ Building
Explore the impressive headquarters of the National Trust, a hub for conservation and heritage.
Refurbished Cafe
Enjoy delicious food and drinks in a bright, modern cafe with great service.
National Trust Gift Shop
Discover a curated selection of gifts and National Trust merchandise.
Art and Exhibitions
See impressive artworks like Pompeo Batoni's 'Saint Paul' and 'St. Peter'.
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
Visit During Special Events
Explore the Cafe and Shop
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Check for Events
Look for Heritage Open Days or special exhibitions for unique access.
☕ Enjoy the Cafe
The refurbished cafe offers high-quality food and a welcoming atmosphere.
🛍️ Browse the Shop
Find unique gifts and National Trust items in the well-stocked shop.
🖼️ Admire the Art
Discover classical paintings like 'Saint Paul' by Pompeo Batoni.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Check for Events
Look for Heritage Open Days or special exhibitions for unique access.
☕ Enjoy the Cafe
The refurbished cafe offers high-quality food and a welcoming atmosphere.
🛍️ Browse the Shop
Find unique gifts and National Trust items in the well-stocked shop.
🖼️ Admire the Art
Discover classical paintings like 'Saint Paul' by Pompeo Batoni.
🚗 Easy to Spot
Signage and outdoor seating make the public areas easier to find now.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Heelis National Trust HQ is praised for its impressive building and recently refurbished, vibrant cafe and gift shop, offering high-quality food and a welcoming atmosphere. While the public areas are now more accessible, some visitors feel the shop's selection could be improved compared to its past offerings.
"Had the pleasure to tour the National Trust HQ during Heritage Open Days. It’s an impressive building even two decades on from the initial development."
Marques
"Not just an HQ building... Heelis has a lovely National Trust gift shop and an upscale café at the front of the ground floor. Formerly overlooked by many shoppers as the public areas were not obvious from the outside. Now much easier to spot with tables and chairs and café signage outside. A refurbishment in April 2017 has made the interior much more vibrant and welcoming, including an improved café on the right, the shop moved to the centre, and a new reception, members' and volunteers' area on the left. Great service from the café today. Reception staff were very keen to discuss the positive changes, still in progress."
Sheridan Parsons
"Head office of National Trust. Staff I the shop and cafe are friendly. Food is if a high standard as you expect from NT. They could do much better with the shop offering though. The old style shop was better stocked. The new layout looks like a fill in between reception and the cafe, Shame as it it should be 100% as it their HO."
Michael Billinge-Jones
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Heelis is located in Swindon, Wiltshire. While specific public transport details aren't widely shared, it's the central hub for the National Trust. Consider driving or using local bus services to reach Swindon.
Parking information is not extensively detailed, but as a National Trust HQ, visitor parking is likely available. It's best to check the official National Trust website for the most up-to-date parking arrangements.
The recent refurbishment has made the interior more vibrant and welcoming, suggesting improved accessibility. The modern cafe and shop design likely accommodates visitors with ease.
Yes, the National Trust gift shop and cafe are open to the public and are now easier to spot from the outside with outdoor seating.
Look for the National Trust signage and outdoor seating areas, which now make the public-facing parts of the building more visible.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, general entry to the Heelis building for the cafe and shop does not require a ticket. Special events or tours might have separate ticketing.
Opening hours for the cafe and shop are not specified, but they are generally accessible during standard business hours. It's advisable to check the National Trust website for the most current information.
There are no admission fees for the public areas like the cafe and shop. However, some visitors have noted significant membership price increases for National Trust properties overall.
Tours are often available during special events like Heritage Open Days. Keep an eye on the National Trust's events calendar for Heelis.
Yes, Heelis is the National Trust's headquarters, a significant site for the organization's operations and heritage work.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can visit the refurbished cafe for food and drinks, browse the National Trust gift shop, and admire art pieces like Pompeo Batoni's paintings.
The cafe is described as spacious, airy, and vibrant after a refurbishment, offering high-standard food like frittatas and all-day breakfasts with slaw and salad.
The gift shop offers a range of National Trust merchandise and gifts. Some reviews suggest the current offering might be less extensive than in the past.
Yes, Heelis houses impressive artworks, including 'Saint Paul' and 'St. Peter' by the Italian artist Pompeo Batoni, dating back to the 1740s.
The toilets are modern and unisex, featuring integral hand washing facilities, similar to those found in other contemporary establishments.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The cafe offers a good selection, including items like an all-day breakfast frittata with slaw and salad, and other high-standard meals expected from the National Trust.
While prices aren't detailed, reviews suggest the food is of high standard. Some visitors have noted general price increases across National Trust memberships, which might influence perceptions of value.
Yes, coffee is available at the staff cafe, and it's a popular spot for employees.
The cafe is described as spacious and welcoming, suitable for both a quick coffee or a more substantial meal.
While specific menus aren't listed, the mention of frittatas and salads suggests a variety of options are likely available.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies are not explicitly stated, but generally, personal photography for non-commercial use is permitted in public areas of National Trust properties. Always be mindful of others.
The refurbished cafe interior, the National Trust gift shop, and the exterior of the impressive HQ building offer good photo opportunities. The artworks, like Pompeo Batoni's paintings, are also notable subjects.
While not specified for Heelis, some National Trust sites may have restrictions on flash photography or photography of specific exhibits. It's wise to check for any posted signs.
Filming for personal use is generally allowed, as seen in promotional videos for National Trust events.
Weekday mornings might offer fewer crowds, allowing for more relaxed photography. Natural light in the cafe area could be pleasant during the day.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during special events like Heritage Open Days, which might offer more interactive elements or tours suitable for younger visitors. The accessible facilities, including modern unisex toilets, also add to the convenience for families.
🛍️ Budget Travelers
For those concerned about National Trust membership costs, it's worth noting that visiting Heelis for the cafe and shop is separate from property entry fees. Look out for special events like Heritage Open Days, which can offer free or discounted access to unique parts of the building.
🎨 Art and History Enthusiasts
As the headquarters of the National Trust, the building itself represents a key institution in heritage preservation. Visiting during Heritage Open Days can provide deeper insights into the organization's work and the history of the building.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The National Trust HQ: A Hub of Heritage
Recent refurbishments have transformed the public-facing areas of Heelis, making it more accessible and welcoming. The aim has been to create a vibrant space that reflects the National Trust's mission. This includes an improved cafe and a gift shop, designed to offer visitors a pleasant experience and a chance to support the Trust's work.
Beyond its administrative functions, Heelis also plays a role in showcasing aspects of the National Trust's collection and heritage. Visitors can sometimes view artworks and learn about the organization's history and ongoing projects. It's a place where the past and present of heritage conservation converge.
Culinary Delights and Retail Therapy at Heelis
The National Trust gift shop located within Heelis offers a curated selection of items. While some reviews suggest the shop's offering might have changed over time, it remains a place to find unique souvenirs, gifts, and National Trust branded merchandise. It's an opportunity to take a piece of the National Trust experience home with you.
These public areas are now more visible from the outside, with tables and chairs and clear signage making them easy to find. This improved accessibility ensures that visitors can easily enjoy the amenities offered at the National Trust's central hub.
Artistic Treasures within Heelis
The presence of such art highlights the National Trust's commitment not only to preserving landscapes and historic buildings but also to safeguarding significant artistic heritage. These paintings are part of a larger collection that contributes to the cultural richness managed by the Trust.
While Heelis is primarily an administrative center, the inclusion of these artworks provides an enriching experience for visitors, blending the world of heritage management with fine art. It's a reminder of the diverse aspects of history and culture that the National Trust protects.
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