Heelis (National Trust HQ) - Image 1
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Heelis National Trust HQ

4.2
·402 reviews·, United Kingdom

Heelis is the National Trust's impressive headquarters, featuring a vibrant cafe, gift shop, and notable artworks.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Heritage Open Days

Unique access and tours

CrowdMedium
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Heelis (National Trust HQ) - Image 1

Heelis National Trust HQ

Best Time

Heritage Open Days

Unique access and tours

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Heelis is the National Trust's impressive headquarters, featuring a vibrant cafe, gift shop, and notable artworks.

4.2
(402 reviews)

"The refurbished cafe and shop make Heelis much more vibrant and welcoming. Reddit"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

National Trust HQ Building

National Trust HQ Building

Explore the impressive headquarters of the National Trust, a hub for conservation and heritage.

Instagram
Refurbished Cafe

Refurbished Cafe

Enjoy delicious food and drinks in a bright, modern cafe with great service.

Reddit
National Trust Gift Shop

National Trust Gift Shop

Discover a curated selection of gifts and National Trust merchandise.

Reddit
Art and Exhibitions

Art and Exhibitions

See impressive artworks like Pompeo Batoni's 'Saint Paul' and 'St. Peter'.

Instagram+1
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Planning Your Visit

Visit During Special Events

Heelis often hosts events like Heritage Open Days, offering unique access. Check their schedule for tours and special exhibitions to make the most of your visit. Reddit

Explore the Cafe and Shop

Don't miss the vibrant cafe and gift shop, recently refurbished for a more welcoming experience. Enjoy high-quality food and browse unique items. Reddit

Best Times

When
Heritage Open Days
Why
Unique access and tours
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Quieter cafe and shop experience
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Saint Paul by Italian artist Pompeo Batoni 🇮🇹 Date: (1708–1787) 1740-1743 🏛️ National Trust, Basildon Park, Heelis, Swindon, Wiltshire, England, United Kingdom 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇬🇧 Oil on canvas 73 cm (28.7 in); width: 60.5 cm (23.8 in) “Saint Paul” is a painting by Italian artist Pompeo Batoni, created in the 18th century. Description The painting depicts Saint Paul, one of the most important figure...
aragonleonart
937 likes • 0 views

🎯 Check for Events

Look for Heritage Open Days or special exhibitions for unique access. Reddit

☕ Enjoy the Cafe

The refurbished cafe offers high-quality food and a welcoming atmosphere. Reddit

St. Peter by Italian artist Pompeo Girolamo Batoni 🇮🇹 Date: 1740 - 1743 AD 🏛️ National Trust, Heelis, Swindon, Wiltshire, England, United Kingdom 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇬🇧 @nationaltrust Oil on canvas, 73 x 60.5cm (28¾ x 23¾ in) “This founding figure of the Christian Church is from a group of eight pictures now in the Iliffe Collection, that comes from a set of twelve pictures of God the Father & the Apostles,...
aragonleonart
644 likes • 0 views
Proud moment. I’ve made it into the @nationaltrust central library at Heelis. The book is released on 20 Feb but has snuck its way into a few NT bookshops already. #womenartists #nationaltrust
curator_rachel
131 likes • 0 views

🛍️ Browse the Shop

Find unique gifts and National Trust items in the well-stocked shop. Reddit

🖼️ Admire the Art

Discover classical paintings like 'Saint Paul' by Pompeo Batoni. Instagram

A new adventure begins today! For the next 12 months I will be working as the new joint Head of Inclusion and Belonging at the National Trust 🥳💚 My first day has been exhilarating - meeting people and learning about the work I will be doing to help everyone enjoy places that celebrate our collective nature, beauty and history. I am outside Heelis, the HQ for the National Trust in Swindon - a st...
anjanakhatwa
128 likes • 0 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Check for Events

Look for Heritage Open Days or special exhibitions for unique access. Reddit

☕ Enjoy the Cafe

The refurbished cafe offers high-quality food and a welcoming atmosphere. Reddit

🛍️ Browse the Shop

Find unique gifts and National Trust items in the well-stocked shop. Reddit

🖼️ Admire the Art

Discover classical paintings like 'Saint Paul' by Pompeo Batoni. Instagram

🚗 Easy to Spot

Signage and outdoor seating make the public areas easier to find now. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.2
(402 reviews)

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. Reddit

"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

Impressive building
Refurbished cafe
High-quality food

What People Dislike

Shop selection

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. Instagram

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Look for the National Trust signage and outdoor seating areas, which now make the public-facing parts of the building more visible. Reddit

🎫 🎫 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Tours are often available during special events like Heritage Open Days. Keep an eye on the National Trust's events calendar for Heelis. Reddit

Yes, Heelis is the National Trust's headquarters, a significant site for the organization's operations and heritage work. Instagram

🎫 🧭 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. InstagramReddit+1

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Yes, Heelis houses impressive artworks, including 'Saint Paul' and 'St. Peter' by the Italian artist Pompeo Batoni, dating back to the 1740s. Instagram+1

The toilets are modern and unisex, featuring integral hand washing facilities, similar to those found in other contemporary establishments. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Yes, coffee is available at the staff cafe, and it's a popular spot for employees. Instagram

The cafe is described as spacious and welcoming, suitable for both a quick coffee or a more substantial meal. Reddit

While specific menus aren't listed, the mention of frittatas and salads suggests a variety of options are likely available. Reddit

📸 📸 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. Instagram

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. InstagramReddit+1

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. Instagram

Filming for personal use is generally allowed, as seen in promotional videos for National Trust events. Instagram

Weekday mornings might offer fewer crowds, allowing for more relaxed photography. Natural light in the cafe area could be pleasant during the day. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Heelis offers a pleasant stop for families, particularly with its refurbished cafe and gift shop. The modern, airy atmosphere of the cafe makes it a comfortable place for a meal or snack. While there aren't specific play areas, the welcoming environment and the opportunity to browse the shop can be engaging for children. Reddit

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. Reddit

🛍️ Budget Travelers

While Heelis itself doesn't have an entry fee for its public areas, visitors should be aware of potential costs. The cafe offers high-quality food, which may come at a standard price point. Browsing the gift shop is free, but purchases will add to your expenses. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎨 Art and History Enthusiasts

Heelis is a must-visit for those interested in art and heritage. The presence of Pompeo Batoni's 'Saint Paul' and 'St. Peter' paintings offers a chance to admire significant Baroque art. Instagram+1

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. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The National Trust HQ: A Hub of Heritage

Heelis serves as the central headquarters for the National Trust, a prominent UK charity dedicated to preserving and protecting historic places and spaces. The building itself is a testament to modern architecture, designed to house the vast operations of the organization. It's not just an administrative center; it's a place where decisions are made that impact countless heritage sites across the country. Instagram

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. Reddit

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. InstagramReddit+1

Culinary Delights and Retail Therapy at Heelis

The cafe at Heelis has undergone significant upgrades, transforming it into a bright and inviting space. Visitors praise the high standard of food, with options like all-day breakfast frittatas served with generous portions of salad and slaw. It's a place where you can enjoy a quality meal or a coffee break while surrounded by the National Trust's ethos. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Artistic Treasures within Heelis

Heelis is home to some notable artworks, offering a glimpse into the National Trust's collection. Among these are two significant paintings by the Italian artist Pompeo Batoni: 'Saint Paul' and 'St. Peter'. These Baroque-era masterpieces, created between 1740 and 1743, add a touch of classical artistry to the headquarters. Instagram+1

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. Instagram+1

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. Instagram+1

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