To celebrate the arrival of Spring, the National Trust is inviting you to explore the exhilarating North Coast as it opens its doors to a number of its most outstanding places on Saturday 11 March for its annual Free Open Day.

Visitors can enjoy the Giant’s Causeway Visitor Experience and access to the jaw-dropping Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge free of charge.

Visitors to the Giant’s Causeway can avail of free entry to the Visitor Centre from 9.00am – 6.00pm (last free admission 5pm) which includes free use of a hand-held audio guide and the option of  joining one of the free guided walking tours which leave every hour. Guests can also take advantage of free Park & Ride from Bushmills to the Giant’s Causeway and with activities planned throughout the day, the National Trust is delighted to invite everyone to experience first-hand the myth and legend of Northern Ireland’s only UNESCO World Heritage site.

For those brave enough to cross the rope bridge, the site will be open 9.00am – 6.00pm (last ticket available at 5.15pm) with free access to the bridge and free guided tours of the fishery, which will run every 15 minutes between 1.00pm – 4.00pm.  Visitors can also enjoy a welcome rest at the tearoom which will be open 9.00am – 6.00pm.

Esther Dobbin, Commercial Operations Manager at National Trust commented, ‘Spring is a wonderful time of year and with our Free Community Open Day taking place on 11 March there’s never been a better time to come and explore the National Trust on the North Coast!  The Spring Community Open Day was inspired five years ago to give us an opportunity to say thank you to our local supporters and invite visitors from near and far to come and discover these amazing places.

“Whether you choose to spend the day in the footsteps of the giants, and learn more about the Legend Finn McCool at the Giant’s Causeway or take on the challenge of our rope bridge and dig out binoculars to spy the seabirds, we are confident that you will have a day to remember.”

With the option to visit both places or simply stop off at one, National Trust has an enthusiastic and experienced team on hand to offer practical help and advice.

The not to be missed free Community Open Day provides a wonderful opportunity to experience the marvels that are the Giant’s Causeway and Carrick-a-Rede.  A number of other National Trust places across Northern Ireland will also be opening their doors for free on 11 March, so why not take the opportunity to explore these fantastic places.