Like many websites, we use small files called cookies to help to provide the best possible online experience for you. This page will tell you what cookies are, how we use cookies and how you can control cookies.
What are cookies?
Cookies are small files of letters and numbers that are placed on your computer, tablet or smartphone, by websites that you visit. They are widely used in order to make websites work, or work more efficiently, as well as to provide information to the owners of the site, for example, remembering your preferences, recording what you have put in your shopping basket, and counting the number of people looking at a website. We use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a functional website and to give you a more personalized service.
Who sets the cookies?
We use both first and third party cookies:
- First party cookies are cookies that are set by us (as the owner of the website). They help the website to function as you as the user might expect it to. They are also used to provide us with anonymized data about how our website is being used.
- Third party cookies are set on our website by an organization other than us. These enable us to learn more about our customers, so that we can provide a more personalized service, or for the purposes of advertising.
There are many different types of cookie. They are each used for different purposes. The reasons for the National Trust using different types of cookies are described below.
How we use cookies
A visit to our websites, may generate the following types of cookie:
Strictly Necessary Cookies – These cookies are necessary for the website to function and cannot be switched off in our systems. They are usually only set in response to actions made by you which amount to a request for services, such as setting your privacy preferences, logging in or filling in forms. You can set your browser to block or alert you about these cookies, but some parts of the site will not then work. These cookies do not store any personally identifiable information
Performance Cookies – These cookies allow us to count visits and traffic sources so we can measure and improve the performance of our site. They help us to know which pages are the most and least popular and see how visitors move around the site. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. If you do not allow these cookies we will not know when you have visited our site, and will not be able to monitor its performance.
Functional Cookies – These cookies enable the website to provide enhanced functionality and personalization. They may be set by us or by third party providers whose services we have added to our pages. If you do not allow these cookies then some or all of these services may not function properly.
Targeting Cookies – These cookies may be set through our site by our advertising partners. They may be used by those companies to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant adverts on other sites. They do not store directly personal information, but are based on uniquely identifying your browser and internet device. If you do not allow these cookies, you will experience less targeted advertising.
Other Third Party Cookies – Where we use applications on our website that are owned by other organizations, third party cookies may be used to customize that application to you or to track the success of that application. For example, if you use a social media button or support chat window on our website.
Which third party cookies do we use?
We use third party cookies for the purposes of advertising and analytics. The below table outlines the purpose of each of our current third party cookies and gives links to the privacy policies of each third party. (Please note the third party cookies used may change as we work with new or different suppliers – this list will be reviewed and updated monthly).
How long do cookies last?
Cookies last for different lengths of time depending on what they are used for.
- Session cookies are temporary cookies and are only stored until you leave the website or when you close your web browser.
- Persistent cookies last for a fixed period of time, defined within the cookie, and allow the website to recognize the device again when the user returns to that website on that device.
The table below outlines the first party cookies we use, their purpose and their duration.
How do I change my cookie settings?
Cookies can be controlled by your web browser settings. Whether our cookies are used will depend on your browser settings, so you are in control. To find out more about cookies, including how to see what cookies have been set and how to manage and delete them, please use the following links:
- Internet Explorer cookies information (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/278835)
- Chrome cookies information (https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/95647)
- Firefox cookies information (http://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/Clear%20Recent%20History)
- Safari cookies information (https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT201265)
Please be aware that by blocking all cookies you may not be able to access or use all the features of our website and you will not receive a personalized service.
If you are primarily concerned about third party cookies generated by advertisers, you can turn these off by going to the Your Online Choices site (http://www.youronlinechoices.com). Also, you can visit the trade body representing these advertising platforms for more information: Network Advertising Imitative (http://www.networkadvertising.org). From their site, you can control third party online advertising by managing your browser or mobile device opt-outs (http://optout.networkadvertising.org).
Note that these links will take you to other sites. The National Trust is not responsible for the information and also the setting of cookies on these other sites.