Just a quick comment: I don't have a brief either way for the NT, but it's worth noting that the NT's properties aren't all "stately homes". There are some small places which are low-key and fascinating. Examples round me are Rudyard Kipling's old home at Burwash in Sussex, the tiny Clergy House in Alfriston, Bodiam Castle (ruins but fascinating), etc. They also own large areas of countryside - free and open to anyone, in most cases.

It's always worth keeping things in proportion...