Pokemon Go players in London and across the UK have a new reason to explore the outdoors this summer. The popular augmented reality game has partnered with the National Trust to offer exclusive in-game rewards at selected historic sites. From July 1 to September 30, 2024, players can visit participating National Trust properties to catch rare Pokemon and complete special research tasks.
Participating Sites in London
In London, two National Trust sites are part of the event: Ham House and Garden in Richmond, and Osterley Park and House in Isleworth. Both locations will feature increased spawns of grass- and water-type Pokemon, as well as exclusive field research tasks that reward players with Stardust, rare candies, and encounters with Pokemon like Scyther and Lapras.
According to a National Trust spokesperson, the collaboration aims to encourage families to visit historic sites while enjoying the game. “We are thrilled to partner with Pokemon Go to bring a new generation of visitors to our properties,” the spokesperson said. “The game adds a fun, interactive layer to exploring our gardens and parklands.”
How the Quest Works
Players can access the event by opening the Pokemon Go app at any participating National Trust site. Special PokéStops will appear at key locations, offering unique research tasks. Completing these tasks will unlock rewards and contribute to a global challenge. If players collectively complete enough tasks, all participants will receive bonus items such as Incense and Lucky Eggs.
The event is part of a broader summer campaign by Niantic, the developer of Pokemon Go, to promote outdoor activity. “We want to get people moving and exploring their local areas,” said a Niantic representative. “The National Trust partnership is a perfect fit for that mission.”
Impact and Visitor Numbers
In 2023, the National Trust reported over 27 million visitors to its properties across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The organization hopes the Pokemon Go event will boost attendance further, especially among younger demographics. Similar collaborations in the past, such as with the Royal Parks, have seen significant increases in footfall during event periods.
For Pokemon Go players, the summer quest offers a chance to complete their collections while enjoying historic gardens and architecture. The game remains popular, with over 1 billion downloads since its 2016 launch. Events like this help maintain player engagement and draw lapsed users back into the game.
How to Participate
To take part, players need to visit a participating National Trust site during the event period. Admission fees may apply for non-members, but many sites offer free entry to members. The event is free to all Pokemon Go players with a smartphone and the app installed. Players are reminded to be respectful of the sites and follow any guidelines provided by staff.
For a full list of participating National Trust sites across the UK, visit the official National Trust website or the Pokemon Go blog. The event runs until September 30, 2024, giving players plenty of time to plan their visits.
