Recently visited Sandilands proposed Nature Reserve I always thought the National Trust was about restoring and keeping Historical buildings open not building nature reserves and cafes Seems to me the've lost the plot

I have cancelled my National Trust membership due to their misleading guidance on drone usage. The Trust incorrectly claims that drones cannot be flown over their properties, despite UK law stating otherwise. Under Civil Aviation Authority regulations, drones are legally permitted to fly over this land, meaning the Trust has no authority to impose a blanket ban, or enforce it. By spreading misinformation about drone laws, the National Trust is misleading members and visitors into believing they have greater control over airspace than they actually do. This creates unnecessary confusion. Disabled visitors, who may struggle to explore National Trust sites fully, can use drones to experience and appreciate these locations in ways that would otherwise be impossible. Aerial photography can provide an alternative means of enjoying historic sites for those with mobility impairments, or other disadvantages. They are clearly overstepping their authority, using irrelevant byelaws as justification, and failing to recognise that UK airspace is regulated by the Civil Aviation Authority, not them.

Dunham Massey excellent as always, with good facilities, but the coffee is dreadful, too much milk and very little coffee taste. I will just walk the dog there in future and have my coffee at home.

Our recent stay at Cockayne Cottage fell alarmingly short of expectations, tarnishing what should have been a peaceful and restorative holiday with a series of entirely avoidable failures. While the property itself reflects the heritage and charm we’ve come to associate with the National Trust, the lack of basic maintenance, dismissive communication, and failure to resolve serious concerns left us feeling deeply let down and questioning the Trust’s commitment to the high standards it proudly advertises. From the outset, we encountered significant issues that cast a shadow over our stay. Upon arrival, the bath was in a deplorable state—visibly dirty, with remnants of black water, grit, and what possibly be faecal matter. This was not only unhygienic but distressing, forcing me to shower while wearing my Crocs as a safeguard against contamination. Despite providing photographic evidence to staff, my concerns were met with outright dismissal. Even worse, my integrity was called into question, compounding the insult and standing in stark contrast to the National Trust’s professed values of fairness, respect, and professionalism. Another issue was the malfunctioning dishwasher. While we were told that repairs could not be carried out during our stay due to snow, this explanation was demonstrably false. Local roads were accessible, as confirmed by a National Trust ranger, yet staff refused to act, choosing instead to deflect responsibility. This unwillingness to address guest concerns not only disrupted our stay but undermined our trust in the Trust’s ability to manage its properties effectively. Another troubling issue was the gate leading from the garden, which was advertised as enclosed—a key factor in our booking decision given that we were traveling with dogs. To our dismay, the garden gate had a broken latch, allowing it to swing open with minimal pressure. This posed a significant safety hazard, as my dogs could easily access fields with sheep, risking harm to both animals and incurring liability. The suggested “solution” of placing stones against the gate was shockingly inadequate, highlighting a complete disregard for safety and professionalism. Adding further distress, the washing machine irreparably damaged a jacket due to what appeared to be an issue with its plumbing. Upon investigation, it seemed the machine was connected to the hot water feed rather than the cold. Despite raising this as a plausible concern, staff categorically denied the possibility without inspection and refused to send a plumber until after our departure. This stubborn refusal to even investigate highlighted a dismissive and unprofessional attitude that left us feeling unheard and disrespected. The thread running through all these incidents was a glaring lack of accountability and transparency in communication. When we provided clear evidence to substantiate our concerns—such as photos of the bath and proof that roads were passable—responses from staff were evasive, inconsistent, and, at times, openly dismissive. The shift in explanations when challenged eroded our confidence in the staff’s credibility, leaving us feeling not only frustrated but actively disrespected. Cockayne Cottage itself is undeniably beautiful, a testament to the National Trust’s heritage. However, the systemic failures in service delivery, maintenance, and guest care entirely overshadowed the property’s potential. This experience was not just disappointing—it was distressing. It is profoundly disheartening to see the National Trust, an organisation trusted by so many to uphold the highest standards, fall so short in fulfilling its promises. The issues we encountered reflect not just isolated oversights but a troubling departure from the standards expected of the National Trust. I sincerely hope these matters are taken seriously and addressed to restore confidence in the Trust’s ability to provide the safe, comfortable, and respectful experience its guests deserve. Your properties are treasures—but to maintain that reputation, the guest experience must match the Trust’s ideals.

We love the National Trust. Take my grandchildren to Hinton Ampner and Mottisfont regularly and they love the trails and the various activities and we love the grounds and the houses. We find the annual fees very reasonable compared to many annual fees, as we use the tickets on holidays to visit other places too. Sad to see so many negative views here as not my experience at all - even when shopping online (although mostly we visit).

Absolute rubbish Used yodel And delivered To the recipient of the present as opposed to the billing address Never used again

Not only has the membership fee gone up considerably over the last couple of years, but the cost of eating at the cafes is quite literally obscene. Having visited a site today, I was taken aback at the price vs quantity of the food offered. It’s almost a scam! Needless to say, as soon as my membership ends, it will not be renewed.

Absolute mercenary excuse for a charity. Visited Blickling Hall for a Park Run and forced to pay £ 5.00 for an hours parking. Members get a discount but I didn’t have £100 to spare.Other National Trust sites give you a discount for these events… Even to go to church you have to pay? Not disabled friendly either.Best avoided.

Wanted to use a gift voucher I had been bought to purchase membership online and was sent a link to use this, directing me to purchase a gift membership (was told this was the only way to use a gift voucher online). Unfortunately, I was later advised that, using this method you are not sent a temporary pass by email until the hard copy arrives. Which is all very well unless you particularly want to go somewhere on the day you purchase it, for a display that is only on for 2 days more! NT perhaps need to review this online anomaly for using gift vouchers. However, on the plus side, all the staff I spoke to about this (3 separate calls) were very nice and tried to help, even tho they couldn't resolve the problem and I missed the display.

(Like Beamish) ridiculously over priced. Despite Capability BROWNS laudable endeavours. I prefer the wondrous Studley Royal & walks there abouts. Whilst, dismayed, by adjacent Studly Royals, verminous, Chenanigans, I am however... Delighted indigenous Red & Roe Deer since maybe long overdue introduced. Dismayed, none indigenous Fallow deer still on site. Far worse Muntjacs. Ditto, Pheasants. That likewise should have no place in Europe, far less British Isles. Delighted the elegant, none indigenous Canada Geese have may be since been replaced by indigenous, Mute Swans? EU estimates, endeavouring to control none ondigenous flora & fauna preaently costing €640m/annum. Whilst globally, the UN estimates costs running at U$4.4bn. No doubt compounded by capitalism, import/exports & those weeds that are nurseries & gardners. Verminous pet shop & irresponsible pet owners. Some of whom should be strangled by their snakes! All vermin. Bred for verminous practices that are hunting & shooting. By cowardly vermin, that should join the military or better still, stand in a circle, simultaneously pulling their trigers & not their... As for the Abbey. Like Buckingham Palace. A waste of space, time, trouble, effort & public expense. A shame it too. Can't be laid to waste. Hence rack & ruin. As should be all all god bothering practices. Eradicated. By the infamous, King Henry the 8th? Like the buildings in question. Extinguished. Show me their unfounded god & I'll show you, justice. The Clots of Justice & C.riminal P.ersecution S.ervice, being no more equitable. In respect of on site verminous Hunting & Shooting and fraternity. The ignorANUSES should point their firearms therein. Leonardo de VINCI, was quite right to assert. 'Man is truly the king of the beasts, for his brutality (far) exceeds theirs.' As barbaric as the blood soaked, white robed high priests of vivisection in adjacent, HORRORgate.