National Trust Reviews 

1,518
TrustScore 2 out of 5

2.1

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Review summary

Created with AI, based on recent reviews

Evaluating 132 reviews, most reviewers were unhappy with their experience overall. Consumers frequently complain about the steep price increases for annual subscriptions, parking, and property visits that feel completely excessive and unfair. Visitors also noted that certain public facilities, including on-site cafes and holiday accommodation options, felt rundown, poorly maintained, and overpriced. Many people expressed strong frustration regarding administrative delays, booking issues, and poor grounds maintenance across various estates. Some reviewers were happy with the exceptionally friendly staff and the beautiful natural locations they explored during their trips. Customers frequently praised the knowledgeable local guides who provided interesting information and made historical tours truly engaging and memorable.

What people talk about most

Location

Reviewers mention ambiguous feedback about location, with some consumers praising the beautiful settings,... See more

Staff

People report ambiguous experiences with staff, reflecting a wide division in customer feedback. Many... See more

Price

Clients share negative opinions on price, reporting that annual subscriptions and visit costs have increased... See more

Facilities

Users describe negative interactions with facilities, often finding them tired, run down, and poorly... See more

Subscription

Reviewers highlight negative aspects of subscription, expressing widespread frustration with unexpected... See more

Reviews shaping this summary

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

The property has blistering, peeling plasterwork in both the lounge and bathroom. The master bedroom has black mould around the window. You should also know that there were hundreds of ladybirds hiber... See more

Company replied

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

National Trust English Rivera. When Did It Become NT Policy to Allow Your Front Line Staff , Meeting The General Public to Where Their Own Made Badge Advertising Their Sexual Agenda as SHE / HE . Out... See more

Company replied

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

I’m increasingly finding that some of the National Trust sites are tired and grimy and in great need of deep cleaning or renovation. I went to Saltram today, there were dog turds in the courtyard entr... See more

Company replied

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

Dryham park Visit today, Parking good, bus to main entrance much appreciated, gardens were wonderful , well attended.House a little dark, interesting. Cafe, not enough choice all pastry or bread,... See more

Company replied


Company details

  1. Heritage Preservation

Written by the company

As Europe’s largest conservation charity, we look after nature, beauty and history for everyone to enjoy. We do it with the help of millions of members, volunteers, staff and donors. Without this, we couldn’t care for the miles of coastline, woodlands, countryside and the hundreds of historic buildings, gardens and precious collections we protect. Your support keeps nature and history flourishing. You help us care for: - More than 780 miles of coastline - More than 250,000 hectares of land - More than 500 historic houses, castles, parks, and gardens - Nearly a million works of art In 1895, our founders, Octavia Hill, Robert Hunter and Hardwicke Rawnsley pledged to preserve our historic and natural places. Their aim was not only to save important sites, but to open them up for everyone to enjoy. They created the National Trust, and more than 125 years later, their mission is at the heart of everything we do. We protect and care for places so people and nature can thrive. Many millions share the belief that nature, beauty and history are for everyone. So we look after the nation’s coastline, historic sites, countryside and green spaces, ensuring everyone benefits. From wild and precious places to the world outside your window the National Trust offers access, enjoyment and a chance for everyone to help out. Nature and the historic environment are under threat. They’re essential to everyone, they enrich people’s lives and are part of the fabric of society and they urgently need more care. Our shared places stretch across the nation, from Lizard Point in Cornwall, to Lindisfarne in Northumberland and Florence Court in Northern Ireland. As well as looking after the places in our care, we work with communities and partners across the nations to protect nature, beauty and history in towns, cities, villages and countryside.


Contact info

2.1

Poor

TrustScore 2 out of 5

2K reviews

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No recent history of asking for reviews

This company hasn't invited customers recently, so reviews may not be representative

Replied to 97% of negative reviews

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2.1

All reviews

(1,518)

127 reviews in the last 12 months

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Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Dyrham Park

We were waiting for the shuttle bus to take us back to the car park. An old lady tripped on the step of the bus and badly cut her leg. The bus driver (a woman) was no help she was more interested in getting back to the car park to pick up more people so left. A Trust helper sorted some body with a first aid kit phoned the car park for the other shuttle bus (there were two) to come and pick her up. He wouldnt come as he was having his lunch. There was also a minibus in the car park could have collected her but didnt. The old ladies daughter by this time had phone the local hospital to ask if they could take her straight in.
Then the unhelpfull woman in the shuttle bus came back with some more people and picked us up. When we got back to the car park the ladies daughter asked the driver if she could drop them off at their car. As she struggled to walk. NO was the answer. Not allowed. It was perhaps 200 yards. So the daughter had look for a wheelchair.
Ive never seen such a shambles.
National Trust should be ashamed.

December 5, 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from National Trust

Hi RWS, thanks for taking the time to leave a review.

I’m sorry for your concerns after your recent visit to Dyrham Park. We’re aware of the incident you’ve referenced, and will investigate what happened in this case. We’re also touch with the visitor’s family.

Thanks again for taking the time to leave a review, and for your support through your recent visit.

Best wishes
National Trust

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

A great visit to the Birmingham Back to Backs.

A great visit today to the Birmingham Back to Backs ! Our guide Elaine was very knowledgeable, friendly and helpful. All our questions were answered with ease. We especially liked the displays and the chronological time differences in the different houses. At a very reasonable price this is a really worthwhile visit.

December 5, 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from National Trust

Hi John Griffin, thanks for taking the time to leave such a positive review.

It’s great you enjoyed your visit to Back to Backs, and that Elaine was a key part of that visit. I’ve made sure to share your feedback with the team at Back to Backs, so they’re aware of it too.

Thanks again for getting in touch, and for your recent visit.

Best wishes
National Trust

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Coughton Court

What a disgrace that from 2026 NT members cannot access this property unless they pay a membership fee to join Historic Houses. And yet NT has paid a fortune in upkeep and renovations (£Ms) and will continue doing so. The residing family must be laughing all the way to the bank.

November 29, 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from National Trust

Hi Andrew,

Thank you for taking the time to review.

I'm sorry you're disappointed the Throckmorton family have decided to take on the management of the property again.

The National Trust will remain in ownership of the property and will continue to work with the family to support its care and maintenance, including the collection.

We have worked closely with the Throckmorton family for many years and care deeply for Coughton Court and the place it holds in the nation’s history.

Kind regards

Steve
National Trust

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

A far cry from 8-10 years ago

I'm so disappointed to see the sorry state of many National Trust houses, gardens, car parks and catering facilities these days. I've visited several locations in the South West, Midlands and North West recently, and everything seems rather uncared-for and more overpriced than I remember - and most places are certainly worse value for money than equivalent RHS or English Heritage offers.

Having worked for the Trust for several years (both at property level and in the consultancy) I can only imagine maintenance and customer care have taken a back seat to allow the overpaid consultants and central team their regular membership-funded jollies (one of my roles within the charity, alas, involved booking expensive hotels and travel options for a consultancy manager. I always understood said consultants were to share what they learnt from such excursions with property teams, but having later worked at property level, I can confirm this was never the case where I worked).

That said, the volunteers we encounter are often brilliant, and lots of property-level staff (usually those paid the least) are doing their best, but I'm so glad I paid the individual entrance fees rather than for a membership. I don't believe it's worth it anymore.

November 26, 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from National Trust

Hi Emma. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I’m sorry your recent visits haven’t met expectations, and whilst I can’t comment on the specific circumstances you’ve described, I’m sorry this has affected your view of the Trust. Like many in the heritage sector, we’re facing rising conservation costs well above inflation, but we remain committed to caring for places and improving experiences. I hope you notice positive changes on future visits, and thank you for recognising the efforts of our volunteers - we couldn't do it without them. Best wishes.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Elite cottages for the well off.

Elite pricing for the rich and well off.
We’ve been going to national trust cottages for years and years, always been a bit expensive but good for a weekend treat.
But looking at the prices for next year, they’ve gone up exponentially. Very sad for us as we can no longer afford one of the charities elite cottages. Seems us working class are no longer wanted to grace their cottages anymore.

The National Trust should not be a charity, it’s a commercial enterprise. Does nothing for the working class.

November 22, 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from National Trust

Hi Mark,

Thank you for taking the time to review.

I'm sorry you've been disappointed by our Holiday prices. I've passed your feedback onto our Holidays team for their consideration.

Thank you again for your feedback and valuable support.

Kind regards

Steve
National Trust

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

I appreciate what they do

I appreciate what they do, but they undermine the membership with so many free entry offers or free entry with a newspaper clipping that having run the maths, it's cheaper for us not to have memberships and take advantage of all the free entries floating around the internet.

Would give more stars, but they're one of the few companies left who have no option to cancel a membership with a single click even though you can join with one.

November 21, 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from National Trust

Hi I.A Bisset,

Thank you for taking the time to review and provide your feedback.

I'm sorry you feel membership isn't good value and you'd prefer to visit with free passes. I've passed your comments onto our Membership and Visitor Experience teams.

I'm sorry you've also struggled to cancel your membership. You can call our Supporter Services Centre on 0344 800 1895 or contact us by email at enquiries@nationaltrust.org.uk.

Thank you again for your feedback and support.

Kind regards

Steve
National Trust

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

It's very sad the self inflicted damage…

It's very sad the self inflicted damage of the National Trust:
1. A HUGE increase in property visit prices, most are now £40 to £50 for a couple, this is beyond the reach of many working people
2. Poor use of funds - the Trust has a huge income from property they rent, memberships, commercial activities and property visits, yet much of this money is wasted. You only need to visit some of the properties to see this yourself
3. The Woke agenda - I will not even start on this one

I sincerely hope that the Trust returns to it's roots...

November 11, 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from National Trust

Hi Graham,

Thank you for taking the time to review.

I'm sorry you've been disappointed by some of our work and also our prices. I've passed your comments on to the relevant teams for their review.

Thank you again for your feedback and support.

Kind regards

Steve
National Trust

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Do Not purchase a Gift Card

Was given a gift card which i tried to use a few times at different locations only to be told machine was unable to accept it so had to pay with another method. When i finally did find a property where it would work I was told the card had expired and the balance was written off - into National Trusts coffers - nice little scheme they have working for them there !! Buying a gift card just restricts your own money into something less flexible and liable to be taken off you.

October 1, 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from National Trust

Hi A customer,

Thank you for taking the time to review.

I'm sorry you had difficulty using one of our gift cards. I'm afraid I'm unable to investigate further without the details of the gift card. However, if you email us at enquiries@nationaltrust.org.uk we can look into this for you.

Thank you for your support.

Kind regards

Steve
National Trust

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Dynamic Pricing for Holidays

Unbelievable... We have been booking National Trust holidays for many years now, benefiting from staying in some astounding places and supporting a great cause.... Well not anymore.
They have moved to a dynamic pricing model.. net result, price increase from last year between 40-100% .

This is absolutely gouging your supporters... Membership will be cancelled from the next renewal...

Thank you for your response confirming the Dynamic Pricing. You are a charity and I would have expected more from you.

November 10, 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from National Trust

Hi David,

Thank you for taking the time to review.

I'm sorry you're unhappy with our holiday prices.

Our cottages are benchmarked against other cottages in the market of similar size, location and quality. They also consider demand levels for the areas.

We’re continuously looking at the wider market and demand levels. This can mean that prices rise or fall based on various factors. This is known as dynamic pricing and is commonly used in the industry.

Thank you again for your feedback and longstanding support.

Kind regards

Steve
National Trust

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

Too many dogs running around off leads…

Too many dogs running around off leads in the wider estates.
My family have been members for years and are keen walkers which means that along with visiting houses and gardens and spending money in the shops and cafes we are keen to explore the wider estates.
Since covid we are alarmed and dismayed at the amount of dogs running around wildly off leads.
More upsetting is the attitude of the owners. I have been told numerous times that I shouldn't be walking in the particular place if I don't like dogs.
Basically going to your properties is far from the relaxing experience it used to be.
Come on national trust do something about this as its getting out of control.
I'm seriously considering not renewing my membership next time.

November 6, 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from National Trust

Hi Ann. Thank you for your review. Like you, we want to see well behaved dogs under the control of responsible owners so that everyone can have a lovely day out. We know we can do more and that clear signage, ‘good dog’ schemes and volunteer dog wardens have been effective.

We've set up a two year project to develop guidance on what a well behaved dog looks like and a consistent way to deal with dogs that are out of control.

I hope this reassures you that we are focused on this issue and are taking it seriously.

Thank you for your support.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Visited a Cove in South Devon where I…

Visited a Cove in South Devon where I had to install the Just Park app.
Please tell all your members why the Just Park app needs our card details when it says it’s FREE?? Why are you letting a third party keep our card details when there is no need to…… They can’t say it’s to verify who we are as we give them our membership number.

October 30, 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from National Trust

Hi Paul Willis, thanks for taking the time to leave a review.

We’ve recently moved to JustPark to help us manage parking at our places, and to make it more convenient for members and visitors. As you’ve mentioned, Just Park asks for your card details. This is part of JustPark’s account set-up for users of the app. In the payment step of the parking process, members should add their membership card details to enable free parking – this means their credit card won’t be used for payment. The National Trust has rigorous data sharing agreements with its suppliers, and JustPark also complies with all GDPR and data protection regulations. They require personal information in order to manage individuals’ car park payments or member check-ins, and keep it only for as long as it is necessary.

Thanks again for taking the time to leave a review, and for your recent visit to Devon.

Best wishes
National Trust

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Dec 2024, the year my addiction to national trust cottages started

Dec 24 I experienced my first national trust cottage, a small detached one on the beach on the Llyn Peninsula with my dog. 2nd one this time with Hubby & another sea view @Ravenscar near Robin Hoods Bay. 3rd one hubby & dog again at Wallington Estate near Hexham. Summer back to my first one for a full week. July, Norbury Manor for a full family get together. Late summer squeezed in edge of Snowdonia National Park & then Autumn Holy Island for more than a quick visit and finally a birthday celebration coming up at Dinefwr in South Wales.
What can I say but WOW, consistent high standards across the board. Beautiful locations with out of hours access.
I have a beautiful home in a beautiful place, I want the same experience only in a different setting when I go away especially having family members who won't fly.
However don't moan if something's not perfect by nature these are historic no uPVC windows and doors here but quirky and creaky, take some bed socks and a dressing gown for winter. Choose carefully, consider if lots of day visitor will spoil it for you, I've only gone outside of school holidays and never had a problem. The experience at some of total isolation is fabulous, no WiFi no problem do something else.
And no, money is a consideration all my holidays have had some kind of special offer either last minute or out of high season. Holy island, £100 a person for 2 nights, you can't rent a converted garage on Airbnb for that!
Ok, I'll leave it there, here's my last thought that one about you can't please all the people all the time well I'm not only pleased I'm absolutely delighted.😍

November 3, 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from National Trust

Hi Diane, thanks for taking the time to leave such a positive review.

It’s great that you’ve enjoyed so many holidays with us. I know the managers of the cottages you’ve mentioned will be equally as pleased to hear your feedback, and I’ve made sure to share it with them. I hope we can welcome you back to enjoy some more holidays in the future.

Thanks again for taking the time to leave a review, and for your support – we couldn’t look after all the special places in our care without it.

Best wishes
National Trust

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Planned a family trip to Powys castle…

Planned a family trip to Powys castle with the family and what a waste of time. Went to go around the gardens with the dog and was greeted by a rude lady in the hut informing me the dog was not allowed to walk around in the garden until another 2 days time. The only place the dog could go was to the car park or the courtyard. As a family we had already been to the cafe and despite having to sit outside as no dogs allowed in there had spent a considerable amount of money. Rude lady in the hut had her cat with her so obviously cats maybe more welcome. Following doing laps of the courtyard and the car park in the rain left to ask at the main reception for to put in a complaint. Staff at reception were extremely rude to my daughter and elderly father and refused to take the complaint card
We live in northumberland and all the properties are dog friendly, accessible to them even the cafes. At this property there was massive signs up saying don’t tie your dog up outside the cafe or don’t leave your dogs in the car despite the property not offering any alternative. Think the trust need to look at training their staff on how to be polite to people. Would not recommend and ruined a day of our holidays

October 30, 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from National Trust

Hi Lesley. Thank you for your review. I'm sorry you had a poor visit and were left feeling disappointed. This isn't the experience we want for any of our visitors. We have information on our Powis webpage about dogs - it's a 1 pawprint rated place, so although dogs are welcome, facilities are limited and we include information about where dogs are allowed. That said, I'm sorry if your interactions with staff weren't friendly and welcoming. I've shared your feedback about this with the General Manager. I hope we get to welcome you for a much more enjoyable visit soon. Thanks for your support.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

I have no trust in you

Some years ago I received,as a Christmas present, an annual pass for the NT. The year of the COVID lockdowns and the restrictions on attending anywhere public. The year expired and obviously, for safety, the pass hadn't been used. I called the NT and explained hoping they might allow it for the following year. NO absolutely not. So the Trust for the Nation is I facts a trust only for those that run it. I gave no TRUST in them. Very very poor . Just think...I may vahe visited their venues and even used their cafés.. but not now or never...

October 25, 2024
Unprompted review
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Reply from National Trust

Hi Robert,

Thank you for taking the time to review.

I'm sorry you weren't able to enjoy your membership with us due to the pandemic. I can appreciate your disappointment.

During the pandemic we did offer to pause memberships for 3 months or offer a 25% discount if supporters contacted us. I'm sorry you weren't aware of this offer at the time.

While I appreciate your decision to no longer visit the places in our care, I'd like to thank you for your previous support.

Kind regards

Steve
National Trust

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Awful experience with National Trust online shop

I purchased some goods from the National Trust Online shop. They arranged for delivery by Yodel. Delivery was promised 4 times and no delivery made. Contacted the NT Online shop by phone believing that they would be able to sort the matter out. No such luck. Poor response from the staff there who gave the impression that they couldn't care less, It was all too much trouble and, in the end, I accepted a refund. They apologised for the delivery fiasco but were totally useless in trying to discover why a delivery to my property seemed beyond their carrier's ability.

October 24, 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from National Trust

Hi Lorna,

Thank you for taking the time to review.

I'm sorry for your disappointing and frustrating experience with our online shop. This service falls below the standard we expect of ourselves.

I've passed your feedback onto our Retail team, so they can look to improve in the future. However, I appreciate this doesn't change your experience.

Thank you again for your comments and for your valuable support.

Kind regards

Steve
National Trust

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

Awful coffee

Everything was lovely BUT National Trust coffee is awful - absolutely tasteless. It's the same in every National Trust cafe.

October 22, 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from National Trust

Hi Bev,

Thank you for taking the time to review.

I'm glad to hear you enjoyed your visit to one of the places in our care. However, I'm sorry you were disappointed by the coffee. I've shared your feedback with our Food and Beverage team for their consideration.

Thank you again for your comments and valuable support.

Kind regards

Steve
National Trust

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

AGM Voting a Shambles

It's a mornings work dozens on names loads of profiles. Members resolutions with no direct access to content. This hopeless presentation of AGM voting weighs heavily on the reputation of the Trust that we as a family used to value.
Voting in the National Trust is like picking horses in the Grand National "shut your eyes and stick a pin in "!

October 20, 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from National Trust

Hi Geoffrey,

Thank you for taking the time to review.

I'm sorry you're disappointed by the number of candidates for this years AGM.

The number of election candidates each year naturally varies and this year we have indeed seen a record number of candidates come forward. It’s clear that the launch of our new strategy has resonated with many members and inspired them to get involved. We’ve also been able to reach more members than ever before through digital communications, helping to raise awareness of the opportunity to stand for election—a right open to every member under our Constitution.

As part of our obligations under The Charities (National Trust) Order 2025, we’ve established a Nominations Committee to review all applications and recommend candidates who best meet the Council election criteria. The Committee has carefully reviewed each application this year and recommended seven candidates. You’ll find their statements, along with all other candidate information, in the AGM booklet available here: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/who-we-are/annual-general-meeting.

Thank you again for your feedback and valuable support.

Kind regards

Steve
National Trust

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

A wonderful, affordable day out!

A wonderful service and affordable for families.

October 15, 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from National Trust

Hi Miss Rowe,

Thank you for taking the time to leave such a positive review.

It's great to hear you and your family enjoy your days out at the places in our care. I hope you continue to have more wonderful days out with us.

Thank you again for your feedback and valuable support.

Kind regards

Steve
National Trust

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Don’t care about peoples safety

Don’t care about peoples safety! I tripped over a bit of metal sticking out the middle of the path. I reported it in person to Sheffield Park Garden and followed it up with an email with photos to the National Trust. 2 weeks later nothings been done. The man at Sheffield Park garden said he’d put a cone over it. Nothing marks it and it hasn’t been removed. I jarred my back badly. It hurt for over a week. If an old person falls down they could break something. Shocked nothings been done. If this was USA I’d sue them!

I don’t know why you’ve asked for more details. I’ve emailed you with photos and details of what happened and of my injury. TWICE! Reported in person once. You haven’t taken it seriously and have ignored me. The chopped off metal pole is STILL there2 weeks later waiting for someone else to trip over it.

October 1, 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from National Trust

Thank you for your review. I'm sorry you had an upsetting visit. I've shared your concerns about this with our property team. I hope we get to welcome you for a better visit to another of the places in our care soon. Thank you for your support.

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