National Trust Limiting Access

We were walking our dogs in the grounds which are a public space . Not visiting properties. It was me that was being asked to pay as I came in my daughter’s car, but anyone arriving on foot that is none members walk in with their dogs freely.Daughter had booked the parking in advance .

I do agree that dogs should not be allowed inside the properties . My dog , along with most I suspect, has no interest in history

My daughter booked parking at a national trust property to walk our dogs. My daughter has family membership of National Trust. We were not visiting any buildings or using the facilities.
This outdoor space is used freely by all and you do not have to be a member to enter the outdoor space or pay.
Going through the gates our car was stopped and the volunteer asked if everyone in the car was on the membership card. My daughter said no mum is visiting me and I’ve brought her along.
We could not believe it when the volunteer said that I had to pay £6.50 as I arrived in the car. My daughter replied but she can walk in the gate next to us for free. No it was insisted that we pay this money my daughter refused and said mum get out of the car please and walk through the gate.
I did using my walking stick and joined her at the other side.
Traffic was held up for a minute or 2 but she made her point.
I still chuckle now at how absurd this rule was.

One day , these babies will grow up, their parents will become older, they COULD be the next generation of volunteers that the NT needs but will have been scarred by their shoddy treatment. I can understand maybe places where it's tight and prams could be a problem but that must be few and far between since most of the furniture is roped off anyway.
I think it's a shame, they will need families to pay entrance fees, spend an inordinate amount in their gift shops.It's not joined up thinking.

We have slings to borrow at the property where I volunteer

Slightly different gripe! Been to a NT property in West London today, checked opening times (all year round, open on Wednesdays), the cafe, disabled car parking etc before we ventured forth to find we ‘could’nt visit the house because they were getting it ready to open tomorrow(!) but we could visit the garden and we were welcome to take a photo of the map of the garden to help us find our way’. Needless to say we are a bit miffed and feel inclined to contacting NT to have a little moan!

I think the National Trust have lost the.plot

National Trust volunteers all appear to have a chip on their shoulders

There are paid staff on duty at every National Trust property They are not all volunteers. It's quite important to know the difference as I've seen volunteers lambasted in public for things they have no control over at all and are standing there unpaid trying to keep the place open for visitors.

You can usually tell with the badges or lanyards - or in some properties the volunteers don't even get the T-shirts or fleeces supplied which is quite ridiculous.

Why should he?

M0nica

The National Trust is getting so precious it will soon be expecting us to fill in application forms and be interviewed before being alowed into their properties.

Surely they are OUR properties?

"The National Trust is an independent charity primarily funded by its members, visitors, and donors, rather than direct government funding. Major income sources include membership fees, visitor entrance fees, donations, legacies, and retail/café sales. It also receives project-specific grants from organizations like the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Sport England. "

Momac55

Why on earth should he have to?

So much bowing to please just 3.7% of the over 16-year olds of the U.K. population.

If only there was such consideration and kindness to the other 96.3% of us!
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How does a baby in a pram differ from an adult in a wheelchair?

Primrose53

I was a member not a volunteer, but this is when I cancelled my membership.
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National Trust volunteers all appear to have a chip on their shoulders. They give the impression that you should be pleased that they allow you onto “their” property.

Years ago we took our six month old granddaughter to Petworth Place in Sussex and she was in her buggy. It’s quite dark inside so she was a bit alarmed and started making baby noises. I quietly told her she’d got years ahead of us taking her to NT places so better get used to it 😂. The volunteers at the house made a huge fuss of her which she loved. Some 29 years later we still visit NT places together and she’s been a member of NT since she was an adult. If it was good enough then why isn’t it good enough now to encourage families with tots? As a disabled adult I have met with prejudice at some NT properties and at others nothing but help and support. So is it down to the attitude of the volunteers rather than the National Trust itself I wonder.

Oreo
I think there are a lot of jobsworths who volunteer with the NT

Volunteers do not make the rules - they are told what to do and say. Bit much to blame the unpaid!

The NT now methods in / usually sityjng outside cafes barking as they can’t get into buildings (rightly so). Given the amount the NT has spent on accommodating them - dog bins and new signage / they should charge for bring a dog in.

I worked in an NT property some years ago and had small children often running around creating noise and havoc. The parents often appeared oblivious when requested to control their children. I don't think a baby in a pram is objectionable unless screaming it's head off.

TBH nothing on this thread concurs with my experience of the NT.

Everyone welcome. Rules imposed are common sense, but apart from that everyone appears welcome as far as I can see. In fact my nearest NT property “Nymans” appears to have a mum and baby club meet up and they wonder around and then have lunch in the restaurant - all babies and toddlers doing what babies and toddlers do.

I agree I’m very happy without dogs

Why did he not want to wear the pride stuff

Hello…NT volunteer here. So sorry you had this experience. At the property I’m based at we love babies! Pushchairs and prams can’t come in to protect the collection but babes in arms or in carriers certainly can - awake or asleep! They are the members of the future and it’s very important to make the whole family welcome. So disappointing to hear that this happened. Hope it doesn’t put you off.

Skye17

At a Midlands NT house over 25 years ago we had to have our baby in a sling to go round the house. I can understand that so as to avoid damage from pushchairs, but I can’t see why a baby could come in in a pushchair but only if they are asleep.

Baby in a sling is far more likely to be peaceful than one in a pushchair.

Like vegansrock I tend to concur with the idea that pushchairs and valuable artefacts don't mix well.

At a Midlands NT house over 25 years ago we had to have our baby in a sling to go round the house. I can understand that so as to avoid damage from pushchairs, but I can’t see why a baby could come in in a pushchair but only if they are asleep.

I don't think babies, prams, toddlers etc are compatible with some of these historic buildings with lots of valuable furnishings, paintings etc. Not the most child friendly places. Better off staying in the grounds/ cafe etc. I don’t blame the NT for this, they have to balance the desires of the visitors with maintaining the ancient buildings and interiors. Yes it’s inconvenient for some but they often do have playgrounds and child focused outdoor trails which kids enjoy.

I personally wouldn't take a baby to an NT property. Years ago we took our daughter to Hampton Court. She was I her pushchair. It was a nightmare. She cried and wriggled, tried to get out of her pushchair. I had to take her outside and sit with her while everyone else enjoyed the house.