The National Trust Swindon reviews

★★★★★ 2/5

Trustpilot

Bring your own food to save time and money!

Visited Coleton Fishacre, Devon. Reception staff really friendly but café appalling. 35+ minutes queue for food. Food expensive (ie £1.45 for small packet of crisps) and limited options available. Salad with pastie was pretty disgusting; coffee lukewarm and pasties only ok. Bring your own food and save time and money.Update - thank you for your response NT. I would have approached the staff on the day but as stated, it was busy, so not very practical and I had my (dog) and 2 children with me who I needed to focus on and feed.

Hazel · 30 August 2023

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Access for all..not at all

Access for all...yet again the National Trust is fencing off access to the countryside for all and forcing any one with access requirements to use their £5 per day car park. The National Trust in this partof Kent is destroying the landscape, building car park, encouraging the 'fly tipping' version of parking and now fencing of the land. They are a national liability not a national asset. someone needs to stand up to this organisations with £100'smillions in reserves..

Simon · 5 March 2022

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Cancelled membership refund problem

My bank paid my N.T. membership fee in error. With 3 weeks to go until membership expires the N.T are refusing the re-fund. I am now taking legal advice. Beware this is a hard-sell, hide behind the charity badge organisation.No it has not been resolved so BBC Rip Off Britain are investigating and Legal Action through the small claims court has begun. Using the name Trust in your title is misleading. Just look at the volume of other complaints.

Ken · 22 September 2023

★★★★★ 2/5

Trustpilot

Gardens beautiful. NT poor

Gardens themselves absolutely beautiful (this is the wonderful nature of the area, Autumn colours gorgeous). Customer service at reception very helpful and slightly patronising - cafe selection poor, no fresh gluten free option (and hadn't been all day), so many options if you are vegan, but none of us are :-( - national trust sadly going significantly downhill.

Guest · 3 November 2024

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Stealing from members is not a voluntary donation.

Having been a National Trust member for more than eight years, what I am about to state is shocking never mind unacceptable from a reputable company, such as the National Trust.A year ago, August 2022 I contacted the NT to amend my membership from a family to 2 adults after my annual fee had been debited from my account.I was informed that it was too late to amend my details and no refunds would be given, but rather the excess amount (£6) would be “considered a voluntary donation”. Initially I hesitated, and then conceded to allow the National Trust to take my £6 as a “ forced, not voluntary- donation due to having no other option. I stated that I would begrudgingly allow this as long my details were updated for the correct deductions to be made in 2023. I was assured this would be actioned, and thought nothing more about it….… until 10 August 2023, when I noticed my annual fee had been deducted for National Trust for A FAMILY MEMBERSHIP!!I contacted the offices on that day, requesting a refund, having forgotten what occurred last year. It wasn’t until the gentleman mentioned, he was unable to process a refund, and the extra £6 would be regarded as a voluntary donation that my recollection of last year’s events came flooding back to me. I stated I would make no such contribution, as they were questing a forced donation. As a disabled member, who pays full membership for 2 adults rather than having a companion card, I find this unbelievable, very disappointing and fraudulent. I put in a complaint asking why my details had not been updated last year when I called in; about being forced to make an involuntary donation or lose my money that I work hard for; and requested both memberships be cancelled so that I could purchase a single membership - with my refunded membership fees and obtain a free companion card.I was informed it would take 10 working days for someone to get back to me regarding my complaint. When I asked when my money would be refunded back to me, I was told that the complaint would be looked into before my membership was cancelled.!!National Trust, since when does a partial lottery funded organisation steal from its members to obtain much-needed funds for restoration/ incurred costs? All of this could’ve been resolved, but your company giving me back my £7.20 make it £14.40 to make up for last years lies. Lying to people just to get money out of them, is not something I would expect from the National Trust.It has been 11 working days since I called, and when I called on to 5/8/23, I was then told that there was no amount of time before somebody from the complaints team would get hold of me. Inconsistency should not surprise me after you have tried to avoid giving me £7.20 back never mind £146.40. Please sort this asap to try restore any faith I have left in your organisation. Have reported this to the police as of yesterday.

Lisa · 26 August 2023

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Waiting for companion cards

Waiting for companion cards. My son is disabled and is entitled to two companion cards. Sent email requesting this on 4th April, they responded by the 14th Apr - which I feel was reasonable. Sent them my details for the companion cards and Nothing. Had ZERO response to chaser emails made on the 10th May and 23rd May. Would have loved to have spent the summer holidays at some lovely NT places but haven’t bothered, it’s now 24th Aug and can’t get through online to talk to someone about it… maybe they will see this and sort it out! NT get in touch to sort this please - kerriwatford gmail.com

Kerri · 24 August 2023

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Unpleasant experience when visiting the NT shop in Boscastle

Horrible experience when visiting the NT shop in Boscastle last week. Entry was blocked to visitors by staff. I asked if the shop was open; the staff confirmed it was and let us in. A couple of other visitors followed. The staff proceeded to follow us around the shop. My sister-in-law and I had the intention of buying Christmas cards and presents whilst there but we walked out due to the unpleasant atmosphere. The dark and uninviting café was closed.

TaraJ · 22 December 2021

★★★★★ 5/5

Trustpilot

Worth being a member

Rejoined the National Trust this year and have so far visited several properties.Have found the staff and volunteers excellent. Many are young people and they are all very helpful and friendly. The only exception is one of the volunteer greeters in Belton House who treats the members with distain. Much prefer visiting the gardens as the properties are usually very dark, which is understandable as they need to preserve them. Get a bit bored with the paintings but the architecture is worth looking at.Glad that we rejoined.

Purpletravelat · 21 August 2023

★★★★★ 4/5

Trustpilot

We visited Knole on the 8th August 23

We visited Knole on the 8th August 23, very interesting with being at the School Holidays lots of exhibitions on going. The guides have an enormous amount of information, one we enjoyed was the Staff dressed as the Kitchen Cook explaining her role as the cook also " The lady of the house " was also present in the kitchen, one problem was they were competing with each other talking to the people visiting about different items on the cooks table. I have hearing problems and the situation became very difficult trying to listen to the cook. I appreciate the dressing up as the roles and telling the stories however I feel it would have been better if they both had their own story told at different times or in a different place.

Avril · 16 August 2023

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Awful Customer Service - we won't be renewing!

Awful Customer Service - we won't be renewing!We've been members for a number of years and have enjoyed visiting the NT sites. That said, it's all only good until you need to make any changes or speak with customer services. At the beginning of 2023 we needed to close the bank acc NT was taking direct debit from. We called them well In advance and got the acc updated. Waited a month for DD to come out of new acc - it didn't happen. Called again to check & was assured they have changed it now - again it wasn't done. All this while we started getting automated email saying we haven't paid for membership fees! Made a written complaint via email and was assured someone will call - that never happened so we called back on more time & this time were told previous updates were not done correctly by them & this time it will definitely work. Well it did work, but instead of the amount I was told it will deduct - they deducted more than twice of that (even more than what was owed to cover the remainder of our annual membership fees). The last email I sent them was in July to ask why they've been so clumsy for a small matter such as updating direct debit on account - to which they said they'll get back to me. We've now given up, chasing for over 6 months, and have decided not to renew membership as it's too much of a hassle.

Niraj · 12 August 2023

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

No sure why at Barrington Court they…

No sure why at Barrington Court they keep chopping down healthy trees, and when our group challenge the reasons why, and why are they displacing the wildlife the tree supports including nesting Birds. And we keep finding the tress that have planning consent for removal are left standing and other Trees that do not have consent is removed, so we asked a Ranger why? all i got was I am Ranger do what i like. hence to saying you pay peanuts you get ......

Sarah · 10 August 2023

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

No access to my membership details online?…

No access to my membership details online? Seemingly they are updating their website?! Really?!I pay gift memberships for family. No letter saying it had been increased this year just taken from my bank account. Their website does say they will contact members with their new cards checking they wish to renew etc. Bit late if they have already taken the money? I have emailed them but won't hold my breath for a reply.I intend to cancel all my memberships and join the National Trust for Scotland which by the way are cheaper and allow access to all National Trust properties.

Carol · 9 August 2023

★★★★★ 3/5

Trustpilot

Staff in a hurry to get home

I had a great visit to the Weir Gardens at Weobley today but it was almost spoiled by the staff member/volunteer at the gate who was clearly in a hurry to get home. On arrival at 3pm I was told I didn’t have time to visit the gardens and do the park walk as the site shut at 4:30pm. Undeterred I walked around the lovely gardens and walled garden in 45 minutes and was (again) officiously reminded that I didn’t have time to do the one mile (!) park walk before the gates shut. I ignored the advice and completed the walk in 15 minutes so had 30 minutes to sit in the car park and enjoy the views before the property shut. I would have preferred to have enjoyed my walk at a leisurely pace! One poor couple were turned away at 4:10pm and told last entry was at 4pm. If this is the case it should be made clear on the website.A lovely experience but could have been really spoiled if I had listened to your staff…

Sadie · 6 August 2023

★★★★★ 3/5

Trustpilot

Unimpressed.

Hi, we have been members of the NT for around 8 years, we continued our membership during the Covid lock downs, when many people cancelled because the attractions weren't open, so, I am rather shocked to find the trust trying to make up for lost revenue by overcharging on refreshments at parks, and even charging more to see recently opened additions to a property, this would be bad enough in normal times, but it's is particularly bad during the current economic climate.We're aware the price of tea and coffee etc have increased in price, but you even charge 15p for the use of a disposable cup on top of the £3.00 for a coffee. Not impressed, NT!

K · 4 August 2023

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Impossible to contact, appalling customer care

Joined with a joint membership in March and subsequently realised they have overcharged. Absolutely no response to phone calls or emails, have been trying for over two months to remedy the situation.There is no way of talking to a person and apparently no willingness to correct their mistake which is costing me money......very much regret the impulse to join BY and try and support their work.

Dibdab · 7 June 2023

★★★★★ 4/5

Trustpilot

Visited Back to Backs in Birmingham…

Visited Back to Backs in Birmingham town centre. Very informative about how people lived in the past. Unfortunately upstairs were closed so will have to visit again next year. The sweet shop was closed as all sweet are now expired due to Covid. We were told that NT has decided to get rid of the sweet shop & replaced it with a second hand shop. Very bad decision ???I shall buy sweets from the shop just like in the good old days type of sweets.. As for Second hand books, it will not make money for the National trust. Whoever made that decision should reconsider it. The sweet shop reflects the past just like the buildings.

Yve · 8 November 2021

★★★★★ 2/5

Trustpilot

The DEMISE OF THE NT.Being a Member For…

The DEMISE OF THE NT.Being a Member For Over 30 yrs. to Read On here of Their Downfall in The Eyes of its Members & Visitors , We are NOT Surprised !

Lynnjoann · 9 September 2025

★★★★★ 4/5

Trustpilot

Emmett's

I visited Emmett's today and very much enjoyed the 2pm tour based on the history of the garden and its owners. I noticed a great many new developments to engage children with staff who went out of their way to be helpful. I would just please request that the roses were more accessible in the rose garden, an iconic part of Emmett's; in previous times people have been allowed on the grass. I understand deer have access to the rose garden too and cause damage. Could this damage not be prevented by deer=proof fences?

Valerie · 31 July 2023

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Ham House - You have to pay to go into their cafe!

My husband and I have had joint NT membership for many years. Yesterday my daughter and I wanted to go into the Orangerie cafe at Ham House. We were asked to buy an entrance ticket for my daughter (£14!) because the cafe is within the Ham House grounds and she wasn't the second adult on the joint membership. Who in their right would pay for going into a cafe?? The ticket lady claimed that they would be "overrun with people" if they allowed an "extra" person in: we only wanted the cafe and, anyway, my daughter would not have been an "extra" because my husband wasn't there and there were still only two of us. In the event we left and went to Petersham Nurseries a few minutes down the road where we had a lovely lunch. Plus I will cancel our NT membership. I have Tate membership which is for me plus one guest and I think it is high time the NT showed some flexibility and introduced the same. They seem to be working on the assumption that people will just pay for an extra ticket: instead they are shooting themselves in the foot. The £60 we spent on the lunch could have been theirs.

Ari · 30 July 2023

★★★★★ 5/5

Trustpilot

Waddesdon Manor - a true gem - wonderful care and service from amazing staff

Firstly, we would like to express our gratefulness to Jim Kellett for the great customer care. As Visitor Experience Supervisor, he attended to our family graciously, allowing us, especially our Mum (who is unwell) to feel looked after and reassured. These past few years have surely been a difficult period for us and we were very glad we had chosen Waddesdon as our special day out venue back in May.We send our compliments to a customer service staff: Paul who has been so kind and attentive to us. Well done!!A special mention to Ms Gwyneth White (Volunteer - Guide) who is not only incredibly knowledgeable on Waddesdon's history, it's manor house and gardens, but was extremely kind-hearted to extend her care and time to enlighten us so well about Waddesdon. Bravo!A sincere thanks to all the staff!

Preston · 26 July 2023

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Nymans House June 2023

On a visit to Nymans House in June 2023, I was told at Reception to see the lady standing outside who would give me a map and directions to the house. I went outside and the lady pointed to a map on the wall and said there it is. When I asked her which way she said there are two routes, both the same distance. WRONG. Thinking she was correct I followed some people along one of the routes. It was a very long way, and considering I have walking difficulties with walking stick I was upset to find after my visit to the house and went outside someone pointed me back on the other route which was about a quarter the length of the other route. When I got to the house I was totally exhausted and saw 2 chairs at the entrance and sat on one. With that a very angry lady came marching up to me shouting at me and shaking her finger, saying no no no you can't sit there. SHE GRABBED MY UPPER ARM AND PHYSICALLY HAULED ME OUT OF THE CHAIR. She said you are not allowed to sit on this chair. I said there is normally a sign saying do not sit here. She said there is a holly leaf. I looked down, and there was a brown withered holly leaf, the same shade of brown as the chair, which I had not noticed and nothing stuck in me when I sat down. I was very upset. I complained and was given a free tea and scone. That in no way compensated me for the upset. I have had a Whipple operation and chemotherapy for pancreatic cancer and this was supposed to be my treat to myself. It also happened to be the birthday of my husband Richard, on 14th June, had he still been alive. So I had wanted it to be a special day. I was told that making a complaint locally would be swept under the carpet and to complain to head office, which I did. The reply just referred me to Nymans House. Not helpful. So I returned my new membership card and cancelled my membership. I am totally upset and disgusted with the treatment I received at Nymans House by two of their staff members, and at the pathetic response to my email complaint, and absolutely not a peep after I wrote a letter to National Trust and returned my card with the reasons for my cancellation. Incidentally, when I made my complaint at Nymans House I saw a whole load of maps. I don't know why I wasn't given one

Gekko · 26 July 2023

★★★★★ 5/5

Trustpilot

Great tour of Castle Coole

My wife and I, as NT members, took a guided tour of our local National Trust property of Castle Coole House.Our very knowledgeable guide was Thomas, who is a volunteer having been born not far from the property.We were not rushed on our tour and Thomas was able to answer all of our questions about the original construction, the history of the family as well as the contents of each of the splendid rooms. All COVID restrictions were in place and all other personnel we met were equally as cheerful. I cannot imagine having a better equipped tour guide and do wonder how much less enjoyable our visits to NT properties would be without the amazing band of volunteers.

Peter · 25 October 2021

★★★★★ 1/5

Google

Sad;y they have gone downhill: Huge membership price increases Wasting money like the £5 million purchase of a field on the Gower for parking Inefficiencies - on many properties they pay full time staff to take parking money in car parks instead of just installing machines Prices have jumped so high that many of the properties are now inaccessible for a low income family Shame!

Graham · 27 August 2025

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

If there's a problem they will not help.

I bought a membership online before our trip to England and they never sent the membership card. When we arrived in England and called their customer service number they said that the credit card was denied so they did not issue a membership. True the first time the charge was denied but payment went through the second time. We tried several times to contact by email requesting help and the first time they took a week to respond and after that stopped responding at all. In the end I had to pay for a membership a second time in person so that we could use it on our trip. I am now home and requesting my credit card company to treat the first charge as fraudulent to get my money back. The trust has wonderful properties but their customer service is the worst I've ever dealt with. I suggest that you only buy memberships in person when possible.

Audrey · 22 July 2023