Every review we hold for the Swindon office, from every platform, shown as written. First names only.
★★★★★ 1/5
TrustpilotGoing to the dogs
I would give it zero stars if that was an option. We are seeing the trivialisation and neglect of important national assets, which the NT has been entrusted to preserve in perpetuity. Instead, we find grand historic houses, which I would like to see as lived in by their owners, devalued and demeaned by inane and childish comment boards, as well as political comment which attempts to compare the morals and standards of the past to the present day. We are adult enough to make our own assessments and as for children, they should be encouraged to enter into informed debate rather than being subject to trivial, patronising and unbalanced statements. Money wasted on this could be spent on properties that are currently being neglected due to lack of funds.
Paul · 1 March 2023
★★★★★ 1/5
TrustpilotNT failure to restore and preserve its heritage and honour
It is sad to see a once revered institution fail in its core objectives, which are namely to preserve the properties and lands bequeathed to it by generous benefactors. The executive has failed to maintain democracy within its membership and has effectively slandered views put by genuine supporters of the National Trust who call into question block voting by the Chairperson.Of real shock is the U-Turn over the restoration of Clandon. Having received £66 million in insurance monies they are now refusing to restore it to its former glory. To do so would have been an amazing opportunity for skilled craftsmen to hone their skills and retain them for the future. Were His Majesty The King in a position of such responsibility, I feel sure he would not fail in his duty to restore this fabulous building (or was but is no longer ).Why have the insurance company not asked for the return of their monies as is usual in claims?
Susan · 26 February 2023
★★★★★ 1/5
TrustpilotAnother disillusioned Kymin volunteer
As someone who also worked as a volunteer for many years at The Kymin Round House I am also very disappointed that it has been converted into expensive holiday let accommodation.The one member of staff there, now redundant, worked very hard (often in her own time) with a large team of very dedicated volunteers providing a very positive visitor experience and running a wide range of events, including trails, art events, historical re-enactments and hiring it out for weddings, to ensure that it certainly was not a 'money pit' and was actually financially buoyant. All the aforementioned volunteers have now been discarded, people who over many years had developed knowlege and passion for The Kymin and its rich history. It was one of the National Trust's earliest acquisitions (top ten) and the first building in Wales. I also live locally and know that this is a cause of sadness to many local people.The National Trust still purports to be a people orientated charity and not a 'business'. I know I am one of many disenfranchised former NT volunteers who chose to give my time freely to this organisation over a long period of time. Before long, no doubt N.T. will be putting up railings around the Round House as well as already reducing the disabled parking, not to mention a paying car park for general visitors to the site (this idea has been proposed before but was resisted by locals, staff and volunteers alike).
Tangerine · 22 February 2023
★★★★★ 1/5
TrustpilotShocking customer service
My wife and I have been members of the National Trust for many years, and decided to gift a membership to our son. The WEB site shows, in a number of places, that the cost of an adult membership is £76.80. More expensive than I thought, but I decided to go ahead anyway. I completed all the details and "clicked" to pay only to find that the cost was £84.00. So I rang their number (03448001895) and waited on the phone listening to their recorded message for 50 minutes, with no reply, so I gave up. Whilst on the phone I sent an email to ask what was going on, and since then have written a second email. More than 24hours later I have received neither a response nor an acknowledgement to either email. I tried to ring their 'Head office' but heard only a recorded message stating that the switchboard was not being manned and I should ring 03448001895! I don't think I will.
Chris · 22 February 2023
★★★★★ 1/5
TrustpilotExtremely Poor after servce
I have purchased a rolling membership for my daughter and son-in-law and have not received updated cards this year. I have rung their line several times over a two week period and cannot get through, often waiting 45 minutes. When trying t use her expired cards my daughter was told that I had not paid the annual fee!!! No one is there tio help. I have emailed head office today but do not feel hopeful for a reply. I wont be renewing next year,
Stella · 22 February 2023
★★★★★ 1/5
TrustpilotDisgusting 'LGBT' stuff aimed at…
Disgusting 'LGBT' stuff aimed at primary school-aged children. Why do children need to be made aware of adult sexuality? Sick. Mr ORNSTEIN is head of this department.
No · 7 July 2024
Agent replied · 25 December 2024
Hi No Fyou Thanks for your thoughts. We're not really sure what you're referring to in relation to children but June was Pride month. We support Pride alongside many other cultural celebrations each year, such as Black History Month and Autism Awareness Month. We do this with the aim of creating an environment that fosters understanding, respect and awareness.None of our programming was aimed at children specifically. But information was available at the places we care about, where relevant. Thanks for your support. Chris National Trust
★★★★★ 1/5
TrustpilotAll lines of communication currently broken
Applied for joint membership online and verified the money was taken from my account. The website says a link to temporary membership will arrive within 30 minutes - no emails whatsoever after more than a week! During this time, I've emailed them 3 times... no response. I've attempted to telephone their helpline three times - they don't answer. The online login is down with some excuse about updating their IT system. It appears to be impossible to contact this organisation, they took my money and haven't delivered the service. Even if my membership pack by some miracle arrives within the stated 28 days, I will have paid for 12 months membership and received 11. This is an organisation in crisis - I wish I'd read the June 2021 Spectator article before trusting this band of crooks with my money, I suggest anybody who hasn't read this article should Google it before conducting any business with the NT.
Andrew · 12 February 2023
★★★★★ 5/5
TrustpilotReview by Martin regarding Kymin Round House
I've just read the review by Martin regarding the Kymin Round House.No, we are not well heeled but me and my OH who at 67 years old is still working and was a key worker all through the pandemic, did enjoy an amazing W/E staying at the National Trust Kymin Round House.I had read some reviews of visitors in the past and was aware that it had been contentious with the redundancy of the two custodians.The general picture was that for £3 admission the experience of visiting the little folly was a bit disappointing whereas we had an incredible experience of bird watching, sunrises and sunsets and the wonderful woods nearby.On the Sunday many came to picnic and play ball games on the green so I find it difficult to see what the problem is.I can well imagine the custodians will miss what must have been 17 glorious years living up there.My daughter experienced redundancy just before the pandemic as well as having a partner who was deployed in Mali for 6 months last year. I hope that the bad feeling that the decision made by the National Trust will lessen with time and those who truly understand how business's work will continue to support an organisation that endeavours to protect old and precious buildings so often costly money pits.
Wendy · 10 February 2023
★★★★★ 1/5
TrustpilotBEWARE: Subterfuge by the National Trust
I bought life membership for my granddaughter in early January and it includes a guest. Two weeks later I bought life membership for my grandson and his doesn’t include a guest. Their system changed mid-January and although I had phoned in advance asking if there were any price changes due I was told not until March 2023. So for the same price two cousins have vastly different memberships and they won’t give me a refund of the inferior membership. Devious practice for an organisation that depends so much on good will.
Marion · 10 February 2023
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleHad the pleasure to tour the National Trust HQ during Heritage Open Days. It’s an impressive building even two decades on from the initial development.
Marques · 23 September 2025
★★★★★ 2/5
TrustpilotDisappointing visit to Hidcote Gardens…
Disappointing visit to Hidcote Gardens thanks to the cafe. Paid over £7 for two cold coffees, if the queue wasn't so long because of the ridiculously slow service I would have complained at the time. I think I'll take a flask next time!
Mark · 12 July 2023
Agent replied · 19 June 2024
Hi Mark, thanks for your review of Hidcote Gardens. I'm sorry your visit was spoilt by the coffee in the cafe. I've passed your comments on to the team that manages the cafe so they can learn from your experience and make sure coffees are served warmer. I hope you'll give them another chance.
★★★★★ 1/5
TrustpilotRasism pigs, against the Christian…
Rasism pigs against the Christian faith not including in the calendar eg Christmas and Easter, wonder if it has anything to do with, the world health organisation and world economic forum, the whole UK needs to defuned them
Ted · 14 November 2023
Agent replied · 19 June 2024
Hi Ted,You may well have seen we've had a number of similar reviews on this subject matter already. To remain consistent, I've used the same information we've used before to reply to you.Hopefully, I can clear up a slight misunderstanding from recent media articles. This matter was also raised at our AGM.The Inclusion and Wellbeing Calendar is an internal resource, used to keep staff and volunteers up to date about awareness months and minority religious and cultural celebrations they might not otherwise be familiar with. For this reason, Christmas and Easter, which are national holidays, are not included on the calendar. We know that most of our staff and volunteers have a good awareness and understanding of these festivals already.Christian holidays will continue to be marked on the physical calendars sold in our shops and online. We won't be creating a physical calendar which excludes Christian holidays.I hope this clears things up for you.Thank you for your review.Kind regardsSteveNational Trust
★★★★★ 5/5
TrustpilotBaddesley Clinton
Baddesley ClintonVisited this house today and what a beautiful place it is. The history of the people that lived there, the house itself and most particularly…the staff. Absolutely fantastic! From the moment we walked in we were greeted by a man, we are scousers and he recognised this and said he was a scouser himself, had a laugh and he told us about the years of the house and how long it’s stood. Then we went through to Lin who was absolutely amazing with all the history she knew about the quartet that lived there and the “hall”. The rest of the staff throughout I didn’t catch their names but were absolutely fantastic! Thank you so much to the Wednesday staff!
Tasha · 25 January 2023
★★★★★ 5/5
TrustpilotGreat customer service
Renewal membership went awol in the post. Called up. Issue sorted. No cross selling. No asking me to do a survey. Just sorted the problem, no nonsense. Bravo!
Richard · 3 June 2024
Agent replied · 19 June 2024
Hi Richard, thanks for taking the time to leave a positive review. It's great that contacting us was easy and we resolved your membership issue.Thanks again for taking the time to leave a review and for all of your support.Kind regardsJo
★★★★★ 1/5
TrustpilotAbsolute rubbish
Absolute rubbish Used yodelAnd deliveredTo the recipient of the present as opposed to the billing addressNever used again
I · 15 November 2024
Agent replied · 25 December 2024
Hi I Lowin. I'm sorry for your negative experience with the gift delivery. I hope your friend enjoyed their gift. Thank you for your support.
★★★★★ 4/5
TrustpilotBack to Back houses Birmingham
Great insight to Birmingham inner city living conditions from late 19th century upto 1930sThanks to Jeremy for tour and knowledge passed down.Enjoyable and educational, well worth a visit.
Y · 30 May 2024
Agent replied · 19 June 2024
Hi Y.Thank you for taking the time to leave a review.It's great to hear you had an enjoyable an educational visit to Back to Backs. I will pass your kind comments onto the local team there. I hope you continue to have more enjoyable visits to the places in our care. Thank you for your support.Kind regardsSteveNational Trust
★★★★★ 1/5
TrustpilotAbsolutely awful
Absolutely awful Bought three memberships for disabled young men Sent all three memberships in one name with one number emails unanswered, one hour on the phone (after waiting an hour to get call answered) got nowhere.Got a call from a manager promising issue will be sorted before Easter then nothing Emails unanswered money at this point stolen from people with disabilities no memberships Need to know where they can be reported to for theft of membership money
Karen · 19 April 2023
★★★★★ 1/5
TrustpilotThe National Trust and See Tickets
We booked for the Christmas lights at Stourhead, but then due to one of us catching covid tried to swap the tickets for an alternative date.The See Tickets notes under popular questions refer to the fact that it is possible to swap tickets. When we checked there was lots of availability but the online system did not give us the option to change the date. We emailed See Tickets customer care but just got a generic reply that tickets could not be transferred, exchanged or refunded once purchased. We sent a further email which customer care never responded to. We were not able to change the date so lost the money we paid.Our advice is not to make an advance booking but to book at the last minute.Looking at some of the reviews on See Tickets on Trustpilot we are surprised that the National Trust allows its name to be associated with See Tickets.
TR · 5 January 2023
★★★★★ 5/5
TrustpilotThe best customer service today from…
The best customer service today from the lady on the membership helpline. Really appreciated her helpfulness and patience
Julie · 4 November 2024
Agent replied · 25 December 2024
Hi Julie Thank you for your review. I'm so pleased you had a good experience with our contact centre. We're really proud of the great customer service our teams provide. I've made sure your feedback goes to the right place. Thanks for your support. Chris National Trust
★★★★★ 5/5
TrustpilotAnother great day out at Kingston Lacy
Another great day out at Kingston Lacy, including free loan of an electric buggy for Dad. Good healthy food, and friendly reception staff. Nothing to fault.
Julian · 21 June 2024
Agent replied · 25 December 2024
Hi Julian.Thank you for your kind review. I'm glad to hear you and your dad had a great day out at Kingston Lacy. I've passed on your comments to the team there. I hope you and your family have many more enjoyable visits in the future. Kind regardsSteveNational Trust
★★★★★ 5/5
TrustpilotExcellent organisation devoted to…
Excellent organisation devoted to maintaining some of the preservation of buildings, wildlife and countryside across the UK. I became life member earlier this year, one of the best decisions I've made - only regret I didn't join earlier.
G · 8 October 2023
Agent replied · 19 June 2024
Hi G Lewis Thank you so much for your review. Comments like this really make all the hard work worthwhile. I'm glad you're enjoying your membership and we look forward to seeing you at one of the special places in our care again soon. Thanks for your support. National Trust
★★★★★ 1/5
TrustpilotUseless Online Purchase System
I tried to place an order at the National Trust online shop. The system just did not work - it failed to complete the purchase. I tried on a mobile and on a PC using Chrome then Edge browser. Failure every time.I rang the Online Shop and tried to get help. They could not solve the problem. Seems it is a regular problem. BUT no way to place the order over the telephone. Point blank refused!Gave up totaly and turned to Amazon whose sytem works and there is no charge for postage. Guaranteed delivery tomorrow.Never again with the National Trust.
Derek · 6 December 2022
★★★★★ 1/5
TrustpilotNATIONAL DISGUST
I purchased a annual family membership earlier in the year and have enjoyed a few places but have just realised my membership does not give me entry to special event such as the Christmas one at Stourhead which is local to me. They expect members to pay the same price as non members which I find ridiculous.I will not be renewing my membership and instead I will get my family a annual membership to Longleat at a similar price which is also local to me and their membership includes all events throughout the year of which there are many including the Christmas lights (festival of light), fireworks, balloon festival and so on.National trust are simply greedy.
Scratch · 27 November 2022
★★★★★ 2/5
TrustpilotOh dear what’s happened to the cafe at…
Oh dear what’s happened to the cafe at Trellisick. ? Pre pandemic the food selection was lush !Plenty of good wholesome meals available. Post pandemic like today what a disappointment! Apart from a jacket potato with some fillings the rest was a let down. Sausage bap with two tiny chipalatas tasty but tiny £4.95!!! We can only assume the proper chefs have departed for more lucrative kitchens.We’re in Cornwall. Where are the fish? Fish cakes? Grilled sardines?Been members for years. Come on NT support Cornwall reduce diesel miles !!! .
Rob · 18 November 2022
Where the same review appears twice we show it once. We leave out reviews that name another agent or another of the brand's offices.
