The National Trust Swindon reviews

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Disappointed member

So disappointed NT are not giving priority to their loyal members. Renewed our membership on 17th April knowing everywhere was closed but decided to support them anyway. Since they reopened a lot of their grounds I have tried many times to book slots for the family to no avail, unless of course you want the last ones after 3.30pm just before closing time! Rather than spending time checking and waiting on my phone for other slots to be released we have decided today to just give it up as a bad job and cancel our membership. Couldn't get through on phone to do this and understand that others have not had replies to their email requests for cancellation. Luckily I pay by DD each month so have just cancelled through bank. Will see if NT get in touch with me about that when they cannot collect their next payment. You really need to get you priorities sorted out NT before you lose all your loyal members!

Pat · 27 July 2020

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Give us a clue !!

If I could give zero stars I would. My partner and I have just spent a lovely weekend in York. Great food in cafes and restaurants which are coping very well with the continuing restrictions. Shops open for business and are coping well. Barley Hall- open. York Minister- open . Merchant Adventurers Hall cafe - open. In contrast Treasurers House - closed. Even the garden and cafe were closed. Ah never mind we thought, let’s go to the NT Shop... blinds down and ‘we are closed due to COVID19‘ message With no clue re when they may consider opening. Shame on you NT. Give your loyal public and members, who are getting nothing from their membership, some idea of your plans !!

Jude · 26 July 2020

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Absolutely disgusted with the National Trust…

Like so many others I am absolutely disgusted with the National Trust's greedy and careless behaviour toward its members during the Covid 19 difficulties. As a gift to mark a special occasion I purchased my parents a years joint membership just before the Covid outbreak which they have been unable to use due to the restrictions imposed by the National Trust. Restrictions are obviously understandable given the Covid climate, but it's utterly shameful that the National Trust have not extended the length of memberships, bought at great expense, for its members that have been left unable to use the service they paid for. In my opinion the National Trusts behaviour is borderline criminal and utterly disgraceful and, like so many others, my parents will not be renewing their membership and my partner and I will not be purchasing lifetime membership as we had previously planned. Absolutely shameful behaviour by the National Trust only eclipsed by an even more shameful lack of response to all their angry members who have complained due to being so blatantly ripped off.

Alma · 24 July 2020

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Pathetic booking system precludes any…

Pathetic booking system precludes any hope of a working person ever attending anything and that's if you can take a day off work to try and negotiate your way through the labyrinthine process. Utterly hopeless and a breach of faith for those of us who have kept our membership going through a period when it has been and remains useless. It is clear they couldn't care less. I've no doubt the estate is easier to run without visitors and thats the way they like it.

Peter · 24 July 2020

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Absolutely impossible to book a place…

Absolutely impossible to book a place at the moment and take advantage of the membership. I have been a member for the past 4 years, and have attended many national trust places. Currently the ones close to me in Surrey all get booked up so quickly and there are not many alternatives. What is the point in paying a monthly membership if you cannot use it? I work on Fridays and am unable to sit there trying to get into a Glastonbury-like queue. Other trusts and gardens have opened up their booking system at least a month out, but not NT. Not good enough

Kat · 20 July 2020

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

We visited Upton House a few days ago…

We visited Upton House a few days ago and what a disappointing visit it was. The gardens looked very neglected. Mostly thistles and weeds. Obviously nothing had been done to the rose garden. The only reasonable border was closed off. I asked a member of staff if I could buy one of the plants that were for sale. I was told they were following government guidelines and could not open the shop. I suggested I could pay in the cafe but that was not allowed because of government guidelines. So why have a table full of plants with a price on them. The plants on the stall looked better than in the garden.Surely volunteers could have come in with their tools and carried on looking after the borders with social distancing. During the lockdown that is what most garden lovers did, GARDENING.When we visited Charlecot and Coughton Court it was the same. Neglected roped off gardens. I suggest you need to warn visitors about the state of your gardens.I certainly will not be renewing our membership.

Petra · 20 July 2020

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Not as advertised or promised at gate entry

We've been members of National Trust for several years and yesterday we visited Kingston Lacy, Dorset along with three non members. We paid £30.00 for the non members to visit the formal gardens but it's not until you enter the formal gardens you notice a sign saying "it won't be quite as you're used to seeing it". That's an understatement as there were no flowers planted up in the pots or designated plots, and the grounds looked unkempt. Their website indicated the garden was looking lovely this isn't so... We went to Kew a couple of weeks ago and their gardens were glorious. Shame on you NT for taking payment from us at the entry and saying "enjoy the gardens"!

David · 20 July 2020

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Woeful treatment of members

It's great that the NT has members like Ian who "didn’t join the National Trust to get free admission or free car parking". I however don't regard £120 a year for joint membership as free and expect a little more for my money. Being a charity shouldn't mean that the NT escapes scrutiny for the way that it's run and it's clear that the NT board are tone deaf to the plight of their members. They made little apparent preparation for reopening after lockdown and have implemented a woeful booking system that releases tickets in one batch for the entire week at some unspecified time on a Friday. In contrast other charitable organisations that I've dealt with after lockdown that have budgets a fraction the size of the NTs and have implemented far better booking systems and managed to safely open cafes and other facilities. Get your act together NT. I joined to preserve old buildings, not old IT systems.

Mr · 20 July 2020

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

In reply to Ian and his support for the…

In reply to Ian and his support for the NT, I had to put up with three months of them refusing point blank to refund my payment after they cancelled my holiday in a NT cottage. They tried to bully me into accepting a voucher which the Consumer and Marketing Authority has declared illegal. They tried everything to try and get out of repaying what was my lawful right. That’s how good a charity it is. Don’t you dare try to defend them.

David · 19 July 2020

★★★★★ 5/5

Trustpilot

To all of those so called members…

To all of those so called members stating that National Trust members should get priority booking. The National Trust can’t give members priority booking. Another charity The Wetland and Wildfowl Trust can’t give there members priority booking either. Charity laws don’t allow that. Before anyone blames these conservation charities, they should look at the present charity law, at least in England which doesn’t allow these charities to that. Also the National Trust are following government guidelines. I didn’t join the National Trust to get free admission or free car parking as I believe in the cause of what this marvellous conservation charity does, for protecting the countryside, coastline etc and not to get free perks as some of these so called National Trust members want and also to leave this fantastic organisation or are thinking of doing so. I’ve been a National Trust member since 1971 and I don’t intend leaving the a National Trust as a member. I’m truly shocked by these so called National Trust members who just want these free perks and get free admission and free car parking.

Ian · 19 July 2020

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

What a shambles

What a shambles, wish to cancel membership as we’ve visited all the local sites many times. Emailed a few weeks ago to cancel, so when the new membership card and handbook turned up I thought, I’d better call them. Been on hold 35 mins so far, and whilst waiting, thought I’d just check the reviews on Trustpilot. Oh dear. What a shame 😔

Karen · 9 March 2023

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Even one star is generous for the…

Even one star is generous for the National Trust. I purchased a gift membership late last year and given they close places over winter and lets face it most people visit spring and summer the gift has been unusable. This is acceptable, they couldnt open but the fact they are quick to take the money but offer no extension or refund for the gift is a joke. Most other companies are offering extensions or refunds - all the National Trust say is you can buy another membership at a reduced cost - I don't want to give you more money when you've taken my money for this gift and not given any compensation for the fact you've been closed and how impossible it is to book to go to one of your places now, the system is useless, its always fully booked up. You only have to look at all the poor reviews to see how badly managed the national Trust is, money grabbing and poor customer service.

Andy · 16 July 2020

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Coffee break…

We are not very happy about having a coffee as we have a card and this cannot be stamped. This is very confusing as when we went to an English Heritage the card was stamped and even had somewhere to sit! Not so NT. Very disappointing. We have kept receipts so hopefully when we can we will be able to have the card stamped. This does sound petty but it is the principle. Not only is it a shambles trying to book it is when a coffee break needed.

Murray · 16 July 2020

★★★★★ 5/5

Trustpilot

Just lovely

Just lovely - really beautifully maintained and so well prepared to make us feel safe.We visited with family, feeling quite cautious as lockdown was easing. We have barely been out in months, and the kids were so excited for fresh air and green space.The ticket limits meant we had to wait a few days to visit, but when we got there it was so quiet and well managed. Easy to park and get in without being crowded, and meant we could enjoy the birdsong and space without worrying.Lovely to be back in such a nice place, and the communication from staff was so helpful - our little ones wanted to know when they could go inside the house again! Thanks so much to everyone making sure we could stretch our legs and get some much-needed outdoor time, really appreciated.

Fiona · 14 July 2020

★★★★★ 5/5

Trustpilot

The National trust is more than just a…

The National trust is more than just a nice day out.As a child who had been moved 300 miles away and suddenly uprooted, I struggled to settle into my new home, make friends and had a difficult family life. My mum and I spent weekends exploring our surroundings and got a membership. We spent weekends escaping and learning, doing fun activities (bring back Trusty the hedgehog), exploring nature for the first time (we had previously lived in a city) and being inspired. Now I am an adult, I’ve studied history of culture and art at a prestigious art school, with a keen interest in history, conservation and archiving, largely inspired by the beautiful and fascinating visits to National trust properties and chats with knowledgeable and passionate volunteers and staff. My wife and I love being outside and decided to get a membership when we left London and moved to the other end of the country, far away from our friends and my family. It has brought a lot of joy to my life once again as we explore a new region together. We are hoping to start a family and can’t wait to take our younglings exploring to beautiful homes and gardens, preserved and cared for by passionate and dedicated individuals.Like all organisations, I’m sure the NT isn’t perfect. It is a shame we’ve not been able to utilise our membership during the outbreak of COVID. But I see our membership as a regular donation to a charity which supports many people, places and communities, so I’m perfectly happy to continue paying without visiting. I’m sure I’ll make up for lost time next year. As a teacher I often get so busy I don’t visit anywhere for months but don’t claim my money back so it’s not much different from that! Thank you NT for doing your best during these difficult and uncertain times. I hope people continue to support the organisation and those who work so hard to make it special so that they can keep their wonderful jobs and beautiful places can keep inspiring people!!

Katherine · 14 July 2020

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Still not able to book anywhere

Still not able to book anywhere. Such a shame that as members we don’t get some kind of priority booking spaces or compensation, like additional 3 months membership. The booking system is awful and for some reason only one member can book at a time, so once I’ve booked and put my details in I then have to start all over again and join the queue in the hope that I can book my husband and child in for the same day and time. This so far hasn’t worked and have had to cancel any bookings I have managed to make because I wanted to visit as a family, not on my own. We are RHS and EH members too and have not had any trouble booking these. What RHS did was open up bookings for members only for whole of June before opening to the rest of the public for summer holidays, this gave members an opportunity to visit their favourite places before making available to everyone else. Also the NT website makes it so hard to even find where to book your tickets that quite a lot of time is wasted on doing that before even getting in the virtual queue. I’m not sure how long they intend to use Eventbright for but if there is no change in the booking system soon or they do not compensate members, I too will not be renewing my membership which is very sad.

Colyflower · 13 July 2020

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Cancelling your NT membership - shocking experience

I have been member for many years. I've never had to complain about the NT. Recently I decided I wanted to cancel my subscription, which I pay by Direct Debit. Note that it auto-renews every year and they do not tell you about it. Once it auto renews, you're stuck with it for another year. I was lucky I checked in June and my membership was due for renewal in July so I still had time to cancel. Then you search their website for information around cancellation process....good luck if you find anything. I have many subscriptions of all kind - I've never found it so difficult and un-transparent to cancel one. The NT is the most appalling service when it comes to transparency and cancellations, it really feels like they're doing everything possible to prevent people from cancelling. I am wondering how they managed to get away with it without attracting the attention of Consumer Protection Rights associations - shocking

Valerie · 12 July 2020

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

I echo many peoples comments about the…

I echo many peoples comments about the terrible booking system. Also why are so many places still closed given the government has given the go ahead for them to be opened. Car parks are half empty. Even those open near us have only the gardens open the houses are still shut. What exactly are we paying for? I also asked for a refund but was flatly refused I suggested an extension to membership as other places have but ignored. Another place I have membership for gave us a 5 month extension on our annual ticket bearing in mind the limited numbers allowed in, the National trust should do this given how many places are closed and the difficulty getting tickets. I am seriously considering taking this further as we pay to be able to access the properties. They seem to treat us as cash cows and not customers. My family have been members for years but I have asked the national trust to cancel my annual direct debit. After the way we have been treated I will spend my money elsewhere.

James · 11 July 2020

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Missed opportunity, Poor show

Very disappointed by the handling of the COVID19 restrictions. The opportunity to repay local members with a sanctuary of pleasant gardens and woodlands to enjoy. This would have been manageable and possibly increased the membership. Instead NT open up free to everyone and get overrun and so have their excuse to close everything to everyone.Partial opening results in a booking system that is not fit for purpose and left many without access to NT grounds.It is obvious the NT Management Team is not fit for purpose and should be replaced asap as an opportunity to promote and build the NT membership has been squandered As the National Trust we the Members expect you to support the Nation in times of need not just shut up shop, then hide behind an events booking website.Sorry it will be sometime before you regain my trust

Mike · 10 July 2020

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Prioritising paying customers over members?

I've just spent nearly 2 hours trying to book to visit Bodnant Gardens. I did get through to the Eventbrite page, booked 2 tickets and got through to the payment page. I then realised, as we are both members, that I had ticked the wrong box as we don't pay. I used the back arrow to go back to the previous page, ticked the "members" box and....guess what? I was now in another queue whilst Eventbrite "looked to see" if any tickets were available. After an hour I gave up. Looks to me as if the National Trust are prioritising paying customers over existing customers. Absolutely disgraceful if this is the case. Membership renewal? Not likely.

Customer · 10 July 2020

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Shocking booking system

Shocking booking system! I took out a membership in February 2020 and obviously haven't been able to use it. Now that I can actually visit places, I am unable to because of the awful booking system. I don't mind waiting in a queue, but at least eventbrite could give you some indication of how long you can expect to be waiting like I've seen on other websites - then at least you have an informed choice whether to wait or give up! Then to add insult to injury when you do manage to get on, everything has sold out! It's really awful and so frustrating when you have a membership, the gardens are open and yet you STILL can't visit them! :-( Does anyone from NT read these posts?? If they do, I implore you to PLEASE change your booking system!!!!! You are losing no doubt hundreds of memberships...and I won't be renewing next year unless rapid improvements are made.

Paula · 10 July 2020

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

NT impossible to contact to change membership

I wanted to change my joint membership to family membership so that I can take my grandchildren with me. Tried contacting NT by phone many times , waited in queue then cut off. Tried logging in to website as existing member but no facility to change membership.Web chat not available. Sent email no response. Meanwhile I had a look at the online booking system, most local Trust properties fully booked anyway. Result after 10 years I cancelled my annual renewal direct debit. What is the point if I can’t change my membership and take my grandchildren, will spend the money taking them somewhere else.

Steve · 10 July 2020

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Nightware

Oh, where to start here! i try ever day to get lucky. I now that virus as caused big problems, but i try to book for tickets to nice house, ok. ever time i told no space, no space! Then finally i win space! ok, this is problem. I am ready for day, raining coat packed, i put post code in satnav, ok over 80 miles away! car petrol, set off. I get bad journey arrive over 1 hour late, not your fault. Person staff tells me you late, i know this already! i have stressful trip. She says, but you cannot come in now, to late. I tell her over 80 miles away journey, then she says ok come in exception. Great, finally. I walk around the garden one way. very busy, dog pooing on grass, i approach to show him, man screaming 2 meter! 2 meter! I try to tell him" you pick up your dog poo" i say i am not walking in that. He refused and tell attendant i threaten him! Bloody joke, they tell me to leave!! I felt like hitting his light in. Dog, yak yaking yak yak all through row. Attendant, tells me i disturb the peace and have to leave or poilce will come here. So I try to leave cause now boiling with angry. Attendant shouting No!! you cant go this way its one way! You have to go round the pond, dog still crazy yak yak yaking yak. Bloody horror show, never again.

Rickaard · 7 July 2020

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

About time NT Board got up to speed.

Due to Government relaxation in social distancing etc, I will now be able to go on a once on a lifetime holiday in Northumberland, over 300 miles away, and take in NT properties I have never visited.Unfortunately,the NT do not appear to moving at the same speed to accommodate members who are receiving very poor value for money at present.Communication is poor as we don't know how many tickets are issued per half hour, has this number been increased following relaxation of SD ?, bearing in mind grounds only open. NT just appear to be hiding behind Eventbrite instead of being proactive.I attempted to by tickets at 8.30 am on Friday, all sold out ! Unfortunately, not all members know how to play the game !

Michael · 5 July 2020