The National Trust Swindon reviews

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

My firm gave me a £50 prezzee voucher…

My firm gave me a £50 prezzee voucher which is exchanged for vouchers from multiple firms. I changed mine to national trust as my renewal was due.unfortunately due to their ridiculous system vouchers cannot be used over the phone or online. I took mine to Polsden lacy where they have tills to process gift vouchers only to find that renewals for senior members have to be done online. So although they have been paid by prezzee and there is nothing in their t and c’s to say they it can’t be used I am now stuck with a voucher that I have to use on products I don't want.

Martin · 10 March 2026

★★★★★ 2/5

Trustpilot

Visited Tarn How’s for a quick walk

Visited Tarn How’s for a quick walk. Parking charge for the 11/2 hours was £7:00. Outrageous charge, no wonder people just park on the verges.

Chris · 21 August 2026

★★★★★ 5/5

Trustpilot

Wray Castle Lake District. Helen Wilson who…

I would like to thank Helen Wilson who very kindly took me from Wray Castle to Hawkshead after i fell ill with cardiac problems. A local taxi firm was going to take two hours to collect me and Helen went above and beyond in helping me.I can't thank her enough.

Nikki · 24 June 2024

★★★★★ 5/5

Trustpilot

Exceptional volunteers at Rhosili

went to Rhosili today and got my car stuck, the volunteers were exceptional, gave me a rapid hand and got me out. Our grandkids then went on their Easter trail, loved it and were given an Easter Egg at the endNT get a bit of stick but the volunteers at Rhosili were just brilliant

Christopher · 1 April 2024

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

GONE TO POT !!

We have been members of national trust for many years, and they seem to be losing the plot lately !Why is it they keep using plastic things for food & drinks which is such a waste, please do not blame covid because other food places are managing to be normal now, the menus are rubbish now with hardly any proper meals unlike before, you have still got your dish washers ? and plates ? we take it ?Come on NT get a grip and get back to normal !!

Paul · 30 November 2021

★★★★★ 5/5

Trustpilot

We recently visited the giants causeway…

We recently visited the giants causeway and had a tour presented by Toni and Lisa. It was so informative and fun. They were both brilliant and made our experience extra special

Customer · 14 June 2026

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Elitist, over priced shops

National Trust shops are overpriced and elitist. After paying for entry, families are pushed past shelves of £6 chutneys and £20 scarves but find hardly any affordable sweets, snacks or pocket-money treats for children, it leaves younger families feeling excluded and under pressure. I don't see why they can't cater for council house kids as carefully as the artisan choc bar classes.

Ian · 9 September 2025

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Disappointing Website

Disappointing Website. I searched high and low for a way to log in to my account. There is nothing. Only option is to register for my account, which is pointless as I already registered. Why can't you give us a simple Log in button like 99% of other organisations who have members

Jonathan · 13 April 2024

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Inadequate new handbook

I have today recieved my 2021 handbook. When I started to look up properties it was obvious that something was missing. They donot now give details of the days and opening times of the properties. You now have to phone the property or look it up on line. Who's ridiculous idea was this. No thought for the members of the National Trust. It is so thoughtless and very inconvenient. Member without the Internet will have the extra cost of telephoneing for the details. A few years ago they stopped putting entrance fees in the handbook. This was also a nuisance with no thought for members that wanted to take non trust family with them. Whoever is now responsible needs removing or else NTmembers will be removing themselves.

Mary · 20 January 2021

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

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.

Andrew · 29 November 2025

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

The National Trust Explorer Pass is the reason England is such a great country to visit. Thank you for having this amazing organization in England. We can't wait to complete the full National Trust program for 14 days again this year and browse the amazing shops!

Torben · 6 August 2025

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Belton house Christmas light show avoid !

Well what can I say we were expecting a wonderful experience for out family at £160 it’s a lot of hard earned cash but what the hell it’s Christmas we thought . Our first bad experience was on entry we thought like other light shows at different locations we’ve been to over the years they would take out a q r codes and that was in your in ! No such think you have to queue again and not only that an irate make shouts continuously you won’t get in unless you’ve downloaded it you won’t get no internet out here go to that building ! You then download your code after trasping your family through the crowds wondering are we going to be late! You rejoin the queue and he bellows again in your ear the same instructions barked out ! Finally we are in . Like other light shows we expected a relaxed walk through the lit up trees forget that folks your just getting in the Christmas mood the carols are playing your entering some wonderful tunnel of swinging lights and you hear a bellow go through please ! Keep on moving ! Looking behind to see if a bus load were following us I was shocked to see no one around so what on earth the guy needed to bellow a second time for us beyond me my little one gazing at the decorations got “ MOVE ALONG PLEASE !!” Gee if I’d know it was an army assault course we’d have come prepared . Having said that we didn’t let it spoil our fun and sat down at the square where there were various food displays . I heard a family next to us say “ at £8 for a little sandwich you will have to have half each sorry !” I guess that must have been bread and cheese as we went to purchase a German sausage oh we thought it’s Christmas treat ourselves they were £16 each could have done my weeks shopping with the total we spent but hey it’s Christmas! Well the sausage was delicious but it was wrapped in what can only be described as a soggy stale cheap budget bread you know the kind the sort you throw out to the birds it lasts 6 weeks and doesn’t even mould . Well conclusion total rip off unpleasant experience with bossy staff tip folks go to Blenheim palace or and see how it’s done I’ve seen the replies here they say you are helping with the n trust funds that’s fine but at least give good value for money and treat your customers with respect !

Vintage · 21 December 2024

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

National Trust on Drones...

National Trust are providing erroneous information on Drone Usage, and are in clear conflict of their own terms. In response to a FOI request, NT admitted it cannot ban drones flying over it's land. So why are they responding to these reviews stating that it is not allowed?Additionally, the Byelaws that they repeatedly cite only concern commercial photography, being sold or used for commercial or financial gain. They may continue to defend their stance, but in reality, there is nothing they can do.

Christopher · 11 December 2024

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

INFLEXIBLE NT

Unfortunately I can not leave a review for our holiday in Fishguard last weekend because we did not get to stay there. After spending several thousand pounds over the past year or so booking NT accommodation I am extremely disappointed with your lack of consideration and flexibility under the circumstances. Whilst I understand your 30 day cancellation policy is clear, unexpected circumstances happen as do extreme weather conditions prompting a government "danger to life" alert in the location of our holiday cottage on the same day we were due to travel! My request several days prior to our stay was to RESCHEDULE our stay (not refund!) due to an unexpected emergency at home however you were not prepared to offer this option but only to try and "resell" our booking. In light of the subsequent impending Storm Darragh this would of been an irresponsible action as a holiday company towards your customers safety particularly when the government advice was not to travel and to stay at home....

Sarah · 10 December 2024

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

They just cancelled our holiday (after taking our money first. Obs)…

They just cancelled our holiday at the end of May days after asking for the final payment. They must have known that they were going to cancel when they asked for the money. That is seriously not good. Government advice has not moved one bit between them asking for the money and cancelling.Now, of course, they invoke their 'ever so fair' T&Cs which say that they don't give any refund - period.Going on holiday is meant to make you happy, not seriously cross.When all this gets under control (as it will) there will be a list of companies which have done the right thing and a list that have not. I hope the ones that have not come to regret their heavy handed and totally unreasonable behaviour where it hurts - on their bottom line.

Consumer · 6 April 2020

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

No Drones - Not your Choice

I am cancelling my National Trust membership due to their incorrect guidance on drone usage over their land. The Trust's private policy of not permitting drones over their properties shows their clear misunderstanding of UK law. Under the Civil Aviation Authority's regulations, drones are permitted to fly over private land, including the National Trust. They therefore have no legal authority to impose a blanket ban on drone use over their property. Under Section 2(1), the Misrepresentation Act 1967 establishes that if a person is misled by a false statement (including misinformation about the law) and makes decisions based on that false statement, they are entitled to a remedy. The key elements are:False statement of fact: The National Trust misrepresenting the legality of drone use could be considered a false statement.Reliance on the statement: If members or drone users are misled into believing that drones are illegal over National Trust properties, and this influences their decision-making (e.g., not flying drones), they may be able to seek remedies.No reasonable grounds to believe the statement: If the National Trust makes the statement without having a reasonable basis, the statement could be considered fraudulent or negligent under this Act.NT are overestimating their authority as landowners, not understanding that the CAA governs drone use in UK airspace, not individual landowners.

Cdavr · 30 November 2024

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Disappointed at Cockayne Cottage…

Our recent stay at Cockayne Cottage fell alarmingly short of expectations, tarnishing what should have been a peaceful and restorative holiday with a series of entirely avoidable failures. While the property itself reflects the heritage and charm we’ve come to associate with the National Trust, the lack of basic maintenance, dismissive communication, and failure to resolve serious concerns left us feeling deeply let down and questioning the Trust’s commitment to the high standards it proudly advertises. From the outset, we encountered significant issues that cast a shadow over our stay. Upon arrival, the bath was in a deplorable state, visibly dirty, with remnants of black water, grit, and what possibly be faecal matter. This was not only unhygienic but distressing, forcing me to shower while wearing my Crocs as a safeguard against contamination. Despite providing photographic evidence to staff, my concerns were met with outright dismissal. Even worse, my integrity was called into question, compounding the insult and standing in stark contrast to the National Trust’s professed values of fairness, respect, and professionalism.Another issue was the malfunctioning dishwasher. While we were told that repairs could not be carried out during our stay due to snow, this explanation was demonstrably false. Local roads were accessible, as confirmed by a National Trust ranger, yet staff refused to act, choosing instead to deflect responsibility. This unwillingness to address guest concerns not only disrupted our stay but undermined our trust in the Trust’s ability to manage its properties effectively.Another troubling issue was the gate leading from the garden, which was advertised as enclosed, a key factor in our booking decision given that we were traveling with dogs. To our dismay, the garden gate had a broken latch, allowing it to swing open with minimal pressure. This posed a significant safety hazard, as my dogs could easily access fields with sheep, risking harm to both animals and incurring liability. The suggested “solution” of placing stones against the gate was shockingly inadequate, highlighting a complete disregard for safety and professionalism.Adding further distress, the washing machine irreparably damaged a jacket due to what appeared to be an issue with its plumbing. Upon investigation, it seemed the machine was connected to the hot water feed rather than the cold. Despite raising this as a plausible concern, staff categorically denied the possibility without inspection and refused to send a plumber until after our departure. This stubborn refusal to even investigate highlighted a dismissive and unprofessional attitude that left us feeling unheard and disrespected.The thread running through all these incidents was a glaring lack of accountability and transparency in communication. When we provided clear evidence to substantiate our concerns, such as photos of the bath and proof that roads were passable, responses from staff were evasive, inconsistent, and, at times, openly dismissive. The shift in explanations when challenged eroded our confidence in the staff’s credibility, leaving us feeling not only frustrated but actively disrespected.Cockayne Cottage itself is undeniably beautiful, a testament to the National Trust’s heritage. However, the systemic failures in service delivery, maintenance, and guest care entirely overshadowed the property’s potential. This experience was not just disappointing, it was distressing. It is profoundly disheartening to see the National Trust, an organisation trusted by so many to uphold the highest standards, fall so short in fulfilling its promises.The issues we encountered reflect not just isolated oversights but a troubling departure from the standards expected of the National Trust. I sincerely hope these matters are taken seriously and addressed to restore confidence in the Trust’s ability to provide the safe, comfortable, and respectful experience its guests deserve. Your properties are treasures, but to maintain that reputation, the guest experience must match the Trust’s ideals.

Scouser65 · 24 November 2024

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Visited buscot village and parked car…

Visited buscot village and parked car in the national trust car park. Our car was stuck in the gravel for hours and had to get a towing company to get it out, it car was damaged due to this. National trust says they only compensate in cases where there is an injury or maybe death which means they wanted us to be hurt. Terrible response, never expected this from them. I am out of pocket due to their incompetence and no fault of mine. I had my kids with me and nothing to eat. Our day was ruined thanks to national trust.

Bryan · 6 November 2024

★★★★★ 3/5

Trustpilot

Miss the beautiful tea rooms…

Love visiting National Trust properties as often as I can.Very sad to see many of the gorgeous tea rooms have disappeared since Covid, which was a real draw for me to bring friends (many non members) to my local properties, during the summer months!! Not so much sadly!! Still love to see the beautiful gardens and houses and the staff/volunteers are fantastic!!Please don’t get rid of the any more tea rooms!! In fact, please reinstate them!! And certainly keep the lovely gift shops! Many thanks for listening!!

Sarah · 29 October 2024

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Ickworth House - take a Picnic and Thermos

We visited Ickworth House and spent the day queuing. Half an hour in the queue to drive through the gate (it's always bad - why not put more than one person on the gate?), an hour in a not particularly long but very slow-moving queue to order a snack, and then over half an hour for it to arrive (which it did only after we complained). Demoralised staff were apologetic, but could only say "it's not us, it's the management" and "we hope you complain - it would do us all a favour"

NIGEL · 28 October 2024

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

Not everyone wants to be vegan or vegetarian.

We have been NT members for a long time and visited many properties. One of the enjoyable aspects of the day used to be a nice tasty lunch. Sadly now the National Trust only seem to cater for vegetarians and vegans….long gone are the tasty cottage pies, apple crumbles, stews and many other enjoyable lunch dishes. They seem to want to indoctrinate everyone with their ‘meat is the devil’ views. I am gluten free and the only cakes on offer were ‘wrapped bought-in’ offerings which could easily have been used for a cricket ball! History of these houses reveals meat in their daily diets. Oh how we miss the NT cafe and tasty lunches…it made such an enjoyable day out. NT has now been taken over by woke, PC, and left wing influencers. Not a change for the better.

Yvonne · 24 October 2024

★★★★★ 1/5

Trustpilot

National Trust or should I say National…

National Trust or should I say National disgrace have used the beach at Brancaster in Norfolk for over 25 year for access to the section of beach controlled by the RSPV were we are allowed to Kite buggy But now at the age of 75 I decided to take up mini yacht sailing, this is exactly the same size as a kite buggy but is powered by a sail instead of a kite its a much safer sport . But the team at brancaster say no I cant use it but wont give a reason complained to head office but they say no as well and have now contacted the RSPV and talked them round to saying no as well I find this disgraceful I think the National trust is woke inward looking and very protectionist not nice people an unregulated organization that thinks it can do as they will ,Let me remind them that they don't own the land as they are gifted the land to hold in perpetuity for the people clearly not in their minds I urge every body to boycott the National Trust

S · 24 October 2024

★★★★★ 5/5

Trustpilot

We love the National Trust

We love the National Trust. Take my grandchildren to Hinton Ampner and Mottisfont regularly and they love the trails and the various activities and we love the grounds and the houses. We find the annual fees very reasonable compared to many annual fees, as we use the tickets on holidays to visit other places too. Sad to see so many negative views here as not my experience at all - even when shopping online (although mostly we visit).

Sharon · 21 November 2024

★★★★★ 5/5

Trustpilot

Sissinghurst Castle and Gardens

So . . . Visited the gardens at the weekend for the second time. The first was nine years ago in the Summer.The Outstanding thing about this place is - The “Feeling” - It floods all through and gently whirls around you. A sense of Warmth, Hope and Love.It stimulates every part of you. So real as if it were a solid object, as though you are holding it softly inside your cupped hands.It provides us with what our internal world needs. An invisible power which ignites passion and charges our life force with “purpose” - Fills us up to the brim making all good things happen.“My Heart A Breathless Beat - I Am Complete”

Alison · 14 October 2024