National Trust Offers Free Visits Amid Rising Visitor Numbers

The National Trust, a prominent conservation charity based in the United Kingdom, has introduced a new initiative to allow visitors free access to its historic sites. This announcement comes alongside the release of its annual report, which highlighted a notable 5% increase in visitor numbers, totaling 25.3 million for the financial year 2023/24, despite ongoing economic challenges affecting many households.

The report also revealed a significant 12% surge in visits from non-members, who pay an entry fee per visit, while membership numbers saw a decline of 89,000, now standing at 2.62 million. This trend is attributed to the broader patterns observed across the tourism sector, with cost-sensitive demographics, particularly young families, opting for ad-hoc visits rather than annual memberships.

National Trust properties in Worcestershire, such as Greyfriars, Croome Court, and Hanbury Hall, are among the many historic sites that continue to attract visitors. Hilary McGrady, the Director-General of the National Trust, emphasized the organization’s efforts to remain accessible during challenging economic times by introducing the Explorer Pass and offering complimentary passes to those in financial need.

McGrady stated, “It’s really heartening that people still want to spend time in and support amazing cultural and natural places, whether that’s immersing themselves in art or wandering through our gardens and woodlands. We know the cost-of-living crisis is still biting and we’ll keep doing more to give everyone a great day out.”

According to the National Trust, many people are choosing to pay for memorable daily excursions in lieu of committing to annual subscriptions due to rising inflation and decreased disposable income. The trust’s conservation efforts, which saw £178 million allocated to the upkeep of historical buildings and collections, were nearly on par with the previous year’s record expenditure.

The charity also reported a fundraising income of £117.9 million, sourced from individual donors, charitable trusts, grants, corporate partners, and bequests. A notable £3 million was earned through second-hand bookshop sales. Additionally, £5.5 million was spent improving access for people with disabilities in 2023/24.

In a significant milestone, the Trust completed its longest-ever conservation project: a 24-year initiative to restore and rehang 13 Gideon tapestries in their original setting at Hardwick Hall.