No plans in pipeline to change visitor charges at Tatton Park
CUSTOMERS have criticised changes at two of the National Trust’s most popular walking destinations in Cheshire, which have switched from a per-car parking price to a per-person charge.
Previously, those wishing to stroll in the grounds of Dunham Massey and Lyme Park could pay a price to park, no matter how many people were in the car. Similarly, if one adult in the car had a membership, the whole party could park for free.
Under changes brought in after Covid-reopening, now only the member is free, and any non-members in the car, including children, will have to pay to park.
For a family of two adults and two children who weren’t members, this would be an increase from £7 per car to £24. For a similar family where one adult was a member, it would go from being free to park to now costing £16.
But customers do get an additional bonus – entry to the house and gardens is now free as part of the parking charges, although for those who wish to walk their dogs, this isn’t an option.
Others have complained that the houses and gardens are not appealing to younger children, who come primarily to access the parks and play areas, which were previously free.
Angry customers have taken to TripAdvisor to complain.
Reviewer Ian C visited Dunham Massey in Altrincham earlier in the summer. He said: “National Trust at Dunham Massey have now changed their parking policy from free parking for members and their passengers to members only, and £8 each for non-members, even in the same car. Therefore a member and two non-member passengers have to pay £16. This is just to enter the grounds whether you want visit the house or not. Membership now well and truly cancelled.”
Reviewer AnnLou15 also went to Dunham Massey: “Partly my fault for not researching the prices before visiting but I feel the need to warn others in case they too arrive here on impulse.
“Arrived on a Monday morning, joined the queue for the car park, no signs indicating prices until you are
TATTON Park has said it has ‘no plans’ to introduce a per passenger charge for people visiting the site.
The National Trust recently came under fire after two of its most popular walking destinations changed from a per-car parking charge to a per-person charge.
Dunham Massey and Lyme Park were two of the National Trust sites that made the change which was met with criticism from customers.
The changes, brought in after covid-reopening, mean only the member is free, and any non-members in the car, including children, will have to pay to park.
Following the backlash, Tatton Park, located in Knutsford, has confirmed that it has ‘no plans’ to make similar changes.
The site, which is managed and financed by Cheshire East Council on behalf of the National Trust, doesn’t operate a car park charge, instead charging visitors for parkland admission.
This admission provides visitors with access to the 1,000 of managed parkland and walking trails, along with car parking, the information centre and toilet facilities.
The organisation added that the park has no plans to change it’s current model to a charge per passenger, adding that the current charge is important in helping look after unique site.
A spokesperson for Tatton Park said: “Tatton Park is managed and financed by Cheshire East Council on behalf of the National Trust.
“We don’t operate a car park charge but do charge visitors for parkland admission, if they arrive by car.
“This parkland admission charge gives people access to over 1,000 acres of managed parkland, meres and walking trails as well as car parking, a children’s playground, an information centre and Stableyard shopping, dining and toilet facilities.
“Parkland visitors can also experience special seasonal activities such as our new Percy the Park Keeper trail, After the Storm and the popular Waggy Washes self-service dog grooming station.
“The parkland vehicle admission charge is important as it helps us look after this unique place to make sure it remains for future generations to enjoy. Tatton has no plans to change this to a charge per passenger.”