Young people lose interest in visiting museums and stately homes

STATELY homes and museums are facing a post-coronavirus crisis after a survey found many young people have no intention of visiting after lockdown.

Of around 2,000 people aged between 18 and 30, who took part in the research, a third said that they would now be even less likely to go to the theatre, stately homes, castles and museums than before Covid-19.

Even if they are told it is safe to go, 65 per cent are less likely to visit museums and 68 per cent are less likely to visit theatres due to crowds and the risk of catching coronavirus.

The findings will be dismaying for a sector that has been brought to its knees by Covid-19. Those aged between 18 and 30 are the group that heritage organisations struggle to reach at the best of times.

The survey concludes that while many young people were disengaged with heritage pre-lockdown, “the situation is set to get worse as the lockdown lifts”. It found that, while 73 per cent did not visit stately homes during the 12 months before lockdown, 28 per cent are less likely to visit post-lockdown. While 53 per cent did not visit theatres during the 12 months before lockdown, 30 per cent are less likely to go post-lockdown.

Although many heritage organisations have tried to reach audiences through online events, the survey concludes that they have failed to engage a captive audience during lockdown.

The vast majority of young people surveyed have not visited the online offerings, even though they are free: 89 per cent did not view stately homes online and 80 per cent did not visit theatres online.

Half of those surveyed said that heritage and arts organisations need to raise their profile on social media. A third of them were unaware of accessing such attractions online, and 23 per cent dismissed it as “boring”.

But there are glimmers of hope. Of those who are more likely to visit heritage attractions, 29 per cent want to support theatres, concerned they have suffered financially during lockdown.

The survey found that the majority of those who have engaged digitally had a positive experience, particularly enjoying the National Theatre’s streamed stagings.

The survey was conducted by Ecclesiastical Insurance. Faith Kitchen, its heritage director, told The Sunday Tele

graph: “As the UK’s leading insurer of Grade I listed buildings in the UK, we’re passionate about protecting Britain’s heritage.

“It’s sad to learn that some young adults today are even less likely to visit heritage attractions in the future than ever before due to coronavirus fears.”

The National Trust said that, having opened up its houses about a month ago, it was too early to see “a change in visiting patterns”.

‘It’s sad to learn that some young adults today are even less likely to visit heritage attractions in the future’