Recession drives up visitor numbers at National Trust sites

Visitor numbers at many National Trust properties are rising as people look for cheaper days out in the recession. Total visitor numbers are 38% up since the beginning of March over the same period last year, to more than 2.4 million. In particular, properties with well-known gardens are proving popular.

Visitor numbers at Stourhead have almost doubled, while Hidcote Manor Garden has seen a 141% rise in numbers. Other popular sites are Stowe with 20,000 visitors so far this spring, Basildon Park, Ham House and Lyme Park. In total the National Trust have about 200 gardens open to visitors.

“There is definitely something in the air with growing numbers seeking out the simple pleasures offered by the National Trust,” said Fiona Reynolds, Director General of the National Trust.

“Whether it’s a walk in a park, a picnic in a country estate or simply taking in the amazing sights and sounds of our national heritage, people seem increasingly keen to enjoy the time they spend together doing these simple things.  It has been an encouraging start to the year and with a year’s family membership costing less than a day out at a theme park, we hope people will continue to make the most of the fact that wherever they live they are never more than 40 minutes from a Trust property.”

You can read more about this story on the Daily Telegraph website.