Sadly even that didn't last
Published : 05 Mar 2020 Last update : 22 Mar 2020
The National Trust's latest statement on coronavirus (COVID-19).
UPDATED - 1.00pm on Sunday 22 March 2020
From Sunday 22 March, we've sadly taken the decision to close our parks and gardens, in addition to our houses, shops and cafés, to help restrict the spread of coronavirus.
Many of our car parks for countryside and coastal locations will also have to close due to high demand. We urge people to stay local and observe social distancing. Please do not travel.
Information on which National Trust outdoor places are open can be found at www.nationaltrust.org.uk
The mind boggles at the lack of thought and logic that went into making an announcement for free entry into national trust parks and gardens at a time when social distancing was required. People were obviously then going to congregate there as some falsely perceived outdoor safe haven. Having "good intentions" is no excuse for that lack of common sense foresight.Belton House, Grantham in Lincolnshire is 5-6 miles away from where I live and its a beautiful National Trust location set amongst extensive grounds (deer, waterfalls, ruins, mini railway, massive play area, cafes......and the House). One of the guys that lives in the same village as me is a NT manager. He said that they had a free open day on Saturday (yesterday). They were thinking that people could walk around the grounds with their families, in the fresh air, all keeping their distance. NT doing their bit etc. But thousands and thousands turned up and were all so jammed together, they had to restrict entry! Today it's closed!