Lyme Park and Dunham Massey car parks now charge per passenger

The National Trust has angered some visitors after it switched up how it charges people to park at several of its most popular North West sites.

After switching to a per-person charge rather than a per car fee at Lyme Park and Dunham Massey, people came online to voice their frustration.

Under the previous system, people would be hit with a single charge for a car, now every passenger in the car – including kids – is added to the total meaning families and large groups will be hit hardest.

This means that a family visiting Lyme Park or Dunham Massey with two adults and two children will see an increase from £7 per car to £24, CheshireLive reports.

Julie Anne Workman / Wikimedia

National Trust members still go free, so if that same family were to visit and one person had a membership it would cost £16 – however, under the previous scheme the entire car would be free to park if someone was a member.

While visitors do get the bonus they can enter the house and gardens for free as part of the parking charges – except for those who want to walk their dogs – some people have pointed out that kids would prefer to just play outside in the previously free parks and play areas.

Tripadvisor has seen angry complaints, with Ian C saying after visiting Dunham Massey earlier in the summer: “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 none 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.”

Tony Grist / Wikimedia

AnnLou15 added: “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 2 cars away from the toll booth with no way of turning round! We were the told price for 2 adults and the car ‘£16 please”'(£8 each) – gardens, grounds and house included.

“Only thing is we only wanted to park the car and walk around the grounds, apparently, this wasn’t an option! Too embarrassed….again my fault…I paid the price but it left a sour taste despite the park being beautiful.

“You can ordinarily walk around the grounds for free, the house wasn’t worth a look if I’m honest though the gardens were lovely. Therefore the price tag was not warranted in my opinion!

“I suggest Dunham Massey is more transparent about its prices earlier on in the drive down towards the car park with an option for people to change their minds and turn round if they deem it too expensive.”

Jeff Buck / Geograph

Barbara F, who visited Lyme Park, said: “National Trust seem to have brought new pricing policies at some of their car parks. Both at Lyme park and Dunham Massey the cost to park for non Trust members is £8 per adult and £4per child.

“As N.T. members not a problem unless you have non N.T. passengers, in our case 2 grandchildren. We did not want to visit the house and as the playground is closed, I think the charge is extortionate!

“Lyme Park has public footpaths running through meaning pedestrians and cyclists do not have to pay. It makes sense to leave only the driver in the car, with any non members walking in. Both here and at Dunham the pricing policy isn’t displayed until you are stuck in the traffic jam of a queue.”

Mike Peel / Wikimedia

The National Trust clarified in a statement: “As a charity, admission fees help us fund vital conservation work at our places. These fees go directly to properties, allowing us to care for these special places for many years to come.

“By moving to a per person single admission price at Dunham Massey and Lyme, we have brought these two important places in line with other local attractions.

“We think this pricing model represents good value for money for a full day out, giving visitors an opportunity to explore these vast estates, including historic houses, gardens, and parklands.

“For frequent visitors who enjoy walks in the parkland at these places, an annual membership would be a cost-effective way to enjoy unlimited visits while also supporting our work to care for Dunham Massey and Lyme.”