Thread: Looks Like The National Trust Are Now Allowing Indoor Photography

Originally Posted by Cellarman

The National Trust is a strange organisation. I used to work for them in the 1980s when they were changing from being a benevolent society for down-on-their-luck titled families with houses they could no longer afford to a less narrow-minded organisation with more concern for the open spaces that they owned. We who worked "on the land" were thought of as vassals who should touch our forelocks when those in power came to visit.

When I was a member I always got the impression that they were quite a snooty organisation which I think is a real shame.

I have always thought of the National Trust as 'Upper Class' and English Heritage as 'working class' if you know what I mean. I have always found the staff very friendly and helpful at both organisations it's just that the prices for the National Trust properties are much, much more expensive than that of the equivalent places that English Heritage manage.

Not only is the English Heritage Membership cheaper than the NT but I can take up to 6 children that are members of my family (I have no children so take my nieces and nephew with me to lots of places) with me on my visits and they get in Free as part of my membership.

I've never fully understood why indoor photography was banned at all properties, it just doesn't make any sense and just adds to their reputation as being snobbish. I can understand why flash photography would be banned as it can help protect paintings and the like.

Out of all the EH places I have visited (from Charles Darwins 'Down House' to Boscobel House & The Royal Oak) I have been able to take photos in all of them (there was one place I couldnt take indoor photos but I cant remember where that was).

I'm a little surprised EH let the NT ban indoor photography in some of their properties as EH give the NT quite a substantial amount of money in the form of grants etc.

Still no reply from the email I sent the NT, I guess they are being careful with their reply!

How much is EH membership? I think I pay about 44 quid for NT..

Originally Posted by yamahapaul

How much is EH membership? I think I pay about 44 quid for NT..

I pay just under £40 and it seems that the NT have lowered their costs as in 2009 you wouldn't get much change from £50 and I've just had a quick look on their website and for a Direct Debit it costs just £36 a year!



So I stand corrected about it being more expensive than EH!

If I was to take my nieces and nephews though the cost would soon mount up and they come with me quite a lot as they enjoy coming exploring with me.

I'm becoming more tempted in re-joining the NT but only if the majority of places will let me take indoor photos of their fantastic properties else I'll stick with the 400+ places English Heritage has.

I was just curious. To be honest I haven't been to a NT property since I've been a member, well, once I think, but its nice to know its there and I do like the thought of supporting them for less than a pound a week

Of course it should be noted that the NT has provisions for private groups....

National Trust | Local to you | West Midlands

for example-

National Trust | Birmingham Back to Backs

National Trust | Lindisfarne Castle | Group visits

personally tho, I want to go here-

National Trust | Kinver Edge and the Rock Houses

additional charges apply, but it would be worth it I reckon..

Originally Posted by yamahapaul

Of course it should be noted that the NT has provisions for private groups....


personally tho, I want to go here-

National Trust | Kinver Edge and the Rock Houses

additional charges apply, but it would be worth it I reckon..

I'd be up for it - especially on a Monday or Tuesday!!!

Originally Posted by BereniceUK

Not NT or EH but I went in Eyam church yesterday - the first thing you see as you go through the door is a large sign reading "NO PHOTOGRAPHY". Most unfriendly. Needless to say, I ignored the instruction. I've no problem with requests not to use flash but a blanket ban is going too far imo

I agree 100%.

Taking photographs actually works in their favour as in my experience when I show my friends the photos of the places I have visited it inspires them to visit the place themselves!

Kinver Edge looks amazing so I'm just going to see how far away it is and it definitely looks worthy of a visit!

Originally Posted by yamahapaul

personally tho, I want to go here-

National Trust | Kinver Edge and the Rock Houses

additional charges apply, but it would be worth it I reckon..

I'm up for that too.