Staying safe at National Trust places

An aerial view of an adult and baby walking a dog along a path at Baggy Point, Devon — The path at Baggy Point, Devon | © National Trust Images / John Millar

We want nothing more than for you to enjoy your time at the special places in our care. But please be alert and follow these guidelines to keep you and your family as safe as possible.

Safety first

While we are dedicated to looking after landscapes for the enjoyment of everyone for ever, it’s also very important that people remain safe throughout their visits, both indoors and outdoors.

Where we can we put up safety signs, but as we look after hundreds of thousands of acres of land and 775 miles of coast in the UK, we can’t put up signs everywhere. We want to ensure as much as possible that visitors can enjoy natural sights without undue intervention or intrusion.

So…

Be alert

This is why we feel that asking visitors to always be aware and vigilant of potential risks at the coast and countryside is one of the best ways to help them look after their personal safety.

We encourage everyone to make sure that they are aware of any hidden dangers, high and low tide times, and local weather forecasts.

Family playing in the waves on the beach at Birling Gap, part of the Seven Sisters chalk cliffs range, East Sussex — Family playing on the beach at Birling Gap, East Sussex | © National Trust Images/Megan Taylor

Check local conditions

When visiting coastal locations, for example, sea conditions can change rapidly. There can be rip currents even on the calmest days, particularly where there is a river nearby.

Some beaches are not safe to bathe at. You should always follow the advice provided at beaches and coastal areas.

We would also reinforce the message put out by safety organisations, such as the RNLI, that it is always better to bathe at lifeguarded beaches.

Use common sense

There are many other ways to help keep safe:

Always keep an eye on children and pets.
Follow proper pathways and routes. Avoid cliff edges or walking on terrain you are unsure of.
Make sure you’re aware of local conditions before planning any trips outdoors – particularly if you don’t know the area very well.
We strongly advise that you ascertain and take heed of any safety guidance that other organisations provide, such as Mountain Rescue, as well as our own.
If you’re using one of our multi-use trails, please cycle responsibly and be mindful of other users.

Thank you

Ultimately, we want everyone to fully enjoy the diversity of the nation’s coastline and countryside in our care, but also want to keep you as safe as possible to enhance that enjoyment.

Thank you for your support and for helping us to help you.