News

Statement on the cost of living

Published:: 06 October 2022
Last updated:: 18 November 2022

A woman and three children looking at pumpkins inside a greenhouse at Rowallane, County Down. — A family in the greenhouse at Rowallane Garden, County Down | © National Trust Images / John Millar

In recent months, many of us have been affected by significant cost of living increases. We’re acutely aware of the pressure on people’s finances at this time, and it makes us all the more grateful for your continuing support. Thanks to you we’re able to continue looking after places, landscapes and collections for the benefit of the nation.

Impacts of the cost of living

As with everyone we’re affected by the recent price increases, and the challenging economic environment will certainly have an impact on our ongoing running costs and vital conservation work.

However, our core purpose remains the same: to look after nature, beauty and history for everyone, for ever. In the words of our co-founder, Octavia Hill: 'We all want quiet. We all want beauty … we all need space.' The challenging last few years have brought that home, and it’s clear that our mission to make places accessible for everyone is as relevant now as it ever was.

Two visitors in warm coats walk along a lakeshore path by Derwent Water, with autumnal leaves turning on the trees — Walking by the lakeshore at Derwent Water, in the Lake District | © National Trust Images/Arnhel de Serra

Providing value for money

We’re also conscious we need to do everything possible to provide value for money and to support people to enjoy the places in our care.

From green spaces in our biggest cities to hundreds of miles of coastline, you can enjoy many of the places we look after for free. We also have lots of freely available activities and information on our website and social media, from articles by expert historians to family-friendly craft activities and fascinating behind-the-scenes videos and podcasts.

Thank you for your support

If you're able to continue to support us as members, visitors or donors, then you can be sure that every penny you spend with us – whether in our cafés, shops, car parks, holiday cottages or campsites – will help our work to look after places and collections for the future.

‘We’re very grateful to those who can continue to support us, particularly our members, who are at the heart of the National Trust,’ says Hilary McGrady, Director-General. ‘We will be here for people through the difficult economic times ahead; through the fresh air, open spaces, beautiful places, and the chance to be with others that proved to be so essential during the pandemic.’

Recording the National Trust Podcast at Divis & The Black Mountain, Northern Ireland — Get back to nature, beauty and history with one of our podcasts | © National Trust Images/Steven Hanna

Low-cost days out and virtual visits

Explore the great outdoors: Get closer to nature with hundreds of free-to-explore outdoor places. You’ll find miles of coastline, hillsides and woodland just waiting to be discovered. Please note that a small charge may apply for some National Trust car parks.Countryside and woodland days out
Listen to our podcasts: Venture deep into outer space while you're washing the dishes, or uncover Victorian history among the supermarket aisles. Wherever you find yourself listening, our podcasts will bring you back to nature, beauty and history.National Trust podcasts