One’s sympathy must lie with those visitors to Mottisfont who were forced either to queue or who gave up in frustration whilst trying to access the house and the Christmas displays (Advertiser, December 15).

However, to claim that pre-booking ‘is seen as an additional barrier’ is absolute rubbish.

As a volunteer for 15 years at Attingham Park, the National Trust property in Shropshire, my experience is totally at odds with Mottisfont’s.

READ MORE HERE: Long queues for visitors at Mottisfont Abbey

We opted for pre-booking for two reasons. Firstly it reduced the times individuals had to stand around queuing before entering the property, But, secondly, and most importantly, timed entry allowed visitors the opportunity enjoy the displays at leisure and move around the rooms without having to fight to get round. It is much nicer to be able to experience the displays without crowds of people.

Overcrowding destroys the ambience that one has come to enjoy. Pre-booking may reduce the number of visitors overall but it enhances the overall enjoyment. We never came across any dissatisfaction with the idea of pre-booking.

Let’s hope that Mottisfont can learn from this year’s debacle and learn from other National Trust’s properties on how to manage their Christmas offering.

Claude R Hart,
Westbroke Gardens,
Romsey

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