National Trust UK

I’ve been visiting a few National Trust in the North West of England, which is basically sites around the area of Greater Manchester/Cheshire/Lancashire. I went to Lyme, Quarry Bank and recently Dunham Massey.

Quarry Bank

The place was, and is, a cotton mill. It still works and produces mill, although I assume it is not economical for them to produce the cloth, and it is more to preserve the operation. Quite amazing actually to see how it is powered using the water mill. The area also shows a very beautiful garden, made by the previous owner. What I also find surprising is the exhibits showed how this same owner oppressed the workers and paid miniscule pay, while at the same time they themselves led a lavish life. Simply Dickens in display.

Lyme Park

This place is huge. It took around 10 minutes drive from the main gate to arrive to the castle/house. It is like a country of its own. And when you visit the house, it has exhibits of furniture that are 100 of years old. There are chairs of velvet that has long since lost its fluff and its now threadbare. Not surprising since they are way older than me.
There’s also a greenhouse that have pineapple and banana trees. I assume this were not there in the old days, but maybe it was used to grow citrus, as I read somewhere one of the reasons glass was mass produced and greenhouse was made, was for the rich to plant tropical plants.

Dunham Massey

Compared to the previous two, this attraction seems a bit ‘small’. It still is big enough though to have reserved areas for deers, and in the house court and park, there are deers roaming freely. I was quite surprised to see these animals roaming around, unafraid of all the visitors. It was also interesting to see inside the house, how people used to do their chores and complete things without the modern amenities. The inside of the house is relatively new though, so there are quite a lot of things that is recognisable, like an Aga stove in the kitchen.

All these places and their buildings were donated to the National Trust, a body that manages heritage places and opens them to public. Not sure whether they are non-profit or not, but the fee is quite reasonable if members pay the yearly subscription, as it allows access to a lot of places and way cheaper than buying individual access. The visit to Lyme Park and Quarry Bank alone cost the same as the yearly membership. What I also like is the attractions are manned by volunteers (some of them, I think) and they are oh-so-friendly to the visitors. Most of them are mild mannered, speak clearly and very knowledgable. It makes the atmosphere calm and relaxing.

I think it is a good thing to maintain this kind of arrangement. Wonder if something like this is possible in Malaysia, where the opportunates are willing to donate and open their dwellings to the masses.

Thank you for reading.