Fenton House

Pandemic effects

In 2022, Fenton House adjusted its opening days to only Fridays, Sundays, and Bank Holiday Mondays. Visitors are required to book tickets in advance, although a limited number of garden tickets can be purchased at the gate. This scheduling, combined with 2 Willow Road’s opening on Thursdays and Saturdays, may make it challenging for visitors planning a day trip to both National Trust properties in Hampstead. The limited opening hours could be indicative of a shortage of volunteers within the National Trust organization, as confirmed by a volunteer at Burgh House.

We encountered an elderly lady who had volunteered at Fenton House for over 20 years. However, since 2021, she lost her volunteer position there. Instead, she now dedicates one day a week to volunteering at Burgh House and two days at a local church.

The significantly restricted opening hours at Fenton House can be seen as a consequence of the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on its operations. It is reasonable to assume that other National Trust sites have also been affected, as many of them remain temporarily closed even to this day. These imbalances raise important questions regarding the sustainability of our heritage and how long these sites can survive. Who will benefit from the current opening time strategy of Fenton House, and when can these restrictions be lifted to allow broader access and enjoyment?