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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

to use a public footpath to access a pricey tourist attraction?

140 replies

PennyHasNoSurname · 26/03/2016 16:09

Entry is only with an Annual Pass - they dont do single day access. There is a public footpath that leads into the attraction, not gated, however it isnt a short walk. Nice enough and our kids are happy to walk.

It is wrong? It feels wrong. Even though its technically allowed.

OP posts:

StitchesInTime · 26/03/2016 18:09

The upkeep and running costs for Beamish must be huge. Exhibits, staff costs, caring for animals etc.... I doubt they're running much of a profit (if any).

The cost of tickets might seem a bit on the pricy side if you're only going to be going once in a year - although there's enough there to occupy you for a full day - but it's excellent value if you live near enough to go several times a year. And you can take a picnic if you don't want to pay for food inside Beamish.

They also have had a member of staff lurking near the public road most times we've been. I've never seen anyone challenged, but then all the members of the public I've seen on the road have looked like they're going directly from the bit of Beamish across the road to the main bit and vice versa.

Hulababy · 26/03/2016 18:09

If you look on the Beamish website it tells you what the plans are for continuing the site and what is still to come, etc.

It's a lot more than just a living museum.

It was privately owned I believe. Not sure now

ADishBestEatenCold · 26/03/2016 18:27

I've never been, but looking at the website I can't help but think that you wouldn't really see much from the footpath, PennyHasNoSurname? It looks as if most of the pleasure and interest would come from looking in building, old shops, taking a steamtrain ride, etc. All things you wouldn't be able to do without tickets. Would your DCs be okay with that?

StitchesInTime · 26/03/2016 18:39

I had the impression that the OP was considering sneaking into the attraction from the footpath, not just peering over the wall.

And if it is Beamish, IME, tickets are only checked on the way in. Once you're in, all the staff assume you've got a ticket so don't ask to see them.

caroldecker · 26/03/2016 18:50

Beamish was owned by the council and has been run by a charity since 2008. last year the council gave the site and buildings to the charity and they own and run the whole thing now. The annual operating costs are about £9m a year, and they make a surplus of about £0.5m a year (from 600,000 visitors last year)

twirlypoo · 26/03/2016 18:53

Ahh not beamish! I love beamish and think it's an absolute bargain - we are going Monday for the Easter stuff (will be eyeing everyone with suspicion now!)

PotteringAlong · 26/03/2016 18:56

adish you're completely right. But the op wants to leave the footpath and sneak in to avoid paying.

Tbf the op hasn't said it's beamish. I just took a guess and she hasn't corrected me. It might not be.

ADishBestEatenCold · 26/03/2016 19:03

"I had the impression that the OP was considering sneaking into the attraction from the footpath"

ah! I see. Maybe we should all do that, do you think, OP? Then the place would no longer be sustainable and would close in a year or two.

Now I see why you said this ... "It is wrong? It feels wrong. Even though its technically allowed."

Of course it isn't allowed. Yes, it's allowed to walk the public footpath and view the attraction from a distance (which is what I first thought you meant ), but to use the public footpath to gain full access to the facilities, thereby defrauding them of the entrance fee, is clearly not allowed (technically or otherwise).

Of course it's wrong. Did you really not know that?

JessieMcJessie · 26/03/2016 19:09

Why do you think that you are entitled to enjoy the benefit of all the staff and founders' had work for free? Natural wonders apart, stuff in life costs money, accept it.

ShatnersBassoon · 26/03/2016 19:10

It's dishonest. You want to get something for nothing by breaking the rules ie leaving the public footpath to enjoy the attractions.

It's theft, and you'd feel like a complete dick if you were caught. Is it worth it, to see something you don't think is worth paying for?

jollygoose · 26/03/2016 19:39

We used to get into Alton towers via a footpath from the village, the footpath came into a sort of garden which was below the attractions, you had to wind your way upwards and came out in th thick of things. We discovered this many years ago hen in those days you could take your dog with you! Taking the dog for a walk whilst our dc enjoyed the park we realised we could walk right out and come up beside the pub we were staying in.
I believe that the management gave free tickets to the villagers to make up for the inconvenience of the constant traffic.

jollygoose · 26/03/2016 19:41

Should mention why is it theft and who is going to catch you when you have legitimately used a footpath open to the public.

KimmySchmitty · 26/03/2016 19:43

Leeds Castle is the same, public footpath through it!

Sootica · 26/03/2016 19:46

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Sootica · 26/03/2016 19:47

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

thatwouldbeanecumenicalmatter · 26/03/2016 19:49

I bloody love Beamish. Please don't rip them off, iirc it's a not for profit business and has lots of staff who volunteer to help preserve local history for future generations.

gallicgirl · 26/03/2016 20:05

Alton Towers do give locals tickets. Some kids at college used to sell them on.
If you go into AT via the public footpath, they'll pick you up on the security cameras and ask you to pay.

icebearforpresident · 26/03/2016 20:23

Not strictly true about Culzean castle pp (sorry forgot your name!) If you enter via the beach you get a wristband or badge meaning you cant get entry to the new kids play area. The gate to the playground is being monitored by rangers and only those who have paid at the gate,and have the right wristband or an NTS membership card get in. Would be chaos otherwise.

That said,when they started doing that my mum bought us a family membership so we could take the kids. I've only been asked to show my membership card once. I'm guessing once the playground has been open longer and the novelty worn off they'll stop checking tickets to get in.

Treeroot · 26/03/2016 20:34

It feels wrong because it is wrong. If everyone thought they'd sneak in via the footpath, there wouldn't be an attraction to go and see.

poisonedbypen · 26/03/2016 20:35

You used to be able to walk into Thorpe Park if you knew how. We may have done it a couple of times when we were young & poor. I imagine they've plugged that loophole now.

MumOnTheRunCatchingUp · 26/03/2016 20:41

Beamish is looking a bit shabby these days. It's getting left behind as far as 'attractions' go

FelixFelix · 26/03/2016 20:55

Beamish is ace and I'd pay a lot more than 18 quid for a full years access to it. We are going tomorrow actually!

lulucappuccino · 26/03/2016 21:01

Entrance fees for Beamish are low. £50 for a day out somewhere like that is excellent value.

Don't be a minging thief, op!

ineedamoreadultieradult · 26/03/2016 21:11

Nothing to do with the footpath question but I think I must be the only person in the world who thinks Beamish is really boring.

jeremyisahunt · 26/03/2016 21:13

I thought museums in the UK were free thses days?

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