Wrest Park — Attraction in Great Britain

I am writing to lodge a formal complaint regarding a distressing incident that occurred during your screening of The Goonies at Wrest Park on the evening of 14th June 2025 hosted by Adventure Cinema

My partner and I were seated just behind the VIP section, using camping chairs. Approximately 20 minutes before the movie began, a woman placed a blanket beside us and then left. She returned around 10 minutes after the film had started and spent the entire movie using her mobile phone – taking calls, listening to voice notes, scrolling through social media – with her screen on and, at times, visibly bright.

I politely tapped her on the shoulder and asked if she could take her calls elsewhere, as she was disturbing others. She ignored my request, increased the brightness of her phone, and continued with her disruptive behaviour.

It is important to note that your own event disclaimer asks attendees to keep phones on silent and to be respectful of others during the screening. This individual’s behaviour was not only a blatant disregard of these rules, but also deeply disrespectful and disruptive to the rest of the audience.

After the film ended, as we were packing our belongings, she threw her used serviettes at me. When I told her they were not mine, she responded by aggressively pushing me, causing pain to my shoulder. I have a disability – hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) – which causes joint instability, and this physical contact caused significant discomfort. When I told her not to touch me, she falsely claimed I had touched her and proceeded to push me again. She continued harassing me verbally, including calling me "obese," and refused to walk away despite me clearly and repeatedly asking her to do so.

I was eventually forced to raise my voice in distress, yelling at her to leave me alone. It was only at this point – not earlier when the situation was escalating – that a security guard approached, after she declared she was Turkish. The guard, a man with a ponytail, took her statement and treated her sympathetically. However, when he spoke to me, he was dismissive, treated me as if I were irrational, and even criticised me for not reporting her phone use earlier – which, in my view, should be the responsibility of the security team to monitor proactively.

To add further concern, my partner is partially sighted and uses a cane, and no assistance was offered to him either during or after the incident.

To summarise:

I was verbally and physically assaulted by another attendee which has cause physical pain on my shoulders.

The security response was delayed, passive, and biased.

No support was offered to me or my partner.

I was treated as if I were the aggressor, despite being the victim.

The disruptive behaviour violated the event’s own code of conduct as outlined in your disclaimer.

This experience was both distressing and unacceptable. I am requesting the following:

A formal investigation into the incident.

The full name and employment details of the security guard who spoke to me.

A review of your on-site safety procedures and staff training.

A formal apology for the way I was treated and the harm caused.

I look forward to your timely response and a clear outline of how you intend to address this matter. Please confirm receipt of...

Finding the 'place' was easy enough, but, finding the entrance itself was a little bit more of a challenge . You approach along a long road, looking on first impression, that you are entering a bit of a office/research block, but if you look closely, the signs point you towards a small arch to your right , signed merely CARPARK, a bit hard to comprehend as most of our destination remained hidden from view, staff in the Heritage shop are knowledgeable, friendly and very helpful , and the shop itself, immaculate and brimming with goodies. So, armed with our audio guided tour our adventure began. An oops to start with, of our 3 audio units, ones battery ran out, one froze, and so we were left huddled round the one remaining unit like Scrooge, Cratchit and Tiny Tim round the last remaining candle, but to be honest it didn't distract us much. So, into the house itself. If, like us, you presumed that the house was the main feature you would be wrong. The garden is the focal point, I guess 'park' in the title was a bit of a giveaway, but the house is still a place of beauty, lots to see and learn, even if you are mainly restricted to the ground floor. What's its History? We hear you bellow, well, bear with and we will tell you. Located in Silsoe, Bedfordshire, Wrest Park is a grade 1 listed country house and the gardens are grade 1 listed too. Two houses have stood on this site, the original 14th century house was of medieval style with halls, screened passages and chambers, added to over the years. The current house has been designed in the French chateau style and dates back to the 1830's. The house itself is mostly unfurnished, but still holds an opulent air. Large airy rooms give it an almost open plan feel. One feature that fascinated us was in one room there are cherubs mounted in their own alcoves in the actual ceiling itself ! Gilt , books , and mirrors abound , and with the gorgeous greens seen from every window it's got a lovely 'feel' to it. You can scale the broad staircase to the 1st floor but that's as far as you are allowed to go. So , onto the gardens we go, and they are huge ! The HT site claims it's a 3 hour place but we beg to differ, we were there at least 5 and only covered half of what the grounds had to offer, a great place to chill out for the day and have a picnic in our view . Leading from the large , impressive terrace , following the audio guide, you are taken between large ornate beds of plants, an avenue lined with regularly spaced trees to the first main feature, the ornate marble fountain, although not central of the grounds does give the feel of a focal point. The audio guide tells you all you need to know so we won't spoil it too much. There is a nice cafe in the walled garden with toilet and changing room facilities, in the grounds dogs are welcome but must be kept on a lead and the house and gardens are wheelchair accessible, with disabled bays in the free carpark .

So, to summarise:-

Accessibility 10/10 Family Friendly 9/10 Educational 7/10 Food/drink. 7/10 Shop 9/10

Overall score. 8/10 ( more if...

National Trust's Wrest Park and Gardens is an absolute gem for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. This picturesque estate, nestled in the heart of Bedfordshire, is a delightful combination of stunning gardens, majestic architecture, and a rich historical tapestry.

As you step foot into Wrest Park, you'll find yourself transported to a bygone era. The meticulously maintained gardens are a true horticultural masterpiece, with a diverse array of flowers, manicured lawns, and serene lakes. Strolling through the gardens feels like entering a fairytale, with every turn revealing a new enchanting vista.

The grandeur doesn't end with the gardens; the architectural wonders of Wrest Park will leave you in awe. The mansion itself is a sight to behold, boasting a captivating blend of architectural styles spanning centuries. From the opulent interiors adorned with intricate details to the grand façade that exudes regality, the mansion stands as a testament to the craftsmanship of yesteryears.

But Wrest Park isn't just about beauty; it's also a place steeped in history. The estate's rich past comes alive as you explore the various historical landmarks and monuments scattered throughout the grounds. From the ornate pavilions to the charming statues, each tells a story and adds another layer of fascination to your visit.

Whether you're a history buff, a nature enthusiast, or simply seeking a peaceful escape, Wrest Park and Gardens will not disappoint. It's a place where the past and present converge, leaving visitors with a sense of wonder and an appreciation for the beauty that has endured through the...