Having travelled far and wide I have now found a place where it costs more to park a car than it does in Brighton – a National Trust car park.

I have been an NT member for more than 20 years and a regular visitor to Wakehurst, paying an annual membership fee in excess of £60.

I parked in this NT car park at Wakehurst Place, Ardingly recently on a Sunday morning.

I was parked for 95 minutes and had to pay a £5 parking charge.

In the past this NT car park was free of charge so this is a recent innovation.

Usually this car park on a Sunday is full. No wonder it is now less than half full. This parking charge would be in addition to the £10.50 entrance fee for a non-member.

Shame on the National Trust. So, visitors to Wakehurst, beware.

Charles Foster Staplefield Drive Brighton Note: free car parking applies to those who purchase a day ticket to enter Wakehurst, to Wakehurst Season Ticket holders and Friends of Kew. National Trust members retain their free entry to Wakehurst Place but are required to pay for parking.