One of the pleasures of visiting (or living in) England is the wealth of historic sites, spanning the ages from prehistory to the 20th century. Many of these properties are maintained by English Heritage, and you can save a lot of money by taking out an English Heritage membership. (Don’t look away if you don’t live in England – read on for information about reciprocal arrangements and overseas membership.)
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What Is English Heritage?
English Heritage looks after hundreds of sites across the country. These include grand medieval castles and abbeys, historic houses and ancient monuments. Possibly its most famous property is the prehistoric site of Stonehenge, but the collection also includes well known places like Tintagel Castle in Cornwall and Dover Castle in Kent.
English Heritage also has a varied programme of special events at many of its properties. These might include outdoor theatre, clay modelling or even yoga. And there are also holiday homes: imagine staying in an old cottage in the grounds of a historic house or castle…
Special offer: 15% off new English Heritage Annual Memberships with Direct Debit payment. Use discount code AFFEH1526
What Are The Benefits Of English Heritage Membership?
Some of English Heritage’s properties are free to visit, while others have an entry charge. For instance, access to Hadrian’s Wall is unrestricted, but you will pay to visit most of the Roman forts along the Wall. Membership gives you, and up to six children under the age of 18 (from your own family group), unlimited free entry to more than 400 historic places. And you get free parking in car parks maintained by English Heritage.
English Heritage members also receive a quarterly magazine and access to members-only events. Have a look at the website for details of the different types of membership available. Note that, if you take out a new annual membership with direct debit you can obtain a 15% discount – just use discount code EHAFF2025.
Reciprocal Arrangements
There are several reciprocal arrangements, both for English Heritage members and for members of equivalent organisations in other countries.
Special Arrangements For English Heritage Members
English Heritage members can benefit from reduced-price entry to lots of other properties around the country. These include stately homes like Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire (the birthplace of Winston Churchill), and the British Motor Museum in Warwickshire.
In addition, they can get free, or half-price, entry to many historic sites in Scotland, Wales, Ireland, the Isle of Man and New Zealand. A list of all the associated places that offer free or discounted entrance can be found here.
Reciprocal Arrangements For Members Of Overseas Organisations
Reciprocal arrangements apply to members of several equivalent heritage organisations in other countries, such as Historic Scotland. If you belong to a qualifying organisation in Scotland, Wales, Ireland, the Isle of Man or New Zealand, you will be entitled to free or half-price admission to English Heritage properties. If you do not belong to one of these organisations, you may find it worthwhile to purchase an Overseas Visitors Pass (see below).
Overseas Visitors Pass
English Heritage membership is not limited to those living in England. However, unless you are here for an extended period, you might find that an Overseas Visitors Pass, giving access to over 100 sites, is better value. It covers all of the major properties including Stonehenge, Dover Castle and many Roman sites. Generally speaking, you are likely to save money if you are planning to visit more than two or three of the places included in the Pass.
For myself, I took out life membership of English Heritage many years ago. It seemed expensive at the time, but I have used it hundreds of times since, both in England and elsewhere. It must be the best investment I have ever made!
2 thoughts on “English Heritage Members Save Money At Historic Sites”
I have visited English Heritage sites, but did not know about the overseas visitors pass. I will have to look into that for my next visit to the UK.
What a great budget-saving tip for people planning to spend some time living in or touring England!