Cheapest Way to Join National Trust

If you’re looking to explore the many beautiful and historic properties managed by the National Trust, joining as a member can be convenient and cost-effective. With numerous membership options, finding the cheapest way to join can be daunting. Let’s dive into some tips for finding the most affordable way to enjoy National Trust membership, so you can create lasting memories without breaking the bank.

We’ve had a family membership for about three years now. As a family of five, we worked out that we get our money’s worth after just two visits if we go into the house and gardens of any National Trust property. Now we have our Cavapoo, Lola, and we tend to go into the gardens as pets aren’t allowed inside the properties. But we go multiple times a year, so the family membership is still worth it. When we’re stuck for somewhere to go, we can choose one of the National Trust places near us and head straight there. The membership also works well when we go on UK holidays too, as it covers us for any National Trust property across the country.

It’s essential to consider the membership options available to you. Individual, joint, family, and lifetime memberships have their perks and prices, so determining which one best suits your needs is vital to making the most of your investment. In this article, we’ll guide you through selecting and securing the best possible deal.

From taking advantage of special offers and promotions to exploring partner organisations, you can get the cheapest National Trust membership in various ways. You’ll soon discover Britain’s hidden gems, relish in picturesque gardens, and explore remarkable historical landmarks, all while knowing you’ve made a savvy decision to secure an affordable membership.

Cashback Offers

Before deciding which membership option is right for you, a cashback offer is the best way to join the National Trust. You can currently get cashback for all the different membership levels.

At the time of writing, TopCashBack are offering the cheapest way to join National Trust with their 5% cashback deal on memberships.

 

At the time of writing, Quido are offering 3% cashback on membership.

 

Can you get a National Trust Discount code?

Unfortunately, the National Trust don’t offer a discount code, but when you see the work they do it’s easy to see why. In our opinion as a family, the memberships work out at great value even without a voucher code, but make sure you choose the right membership option so that you get the most value for your money.

Joint and Family Memberships

One of the most cost-effective ways to join the National Trust is by considering Joint and Family Memberships. These options can help you save money while enjoying the benefits of National Trust together with your partner or family. If you and your partner love exploring historical sites and natural landscapes, a Joint Membership might be the perfect choice for you. The Joint membership allows two adults living at the same address to access National Trust properties, at a significantly reduced rate compared to two individual memberships. You’ll both receive the following benefits:

• Free entry to over 500 National Trust properties
• Parking at most National Trust car parks (always check this as one of our local sites doesn’t include parking – we have to pay extra even though we are members)
• Regular emails with updates on events and openings
• A National Trust Handbook and three issues of the National Trust Magazine per year

Be sure to check the National Trust website for the latest pricing for Joint Memberships, as well as any special offers that may be available.

Families

For families with children, a Family Membership can be the ideal choice to make the most of days out with the National Trust. There are various Family Membership options available, catering to families of different sizes and age groups. The main benefits of this membership include:

• Free entry for up to two adults and up to ten children or grandchildren (under 17)
• Free parking at most National Trust car parks (always check this as one of our local sites doesn’t include parking – we have to pay extra even though we are members)
• Regular emails with family-friendly events and activities
• A National Trust Handbook and three issues of the National Trust Magazine per year

Family Memberships can offer significant savings when multiple visits are planned. Be sure to explore the different Family Membership options and the latest rates on the National Trust website.Keep in mind that these memberships are not only an investment in your leisure time but also help support the National Trust in preserving and maintaining special places and spaces for generations to come.

Senior Memberships

If you’re aged 60 or over and you’ve been a National Trust member for at least the last three years, you can get 25% off your annual membership.

Your Membership Card

When you become a member of the National Trust, you’ll be sent a membership card and a car sticker. When you arrive at a National Trust site, your cards will be scanned. If you’ve got a family membership, then both adults will need to have their own cards in order to be able to get in without paying.

Alternative Organisations

If you’re looking for a more affordable way to visit sites similar to the National Trust, consider exploring alternative organisations. Two popular options are English Heritage and the Historic Houses Association. Each offers unique benefits that cater to specific interests and budgets.

English Heritage

English Heritage is a wonderful alternative, with over 400 historic sites across England. Becoming a member provides free entry and parking, as well as a variety of other perks. Here’s an overview of the membership fees:

 Type of Membership Annual Fee:

•  Adult (18-64 years) £64 
• Senior (65+ years) £54
• Student (18+ years) £46
• Family (2 adults and up to 12 children) £114

As a member, you’ll receive a members’ magazine, an annual handbook, and exclusive access to events and experiences.

Historic Houses Association

Another worthwhile alternative is the Historic Houses Association (HHA). They represent over 1,500 privately-owned historic houses, castles and gardens throughout the UK. Membership provides free access to a majority of these locations. Here’s a breakdown of their membership fees:

• Individual: £52 per year
• Joint: £78 per year
• Under 30: £34 per year
• Family: £90 per year (covers up to two adults and up to four children)

With an HHA membership, you’ll also receive special discounts on events, their quarterly magazine and the annual handbook. Keep these alternatives in mind when seeking cost-effective ways to explore the rich history of the UK’s beautiful properties and landmarks.

Additional Benefits and Discounts

As a National Trust member, you’ll not only gain access to hundreds of unforgettable places, but you’ll also receive a range of additional benefits and discounts to make your experience even more enjoyable. As a member, you will receive a fortnightly email which will share various promotional offers and discounts exclusively available for members.

Is membership worth it?

This is a question that only you can decide the answer to. If you want unlimited entry to hundreds of stunning locations where you can take walks through beautiful gardens and visit historical homes, then it’s definitely worth it. But spend some time weighing up the costs of membership against how many times you think you’ll visit over the year and then decide whether it works out cheaper for you to pay per visit or to get yourself an annual membership.