It is the most common question in UK family travel forums. National Trust and English Heritage both sell annual memberships. Both promise hundreds of properties. Both cost roughly £130 to £160 for a family. But they are not the same product. One focuses on country houses and gardens. The other owns castles, forts, and prehistoric stones. This guide compares them head to head on price, property type, family value, and geography.
Price Comparison
| Membership | Family Cost (2A+2C) | Solo Adult | Kids Free? |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Trust | £159 | £91.20 | Yes, under 5 |
| English Heritage | £132 | £72 | Yes, up to 6 per adult |
English Heritage is cheaper for families. National Trust is slightly more expensive but covers more total properties.
Property Type
National Trust
- Country houses and historic estates
- Coastal paths and countryside access
- Formal and landscape gardens
- Working farms and industrial heritage sites
English Heritage
- Castles and fortified sites
- Prehistoric monuments and stone circles
- Roman forts and walls
- Abbeys, priories, and battlefield sites
Geography Factor
National Trust properties are dense across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, with reciprocal free entry in Scotland. English Heritage sites are concentrated in England. If you live in Wales or Scotland and mostly stay local, National Trust (or CADW in Wales) usually covers more of your weekend radius. If you live in Kent, Yorkshire, or the North East and prefer castles, English Heritage is often the better geographic fit.
Family Value
English Heritage is stronger on child allowances. Each adult member can bring up to six children under 18 for free. National Trust family membership covers up to ten children, but under-fives are the clearest free-entry win on day tickets, and the family pass still costs more than English Heritage for two adults. Large households usually favour English Heritage on pure pounds-per-child maths.
Reciprocal Access
There is no reciprocal agreement between the two. You cannot use a National Trust card at English Heritage sites, or vice versa.
When to Choose National Trust
- You prefer country houses, gardens, coastline, and countryside walks over ruins and forts.
- You regularly use National Trust car parks for walks even when you are not touring a house.
- You live near a dense cluster of National Trust properties in the South West, Lake District, or Home Counties.
- You want reciprocal free entry at National Trust for Scotland sites.
When to Choose English Heritage
- Castles, Roman forts, abbeys, and prehistoric sites are what your family actually wants to see.
- You have a large household. Up to six children under 18 enter free per adult member.
- English Heritage family membership is cheaper than National Trust for two adults with children.
- Stonehenge is on your annual itinerary more than once.
The Honest Truth
Many families hold both. If you visit heritage sites more than six times per year, the combined cost of both memberships (£291) is still cheaper than six family day tickets at average gate prices.