National trust v English heritage

GrannyKate

We belong to NT for Scotland and have for many years - DH is a Scot - it gives access in England to NT as well. Do not use as much as we could but sort of see it as a donation towards keep up of these lovely places.

Joined EH a couple of years ago - not many local but it has been excellent for grandchildren on holidays and days out - they put on great events which children can join in with.

Frith

There's a NT app you can have on your phone (free) that lists everything in your area, nearest first, plus the events coming up at each property. Useful on the move too as you update to where you are.

We use our NT membership a lot. Have not tried EH.

joedenise

GrannyKate wrote: »

We belong to NT for Scotland and have for many years - DH is a Scot - it gives access in England to NT as well. Do not use as much as we could but sort of see it as a donation towards keep up of these lovely places.

Joined EH a couple of years ago - not many local but it has been excellent for grandchildren on holidays and days out - they put on great events which children can join in with.

I was going to suggest the Scottish NT because it is cheaper but gives access to English NT properties as well.

Denise

Purple_kitten

I've also been looking into this after DH and I have been offered this as a christmas gift.

I can find a list of places to visit however is there a map with links that anyone can link to?

[Deleted User]

I have had both but now stick with EH as its suited better for myself and my DGS I have three of them on my card and my DD get a few admission as my 'care' as I am registered disabled as I have mobility problems.Half term is coming up for us and it means that we shall go at least once to Dover castle plus probably to Eltham Palace (they had a great Halloween thing for the boys last year).The boys have over the years seen most of the attractions listed in a 100 mile radius but enjoy going and having a picnic and a wander around We holiday on the IoW every year so Carisbrooke Castle is always a great day out for us as a family this year there was a fantastic medieval tournament and we had a smashing day.Luckily my four grandsons have inherited my love of history so they enjoy going to castles,museums etc.At £41 per year I recoup the cost by just a couple of days out with the family.NT I used to have and was very good but because of where we live I found most of the stuff was quite a journey to go, and when you have four children plus 2 dogs and my DD we really didn't get full use of it .Plus of course the price started to creep up .So I would say research where abouts you live, and how easy it would be to get to see various things then decide. I will stick with EH as its the best value for me from where I live

Sezzagirl

Just to add that the WI membership is for the whole year and there often won't be any other significant cost that you have to pay. For example I pay my annual membership then 30p for refreshments each month. Any other trips or classes are optional so you can take part in them as your desire and budget allow. £37 for about 12 nights (or afternoons) out works out at good value then!


Knowing how few properties there are in Essex for EH and NT, I think I'd suggest your daughter pays your WI membership instead? ;-)


If, like me, you sometimes find it difficult to get motivated to go out, knowing your WI meeting has already been paid for could be a real incentive!

Blackbeard_of_Perranporth

Neither. Both are a tax on the poor so the rich can still live in their castles.

fiftyeighter_2

Thanks so much to everyone. It's been most informative. Best get into gear and decide which would be best.
Sorry you feel like that Blackbeard of Perranporth. Though I understand what you say. I love history, castles, gardens and love to learn more. I get such a thrill from walking around these places and imagining the footsteps of past generations. So I will probably still decide on one but save for my WI fee as I do need to make efforts to get out and about. I appreciate everyone's help no end.

JustThisOnce

Purple_kitten wrote: »

I've also been looking into this after DH and I have been offered this as a christmas gift.

I can find a list of places to visit however is there a map with links that anyone can link to?

If it's the NT you're looking into, you go to the website and type your postcode into the Find A Place to Visit section to get the list (as you presumably did), but then there's a blue button to click just above the list of places that says 'Switch to map view'. It brings up a map with little yellow 'pins' in it and when you click on one it links through to info about the places. Hope that helps.

sillyvixen

we had a voucher or national trust membership for a wedding pressie - did not cash it in until our summer holiday. We almost covered the cost of the gift in a week in Cornwall and are trying to get the best value for the days off we get together. we will also take our holiday next year a bit earlier so we can get another week of free adventures before it runs out.

We are having fun exploring attractions we would not normally visit due to cost. Generally our holidays are searching out free museums and natural wonders so to visit (usually doing one paid attraction yearly) big houses, gardens and mines have been a real treat for us. as it was a gift we are doing our best to get someone elses money's worth.

very money saving.