National trust v English heritage

Newly_retired

I belong to both. I would say we use NT more, especially on holiday, certainly enough to justify the annual cost. I don't think we actually recoup the cost of EH, though as you can take up to six children on your card, I have used it to take the grandchildren out in the school holidays.
I can also get reduced entry to a number of other stately homes through my membership and am considering joining HHA at a reduced rate too.
To be honest I regard my membership costs as contributing to the cultural heritage of the country, and a charitable donation. What I get out of it is a bonus.

EstherH

We have had NT for a number of years now. But we have a car and a number of properties within a forty five minute drive. We have used it quite a bit on holiday too. It never occurred to me that it was donating to charity until I did a survey on giving to charities and NT came up in that. I do like that idea although we did join for the benefit to us of being able to visit different places and especially the gardens which we wouldn't normally pay to go in. Because it's budgeted up front it means we can pop into a park when we are over in that direction and have a couple of hours there which we certainly wouldn't do if we had to pay for it. And then there are days out when we have more time.

We had English Heritage years ago as we joined on holiday when the kids were young and we were at a property. We calculated that there were a few things we wanted to do on that holiday and that it would be worth it so joined there and then and got the admission that day back too. We went to a few re-enactments which were great for the kids. However, there aren't any EH properties near us and the second year I don't think we used it at all so cancelled after that.

So it all depends on what you have access to. If you have a car and don't mind traveling for a day out then maybe even if nothing is on the doorstep one of them would be good for you. As someone said, EH is more ruined castles and NT stately homes and gardens.

Sorry for the long post but hope it helps.

Esther xx

[Deleted User]

If cash is limited why not try the U3A I belong to our local group and we have lots of interest groups and cater for almost every taste and hobby.Where I live there is almost 300 members in our group and 44 different interests .I could be out 7 days a week if I wanted to We have a weekly coffee morning where you just turn up and have a natter and a coffee,a Tuesday night quiz night at the local pub (I'm group organizer for that one ) great fun and we get a small meal thrown in for £2.00 a head.Chance of winning a bottle of plonk or two.I go to sociology once a month,plus craft things and so many other things We have a luncheon club where we try a different venue once a month If you don't fancy the menu you don't have to go There are even two different groups of Grumpy old men and Grumpy old women :) a WW2 group that have fun learning about the home front Several language groups or the list if countless.Plus once a month we have a meeting with a speaker and coffee and biscuits afterwards So many people just turn up and join in Everyone is very friendly and you can have a natter to anyone as we are all one cheerful band of people .we collect monthly for the local food bank and there is a book box where you can donate a book and pick one up to read yourself in exchange This costs me £15.00 per year and we have a big party at Christmas which we all really enjoy. There are day trips out to various venues and also trip to the theatre.

I don't know where you live but if you google University of the Third Age it should come up Its just a band of retired or semi-retired people who have joined together to have fun.Nothing to do with a university or school at all.I joined a couple of years ago now and thoroughly enjoy it a great way to meet people and have a bit of fun (we also have walking groups) and history groups It caters for all levels of mobility

fiftyeighter_2

Thanks again to everyone. Think I've decided on EH now as there seems to be more closer to me. Plus the good thing it's cheaper for my DD who is still at Uni. Can't wait now to get going....well after Christmas.
I think it will do me good. I'm trying to get involved in a few things. I've become very bored and boring of late, so I'm hoping to meet more people and get my brain in gear a little before it disappears completely. Lol
Thanks for your help once again.

Butterfly_Brain

We have membership at Whipsnade zoo, there is always something new to see and as it is on our doorstep it would be daft not to. Membership also gets us into London zoo free. Best thing we ever did and it helps with conservation.

fiftyeighter_2

I have looked at U3A Jackie and this is going to sound awful. I.m not young (66) next birthday. But the age group of the ladies all appear to be in their 80's. Also they don't really seem to do anything other than meet up once a month. I have to be so careful in saying this but we have in our small town a very high number of very well to do ladies that really do look down on us that are not so wealthy. I feel I am appearing to be an inverted snob ( is that the correct word?) The WI although mostly older members were very kind to me when I attended and seemed to do a lot more.
In retrospect maybe I should go along to a meeting and see for myself instead of listening to other people.
Please don't think I am being rude. I suppose I really don't have a lot of confidence and find joining things on my own very daunting.
I really want to be getting involved and not just concerning myself with my children who are all grown. You seem to be very busy and I envy you all on here with your ' get up and go'
Thankyou so much for your ideas and opinions. With your help and advice I will join things and meet people and not be such a defeatist.