National Trust v English Heritage v Historic Houses: Best membership?

In the UK we are absolutely spoiled for choice when it comes to heritage based days out. But, with the National Trust, English Heritage and Historic Houses all offering well priced membership packages, you might well be wondering which one is best for you.
In this video I'm going to discuss the pros and cons associated with the National Trust, English Heritage and Historic Houses, and give some opinions as to which one might be best for you.
So, if you are looking to join one of the big three heritage organisations in the UK, but are still unsure which one is right for you, stay tuned because this video is for you!
For a transcript of this video check out my article -
eheritageuk.com/national-trus...
Please be sure to check out my website at eheritageuk.com
Chapters -
0:00 Introduction
0:44 National Trust intro
1:35 National Trust cost
2:44 National Trust member benefits
4:16 Three things I like about National Trust
5:03 Three things I dislike about National Trust
5:41 English Heritage intro
7:03 English Heritage cost
8:06 English Heritage member benefits
9:01 Three things I like about English Heritage
9:29 Three things I dislike about English Heritage
10:20 Historic Houses intro
11:47 Historic Houses cost
12:34 Historic Houses member benefits
12:58 Three things I like about Historic Houses
13:33 Three things I dislike about Historic Houses
14:24 Conclusions: Which organisation is best for you?
Creative Commons -
Video of Wentworth Woodhouse kindly provided by Josh Daniels
joshdanielshist.weebly.com/
Photo of Cragside by Allan Harris
www.flickr.com/people/allan_h...
Photo of Leeds Castle by John Fielding
www.flickr.com/photos/john_fi...

[@AntPDC]

English Heritage membership also grants free access to National Trust properties (such as Hardwick Hall in Derbyshire, which you featured in your helpful video).

[@havingalook2]

If it has a roof: National Trust If it does not have a roof: English Heritage. That is how I remember it. There are a few exceptions but that is the general rule. And they are ALL BRILLIANT at what they do. I love them.

[@Xploreheritage]

That’s how I tend to remember it too 😊

[@nikkik3263]

Haha. As a member of all three, I totally agree with you

[@ExplorewithSarahlouise]

Lol yeah I’m more into National l trust at present for that reason

[@DanBmthUK]

Been with NT for 14 years but cancelled from renewal and joined English Heritage. The politics of the NT have become rancid and centre stage. Already booked a mini trip to see 4 EH properties! 😊

[@etherealhawk]

I'm in my 20s and while money is tight I'm actually thinking of getting lifetime memberships. It'd give me an excuse to get out more and save money in the long run

[@Xploreheritage]

You do right! You certainly need to look after your mental health in these difficult times 👍

[@SatishKumar-ys4lj]

We said I too stumbled to your video. Very nicely explained and helpful for someone new like me looking to join NT or heritage

[@Xploreheritage]

Thanks for your comment. Really glad the video helped!

[@jeffcampbell1555]

OK, I subscribed. Because you do a really good job. Not because you told me to. I swear. P.S. I live in the state of New Mexico, and I don't expect to ever return to the UK, but I'm addicted to the landscape, the history, the country houses, and the accents of Britain. So carry on, mate.

[@Xploreheritage]

Thanks Jeff, great to have you on board 😊

[@bradleyadams4496]

The National Trust is organized as a charity, but you don't always have to organize things as a charity to promote management of natural and other treasures. Thank you very much, your enthusiasim for British Heritage is a benefit to your country, I think you've helped me know how to better revitalize these treasures. Don't worry, once I cut you in, the only way you would offend me is if you have disgusting taste and furnishings.

[@Xploreheritage]

🙏

[@kaycooke2929]

This comparison between the three organizations is very helpful. These Americans will be spending 6 weeks in the UK. We've been before and purchased both the NT and HH memberships. We really focused on the sites within these and felt our membership was well used then and plan to use it again to the fullest extent. One hint is to check the individual websites for the HH sites as they are often open for specific dates and times. We plan our itinerary around the these properties and openings.

[@Xploreheritage]

Hi Kay, thanks so much for your comment. Really glad you enjoyed the video and hope you enjoy visit 😊

[@aidaemail94]

English Heritage has lots of amazing activites for children during school holidays! Loved it.

[@Xploreheritage]

Glad you had fun 👌

[@xyz648]

So helpful! Thank you! That’s what I have been looking for 👏🏻

[@Xploreheritage]

My pleasure 😊

[@margoomstead5376]

Excellent video. I've just liked/subscribed. We're going for a month late summer, early fall and have bought all 3 passes. Thanks for clarification.

[@Xploreheritage]

Hey Margo, thanks so much! Really glad you found the video helpful! Hope you enjoy your late summer visits 😊

[@albertorodriguez8528]

So we’ll explained, thank you so much!

[@Xploreheritage]

Thanks so much. Really glad you found it useful!

[@syanhc]

Brilliant video. Thank you!

[@Xploreheritage]

My pleasure! Thank you for watching and commenting 🙏

[@mbyrne2493]

Excellent video. Really informative

[@Xploreheritage]

Thanks so much 🙏

[@lykortos4827]

You did not mention that with English Heritage you gain entry into Scottish, Welsh and Irish heritage sites for free after your first renewal. The same applies with other national trusts if you have a 'National Trust' membership.

[@Piercingconsciousness]

I'm a member of English heritage, and this just got me to also sign upto national trust. Thank you for this x

[@Xploreheritage]

Hey I’m really glad you found this useful! It’s my pleasure ☺️

[@chandra9441]

@@Xploreheritage hi, do u know about any Indian public trust which giving all caste people since 1947.. which all kings paid tax amounts.., bcaz in my village.. all castes people getting benifits after their elders death.. please think..

[@JoeB_BSc]

Hi, very well presented commentary though like you we belong to all 3, which makes for cheaper holidays, your mention of BH & NT life membership is intriguing for in the long run could be cost affective, and otherwise it would really matter.

[@emmalockwood1263]

I think you also have to factor in your location. We only have 1 NT place within an hour of us but 5 HH places that open regularly. As a family we have HH membership and it’s been well worth it. So many of the places have playgrounds, cafes and run family events. Highly recommend Belvoir castle and grimsthorpe castle for family days out.

[@Xploreheritage]

Hi Emma. Yes that’s very true! I very much enjoyed being a HH member.

[@mrde0mrsai]

This is really clearly explained. Thank you so much ! Saved me a great deal of time and efforts to research these membership schemes myself.

[@Xploreheritage]

Thank you so much for your kind words! I’m really glad it helped you ☺️

[@nikkik3263]

Historic houses places are beautiful but they do not do lifetime membership which sucks.

[@maih9431]

Another trick for National Trust membership is biying the National Trust Scotland membership as you do not have to be living in Scotland to purchase it, it can save you a little bit but still grants you free parking in England as long as you display the car sticker.

[@Xploreheritage]

That’s a great tip! Thanks for sharing 👌

[@jonathanleonard1152]

Would it be good to show what properties are accessible by means of transit (trains, busses)? This is for those who do not own a personal vehicle.

[@Xploreheritage]

Hi Jonathan, I think it would be good, but Imagine would involve quite a heavy time commitment. There would be quite a few properties to look at up and down the country. Good idea though!

[@shaunosborne9579]

Can anyone tell me where the Tower on the hill is, at the beginning ?

[@Xploreheritage]

Hi there. This is Glastonbury Tor.

[@ianjthompson4715]

The regional newsletters have been discontinues permanently because of the cuts at the National Trust .

[@Xploreheritage]

Oh really? I didn’t realise that!

[@msjaninah05]

Hi, what is the name of the building on 0:51? Thanks

[@Xploreheritage]

Hi, this is Glastonbury Tor! Cheers

[@msjaninah05]

@@Xploreheritage thanks! Is this sone kind of folly or a castle?

[@msjaninah05]

@@Xploreheritage thanks! Is this sone kind of folly or a castle?

[@Xploreheritage]

@@msjaninah05 This is actually what remains of the 14th century Church of St Michael. The site has been used since the Iron Age and is associated with myth and legend. Today, the Tor is a scheduled monument and is managed by the National Trust.

[@msjaninah05]

@@Xploreheritage thats interesting thanks a lot! I thought it look like a garden folly tower. I always been fascinated with English history and really enjoy your chanel. Keep it up! 😄

[@old-moose]

Are there short term memberships for those of us from the other side of the pond?

[@Xploreheritage]

Hi there. No unfortunately not. You would have to pay to get into each site. It would be nice if they offered shorter subscriptions though!

[@old-moose]

@@Xploreheritage Thanks.

[@Xploreheritage]

My pleasure

[@shhp72]

English Heritage do an overseas visitor pass. www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/overseas-visitors/

[@shhp72]

National Trust do one as well www.nationaltrust.org.uk/overseas-visitors

[@senabulushima9884]

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