How to Get Free National Trust Passes: Every Legitimate Route Explained

Why Pay Full Price?

A standard National Trust adult membership runs to over £100 a year, and family memberships push well past £180. For many households that's a genuine barrier — but it doesn't have to be. There are more routes to free or subsidised National Trust entry than most people realise, and this guide works through all of them.

Note: The National Trust controls access to its properties, and free-entry schemes can change. Always confirm availability directly with the library, employer, or scheme provider before making plans.

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1. The Local Library Scheme

This is the most underused free pass in the country. Dozens of UK councils have partnered with the National Trust to offer free entry passes through their library networks.

**How it works:** You borrow a pass — typically valid for one or two adults and up to four children — for a set loan period (often three to seven days). You present it at the property entrance in place of membership cards or tickets.

**Who offers it:** Availability varies by council. Confirmed participants have included libraries in Devon, Worcestershire, Suffolk, Surrey, and several London boroughs, among others. The scheme is not universal, so it's worth checking your local library's website or calling the branch directly.

**Tips:** - Passes are popular and often have waiting lists, especially during school holidays. Request well in advance. - Some libraries limit how many passes you can borrow per year. - The pass typically covers named properties within a region, not the full UK portfolio.

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2. The Blue Peter Badge (for children)

Children who hold a current Blue Peter badge — gold, silver, or plain blue — can claim free entry to hundreds of National Trust properties. This is an officially confirmed benefit listed on both the Blue Peter and National Trust websites.

**How to get a badge:** Children can earn one by sending in a letter, artwork, or achievement, or by completing certain activities flagged on the Blue Peter website. There is no cost involved.

**What's included:** The badge holder gets in free. It does not cover accompanying adults, who pay the standard admission price.

**Validity:** You must present the badge along with a valid Blue Peter badge card confirming the child's name. Lost cards can be replaced through Blue Peter's website.

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3. Employer and Employee Discount Schemes

Large employers — particularly in the public sector, NHS, and major retail or finance groups — frequently offer membership discounts through benefits platforms such as Perkbox, Reward Gateway, and Vivup.

National Trust memberships have appeared on several of these platforms at discounts of 20–30%, which brings the cost down meaningfully. A handful of employers have also run full subsidised memberships as a staff perk.

**What to do:** - Log into your employer's benefits portal and search for National Trust. - If you're NHS staff, check the Blue Light Card marketplace — National Trust discounts have previously been listed there. - If nothing is listed, it's worth asking your HR or benefits team whether a corporate scheme can be arranged.

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4. Credit and Debit Card Perks

Some premium credit and charge cards include leisure or cultural membership benefits. American Express, for example, has run partnerships where cardholders can activate complimentary or discounted memberships. These benefits change frequently and are tied to specific card tiers, so the only reliable approach is to log into your card's rewards portal or call the benefits line and ask directly.

This route is more hit-and-miss than others, but worth checking if you already hold a rewards card.

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5. Volunteering for Free Entry

The National Trust operates one of the largest volunteer workforces in the UK, with roles across gardening, conservation, visitor services, retail, and events. While the arrangement is not always framed as an employee benefit, many volunteer agreements include complimentary entry to Trust properties — sometimes extending to a companion.

**How to sign up:** Volunteer opportunities are listed at nationaltrust.org.uk/volunteer. You choose roles near you, complete a short application, and attend an induction. Time commitments vary from a few hours a month upward.

This is not a loophole — it's an intentional part of the Trust's volunteering proposition, and the organisation is transparent about it.

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6. Working Families, Carers, and Free-to-Attend Days

The National Trust runs free public events at many properties throughout the year, particularly around heritage open days, National Trust Open Days, and community outreach weekends. These are advertised on the property-level pages of the National Trust website and through local council listings.

Additionally, children under five always enter National Trust properties free, and children under 17 whose parent or guardian is a member get free entry automatically.

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7. National Art Pass (Art Fund)

The National Art Pass, issued by the Art Fund charity, gives free entry to over 800 venues including a selection of National Trust properties — particularly those with significant art collections. At £74 a year for adults (or £52 for students), it is not free in itself, but for those who visit a mix of galleries, museums, and historic houses, it can represent better value than a Trust membership alone.

Some employers and universities subsidise or offer the Art Fund card as a benefit.

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8. Historic Houses and Other Reciprocal Schemes

Certain heritage memberships offer partial or full reciprocal access to National Trust properties. CADW membership (the Welsh Government's historic environment body) and some overseas heritage schemes have had reciprocal arrangements with the National Trust. Check the current terms of any membership you already hold before assuming access applies — terms change.

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Making the Most of Free Passes

Once you have access, a few practical notes:

• **Book ahead.** Many popular National Trust properties require timed entry slots booked online, even for members. Turning up without a booking at peak times can mean being turned away.
• **Car parking is separate.** Free entry to the property does not always mean free car parking. Many sites charge non-members for the car park even if you have a valid pass.
• **Check seasonal opening.** Some properties close in winter or have restricted hours. The National Trust website lists current opening times by property.
• **Café and shop discounts.** Members receive 10% off in Trust cafés and shops. Some library passes and employer schemes do not confer this discount — check your pass terms.

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Summary

| Route | Cost | Best for | |---|---|---| | Library pass | Free | Families, occasional visitors | | Blue Peter badge | Free (earn it) | Children's free entry | | Employer scheme | Discounted | Frequent visitors with workplace benefits | | Credit card perk | Varies by card | Existing premium cardholders | | Volunteering | Free (time commitment) | Regular visitors happy to contribute | | Free event days | Free | One-off visits, community events | | National Art Pass | £74/yr | Art and heritage enthusiasts |

The library pass remains the single easiest option for most people. If your council participates, it costs nothing beyond a library card and a bit of forward planning.