We have been menbers of the Scottish National Trust for 4 years now, we live in Kent and never go anywhere near Scotland. As well as being cheaper and being able to visit NT properties here in England, there is also reciprocal arrangements with organisations in the Netherlands and I believe other European countries that the NT does not have.
To be fair badger the scottish one is only £18 cheaper for a couple, the caravan club did have a offer of 15 months for 12 months but thats expired now.
We get our English Heritage membership using Tesco clubcard vouchers - costs about a third of the price. After the first year when it's 2 for 1 entry, it gives us free entry to Historic Scotland properties. Two of us on our annual visit to Stirling Castle pretty much pays for it.
As for NTS, only one of you needs to be 60 to get the Senior Membership for a couple (£48 pa, £60 if neither of you is 60 yet).
We're also member of Historic Houses Association, which get us in free to the likes of Longleat, Blenheim, Castle Howard, Inveraray etc. which are all still lived in, as well as hundreds of houses that only open one month of the year. Again, one weekend in the Borders (Traquair, Mellerstain, Bowhill, Manderston, Abbotsford etc) more than pays for our membership.
Slightly off topic but we visited Eastnor Castle recently and were surprised to find that not only are the gardens very dog friendly (off lead area and loads of walks) but the house is too. Well worth a visit with or without a dog
We cancelled our NT membership when we got a dog as became too restrictive.
For us NT membership is worth it for the free parking - parking in the National Park is becoming v.expensive. Would get the bus but for 4 of us thats even worse !
Fiona, the cost for NTS Joint senior (one over 60 years) membership is £78 pa. Single senior membership is £48.
We've just returned from a tip round 3 properties and the joint costs would have been £76 as England does not appear to give a senior discount. Places we visited earlier this year in Scotland and England would have been another £79 in admissions and parking, so it's great value.
------------- Two drifters off to see the world.
I'm tired of reality, so I'm off to look for a good fantasy.
Quote: Originally posted by Capt Lightning on 08/6/2019
Fiona, the cost for NTS Joint senior (one over 60 years) membership is £78 pa. Single senior membership is £48.
We've just returned from a tip round 3 properties and the joint costs would have been £76 as England does not appear to give a senior discount. Places we visited earlier this year in Scotland and England would have been another £79 in admissions and parking, so it's great value.
Thanks. Senior moment. It's paid by Direct Debit anyway - we go to Culzean at least once a month, where the dog is off-lead for a long walk (she runs) through the woods and along the coast looking over to Arran. More than repays the NTS membership. One of our frustrations is that it's glorious for snowdrops and camellias in February, but the Culzean C&CC site doesn't open until Easter.
We cancelled our NT membership when we were refused entry into the walled garden at Felbrigg Hall with our little dog.We were willing to carry her but the answer was still no.
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.