Welcome

New Members: Get Started

Welcome to the start of your year enjoying the remarkable properties and captivating events as a member of English Heritage.

At the heart of our plans as a charity are our members, so thank you for the vital part you play in caring for our unique collection of historic sites.

Read our new member FAQs

Welcome to your new Membership

Welcome to your new Membership

Congratulations on becoming a member of English Heritage, and thank you for playing your part in supporting the historic places in our care.

Whether you joined at one of our properties, over the phone, or on our website – we're sure you're eager to get started on your journey into England's story.

Let us guide you through getting started with your new membership, and set you on the path to find inspiration for an exciting year of discovery ahead.

Get started straight away

Get started straight away

Your membership cards will be arriving through the post shortly. If for some reason you don't receive them within two weeks, please call our Membership Team on 0370 333 1181 and let us know.

Once you do get your cards, make sure you remember to take them with you every time you visit or you will be charged normal admission prices.

In the meantime, don't forget that you can use your temporary membership card, or a print out of your order confirmation, to start using your membership straight away.

Find your next day out

New Membership FAQS

Get Started

  • What will my welcome pack contain?

    Your membership pack will contain your annual membership cards. If you've joined online, your pack will also contain the latest handbook which has listings of all our properties, as well as a car sticker and a bookmark. Family members will also receive a children's activity pack.

    The Members' Magazine is published three times a year - March, July and October - and will be mailed to you separately (to UK addresses only).

    Previous editions of the magazine, plus exclusive enhanced content can also be viewed in the Members' Area.

  • Are children included in my membership?

    English Heritage membership allows every member to take up to six children under 18 within the family group into any of our properties at no extra charge.

    If you have a family membership, you will also receive additional items within your membership pack and Members' Magazine.

  • I have two cards. Can I request another car sticker?

    Yes, register/login to your Members' Area, go to 'Manage my Membership' and you'll find an option there to request an extra parking sticker. If you're eligible, you will then be sent a confirmation email which you'll need to show at one of our sites to pick up an extra sticker. Please note, a second sticker is only available to joint members. 

    Members can now enjoy free parking at the majority of our sites by displaying a current car sticker. Free parking does not apply at sites that are not managed by English Heritage. Full details of parking can be found in the individual listings on this website and in the handbook. 

  • Why do I need to register for the Members' area?

    The Members' Area is part of the English Heritage website exclusively to members. By registering for access to the Members' Area, you can renew or update your membership details, see the places you've visited, get inspired by a range of events, properties and features chosen specially for you, and create your own wish list of places to go to.

    All you need to register is your membership card and an email address unique to your account. You won't be able to register until you receive your membership cards with your individual membership number.

    Visit our FAQs page to find out more about how to get started.

  • Can I take a carer for free when I visit properties?

    We take equality very seriously, and provide free site access for up to two assisting companions of a disabled member or visitor. We recognise these companions are key to making access possible, as well as creating an enriched and memorable experience.

    We don't ask for any proof of disability, and the companion doesn't have to be a registered carer, nor do they have to be the same person each time you visit.

    If you'd like a letter of authority giving your assisting companions free access, please contact us on 0370 333 1181.

  • What do I do if I've changed my mind?

    Where you apply for English Heritage membership via online application or by telephone you have a legal right to change your mind within 14 days of the date of application and receive a refund of membership fees paid; provided that if you have visited any English Heritage paying site(s) within that period you shall be liable to pay the applicable entry fees in respect of such visit(s).  Please note no refunds will be given for memberships bought at any English Heritage properties, via third parties, or for any redeemed Gift of Memberships. To request a refund please notify the Membership Department by telephone, letter or email within 14 days of receiving your membership pack. No refunds will be issued after this time.

Membership cards

  • When will I receive my membership cards?

    If you joined online and you live in the UK, your cards and welcome pack should arrive within 10 working days. This may take a little longer if you live outside of the UK. In the meantime, you can use your printed order confirmation to enjoy unlimited free entry to our properties.

    If you joined at one of our properties, your cards will arrive within 28 days of your original join date. We aim to despatch within 10 working days but please allow a little longer during busy periods. In the meantime you can continue to use the temporary membership card issued when you joined to enjoy unlimited free entry to our properties.

  • Can anyone else use my membership card?

    Only the person named on the membership card can use it. Each member can take up to six children within the family group with them to visit our properties at no additional charge.

  • What happens if I lose my membership card?

    If you have registered for the Members Area, you can log in and complete a request for a replacement card under the Manage My Membership section. Alternatively you can call us on 0370 333 1181 or let us know by email at customers@english-heritage.org.uk. If you wish to visit our properties before your new card arrives, we can email you a letter of confirmation to present to the site when you visit. Please mention if you would like to take up this option when you request your replacement card.

  • Why do you scan membership cards?

    We collect visit data to find out what you are interested in, so we can tailor our messages to you and make you aware of other sites or events you may be interested in but might have missed.  We want to make sure that you get the best value and enjoyment from your membership.

    We also aim to continuously improve the experience of our visitors, and understanding who is visiting which sites enables us to offer appropriate content and facilities.

Membership benefits

  • Are all events free for members?

    Where possible we have kept events free of charge for our Members. We are continually investing in our event programme and this has led to putting on more events as well as larger ones.

    As large events can be costly to run, we do have to charge Members on some occassions, however this is always at a reduced rate.

    Where we do charge Members, this is clearly listed in the Events Guide and on the relevant Events page on our website.

  • Where else does my membership give me discounts for?

    We work with lots of other attractions across England who offer discounted entry for English Heritage members. Your membership also entitles you to free or discounted entry to hundreds of attractions in Scotland, Wales, the Isle of Man and New Zealand.

    You can find full listings by logging in to Associated Attractions in your Members' Area.

    We also work with independent retailers, theatres and organisations to give additional discounts to members. We try to find offers which you'll be interested in and these change regularly throughout the year. These can be found in Members' Rewards in your Members' Area.

    Be the first to hear of new offers added when you sign up to our Members' Newsletter and discover the full range of benefits in Members' Do More.

Managing your membership

  • What will happen when my membership runs out after a year?

    We will write to you one month before your membership expires to let you know that it is due for renewal. In the meantime, we hope you have some wonderful days out creating special memories with your family and friends.

    You will be able to renew your membership online in the Manage My Membership section of the Members' Area. 

    Please note that overseas members without a postcode are currently unable to renew online. If you are an overseas member and would like to renew please call us on +44370 333 1181 and we'll be happy to help.

  • What is gift aid and how does it work?

    Gift Aid means charities can claim an extra 25p for every £1 they recieve from a UK taxpayer. If you're a UK taxpayer we can claim 25p for every £1 you pay on membership subscriptions, at no extra cost to you.

    Registering is so easy - and it only takes a few minutes. You can fill in the Gift Aid Declaration Form or call us on 0370 333 1182.

    To find out more about the Gift Aid scheme, please see our Gift Aid FAQs.

ABOUT US

Since becoming a charity in April 2015, we are more reliant than ever on your support to look after the historic places in our care: from palaces and castles, to abbeys and Roman forts.

As a member of English Heritage, you're making a vital contribution to our work as a charity. Plus, you also have access to fascinating days out and the opportunity to experience history first-hand in the places it happened.

Watch our video for a taste of what's in store for your exciting year ahead.

Find out more about us

More to explore

  • Explore the welcome hub

    Get ready to step into England's story and discover everything you need to know to get started and make the most of your new English Heritage membership.

  • Find out more about us

    We want you to experience the story of England where it really happened. Find out how our work is led by values of authenticity, quality, imagination, responsibility and fun.

  • How to get in touch

    If you have any questions about your new membership, or anything else, our customer support team are on hand to help.

  • Next: Be inspired

    Whilst we work on getting your membership cards ready, take this time to start planning how you'll make the most of your new membership.