English Heritage is a charity that focuses on conserving and enhancing over 400 historic buildings, monuments, and places around England.
Bringing the story of the country through world-famous prehistoric places, grand medieval castles and villages, palaces, Roman forts, abbeys & churches and country houses, they protect internationally-important sites while promoting public access, knowledge and enjoyment of them.
The famous Stonehenge, Dover Castle, Tintagel Castle, and the best-preserved parts of Hadrian’s Wall are within its portfolio.
English Heritage also manages the Blue Plaque scheme in United Kingdon to commemorate a link between that location and a famous or influential person.
In order to preserve these sites, they rely on admission fees to their properties, membership fees, trading revenue, and income from fundraising and grants.
Prices
If you appreciate exploring the history and heritage of England, each building/place has a fee, but you can also be a member and have unlimited access to hundreds of historical sites.
Membership, which can be paid annually or monthly, entitles you to:
– free entry to all English Heritage properties;
– free parking at English Heritage-owned car parks;
– free or reduced entry to associated places in Wales, Scotland, Ireland, Isle of Man and Heritage New Zealand;
– discounted admission to over 100 other associate attractions (see the list here);
– member-only offers and information on special events and family activities, including live music performances and historical reenactments;
– member’s handbook, complete with info, maps and photos.
You can see the prices here.
What is the difference between English Heritage and National Trust?
Generally speaking, English Heritage has more history about ancient, medieval and Tudor eras, taking care of ruined places like castles, fortifications and monuments that are no longer “liveable in” – although Charles Darwin’s home and Brodsworth Hall are exceptions.
Whereas the National Trust (read more here) tends to conserve large historic mansions that are still complete with furniture, artwork as well as gardens and landscapes (which may or may not have historical significance).
Both are worth the money and an excellent way to see historical and stunning places around the island.
Leave a reply