Free National Trust tickets are a thing – here’s how to get your hands on some

Half term is hurtling into sight and we’re all searching for ways to keep the kids occupied without spending a fortune.

If you're racking your brains for things to do with kids (that are preferably free, right?) you might not want to think about the fact that there may be snow on the way but we can guarantee getting out into nature will be fun for all the family, whether it’s a wander in the woods or simply letting the kids run wild exploring somewhere new.

If you were lucky enough to snap up a free National Trust family day pass in the offer that was running recently, you'll have at least one family day out sorted for the February half-term. If not, and you missed on out the latest free National Trust ticket deal, keep in mind that under 5s get free entry to National Trust properties. And though everyone else will have to pay for entry, there are lots of fun February half-term family activities taking place at National Trust properties this month.

Or, if you want to treat someone else to a free National Trust day out, a National Trust digital gift card could be just the thing. You can send it via email and personalise it with a message of your choice. They can be redeemed in National Trust cafes (yum) and shops (including the online National Trust shop) as well as at admission points for both entry or a new membership. They're available in multiples of £5 from £10 to £500.

Is National Trust giving away free tickets?

The National Trust was giving away free tickets - but unfortunately, the promotion has ended for now. The Daily Mirror teamed up with the National Trust to give away free family day passes (worth up to £50 each) but you had to buy a copy of the Daily Mirror or Sunday Mirror before Sunday 28th January 2024 to get hold of a voucher. Each family pass granted free one-time entry to selected National Trust sites in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland until Friday, March 8, 2024.

For those lucky enough to have secured the free National Trust, it's single-use and allows entry for two adults and up to three children, or one adult and up to four children. Children are those aged 5-17 inclusive, and under-5s receive free admission at National Trust properties. There are some properties not included in the promotion, and those using the free pass are advised to check any exemptions before visiting. 

How to claim FREE National Trust tickets

It's likely that the National Trust wil run its own free ticket offer later this year and you can find out more by registering on their website. 

Those receiving a pass are reminded to bear in mind that some places may be busier at certain dates and times. Weekdays are often quieter than weekends, with late morning or early afternoon the peak time for arrival. Although the latest free ticket deal is valid for most of the 500 National Trust properties across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, there is a list of properties exempt from the promotion , listed on the National Trust Website. The pass is only for entry and doesn’t cover any parking charges.

Do you need to book to use free National Trust tickets?

Yes, some Trust properties do require advance booking. Check the website before travelling as you might not be guaranteed entry if you have a free pass but haven’t booked.

Are the National Trust free tickets available to all?

Yes, if you secured free National Trust tickets they are available to everyone and they are valid from Monday - Sunday at participating properties within the advertised opening hours. However, they cannot be used at National Trust events where a separate charge is made, and the free passes are not valid on bank holiday weekends. 

View the full terms and conditions here.

Can you bring a guest to the National Trust?

If you are a National Trust member, you can bring a guest. It depends on your specific membership, but if your membership card says '+ guest' after your name, you may bring a guest for free at National Trust pay-to-enter sites.

If your membership card doesn’t say ‘+ guest’ after your name, any guest you'd like to bring along will be required to pay for entry. 

If you're looking for more family days out, check out our guides to the best family days out in Wales and Scotland, the best family days out in the Midlands, the best days out in the South West and South East and the best days out in the North West and North East.