Free National Trust tickets - how to claim yours

Grab yourself some National Trust free tickets this autumn - surround yourself with colourful foliage and immerse the children in nature without spending a fortune. 

Now the summer holidays are over, parents and carers looking for things to do with kids and ways to save money in the process, have a great opportunity to do so with the National Trust. With over 500 places to visit, the Trust are offering single-use passes allowing free entry for two adults and up to three children, one adult and up to four children, or two adults on their own, to visit their sites - some exemptions are in place. 

From castles to bird-watching, to gorgeous gardens and preserved heritage, experience the beauty of Autumn without splashing the cash by claiming a one-time entry to your chosen attraction. Read on to find out how to claim your tickets - but beware the offer is limited, and you only have until October 20 to claim and use your pass.

Is National Trust giving away free tickets?

Yes, the National Trust is giving away free tickets - but the number of free passes available as part of the promotion are limited.

The promotion is running from Monday 18 September 2023 until the limited number of passes have been claimed, or until Friday 20 October 2023 - whichever should come first. This pass is single-use pass and can only be used once, allowing entry for two adults and up to three children, or one adult and up to four children. A child is aged 5-17 inclusive, and under 5s receive free admission at National Trust properties.

There are some properties not included within the promotion, and those using them are advised to check any exemptions prior to visiting. The pass is valid from the date of issue until Friday October 20, 2023, and can't be used during any school holidays. Passholders should present their confirmation email on arrival to the property they are visiting, but are advised that mobile coverage can be limited in some areas, and a printed paper copy would be a useful backup.  

How to claim FREE National Trust tickets

You can claim you free National Trust pass 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 often the peak time for arrival. Although the 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?

Some Trust properties do require advance booking. Check the website before travelling as you might not be guaranteed entry if you haven’t booked.

If pre-booking online is required, users are asked to select the free member’s ticket option and enter the code ESCAPEINTOAUTUMN2023 when prompted to input a membership number. 

Are the National Trust free tickets available to all?

Yes, the free National Trust tickets 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.