Free & Discounted Entry For Gardens Around The UK

There are some unusual ways to pick up free or discounted entry to hundred of gardens around the UK for those in the know.  These often hidden perks can make membership go much further than first thought to keep those savings adding up. 

1. RHS Membership; Free Entry to 200+ Partner Gardens

RHS membership comes with entry to all 5 RHS gardens around England, (Wisley, Rosemoor, Hyde Hall, Harlow Carr & Bridgewater), but not many people realise that membership goes much further than this with complementary entry to 200+ partner gardens too. This free entry perk is limited to those with individual or life membership, (either individual or joint).  Those with joint annual membership will gain free entry for the main member whilst the secondary member will still need to pay.  Some partner gardens open their doors to RHS members all year round while other might be restricted to off-peak times of the year so it’s worth doing your homework.

More information at RHS Membership – Free Entry to 200+ Partner Gardens.

2. National Trust; Reciprocal Arrangements

Did you know that National Trust members can enjoy complimentary reciprocal arrangements with 14 similar heritage organisations around the round?  For those looking for a trip close to home, worth considering Scotland, Isle of Man or Jersey but for anyone planning an overseas trip then this free entry perks relates to settings based in Australia, Canada, Italy, Malta, The Bahamas & even the Cayman Islands. With an array to heritage settings available at each of these sister sites, this is a great way to make your membership go further.  Whilst reciprocal arrangements don’t reach to free parking, as the bulk of your cost lays with the admission charges, there are still plenty of savings to be made.

More information available at National Trust Reciprocal Arrangements.

RHS Gardens, (photo; Phil Loach)

3. Gardeners’ World Magazine 2 for 1 Discount Card, (407 gardens included)

If you managed to pick up a Gardeners’ World 2 for 1 discount card earlier in the year then it’s time to dig it out or try ordering a back copy  Running each year, this promotion effectively offers you half price entry to over 400 UK gardens including Leeds Castle, Hever Castle, Penrhyn Castle, Birmingham Botanic Gardens, Dunninald Castle & even  some English Heritage and National Trust settings. The 2 for 1 discount card is valid throughout the year, (some restrictions on dates), so there are plenty of savings to be had.

More information available at Gardeners’ World 2 for 1 Discount Card.

4. Gardens & Clubcard Vouchers

Regular Tesco shoppers can redeem clubcard voucher against entry charges or annual membership to popular gardens & historical settings around the UK.  You can even top up with another payment method if you don’t quite have enough vouchers to cover your entrance charges. Participating attractions include Trentham Gardens, The Eden Project, Bicton Park Botanical Garden, Muncastle Castle and Blenheim Palace.  Simply redeem vouchers for rewards prior to your visit and worth booking in advance to guarantee entry where possible.

5. English Heritage; Associated Attractions Perk

English membership brings you access to plenty of EH settings in its own right, but not many people realise that membership also comes with a nifty associated attraction perk.  English Heritage members should look out for substantial savings off attractions that fall outside of the EH umbrella such as Warwick Castle, Blenheim Palace, Cutty Sark or Crich Tramway. This added bonus allows you to pick up FREE or discounted entry at 100+ associated visitor attractions so always worth keeping an eye out to see what offers are running when planning your next  day out.

For more membership offers go to English Heritage Membership Promo Code.

6. Free Annual Pass Upgrades

Many visitor attractions across the UK offer a FREE annual upgrade when you purchase full price day tickets that offers value for money on subsequent visits throughout the year. Many visitor attractions offer a varied programme of events throughout the year that can make each return visit seem very different, (keep an eye out for any excluded dates).  With popular attractions such as Leeds Castle, Blenheim Palace, Cardiff Castle & the National Space Centre all offering free annual passes, this can offer value for money over the year. 

More details available over at Free Annual Pass Upgrades.

7. Heritage Open Days

Running during select dates in September each year, Heritage Open Days offers you the chance to explore a range of settings free of charge. From castles to city halls, tunnels to tower tops, police cells to private homes, workshops to woodland walks, the variety of places and ways to discover them are endless. With thousands of events running, Heritage Open Days spans the public, private and voluntary sectors & works alongside a range of organisations such as the National Trust & English Heritage. 

More information available at Heritage Open Days.

8. Top Visitor Attractions Offer Discounts To Low Income Families

It’s good to see some of the top visitor attractions acknowledging the difficulties low income families have in accessing leisure facilities at this time.  There are now a range of attractions around the UK offering discounted ticket programmes tailored to those on low incomes such as London Zoo, RHS Gardens, York Castle Museum, Kew Gardens & the Eden Project. 

More information available at Discounted Tickets for Low Income Families.