English Heritage is a popular membership organization that provides access to over 400 historic sites across England. However, their membership fees and focus on English history may not be the best fit for everyone’s interests and budget. If you’re looking for alternative ways to explore historic sites in the UK, here are some top options to consider.
- National Trust
The National Trust is a well-known charity that manages over 500 historic houses, castles, gardens, and natural landscapes across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. With a National Trust membership, you can enjoy:
- Free entry to all National Trust properties and parking at most sites
- Discounts on holiday cottages, cafes, and shops at National Trust locations
- Regular events, tours, and workshops at properties
- Members’ handbook, magazine, and online resources for planning visits
National Trust offers a wider geographic range and variety of historic sites compared to English Heritage, including many natural and coastal landscapes. If you’re interested in exploring a diverse mix of historic and natural sites, a National Trust membership could be a great alternative.
- Historic Scotland
For those interested in exploring Scotland’s rich history and heritage, Historic Scotland is the leading membership organization. Historic Scotland manages over 300 historic sites, including castles, abbeys, prehistoric monuments, and battlefields. Member benefits include:
- Free entry to all Historic Scotland properties
- Discounts on audio guides, guidebooks, and shop purchases
- Free entry to select daytime events at properties
- Quarterly membership magazine and e-newsletters
As an alternative to English Heritage, Historic Scotland provides an in-depth focus on Scottish history and culture. With iconic sites like Edinburgh Castle, Stirling Castle, and the Neolithic settlement of Skara Brae, a Historic Scotland membership is a must for anyone passionate about Scotland’s past.
- Cadw (Wales)
Cadw is the Welsh government’s historic environment service, responsible for protecting and promoting Welsh heritage. Cadw manages over 130 historic sites across Wales, including castles, abbeys, prehistoric monuments, and industrial sites. Cadw membership benefits include:
- Free entry to all Cadw sites and most daytime events
- Discounts on guidebooks, shops, and cafes at Cadw sites
- Half-price entry to English Heritage and Historic Scotland sites
- Quarterly membership magazine and regular e-newsletters
As an alternative to English Heritage in Wales, Cadw offers a focused way to explore the unique history and culture of Wales. With iconic sites like Conwy Castle, Tintern Abbey, and the Blaenavon Industrial Landscape, a Cadw membership is a great value for history enthusiasts in Wales.
- National Museum of Ireland
For those interested in exploring Ireland’s history and heritage, the National Museum of Ireland is a top alternative to consider. While not a membership organization, the National Museum of Ireland offers free entry to its four museum sites in Dublin, covering archaeology, natural history, decorative arts, and country life.
Visitors to the National Museum of Ireland can enjoy:
- Extensive collections spanning Irish history from prehistory to the present
- Regular exhibitions, events, and educational programs
- Expert-led tours and workshops on various topics
- Online resources and virtual tours for remote learning
While not directly comparable to English Heritage, the National Museum of Ireland offers a comprehensive way to explore Irish history and culture, with a focus on museum collections and exhibits.
- Heritage Open Days
If you’re interested in exploring historic sites without a long-term membership commitment, Heritage Open Days may be a great alternative to consider. Heritage Open Days is an annual festival that offers free access to thousands of historic sites, buildings, and events across England.
During the festival, visitors can enjoy:
- Free entry to historic sites that are usually closed or charge admission
- Guided tours, talks, and demonstrations at participating sites
- Behind-the-scenes access to buildings not usually open to the public
- Themed events and activities celebrating local history and culture
While only available for a limited time each year, Heritage Open Days offers a unique opportunity to explore a wide variety of historic sites and buildings for free. It’s a great way to sample different types of heritage sites and experiences without committing to a specific membership.
Cancel Your English Heritage Subscription with Unsubby
If you’ve tried English Heritage and decide it’s not the best fit for your needs, you may be looking to cancel your membership. However, navigating the cancellation process can sometimes be time-consuming or confusing.
That’s where Unsubby comes in – they specialize in cancelling subscriptions like English Heritage quickly and easily on your behalf.
To cancel English Heritage with Unsubby:
- Sign up for a free Unsubby account
- Select English Heritage from their list of supported services
- Provide a few details about your English Heritage membership
- Let Unsubby take care of the cancellation for you
Unsubby will handle the entire cancellation process with English Heritage, so you don’t have to deal with any lengthy calls or back-and-forth. Once your cancellation is confirmed, you’ll receive a notification from Unsubby.
Using Unsubby is a great way to save time and hassle when you need to cancel English Heritage or any other subscription service you no longer want.
Conclusion
While English Heritage is a well-regarded organization for exploring historic sites in England, it’s not the only option available. National Trust, Historic Scotland, Cadw, National Museum of Ireland, and Heritage Open Days all offer unique alternatives for discovering historic sites and cultural heritage across the UK and Ireland.
Whether you’re interested in a broad range of historic and natural sites, focused regional history, museum collections, or free festival events, there’s an alternative that caters to your interests and budget.
And if you do decide to cancel your English Heritage membership, remember that Unsubby offers a hassle-free cancellation service to make the process quick and painless.
Ultimately, the best membership or resource for exploring historic sites will depend on your personal interests, location, and travel plans. Consider the alternatives to English Heritage and see which options align best with your passion for history and cultural heritage.
