Family days out are priceless, but they can be pricey too. In our experience, annual memberships are really worth having: you’ll save on admission and sometimes get other benefits too. You’ll probably go more places and see more things, too, when you know that it’s covered by your membership card. Here are the memberships we’d recommend to families in and around York.
Our quick picks
– Best for gardens and playgrounds: National Trust (Beningbrough is our favourite)
– Best for castles and history: English Heritage (Clifford’s Tower + brilliant days out beyond York)
– Best big day out: Castle Howard (especially if you’ll go more than once)
– Also worth it: Day tickets that convert into 12 months of free admissions (see list below)
Best family memberships in York
1. National Trust membership
National Trust membership gives you access to loads of amazing places across the country, and plenty within driving distance of York. Treasurer’s House, in York city centre, is worth a visit and has a pretty garden. There’s a trail for children, and it’s particularly lovely during the festive season when it’s all decked out.
On Tadcaster Road, Goddards is the former home of the Terry family (of Chocolate Orange fame); the house isn’t open to visitors but you can explore the gardens.
Our top National Trust pick for York, though, is Beningbrough, which is incredibly popular with families. With acres of gardens to explore, an adventure playground, regular holiday activities, a cafe and more, it’s a lovely place to spend the day.
Nunnington Hall, Fountains Abbey and Brimham Rocks are further afield but all excellent for families. There are over 300 historic houses, gardens and coastline spaces across the country so if you’re staycationing somewhere in England, there’s bound to be a National Trust property nearby. En route to a holiday, we often stop at Clumber Park (fantastic adventure playground) and Woolsthorpe Manor, birthplace of Isaac Newton, which has an inspiring little science centre aimed at kids. Visit the National Trust website
2. English Heritage membership
Local attractions
Locally, Clifford’s Tower is a must-visit, especially since its £5m transformation (read our review here). Further afield, English Heritage membership will get you into the fabulous Scarborough Castle, Whitby Abbey, Rievaulx Abbey, Helmsley Castle, Brodsworth Hall and over 400 other historic sites, from castles to ruins and abbeys. Visit the English Heritage website
3. Friends of Castle Howard
Annual membership gets you entry to the house, parkland, gardens and adventure playground of Castle Howard (including the fabulous Skelf Island). Free access to daytime events is included, as well as invitations to previews and fast track access on bank holidays and selected event days. Choose from gold or silver tiered membership. Visit the Castle Howard website
4. Historic Houses Association
Local attractions
Beautiful Fairfax House is a bit of a hidden gem but well worth a visit (our children love it). Further afield, Newby Hall is a lovely day out with its stunning gardens, miniature train and fantastic adventure playground. Burton Agnes Hall and Sewerby Hall on the coast also welcome members. Membership gives access to over 300 houses, castles and gardens, but check the list as it does change from time to time. Visit the Historic Houses website
5. Murton Park Annual Pass
Murton Park is not only an open-air museum experience, but it also plays host to some of the best-known historical re-enactment societies in the North of England. Look out for special events held throughout the year when groups like the Trailblazer cowboys or the Jorfor’s Hall Vikings take up residence at the park. Murton Park, Murton Ln, York YO19 5UF – Visit the website
6. Piglets Adventure Farm Annual Membership
Piglets Adventure Farm is one of the best attractions in York for young children, so taking out an annual membership would make you very popular indeed with the little ones in your life. You’ll get unlimited entry and discounts off food and drink, too. Piglets Adventure Farm, Towthorpe Grange, Towthorpe Moor Ln, Towthorpe, York YO32 9ST – Visit the Piglets Adventure Farm website
Tickets valid for 12 months in York (day tickets that turn into annual entry)
You can also turn your day ticket into 12 months of visits to these family-friendly attractions in and near York.
