Before you buy

Shopping with English Heritage - Membership

Choosing the right tier

The main decision is who will be using the card. Individual, Senior, Joint and Family memberships cover different household combinations, so start by counting the adults and children who will visit together. Family memberships include up to six children under 18 per adult member, which is useful for households with several young visitors.

Annual or lifetime

Annual memberships are paid monthly by Direct Debit or as a single yearly payment. Lifetime memberships are a one-off payment and include additional perks, such as free entry for you and an adult guest to daytime events. If you expect to visit regularly for many years, compare the lifetime price against the cost of renewing annually, bearing in mind that lifetime members cannot claim Gift Aid.

Gifts and renewals

A gift membership can be sent to yourself or directly to the recipient, who activates it within the following 12 months. It cannot be paid for by monthly Direct Debit. Existing members renew through the Members' Area, by post or by phone.

Blue plaques and events

If you are interested in the London blue plaques scheme, note that it is separate from membership. Some events are free for members, while others carry a reduced member rate.