Have been considering membership in either the English National Trust or the Heritage Trust as we prepare for a trip to the UK in June. From my research it appears that the National Trust properties are more aligned to our particular interests in historical sites and gardens, so I was about to purchase an annual pass for the two of us when I saw a link to the Royal Oak Foundation, which apparently is a US affiliate with reciprocal privileges with the Trust. It appears to be a pretty good deal but not being familiar with it I thought I'd ask here to see if anyone knew of it or had recent experience using it to visit National Trust properties in England.
What little I could find here on the forum predates Covid so am hoping for more recent reviews before I complete the purchase. Thanks in advance.
Posted by
Camano Island, WA, usa
1451 posts
We enjoyed the National Trust Overseas Visitor Pass www.nationaltrust.org.uk/overseas-visitors. This site was as of 2019, so may not be current. they do have a phone # you can call. This may work for you if you are going to be visiting for 7-14 days in England, Wales and N. Ireland. Our 1st trip, which was 21 days, we didn't get it time stamped until after our week in London where we saw all the free museums, street markets, etc. Also check with English Heritage for an Overseas Visitor Pass. Scotland has other passes www.visitscotland.com. The Royal Oak Foundation be may worth joining if you plan more visits.
Posted by
Chattanooga, TN USA
570 posts
Robert, I purchased the Royal Oak Foundation dual membership for our upcoming trip (May 2022). Today I received two membership cards good through 3/31/23 and a 2022 parking permit. The cover letter says I should receive a National Trust Handbook of properties under separate cover in the next few weeks. I've downloaded the National Trust app and bookmarked the properties we are interested in. The app seems to have the most up to date info on hours, facilities and special exhibits/events. I think there is a way to add your membership info into the app but I haven't tried yet. It took 3 weeks from purchase to receive the membership cards.
Posted by
Tunbridge Wells
6113 posts
You need to check, but as I understand it, those with membership of the National Trust for Scotland who get reciprocal entry into English properties have to pay for car parking in England. Parking is free for English members.
Posted by
OP
Colorado Springs
2834 posts
Exactly the kind of information I was looking for. Many thanks for responding.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
32824 posts
The National Trust relies upon contributions from the Royal Oak Foundation in a very big way. Those generous contributions help in so many ways, and during Covid have kept the head above water. Thanks to all members of Royal Oak Foundation, many thanks. I speak as a long term very active member of the National Trust who attends all the AGMs. I don't think I've ever been and not heard mention of the good work of the Royal Oak.
There have been quite a few recent projects where credit has been given to the Royal Oak.
My direct experience with Royal Oak was many years ago, nearly 30, when we moved back to the UK. The first year we had Royal Oak membership and were welcomed with open arms at National Trust properties. Ever since that first year we have been National Trust, so my experiences may be a bit dated.
As far as which is cheaper for a tourist, the short term overseas membership in NT or Royal Oak, I don't know. It shouldn't be hard to find the answer. I do know I have a soft spot in my heart for Royal Oak.
Posted by
Southern Oregon
647 posts
When we went to England and Scotland in 2012 for a month we joined the Royal Oak. As Nigel stated, it was for a worthy organization. We liked the convenience of just showing our card to enter sites (great for restrooms also); I remember we were pleasantly surprised at a few places in Scotland that we thought didn’t accept the passes, but did. I know when we returned home I did the math, and we did save some money.