Passes

It doesn't include the big cathedrals, but joining the National Trust UK gives free access and parking to hundreds of properties. It's a great thing to support with a nominal Membership fee, and you get a beautiful magazine a few times a year. And if you're traveling by train there are 2FOR1 offers where you show proof of train travel and admission is discounted. Google 'Days Out Guide UK'.

The National Trust UK does have an Overseas Vistor Pass for 7, 14 and maybe 21 days. You can order it online. English Heritage also has a Pass...some things may overlap. I think there may also still be a Treasure House Pass for the Great Estate Houses in England. I think most of the Cathedral ask for a "donation" of a suggested amount. There are also castle passes in Wales. And the Scottish Trust also have a Pass. You can still find some ruins in the countryside. Don't be surprised by all the modern touches and "family-friendly" educational touches they have added to our favorite formally remote historic locations.

I am currently a member of the the National Trust for England and they have reciprocity agreements with the NTs for Wales and Scotland. At the risk of outrage from others, I personally don't feel the "better" sites are always included in the NTs. There are some great sites included and I feel I have gotten my money's worth. However, I would not recommend you rush out and join without looking at what you plan to visit. There are "passes" all over the UK and I've bought several of them. I know I've always saved some money but I am also a planner. You can get a good idea what's available for passes if you get the RS UK book but he doesn't cover all of them. Many of them are very local and you'd have to visit the tourist websites of the attractions and areas you plan on visiting. Before you buy any pass you need to do the math as part of your trip planning and buy what makes sense. In general passes can save you some money but there isn't any one that will make or break your trip financially. They all require you to schedule around their sites to maximize their value. The National Trust can be good but I think it lends itself to longer visits and has gardens and less famous (but some outstanding and/or so-so) houses and castles. The London Pass is very expensive and requires a real close look before buying. Shop carefully.

Rose, Kathleen, and Ken, Thank you very much for your input, Pam and I really appreciate it! Richard