Days Out Discounts for Over-60s
Last checked November 2026. Offers and rules change: confirm with the provider before you rely on them.
Most paid attractions in the UK have a concession price for older visitors, the big heritage organisations offer cheaper senior memberships, and many of the best museums and galleries cost nothing at all. Add free or discounted travel and a good day out need not cost much.
Heritage memberships
If you enjoy castles, historic houses and gardens, an annual membership usually pays for itself within three or four visits, and it includes parking at many sites.
English Heritage
English Heritage sells a Senior membership for people aged 65 and over. At the time of writing (November 2026) its website lists:
| Membership | Who it covers | Annual price |
|---|---|---|
| Senior | One adult aged 65 or over | £72 |
| Joint Senior | Two adults aged 65 or over at the same address | £116 |
| Adult and Senior | One adult under 65 and one aged 65 or over | £130 |
Members get unlimited visits to more than 400 sites, and each adult member can take up to six children free, which makes it good value for grandparents. Monthly payment is available. Check current prices on the English Heritage membership page.
National Trust
The National Trust (England, Wales and Northern Ireland) has a discounted senior membership, but it is not open to everyone at 60. It is a loyalty rate for people aged 60 and over who have already been members for a number of years. We found conflicting accounts of the exact qualifying period and could not confirm it on the Trust's own website today, so ask the membership team or check the National Trust website. It is reported that the discount is not applied automatically, so you need to request it.
We have since confirmed the current terms and price with the Trust's own site: see does the National Trust give an over-60s discount?
Scotland and Wales
Historic Environment Scotland and the National Trust for Scotland look after the major sites in Scotland, and Cadw looks after historic sites in Wales. All sell memberships and offer concession prices; check each organisation's own website for the qualifying age and current price, as we were unable to confirm them today.
Free museums and galleries
The UK's national museums and galleries offer free entry to their permanent collections. That covers many of the best-known institutions in London, Edinburgh, Cardiff, Belfast, Liverpool, Manchester and elsewhere, as well as a great many council-run local museums. Special exhibitions usually carry a charge, often with a concession price.
Other free days out worth remembering:
- cathedrals and churches (some larger cathedrals charge visitors, but not for services);
- country parks, nature reserves and public gardens;
- heritage open days each September, when buildings normally closed or charging open their doors free;
- guided walks run by local history societies, rangers and volunteers.
There are more ideas on our page of free things for over-60s.
Two-for-one with a train ticket
National Rail's Days Out Guide lists attractions offering 2FOR1 entry to people who travel by train. The offers change, so see what is listed for the date you want on the National Rail Days Out Guide and read each offer's conditions before travelling. Combined with a Senior Railcard, that can make a city day trip for two remarkably cheap.
Zoos, gardens, stately homes and other attractions
Privately run attractions set their own prices. A "senior" or "concession" ticket is common, usually from 60 or 65. Three habits save money almost everywhere:
- Book online in advance. The advance price is frequently lower than the gate price, even before any concession.
- Go off-peak. Term-time weekdays are cheaper and quieter.
- Ask about annual passes. Many gardens and attractions convert a day ticket into a year's pass for little or nothing extra.
If you are visiting with grandchildren, compare the family ticket with separate senior and child tickets; either can turn out cheaper depending on the group.
Getting there for less
- Local buses are free with your older person's bus pass at the times your scheme allows.
- Trains are a third cheaper with a Senior Railcard; test your trip in our railcard calculator.
- Coach excursions by local firms often include entry in the price. See coach travel discounts.
- If you hold a Blue Badge, check the attraction's parking arrangements in advance.
Access and companions
Most attractions publish an access guide online covering step-free routes, seating, accessible toilets and whether wheelchairs or mobility scooters can be borrowed. Phone ahead to reserve one. Many venues admit an essential companion free: English Heritage, for example, says it gives free entry to the assisting companion of a disabled visitor. See discounts for carers and hiring mobility equipment.
How to claim and what ID to take
- Check the attraction's prices page for the concession age: it may be 60 or 65.
- Take proof of age (bus pass, driving licence or passport). For a joint senior membership, both people may need to show it.
- Carry your membership card. Many organisations can look you up, but it is quicker with the card.
- For 2FOR1 rail offers, keep your train tickets and follow the booking steps given with the offer.
Common questions
Is National Trust membership cheaper at 60?
Not automatically. The senior rate is for people aged 60 and over who have been members for some years. Ask the Trust whether you qualify.
At what age can I get English Heritage senior membership?
65, according to English Heritage's website at the time of writing (November 2026).
Are museums really free?
The national museums and many local ones are free for their main collections. Temporary exhibitions usually cost extra.
Can I take my grandchildren on my membership?
English Heritage allows up to six children with each adult member. Other organisations have different rules, so check before you go.
Where can I find more ideas?
See cinema and theatre discounts and the main over-60s discounts guide.