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National Trust and National Trust Scotland compared: which should you join?
Having a UK Trust membership can be a cost-effective way to visit historic tourist attractions and enjoy days out in the great outdoors with your loved ones.
There are several to choose from, but here we take a look at the differences between the National Trust and the National Trust Scotland, so you can see if it's worthwhile signing up to either for family days out this summer.
For a more detailed look at charitable UK Trusts including Cadw, the Woodland Trust, Historic Scotland and English Heritage, see our guide to the best UK Trust memberships.
Membership options compared
Both the National Trust and National Trust Scotland have a wide range of sign-up options catering for single, couple and family memberships.
In most cases you can choose to pay monthly or yearly.
National Trust
| Type of membership | Details | Prices |
| Adult joint membership | Two adults (aged 18+) living at the same address | £120 a year or £10 a month |
| Family two-adult membership | Two adults (aged 18+) living at the same address and their children or grandchildren (17 or under). Children under five go free | £126 a year or £10.50 a month |
| Family one-adult membership | One adult (aged 18+) and their children or grandchildren | £78 a year or £6.50 a month |
| Individual adult membership | 26+ years | £72 a year or £6 a month |
| Individual young person membership | 18 to 25 years | £36 a year |
| Individual junior membership | 0 to 17 years. Under fives go free | £10 a year |
| Individual lifetime membership | Includes free admission for one accompanying guest | £1,730 or £1,295 for people aged 60 or over |
National Trust Scotland
| Type of membership | Details | Prices |
| Individual adult membership | One adult | £5.25 a month |
| Individual senior membership | One adult aged 60 or over | £4.65 a month |
| Individual young person membership | One person aged 16 to 24 | £3 a month |
| Joint adult membership | Two adults | £9.50 a month |
| Joint senior membership | Two adults, one aged 60 or over | £7.30 a month |
| Family membership | Two adults plus up to six children | £9.30 a month |
| One adult family membership | One adult plus up to six children | £6.60 a month |
What are the membership benefits?
National Trust
- Free entry to most of the places in its care (some require prebooking).
- Free parking at almost all its car parks (some require prebooking).
- National Trust Handbook with information about its sites.
- National Trust Magazine three times a year, with interviews and news.
- Access to its online Members' Area, with first-look previews and behind-the-scenes features.
National Trust Scotland
- Free entry to National Trust for Scotland sites.
- Free or concessionary entry to National Trust organisations properties worldwide, including in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
- Free parking at National Trust for Scotland car parks, with downloadable passes as soon as you join.
- Publications, including a subscription of its members' magazine, e-newsletter and guide.
What kind of events they put on
The National Trust often puts on events, such as special talks and tours, at its locations. To find what is near you and when, see the National Trust event calendar.
The National Trust Scotland also offers a wide range of things to do. If you're seeking inspiration for a trip, check out the National Trust Scotland's 'things to do' guide.
The number of sites they cover
With more than 500 locations across England, Wales and Northern Ireland in their care, you are spoilt for choice with the National Trust.
Find a National Trust location on this map.
National Trust Scotland has 99 locations across the broad and beautiful landscapes of Scotland.
Find a National Trust Scotland location.
What causes do they support?
Both the National Trust and National Trust Scotland have similar missions.
They are both there to protect and care for places of historic and cultural value as well as places of natural beauty. They seek to give current and future generations the chance to experience them.
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