Kenilworth Castle in Warwickshire (pictured) is included in the list of English Heritage sites you can visit for free this May and June.
A free family day out at one of England's most iconic historical sites? Yes, really, and it takes minutes to claim. As spring moves into summer, this will be one of the hottest deals.
FAQs: Free English Heritage Family Pass In May 2026
What Is A Free English Heritage Pass?
Reach PLC are giving away free family day passes to English Heritage sites across England. Each pass covers up to two adults and three children, or one adult and four children, meaning a full day out at a castle, abbey, Roman fort or historic house, completely on the house.
Do I Need To Have Kids To Use A English Heritage Free Family Pass?
No. The limit of one or two adults per pass still applies, but couples and individuals are more than welcome.
How Much Is The Pass Worth?
A standard family ticket to an English Heritage site can easily hit £40-50, so this is a proper saving on a wholesome day out.
How Do I Claim My Free English Heritage Pass?
In Reach PLC newspapers like:
- Mirror
- Daily Express
- Daily Star
- People
- OK! Magazine
- and regional titles, such as Manchester Evening News
Newspaper vouchers will be available from Saturday 9th May until Sunday 17th May 2026, as well as a limited number on their digital channels (when they're gone, they're gone)—you'll just have to fill out a short form with your name and email address to receive your digital pass.
When Can I Visit English Heritage Locations Using My Free Pass?
Vouchers are valid until Sunday 14th June 2026 (inclusive) and can only be used once in that period.
Where Can I Visit With My Free Pass?
This is the good bit. We're talking:
- Dover Castle
- Kenilworth Castle
- Tintagel Castle
- Hadrian's Wall
- Whitby Abbey
- and more of England's most spectacular historic sites...
Use the English Heritage 'Find A Place To Visit' search to discover a location near you.
Are There Any Sites I Can't Visit?
A few, yes. Stonehenge isn't included, and sites managed by other organisations (National Trust, Historic Scotland, CADW in Wales) are also out. Always double-check before you travel so there are no surprises on the day, but here's the full list of exclusions:
Stonehenge, all National Trust, Cadw sites, guided tours, and locally managed properties including: Hylton Castle, Calshot Castle, Castle Rising Castle, Chiswick House, Denny Abbey and Farmland Museum, Hurst Castle, Landguard Fort, Longthorpe Tower, Lulworth Castle, Maison Dieu, Rochester Castle, Upnor Castle, Alexander Keiller Museum, Avebury, Cumbria's Museum of Military Life, Aldborough Roman Town, York Cold War Bunker, Stott Park Bobbin Mill, Jewry Wall, Kirby Muxloe Castle, JW Evans Silver Factory, Ranger’s House, Hill Hall, Apethorpe Palace and Rushton Triangular Lodge, Aydon Castle and Prudhoe Castle.
The free family pass is unavailable at the following two sites on these specific dates: Belsay Hall, Castle Gardens (15th - 17th May 2026) and Pendennis Castle (9th - 10th May 2026).
Do I Need To Pre-Book?
No pre-booking needed. Just show up and present your newspaper cut-out or digital voucher to the team on arrival. One thing worth knowing: mobile signal can be patchy at some historic sites, so download your digital pass or print it before you leave the house.
Is Parking Included?
The pass covers standard entry, but parking and any special events or exhibitions may cost extra. Worth a quick check on the individual site page before you set off.
Is This The Same As The National Trust Free Pass?
Both promotions run through Reach PLC newspapers and work in the same way, but English Heritage and National Trust look after completely different sites. So even if you've already used a free National Trust pass, there's a whole new set of spots to discover here.
Now go and bag your pass, pick your castle, and have a brilliant day out. And if you need somewhere to eat or drink nearby, you know DesignMyNight is where to look.
