Join our association

Our largest membership category is open to any member of the public. By joining us you’ll be helping us support, advise, and represent independent heritage, and in return hundreds of our member houses and gardens across the UK will offer you free admission during ordinary opening hours, allowing you to explore even more of the heritage you love.

Houses, castles and gardens in private, corporate, charitable, or institutional ownership throughout Wales may join the association as full, or house, members. We exist to protect the interests of these places and to ensure that they stay where they can best be looked after – in independent hands. We consider the historic site itself to be the member, and the owner or custodian its representative.

Eligible properties must be historically or architecturally important; buildings will typically be Grade I or II* listed or linked with a historically significant figure or event. Gardens of lost houses that would have been listed if they had survived, or those on the register of historic parks and gardens are eligible to join in their own right. Important collections of works of art which are housed in properties which are not listed may be considered for membership.

Your property does not need to be regularly open to the public to join us — most of the houses we represent are lived-in family homes, where access may range from an annual church fete in the grounds to regular tours and a thriving tea shop.

This membership is designed for former occupants of a member house who have now handed over care to the next generation, or close family members still living in the house or on its estate.

To join as an Associate Member, speak to the primary contact for the member house with which you have a close tie, or contact us on info@historichouses.org

Next Generation Membership is designed to help those who anticipate one day living in or running an eligible historic house or garden to prepare for their role as a custodian.

Most ‘next-gen’ members have connections to existing member houses or gardens, but we also welcome representatives of properties that are not currently part of the association.

In addition to the advice services and seminars open to general and house members, next-generation members are invited to regular events and visits just for them, and benefit from a bespoke seminar series.

Rates are £60 for a one person or £80 for a double-person household.

To join as a Next generation member, please contact James Probert, our Director of Development,  james.probert@historichouses.org .

Corporate Membership is how companies who supply goods and services to our house members, other heritage organisations and umbrella charities, and employee and social groups can support our work, while enjoying a wide range of benefits, from publicity for their products to free transferable access to hundreds of participating attractions.

Corporate Membership is open to businesses and individuals who supply goods and services to the owners and managers of historic sites; heritage charities and other heritage organisations who share our aims and values; and employee and social groups who want to share the cards that enable them to visit hundreds of member attractions for free, read our online content, and take part in our offers and competitions.

Standard subscriptions (suppliers and employee/social groups) start at £294 incl. VAT. A discounted rate of £149.35 is available on application to heritage charities and selected other heritage organisations.