How to get a free National Trust family pass this summer

A day out at a National Trust castle, stately home or garden normally costs a family up to £50. Right now, you can do it for nothing.

The National Trust is giving away free family day passes for the summer holidays. Each pass covers two adults and up to three children, or one adult and up to four children, so it works for single-parent families too. It's valid for one visit to around 200 National Trust places in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, any day up to Friday 28 August.

Where to get one

The passes are being given away free online through local news websites run by the Mirror's publisher, such as MyLondon, Manchester Evening News, Liverpool Echo and Birmingham Live, and through the InYourArea website. You fill in a short form, and the pass is emailed to you. That's it - no payment details, no catch.

They're going fast, though. Hundreds of thousands have been claimed already and batches keep selling out, so if you see one available, grab it. If one site has run out, try another - different sites have their own allocations.

If you subscribe to the digital edition of the Mirror, Express or Daily Star, there are also passes in the subscriber rewards section. And it's worth searching "free National Trust pass" every few days, because the Trust often releases fresh batches during school holidays and again in the autumn.

Before you go

Check whether your chosen place needs booking. Some let you walk in with your pass, but others ask you to book ahead. If you need to book, choose "Book a visit" on the property's page, then pick the "Affiliate organisation member or passholder" ticket. You won't be asked for any card details.

Save the pass to your phone or print it out, because mobile signal can be patchy at country estates. And take a sandwich if you can. Entry is free, but the cafes aren't cheap.

While the pass covers entry, you’ll still have to pay car park charges, so make sure you factor that into your budget for the day out.

If you miss out on a pass

You don't actually need a pass for a lot of National Trust land. Hundreds of its beaches, woodlands and countryside spots are completely free to visit all year round. Only the houses, gardens and paid attractions charge for entry. Search "National Trust free places to visit" to find open countryside near you.

And children under five go free at National Trust places anyway, whatever the grown-ups pay.