Why the National Art Pass is the key to family days out together

Whether it's a half term break or weekend, every parent knows it can be tricky to find fun and affordable activities that will work for the whole family.

That’s why a National Art Pass is worth getting. The National Art Pass is Art Fund’s annual membership, which allows you to explore a huge range of museums and galleries for less all across the UK. From half-price entry at The Postal Museum and Cutty Sark in London, to SeaCity in Southampton and Bletchley Park near Milton Keynes, discover and learn as a family on your next outing!

Also enjoy 50% off major exhibitions from the Science Museum, Young V&A and the Natural History Museum to the World Museum in Liverpool and National Museum of Scotland.

But that’s not all, pass holders can also enjoy special offers at hundreds of museum shops and cafes, making it the ultimate day out. A National Art Pass membership starts at £62.25 in your first year and you can even add ‘Plus Kids’ to any membership for just £15, and bring along children in your family under the age of 16 years old.

Our Mumsnetters are big fans of the National Art Pass. As Mumsnet user GhostBustersFavouriteMum shares, having a National Art Pass “gives you free entry to LOADS.”

“I have a National Art Pass which gives free entry to museums and galleries, and discounts to exhibitions,” also Bjorkdidit shared recently. “Some of these are set in country parks, eg Yorkshire Sculpture Park so has wider appeal.”

Buying a National Art Pass not only gives you free or discounted entry to historic houses, castles and even major exhibitions, but it's also a great way of giving back to the UK's rich arts and cultural sector.

What is the National Art Pass?

The National Art Pass is Art Fund’s annual membership which allows you to explore more for less. Membership fees help Art Fund support museums across the UK, enabling them to share works of art and run exciting projects, so that everyone can benefit from access to art and culture.

Save on great family days out with an annual membership and make unforgettable memories together. The National Art Pass offers free or reduced entry to hundreds of attractions across the UK. You can buy a pass for yourself or surprise a loved one as a thoughtful gift. There are a variety of membership options available, including discounts to visit as a pair, individuals under the age of 30, and families with kids.

It’s not all about art! Find play areas, art activities, historical monuments and more

Family days out with a difference

With a National Art Pass, you can discover something new and make memories together as a family. There are hundreds of spots to choose from across the UK, whether you want to find something local or plan an adventure further afield.

1. Design Museum in London, W8 6AG

The World of Tim Burton at the Design Museum in London is a visual feast for the eyes and is only running until May, so catch it now before it’s too late. Enjoy over 500 of Burton's drawings, sketchbooks, moving images and sculptures, and with a National Art Pass, you can get 50% off all paid exhibitions at this venue.

2. Cardiff Castle, CF10 3RB

You can gain free entry into the opulent Cardiff Castle. It’s located in the heart of the capital and boasts a history of almost 2,000 years. There are plenty of things for kids to explore, from the Roman Walls to the Firing Line Museum. The new Black Tower Tales is an immersive experience that tells the tale of local Welsh hero Llywelyn Bren and his medieval struggle against the Sheriff of Glamorgan.

3. Chiswick House, W4 2RP

Chiswick House is an idyllic choice for a sunny spring day in London. The lavish Neo-Palladian architecture was an 18th century design of Richard Boyle and the location became a place to showcase his art collection. Enjoy free entry with a National Art Pass.

For fans of botanical beauty, it houses one of the most stunning collections of rare blooms. The 65 acres of outside space make it great for kids to roam, plus there's a playground and a cafe with a tasty kids' menu.

4. Kensington Palace, W8 4PX

For a true taste of our country’s regal heritage, you can get free entry and 50% off exhibitions at Kensington Palace. The striking palace has been a royal residence in London since 1689 and was the birthplace of Queen Victoria, as well as a royal abode for many members of the family. It offers a great choice of attractions, including the statue of Princess Diana in the Sunken Garden which was unveiled in 2021 by her sons Prince Harry and Prince William.

5. The Story Museum, OX1 1BP

Let your imagination run wild at The Story Museum in Oxford, which you can get 50% off entry to. It helps to bring the magic of stories alive for children through ten immersive galleries, including an indoor forest with storytelling trees, and a Learning Studio inspired by Hogwarts.

6. Towner Eastbourne, BN21 4JJ

Towner Eastbourne is an award-winning gallery that has showcased art for a century and you get 50% off exhibitions. As well as the growing collection of art, there's also a cinema, which has a regular screening programme that includes family films and classics.

7. Brighton Museum & Art Gallery, BN1 1EE

Fancy a trip to the seaside? Brighton Museum & Art Gallery has a very eclectic collection of displays and an ever changing schedule of events to keep things fresh. Explore for free with a National Art Pass. Plus, there’s a great gift shop if you want to pick up a unique souvenir. 

Get your pass 

It’s so simple to sign up for a National Art Pass. There are a variety of membership options, including an individual pass, for £62.25, which works out to less than £5.50 a month. Or visit with a loved one or friend with a double membership for two adults for £93, which is £7.75 per month or less than £4 each.

You can also get a discount if you're under 30, with an annual membership starting at just £37.50, which is less than £4 a month. 

Families are catered for too, as the 'Plus Kids' option is just £15 and allows you to bring any children in your family under the age of 16.

As well as free and discounted entry, your National Art Pass will also offer an Art Map, which is a comprehensive guidebook on how and where to use your pass, as well as a subscription to Art Fund's magazine, Art Quarterly. You can sign up to  Art Fund's regular emails to hear the latest details on new exhibitions or projects, as well as fundraising initiatives or special offers.

For more information, you can also check out Art Fund's website to discover the varied offerings, as well as other ways to donate.

A National Art Pass for the family means you can enjoy a fun day out suitable for all ages

What does the National Art Pass include?

There are a variety of membership options but all passes will offer discounted and free entry to hundreds of museums, exhibitions or areas of interest in the UK.

Is the National Art Pass worth it for families?

It’s a great investment for families as there are so many iconic venues to visit, plus many boast a constantly evolving schedule of exhibitions - so there’s always something new to discover. The Plus Kids option is just £15 annually and allows you to bring any children from your family (under 16) to enjoy the discounted benefits.

Can I use the pass during the school holidays?

Yes, you can use your pass throughout the school holidays, provided the location is open to the public. Be sure to check the list of venues on their website, as many museums and stately homes host fun events for families.

How does the Plus Kids add-on work?

Add the Plus Kids option to your annual membership for £15 a year and you can bring any children in your family (under 16) with you. 

Where can I find participating venues? 

Art Fund lists all their participating venues on their website, allowing you to filter by region and by locations that offer either free entry, 50% off exhibitions or both.

About Art Fund

Art Fund works to support the UK's museums and galleries and boost their collections of art. Purchasing a National Art Pass can help bring art to a wider audience and attractions across the country continue to thrive. There are over 900 places to explore, so a membership opens you up to so many possibilities.

About the author

Kat Romero is a writer and journalist with over a decade’s experience in the industry. Hailing from London, she has become experienced in scouring the market to find the latest and best products and services that are designed to make parents’ lives easier. 

Away from her desk, Kat can be found consuming far too much coffee and spending her weekends with her toddler and partner - soaking up the sights of London and sampling anything new and exciting that has opened up within walking distance.