[Travel Hack] Slash Your Scotland Trip Costs with the Historic Environment Scotland Membership
My travel to-do list is endless. Over Easter we explored Scotland and the Highlands, squeezed in a Belgian cruise for a friend’s hen do, and now I’m planning Devon and Cornwall for the half-term. The trips never stop — but the blog posts are falling behind.
Whenever I write, I dive deep into history, backstories, and small anecdotes. It’s not just “pretty photos,” I want readers to feel the place through its stories. That’s why a single post can take me four to eight hours. But today’s post is worth every minute — because I’m sharing something that helped cut our Scotland trip costs **massively**.
Historic Environment Scotland Membership — Our Game Changer
If you’re travelling across Scotland and the Highlands, you need this tip: the Historic Environment Scotland (HES) membership. Castles like Edinburgh and Stirling, historic houses, palaces — they’re mostly covered by it. We visited Edinburgh Castle, Stirling Castle, Urquhart Castle (near Loch Ness), and Linlithgow Palace (Mary Queen of Scots’ birthplace). Without HES, entrance fees alone hit over £250. With HES family membership? Just £110 for unlimited access for a year.
At first, we still pre-booked tickets online — but then staff would just ask to see the membership card. After that, we didn’t bother booking separately. The card did the work.
Why HES Membership is Worth Every Penny
- Adults: £60
- Adult + up to 6 children: £65
- Two adults + up to 6 children: £110 (this is what we got!)
We used a debit card to pay — no extra fees. Credit cards might add charges. Also, automatic renewal is on by default. Mark your calendar — cancel it about three months in advance if you don’t want to renew.
How to Cancel HES Membership
You can cancel via email or through their website. Use this address: members@hes.scot. Include your name, postcode, membership number (if any), and reason. Alternatively use their contact form.
Additional Benefits Beyond Scotland
For short, let’s call Historic Environment Scotland “HES.” HES membership members also get:
- 50% off at English Heritage sites across England
- 50% off at Cadw sites in Wales
- After the first year, some sites become free entry instead of just discounted
When booking English Heritage locations, use the promo code HS50 to apply your 50% discount. For those renewing beyond a year, the code QKUYU6 provides free access. Always carry your physical card — they sometimes ask for it.
Extras You Can Use On Site
- Discounted audio guides at most historic sites
- 20% off at on-site gift shops
- 10% off at cafés within the heritage sites
Digital vs Physical Card — What You Need to Know
We activated our membership just moments before setting off. The digital card worked fine at every site. One site did request a physical card, but when we explained it hadn’t arrived yet, the staff accepted the app card without issue.
Gift shop staff also accepted the digital membership for discounts. Even if the physical card is “paper” (not plastic!), it doesn’t matter — as long as you have both physical and digital options available, you’re covered. HES chooses paper cards primarily for environmental reasons — less plastic, more sustainability.
Dreaming of Skara Brae
Flipping through the HES membership guidebook, one name leaped out: Skara Brae. It’s tucked away on the Orkney Islands, nearly at Scotland’s northern edge. For a long time I wondered if we would ever make it there. But its reputation — as one of the best-preserved Neolithic sites in Europe — means it’s often included in UK history exams like “Life in the UK.” Someday, I’ll see it with my own eyes.
Wrap-Up: Is HES Worth It?
Historic Environment Scotland family membership at £110 gives huge value. It covers not only major Scottish sites but also unlocks steep discounts or entry at English Heritage and Cadw properties. We used it from the very first moment, enjoyed discounts in gift shops and cafés, and never once regretted that sign-up.
From castles to dramatic ruins, from history lessons to quiet moments — this membership turned a pricey trip into a savvy one. If you’re exploring the UK’s heritage, it’s one of the smartest investments you can make.