Free Summer Holiday Clubs and Meals: The HAF Scheme Most Parents Miss
Quick answer The government-funded Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme gives eligible children in England free...
What You Get with Membership
- 🚪 Free entry for one or two adults and up to six children
- 🚌 Free parking at English Heritage locations
- 💌 Exclusive member magazines, guides, and events
- 🎟️ Free or discounted entry to Cadw, Historic Scotland, and Manx sites
- 🍽️ Kids Eat Free at select cafés for members (yes, really!)
Why This Is Such a Mum Win
Think of it as a one-time purchase that pays itself back in fresh air, meaningful memories, and yes – free kids’ lunches. Instead of overstimulating arcades or costly theme parks, you get calm days walking castle ruins, quiet cafés, and stories that stay with them. And you.
Something Happening Every Day This Summer
Throughout July and August, English Heritage are running daily family-friendly events across the country. From Roman re-enactments and knight training schools to crafty castle workshops and storytelling circles, there’s always something new to try.
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It’s not just entry – it’s entertainment. And it’s already sorted for you. No extra cost, no complicated booking. Just show your membership card and step into the magic.
Summer Highlights (2026)
- 🛡️ Live jousting & battles at Bolsover Castle
- 🎨 Kids’ crafts and Roman dress-up at Corbridge Roman Town
- 📚 Storytelling with costumed actors at Whitby Abbey
- 🗡️ Saxon sword school at Battle Abbey
- 🍦 Café treats, picnic lawns & outdoor theatre galore
Printable Memory Tracker
Use this gentle template to log your visits. You can even give it to the kids to fill out in their own words.
- Where we went: __________________
- Favourite moment: __________________
- Something we learned: __________________
Let History Be the Classroom
You don’t need to make every trip an “educational” one. Just walk together. Let them touch stone walls and ask weird questions. Visit places where history isn’t on a whiteboard, it’s under your feet.
Join Now & Spark Something Bigger
Join English Heritage here and get 25% off your annual pass. Trust me – your summer weekends will thank you.
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