The National Trust’s newly launched “Unboxed” range presents a savvy way to enjoy multiple visits for the price of one, offering an attractive alternative to full membership. Targeted towards families and couples, the £75 family box initially appears to grant just a single day’s entry. However, a closer examination reveals its potential for significant savings. The box includes a family entry voucher, a £40 gift card, a single-use parking pass, an adventure map worth £15, and a children’s activity book. By strategically utilizing each component, families can unlock several separate visits, maximizing the value of the initial purchase.
Travel writer Catherine Lofthouse illustrates how to optimize the Unboxed bundle. Using a 10% welcome code, she acquired the box for £67.50. For her family of six, a single visit to the Children’s Country House at Sudbury Hall would typically cost £72. The Unboxed entry voucher covers this cost, resulting in immediate savings. Furthermore, the included £40 gift card can be used for entry to more affordable National Trust sites, such as Clumber Park (£12.50 family entry) or Calke Abbey grounds (£18.75 family entry). Even pricier locations like Cragside, with a £37.50 family entry fee, fall within the gift card’s coverage. The gift card can also be used in National Trust shops and cafes, adding further flexibility.
The single-use parking pass provides another avenue for savings. By choosing sites with free entry but paid parking, such as Dunwich Heath and Beach, the parking pass (worth up to £15) covers the cost of a visit. This strategy allows for exploration of stunning coastal and countryside locations without additional entry fees. The adventure map and children’s book, valued at £15 and £8 respectively, can be utilized during visits or gifted to other families, encouraging them to discover the National Trust’s offerings.
Unbundling the Unboxed package potentially yields four separate outings: one with the entry voucher, two with the gift card (depending on site choices), and one using the parking pass at a free-entry, paid-parking location. This represents a significant value proposition compared to the initial £75 (or £67.50 with the discount code) investment. The gift card’s validity until 2026 and the parking pass’s indefinite expiry date further enhance the flexibility, allowing families to spread their visits across different seasons and accommodate individual schedules.
Comparing the Unboxed bundle with a four-day Explorer Pass highlights the former’s advantages. While the Explorer Pass, priced at £69, offers four consecutive days of entry, the Unboxed bundle allows for greater flexibility in scheduling visits. The Explorer Pass requires visits to be taken within a limited timeframe once activated, whereas the Unboxed components can be used independently and at any time within their respective validity periods. This adaptability makes the Unboxed bundle a more appealing option for families who prefer to plan their outings at their own pace.
The National Trust boasts a diverse array of properties across the UK, catering to various interests. From historic houses and gardens like Stourhead and Cliveden to natural wonders like the Giant’s Causeway and dramatic castle ruins like Corfe Castle, there’s something for everyone. Other notable locations include Fountains Abbey, Sissinghurst Castle Garden, Dunham Massey, Lanhydrock, Mount Stewart, and Waddesdon Manor. These sites offer opportunities to explore stunning landscapes, delve into history, and appreciate architectural marvels. The Unboxed bundle provides an affordable and flexible way to experience these treasures, making it a compelling choice for families and couples seeking memorable days out.
