If you’re planning to walk Hadrian’s Wall, you might be considering an English Heritage membership, or the English Heritage Overseas Visitor Pass, to save money on entry fees. We’ve been English Heritage members for years, and it’s been well worth it for us because we enjoy visiting lots of historic sites in England.
However, when it comes to what sites you can visit along the Hadrian’s Wall Path, there’s a cheaper alternative that many walkers don’t even realize exists: the Association for Roman Archaeology (ARA). Depending on your plans, it might actually be a better fit.
In this post, I’ll walk you through what each option includes, the main differences, and how to decide which one makes the most sense for your trip.
Note: This post contains affiliate links. Please see disclosure for more information.
Contents
The Two Main Options: English Heritage vs ARA
When it comes to visiting sites along Hadrian’s Wall, you’re usually choosing between:
- English Heritage Membership (or Overseas Visitor Pass)
- Association for Roman Archaeology (ARA)
Both can save you money, but they suit different types of trips. Here’s a side-by-side comparison so you can quickly see which one fits your plans.
Hadrian’s Wall Pass Comparison
| Association for Roman Archaeology | Overseas Visitor Pass | English Heritage Membership | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Walkers focused mainly on Roman sites along the Wall | Overseas visitors wanting flexible short-term access | Walkers exploring Hadrian’s Wall and more of England |
| Includes key Roman forts | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Includes Tullie Museum | Yes | No | No |
| Includes Carlisle Castle | No | Yes | Yes |
| Includes Lanercost Priory | No | Yes | Yes |
| Access beyond Hadrian’s Wall | Select Roman sites | 100+ sites across England | 400+ sites across England |
| Cost | Lower | Varies (9 or 16 day pass) | Higher |
| Ideal trip type | Wall-focused itinerary | Overseas visitors on a 9–16 day trip | Exploring England over a longer time period (1-year use) |
| More information | Learn more | Learn more | Learn more |
Note: Prices and inclusions can change, so it’s always worth checking the official websites before buying.
If you’re still deciding which stops you want to include, take a look at our guide to the best places to visit on Hadrian’s Wall Path.
What About National Trust?
You might also be wondering whether a National Trust membership is worth having for the Hadrian’s Wall walk. While it does include Housesteads Roman Fort, it doesn’t cover other key sites along Hadrian’s Wall, like Chesters or Birdoswald.
If you already have National Trust membership, it’s a nice bonus. We have been members for years. But on its own, it doesn’t cover the main Roman sites most walkers want to visit.
What If You Already Have CADW or Historic Scotland Membership?
If you already have membership with Cadw or Historic Scotland, it’s worth checking the current reciprocal benefits before buying anything extra. At the time of writing, Cadw members get 50% off entry to English Heritage sites in their first year, then free entry after renewal. Historic Scotland members also receive reciprocal benefits with English Heritage, with half-price entry in the first year and free entry after renewal. Because these arrangements can change, it’s always best to double-check the latest details before your trip.
What You Need to Know About Each Option
Now that you’ve seen the main differences, here’s a closer look at what each option includes and who it’s best for.
Association for Roman Archaeology
The Association for Roman Archaeology is a lesser-known option, but it can be a really good fit if your main goal is to experience the Roman history along Hadrian’s Wall.
Membership includes entry to:
These are some of the most important and well-preserved Roman sites along the route, so for many walkers, this already covers the main highlights. It’s also a lower-cost option than English Heritage, which makes it appealing if you’re trying to keep costs down.
It’s definitely the more focused option. It doesn’t include places like Carlisle Castle or Lanercost Priory, and while it does cover some other Roman sites around England, it doesn’t offer the same variety as English Heritage.
Who it’s best for:
If your trip is mainly about walking the Wall and seeing the key Roman forts, this can be a simple and cost-effective choice.
Find out more about Association for Roman Archaeology membership here.
English Heritage Overseas Visitor Pass
If you’re visiting from outside the UK, the English Heritage Overseas Visitor Pass is designed for shorter trips.
It includes:
- Access to 100+ English Heritage sites
- A choice of a 9-day or 16-day pass
This gives you access to many of the same key sites as a full membership, including the main Roman forts along Hadrian’s Wall, as well as Carlisle Castle and Lanercost Priory. Away from Hadrian’s Wall, it also includes places like Stonehenge, Dover Castle, Framlingham Castle, and Tynemouth Priory & Castle.
The main difference is that this option is designed for visitors from outside the UK. Rather than committing to a full annual membership, you can choose a pass that fits the length of your trip, which makes it a practical option for a shorter stay.
Who it’s best for:
If you’re visiting from abroad and want access to multiple historic sites during your trip without paying for a full membership, this is usually the best fit.
Check out Overseas Visitor Pass options here.
English Heritage Membership
English Heritage is the more comprehensive option, and it’s the one most people naturally look at first when planning their Hadrian’s Wall walk.
In addition to the main Roman forts, it also includes:
- Carlisle Castle
- Lanercost Priory
- Hundreds of other historic sites across England
So instead of just focusing on Roman Britain, you’re getting access to a much wider range of places, including castles, abbeys, and other historic landmarks.
This is where English Heritage can really start to feel worth it. Since the membership is valid for a full year, it’s not just about your Hadrian’s Wall walk. If you’re planning other trips in England, live in England, or think you’ll visit more historic sites over time, it can quickly become much better value.
Who it’s best for:
If your trip goes beyond Hadrian’s Wall, or you want the flexibility to visit more sites, English Heritage is usually the better choice.
Check out English Heritage membership options here.
So… Which One Should You Choose?
It really depends on what kind of trip you’re planning.
If your trip is mainly focused on Hadrian’s Wall, you probably don’t need the biggest membership option..
If your trip goes beyond the Wall, that’s where English Heritage can become much better value.
Choose the Association for Roman Archaeology if:
- You mainly want to visit Roman sites along the Wall
- You want a lower-cost option
- You’re not especially interested in castles or additional sites
Choose English Heritage if:
- You want to visit Carlisle Castle and Lanercost Priory
- You plan to explore other parts of England
- You want something you can use over multiple trips
Choose the Overseas Visitor Pass if:
- You’re visiting from outside the UK
- You want to visit Carlisle Castle and Lanercost Priory
- You want access to lots of sites during a shorter trip
A simple way to think about it:
If your trip is all about the Wall, keep it simple.
If your trip is part of a bigger England adventure, English Heritage is usually worth it.
RELATED: Biggest Mistakes to Avoid When Walking Hadrian’s Wall
The Best Choice for Your Hadrian’s Wall Walk
It’s easy to assume there’s one ‘best’ option, but honestly, it depends on the kind of trip you’re planning.
We’ve personally used English Heritage for years, especially when combining multiple trips around England, and it’s been well worth it for us. However, if your focus is purely on Hadrian’s Wall, the Association for Roman Archaeology can be a really smart and cost-effective alternative. Those coming from overseas that plan on seeing more historic sites in England may prefer the English Heritage Visitor Pass.
Whichever option you choose, it’s worth deciding before you start your walk so you can make the most of the sites along the route. If you’re still planning your trip, check out our essential tips for walking Hadrian’s Wall for more practical advice. You can also join our Hadrian’s Wall First Time Walkers Community Facebook group to ask questions and connect with other walkers.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. This means we will receive a small commission for some purchases made using links in our blog with no additional cost to you. Please be assured we would not promote any product unless we believe that our readers will also benefit. The commission does not influence the editorial content of this site.
Two Traveling Texans is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.