Free limited edition postcards designed by Nick Sharratt and Sir Quentin Blake at Bolsover Castle as English Heritage tackles a declining tradition (aff)

The move comes as English Heritage warns that the humble postcard is at risk of disappearing – more than half (52%) of adults have never sent a postcard, just 8% of adults send a postcard once a year, 16% do a few times each year and 18% less than once a year.

While 86% of adults grew up either sending postcards or in a household where a family member did, and 62% say they’d love their own kids to carry on the tradition, the reality doesn’t match the sentiment.

The decline in a once-popular tradition is attributed to digital communication being easier, postage costs, and the time-consuming process of putting pen to paper.

Matt Thompson, conservation, curatorial and learning director at English Heritage, said: “The postcard was once as much a part of the British holiday as a bucket and spade or the drip of ice cream; a handwritten note dashed off from the pier or a historic landmark, stamped and posted to friends and family back home. But our research reveals a habit fading fast and, if this decline continues, there’s a chance it could become a distant nostalgic memory, and there’s something genuinely sad about the idea of this tradition disappearing.

"At English Heritage we believe the postcard deserves more than a place in the nostalgia tin – it’s a living tradition worth preserving and we need your help to give it a new lease of life. We want to inspire the next generation so pick up one of our three brilliant postcards, designed by Sir Quentin Blake and Nick Sharratt, write your message, pop it in the post and give your grandmother or friend’s fridge door something to get excited about.”

Nick Sharratt, author and illustrator of children's books (including Jacqueline Wilson’s Tracy Beaker), said: “I think getting the nation, and children in particular, to take up sending postcards again is a wonderful idea. It’s something that’s very nostalgic for many of us. I wanted my designs to be the kind of thing a child would want to pick up and perhaps keep, but even more inspire that first trip to the postbox!"

Sir Quentin Blake, children's writer and prolific illustrator (including many stories by Roald Dahl), said: “There’s no better way to put a smile on someone’s face than with a postcard. In the days of knights in armour they didn’t have postcards, so I do hope children enjoy mine and send him on to someone special.”

Three limited-edition designs – two by Nick and one by Quentin – are available to collect at 18 English Heritage sites as part of the Great British Summer that kicks off on July 18.

Book early for a visit to Bolsover Castle and save money as VAT on family days out has been cut from 20% to 5% until September 1. The savings will be automatically applied at check out.

Prices from £15.38 per adult, £13.85 (concession) and £7.65 (child, 5-17 years). Book at www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/bolsover-castle/prices-and-opening-times