The best free days out in the UK

Looking for fun that won’t dent your budget? Whether you're planning a weekend adventure or keeping the kids busy during the holidays, there are brilliant free days out across the UK. From sandy beaches to historic castles and sprawling city parks, here are our top picks - region by region.

South East

1. The Ashdown Forest, East Sussex
The inspiration behind Winnie the Pooh’s Hundred Acre Wood, this ancient forest is perfect for walking, picnicking and Poohsticks.
Free entry. Parking costs £3.

2. The Oxford University Museums, Oxford
Wander through the Pitt Rivers Museum’s collection of global treasures or marvel at dinosaur skeletons in the Natural History Museum.
Free entry. Donations welcome.

3. Dungeness Beach, Kent
A shingle beach like no other - desolate, beautiful and dotted with quirky cottages and a nuclear power station visitor centre.
Free and wild. Parking is limited but free.

South West

1. The Royal Cornwall Museum, Truro
Discover Cornwall’s rich mining history, ancient artefacts and rotating exhibitions. Great for curious kids.
Free for under 18s. Adults pay £7.50, but free entry on the first Saturday of each month.

2. Bristol Museum & Art Gallery
Dinosaurs, Egyptian mummies, and fine art - set in a grand old building.
Free entry. £2 optional donation. Closest parking is paid.

3. St Michael’s Mount Causeway Walk, Cornwall
At low tide, walk the causeway across to this fairytale island. Exploring the harbour is free, but entry to the castle and gardens costs extra.
Causeway walk and harbour free. Castle entry from £15.

Midlands

1. Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, Birmingham
Currently reopening in stages, the museum is packed with art, archaeology and local history.
Free entry. Paid parking nearby.

2. Bradgate Park, Leicestershire
A huge historic deer park with ruins, rivers and roaming wildlife. Great for walking and spotting fallow deer.
Free entry. Car parks from £3.

3. Ironbridge Gorge Museums (outdoor areas), Shropshire
While indoor attractions charge, the iconic Iron Bridge and riverside walks are free and packed with industrial heritage.
Free to explore the area. Parking charges apply.

North East

1. Great North Museum: Hancock, Newcastle
A family favourite with everything from mummies to fossils and a full-size T. rex skeleton.
Free entry. Closest parking is paid.

2. Roker and Seaburn Beaches, Sunderland
Clean, family-friendly beaches with long promenades and playgrounds – perfect for picnics, or fish and chips if you’re feeling flush.
Free access. Some free parking on residential streets.

3. Durham Heritage Coast
A beautiful stretch of coastline with dramatic cliffs, meadows and coastal paths.
Free to explore. Car parks may charge around £2–£3.

North West

1. Museum of Liverpool, Liverpool
Tells the city’s rich history through fun, interactive displays. Great views over the Mersey too.
Free entry. Paid parking nearby.

2. Heaton Park, Manchester
One of the biggest parks in Europe. Includes woodlands, ornamental gardens, play areas and a boating lake.
Free entry. Parking from £2.80.

3. Formby Beach (National Trust), Merseyside
Dunes, red squirrels and sandy beach walks.
Free entry on foot. National Trust parking £7.50 unless you’re a member.

Scotland

1. Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Glasgow
One of Scotland’s most popular free attractions. From Salvador Dalí to natural history, there’s something for everyone.
Free entry. Paid on-street parking nearby.

2. The Kelpies and The Helix, Falkirk
Stunning 30-metre horse-head sculptures in a riverside park with play areas and walking trails.
Free to view and walk around. Parking £3.50.

3. National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh
Learn about Scottish history, science, nature and technology - plus panoramic city views from the rooftop terrace.
Free entry. Optional donation.

Wales

1. St Fagans National Museum of History, Cardiff
An open-air museum where original buildings from across Wales have been rebuilt - from farmhouses to chapels.
Free entry. Parking £6 per day.

2. Rhossili Bay, Swansea
Often voted one of the best beaches in the world, perfect for walking, picnicking and exploring the shipwreck at low tide.
Free access. National Trust car park around £6.

3. Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, Wrexham
Walk along a UNESCO World Heritage aqueduct towering 126ft above the River Dee. Brave the heights or admire the views from a safe distance.
 Free. Limited free parking nearby.

Northern Ireland

1. Ulster Museum, Belfast
Art, history, dinosaurs and mummies all under one roof in the Botanic Gardens.
Free entry. Closest parking is paid.

2. Giant’s Ring, Belfast
This ancient Neolithic monument is older than the pyramids and set in a peaceful green park ideal for walking and picnics.
Free. No official car park - free roadside parking nearby.

3. Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne, County Londonderry
Clifftop views, romantic ruins and the iconic circular temple perched dramatically on the edge.
Free access on foot. National Trust car park around £5.

Final tip: Pack a picnic!

Most of these spots are perfect for a homemade lunch, so skip the pricey café and bring sandwiches, snacks and drinks. And don’t forget to check opening hours and tide times before you travel.