Free things to do and see
There are few places in the world offering more for eager culture vultures hunting for free things to do. Free museums and art galleries sit on top of the list. For the more outdoor-minded, grab a map from the local tourist office or visitor centre and go on a treasure hunt through town or countryside. Farmers’ markets offer a vivid tableau of community life, and often encourage you to taste free samples. See window shopping in a new light. The displays are often works of art in their own right and the architecture and design of some of the most famous shopping emporiums in the world is breathtakingly impressive.
Find yourself on a farm in the heart of Nottingham
Stonebridge City Farm is a slice of the countryside in the heart of a city centre.
Location: Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
Experience Cambridge evensong
The perfect musical accompaniment on a winter evening in Cambridge.
Location: Cambridge, Cambridgeshire
Imperial War Museum North
Get an insight into the wars and conflicts that have shaped both England and the world at the Imperial War Museum North.
Location: Manchester, Greater Manchester
Take your pick from Liverpool’s rich cultural gems
Liverpool is a thriving capital of culture with museums and galleries for every taste, many of which are free to explore. Dip in and emerge inspired.
Location: Liverpool, Merseyside
Retrace the footsteps of John Keats in Winchester
You don’t have to work up a sweat to follow in the footsteps of one of our greatest romantic poets – it’s actually a very pleasant walk!
Location: Winchester, Hampshire
See how the Chinese party as they usher in the New Year
Manchester’s Chinatown is transformed as lanterns, food stalls and a Dragon Parade take over the streets of the city.
Location: Manchester, Greater Manchester
Rainy Day Activities: Explore Earth and space at Liverpool’s World Museum
Need ideas on things to do when it rains? Visit one of North West England’s oldest museums and get a hands-on look at our planet from the oceans to the stars.
Location: Liverpool, Merseyside
August events: Brighton Pride
At Brighton Pride you can enjoy a risqué drag act, dance till your heart’s content and eat fish ‘n’ chips by the sea all in the same day.
Location: Brighton & Hove, East Sussex
Rainy Day Activities: Explore Oxford's Museum of Natural History
Delve into Oxford University’s scientific archives, housed inside one of the city's most beautiful neo-Gothic buildings.
Location: Oxford, Oxfordshire
Admire Blackpool's light fantastic
Every autumn, Blackpool lights up the Lancashire skies with a sparkling spectacle that has to be seen to be believed.
Location: Blackpool, Lancashire
Spot deer in the city
It might come as a surprise to discover a deer-filled oasis just a tube ride away from the hustle and bustle of London.
Location: Richmond, Surrey
Rainy Day Activities: Beware the animal mummies at Bristol Museum & Art Gallery
From Egyptian relics and biplanes, to works of art and stuffed deer, there’s something to excite everyone at Bristol Museum & Art Gallery.
Location: Bristol
Scenic cycling around Bath
Grab your bike and get ready to pedal through the longest cycle tunnel in Europe.
Location: Bath, Somerset
Experience life in a WWI trench at the Lancashire Museum
Tens of thousands of proud Lancastrians perished in the Great War, whose experiences in the trenches are brought to life at the Museum of Lancashire in Preston.
Location: Preston, Lancashire
Discover the birthplace of the Tank
Learn the history behind the birth of the tank - the machine that broke the stalemate of World War 1 – at the Museum of Lincolnshire Life.
Location: Lincoln, Lincolnshire
Soak up the autumn colours in Greenwich Park
There is no better place to take in the change of the seasons than London’s Greenwich Park, home to the Royal Observatory and the Prime Meridian Line.
Location: Greenwich, London
Cycle Bristol’s Clifton Suspension Bridge on a free tour
Celebrate Bristol's year as European City of Sport 2017 and pedal to your heart’s content along its cycle-friendly routes.
Location: Bristol
Follow in Roman footsteps with a free smartphone app
Looking for an immersive and cheap experience? Use mobile technology to delve into the past with Lincoln’s free digital Roman Trail app.
Location: Lincoln, Lincolnshire
Visit world-renowned artefacts on a budget break in Birmingham
Being on a budget break in Birmingham isn't a problem at all as there’s so much to see and do for free.
Location: Birmingham, West Midlands
July events: Alice's Day
Rediscover the charm of Wonderland with a fun-packed day of events on Oxford’s unique Alice’s Day.
Location: Oxford, Oxfordshire
Enjoy panoramic views on the Bath Skyline Walk
Enjoy a family break in Bath with some outdoor fun at Bath Skyline’s woodland play area before enjoying sweeping views across the city.
Location: Bath, Somerset
