From free museums in the heart of London and self-guided literary walks, to outdoor adventures and fascinating exhibitions: the UK is home to so many free attractions suitable for all ages and interests. Discover some of the best free attractions in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland and start planning your wallet-friendly adventure.

Looking for free attractions near you in the UK? From world-class museums and stunning parks to historical sites and outdoor trails, UK boasts so many incredible experiences that won't cost you a penny.

In this guide to free attractions in the UK, we highlight some of the best options available, offering inspiration for your purse-friendly adventure. Whether you're a local looking for something free to do near you or are hoping to explore a different part of UK on a budget, these top 20 free attractions have all bases covered.

Journey through billions of years of history at the Natural History Museum, one of the best free things to do in London. From dinosaur skeletons to sparkling gemstones, the museum's vast collection is sure to inspire and delight visitors of all ages.

Explore interactive exhibits, learn about the planet's biodiversity, and discover the secrets of the natural world as you wander around different halls and exhibits. Marvel at Guy the Gorilla, an impressive former resident of London Zoo, see fascinating works of Charles Darwin, admire a fragment of moon rock, and view amazing fossil and ammonite collections.

Look out for

• The iconic Hope blue whale skeleton

• The volcanoes and earthquakes gallery

• The wildlife garden (seasonal)

Delve into the rich social history of Lincolnshire at this fascinating museum. Admission to the Museum of Lincolnshire Life is free, and you can explore around 250,000 artifacts showcasing rural life, industry secrets, and the stories of the people who shaped this impressive county. From agricultural tools to domestic items, the displays on offer help you gain a unique insight into Lincolnshire's past at this must-visit attraction.

Highlights of the Museum of Lincolnshire Life include Daphne (an authentic World War I tank), vintage farm machinery, interactive exhibits, a child-friendly museum trail and playground, and a charming tearoom.

Look out for

• Vintage tractors and farm machinery

• The reconstructed Victorian kitchen and schoolroom

• Lincolnshire's role in World War I

Escape to the Cornish countryside at Roskilly's Farm and discover all there is to know about life on a working organic farm. Known for its delicious ice cream (which unfortunately will cost you a little) this farm is the perfect place to enjoy natural beauty and lush surroundings across its 20 acres of farmland.

Wander through the meadows, meet the friendly animals, including 125 hardworking Jersey cows (feeding time is at 4pm), and enjoy stunning coastal views as you breathe in the fresh sea air. Don’t forget to see the work of local artists in the Bull Pen Gallery and pick up fresh produce in the farm shop.

Look out for

• The ice cream parlour

• Scenic walking trails around the farm

• See the cows being milked

Explore the natural history of Portsmouth and the surrounding area at Cumberland House. Discover fascinating exhibits on local wildlife, geology, and marine life. Some of the most popular exhibits in the museum include the Geology Gallery, the Observational Beehive, and the Sculpture Trail.

The Cumberland House Natural History Museum’s butterfly house is a must-visit. You’ll be surrounded by colourful butterflies from Central and South America, including impressive Blue Morpho and Owl species. You can watch them feeding too. The butterflies you see will depend on the season, but there are information sheets you can take inside to help you identify the different types.

Look out for

• The butterfly house (seasonal)

• Fossils from the local area

• Displays on the Solent's marine environment

Escape the hustle and bustle of Edinburgh at the Royal Botanic Garden, one of the world’s leading scientific botanical gardens. Step into the gardens to explore diverse plant collections from around the world, wander through peaceful gardens, and enjoy stunning views of the city skyline without paying a penny.

The Royal Botanic Garden is one of the best free things to do in Edinburgh and offers something for visitors of all ages. See the stunning Living Collection which includes the impressive Arboretum, beautiful rhododendrons, the Rock Garden, and the Chinese Hillside where you’ll find a huge variety of Chinese plants.

Look out for

• The Chinese Hillside

• The Rock Garden

• The Glasshouses (small fee may apply)

Join a free guided walking tour of Bath and uncover the city's rich history and architectural gems. Learn about the Roman Baths, the Georgian architecture, and the stories behind this UNESCO World Heritage Site. While entering many of Bath’s landmarks is subject to a fee, seeing the city’s striking buildings and hearing about its past doesn’t cost you a penny.

Some of the highlights of your tour will include the famous Roman Baths, the stunning Royal Crescent, and the Circus – three curved rows of beautiful townhouses which form a circle. Keep an eye out for intricate details on these houses, including serpents, acorns, and nautical symbols.

Look out for

• The Roman Baths (exterior view)

• The Royal Crescent

• The Circus

Immerse yourself in the ancient woodland of Reelig Glen, home to some of the tallest trees in Britain and completely free to explore. This magical forest offers a tranquil escape into nature and boasts Douglas Firs up to 65m in height, plus Britain’s tallest larch and lime trees.

There are two main walking trails to follow in Reelig Glen. The first is the Tall Trees Trail which is a mile in length and will take you past some of the forest’s most impressive trees. The second is the Upper Reelig Trail which is 1.25 miles in length and includes steep slopes and some steps. It really is one of the best natural attractions in the UK.

Look out for

• Towering Douglas firs

• Peaceful walking trails

• A sense of awe and wonder

Journey to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne in Berwick-upon-Tweed, which is set on the England-Scotland border. This tidal island is steeped in history and can only be accessed during low tide, giving it a real sense of mystery and adventure.

When you reach the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, take some time to explore the ruins of Lindisfarne Priory, see Lindisfarne Castle, wander along the coastal paths, and soak up the unique atmosphere of this sacred place. Keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife, including birds and seals. There are also plenty of pubs and cafes to relax in during your visit too.

Look out for

• Lindisfarne Castle

• Views across the Northumberland coast

• A sense of peace and tranquillity

Harry Potter fans will love embarking on a self-guided walking tour of Edinburgh and discovering the locations that inspired J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series. From Victoria Street (said to be the inspiration for Diagon Alley) to Greyfriars Kirkyard, you'll uncover the magic behind the books and can have fun imagining your own wizarding world.

Start your free Harry Potter experience at The Elephant House, a café where J.K. Rowling used to write. Wander through Greyfriars Kirkyard where you can spot famous names from the book amongst the graves (including Tom Riddle) and browse Harry Potter-related merchandise in a range of shops across the city.

Look out for

• Victoria Street

• Greyfriars Kirkyard

• The Elephant House

If your book series of choice is Lord of the Rings rather than Harry Potter, you’ll love a free self-guided tour around Birmingham where you can discover various locations that inspired J.R.R. Tolkien's popular stories.

From Moseley Bog (said to be the inspiration for the Old Forest) to Sarehole Mill, you'll discover the landscapes that shaped Tolkien's imagination. You can download a free Tolkien Trail Map online which will help you to plan your walk so you don’t miss any highlights. Remember to take your camera for those Lord of the Rings-inspired selfies.

Look out for

• Moseley Bog

• Sarehole Mill

• The Tolkien Trail map (available online)

Where better than Manchester to celebrate the beautiful game? Visit the free National Football Museum where you can explore the main galleries and find out lots of facts about football and its varied history. See iconic memorabilia and test your skills in interactive exhibits to discover who the biggest football fan is. Even if you don’t enjoy watching football, you’re sure to find exhibits that are of interest to you. You’ll see the world’s first international football shirt, the oldest surviving FA Cup trophy, and learn more about hall-of-fame players from years gone by.

The National Football Museum sometimes hosts exhibits that require a fee to enter, so keep this in mind before you visit. You’ll still be able to explore the main galleries free of charge.

Look out for

• The FA Cup trophy

• The history of the Premier League

• Interactive games and challenges

Immerse yourself in the legacy of the 2012 London Olympics at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, a fantastic free attraction in London. Wander through the park's gardens, admire the iconic architecture, and enjoy a variety of free activities as you imagine the amazing races and competitions that took place here.

Swimming enthusiasts will enjoy visiting the iconic London Aquatics Centre, cycling fans can see the famous Lee Valley VeloPark, and views from the ArcelorMittal Orbit are not to be missed. There is a fee to visit the ArcelorMittal Orbit, and you can choose to pay extra to zoom down the helix slide too.

Look out for

• The ArcelorMittal Orbit

• The London Aquatics Centre

• The park's gardens and playgrounds

Marvel at the grandeur of Durham Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the finest examples of Norman architecture in Europe. You can explore the cathedral's stunning interior free of charge, climb the tower for panoramic views, and soak up the tranquil atmosphere during your visit. The cathedral’s cloisters were used in the filming of two Harry Potter films, making these a must-visit for wannabe witches and wizards.

You can choose to visit the Durham Museum for a fee and see highlights including the Sanctuary Ring and St Cuthbert’s Pectoral Cross. It’s free for children to enter with a paying adult.

Look out for

• The Rose Window

• St Cuthbert's Shrine

• The views from the tower

The innovative Bradford Industrial Museum is a free UK attraction providing the opportunity to discover Bradford’s rich industrial past. Permanent exhibits include those showcasing textile machinery, steam power, engineering, and motor vehicles. Learn about the people who shaped the city's industrial landscape and discover the fascinating history of the area.

The Bradford Industrial Museum often hosts free events, activities, and workshops suitable for all ages, so keep an eye out for these to add something extra to your visit. You’ll also be able to see machinery demonstrations carried out by the museum team and passionate volunteers which bring the experience to life.

Look out for

• The collection of textile machinery

• Authentic printing presses

• Exhibits on Bradford's wool industry

Delve into the history of the Bank of England for free at this unique and fascinating London museum. Explore exhibits on the history of money, the role of the Bank, and the evolution of banking. Visitors of all ages and interests will enjoy seeing the museum’s impressive collection of banknotes and coins, while the interactive monetary policy displays are fascinating for those wanting to showcase their knowledge.

To keep children entertained, the museum provides engaging activity sheets, a program of events during school holidays, and child-friendly facts and information throughout the exhibits.

Look out for

• The collection of banknotes and coins

• Exhibits on the gold vaults

• Interactive displays on monetary policy

Visit the Parliament Buildings at Stormont, the seat of the Northern Ireland Assembly. Take a free 45-minute guided tour and learn about the history of the building, the workings of the Assembly, and the political landscape of Northern Ireland. Tours take place Wednesday to Friday at 12pm and 2pm. Check the official website and book your tickets in advance to avoid disappointment.

If you have a dining budget for your trip, the Member’s Dining Room is open to the public Monday to Friday from 12pm to 3pm, so you can treat yourself to a delicious meal prepared by award-winning chefs.

Look out for

• The Great Hall

• The Assembly Chamber

• The Stormont Estate gardens

Descend 300 feet underground at the Big Pit National Coal Museum and experience the life of a Welsh coal miner. While the underground tour may have a fee, the surface exhibits and visitor centre are free to explore and provide lots of great information.

The Bog Pit highlights include a multimedia tour of a modern coal mine with a virtual miner, and exhibitions in the Pithead Baths and Historic colliery buildings. Discover all there is to know about the history of coal mining in Wales, the people who worked in the mines, and the communities that surrounded them.

Look out for

• Pithead baths

• The winding engine house

• The stories of the miners

Just outside Bradford, you’ll find Saltaire, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and perfectly preserved Victorian model village. It’s free to visit too. Spend your time wandering through the village's streets, browsing independent shops, admiring the architecture, and learning about the life of Sir Titus Salt, the visionary behind Saltaire. Sites to look out for as you stroll include the Shipley Glen Tramway and the scenery surrounding Salt’s Mill. You can also take a picturesque wander along the Leeds Liverpool Canal, which won’t cost you a penny either.

Salt’s Mill is home to Europe's largest collection of artworks by David Hockney, making it a must-see for art lovers. It’s free to enter Salt’s Mill and there’s convenient free parking available too.

Look out for

• Salt's Mill

• The Almshouses

• The congregational church

Take a break from watching the TV at home and explore the vast media collection of the British Film Institute (BFI) at the Mediatheque in Manchester. It’s free to enter, and we think it’s one of the best free things to do in Manchester. Head inside its doors to watch classic films, TV shows, and documentaries, while discovering the history of British cinema and television.

The BFI Mediatheque boasts everything from cult kids’ TV shows and fascinating documentaries to rare sitcoms and some of the earliest TV plays. Headphones are provided but you can choose to take your own.

Look out for

• The collection of early films

• The TV archives

• The documentaries on British culture

While seeing a film requires a ticket, simply visiting the Tyneside Cinema is a free treat. This beautiful art deco cinema is a landmark in Newcastle and offers guided tours and an interesting newsreel display. Spend a little time admiring the architecture, enjoy a treat in the bar or one of the two cafes, or simply soak up the atmosphere.

If you decide to pay to watch a film at Tyneside Cinema, you’ll have a variety of Hollywood blockbusters, special screenings, and cultural masterpieces from around the world to choose from.

Look out for

• The art deco architecture

• Classic cinema posters

• The cafe and bar

With so many free attractions in the UK to choose from, a budget-friendly adventure is within easy reach. Whether you choose to explore free London museums, take self-guided tours, or learn about the industrial history of various cities, you’re sure to find a free activity to enjoy.