Whether you’re planning the school holidays, a weekend adventure, or a last-minute day trip, there are plenty of affordable ways to make memories together without breaking the bank.
If you’re looking to soak up the summer sun, or simply get the Family out of the house, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’re sharing the best free family days out across the UK — from beautiful parks and beaches to museums, nature trails, and top attractions that won’t cost you a penny.
If you’re looking to plan you’re next affordable day out, discover our top deals page for the best deals on UK attractions, like HALF PRICE Flamingo land tickets! To discover more days out in your area, simply click the location and discover more!
Free Family days out in North East England
Free Entry- Perfect for curious kids, the Discovery Museum is packed with hands-on science exhibits, local history displays, and interactive galleries for all ages.
Why not check out our blog on free museums?
Free Entry- A beautiful outdoor space with woodland walks, waterfalls, picnic spots, and a small Pets corner that younger children will love- the Pets’ corner is open from 10:30-4pm daily, a popular Family friendly visitor attraction which also includes a fantastic visitor centre and under 8’s play park! Find Animals of all shapes and sizes, from Birds to Alpacas to goats and sheep!
Free Entry-Explore fascinating museum collections before stepping into the tropical indoor Winter Gardens filled with exotic plants. The museum holds host to many kid & adult friendly exhibitions and activity days, such as a free Forest school course and Teddy bear picnic!
Free Entry-Step back in time and discover historic ships, maritime exhibits, and interactive displays based around Hartlepool’s seafaring history. The museums tells a story of a past packed with exciting people! As you move through the centuries, you’ll see and learn about exciting monsters and legends. You can climb aboard a real fishing cobble, the Three Brothers Grant, and see a fully restored paddle steamer, the PSS Wingfield Castle.
For more days out ideas in the North East of England, check out our guides!
Free Family Days Out in North West England
Free Entry- Home to dinosaurs, an aquarium, a planetarium, and fascinating exhibits from around the world. Open Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-6pm, the museums many displays and exhibitions make for an exciting day out with the whole family!
Free Entry- A fantastic family-friendly park with woodland trails, open green spaces, and stunning views across Morecambe Bay to the Lake District fells, home to 54 acres of park and woodland! Why not pack a picnic (see related guide) and head out for a beautiful day in nature!
Free Entry- One of the UK’s best science museums with interactive exhibits, historic machinery, and hands-on fun for children, making this the perfect idea for a day out in Manchester.
Free Entry- Take a walk along one of the most scenic the coastline and spot Antony Gormley’s famous ‘Another Place’ sculptures standing in the sand and sea. Visitors are advised to stay near the promenade due to soft sand and mud.
Check out more days out in North West England!
Free Family Days Out in Yorkshire & Humber
Free Entry- An Oriental themed scenic park featuring lakes, gardens, walking trails, Squirrels and a vast array of Wildlife with plenty of space for a family picnic, this park, located on the North Yorkshire coast is a must visit spot for Families! While the park entry is free, if you’re looking for more, a boating lake, mini golf course, cafe and ice cream shop can add to your visit! Keep your eye out for other events, such as brass bands and festivals held within the park throughout the year!
If you’re in Scarbough, why not check out our 50% off Price Pass for Alpamare Scarborough!
Free Entry-Discover incredible collections of weapons, armour, and live shows and demonstrations that kids will find fascinating. The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday term time and daily on Holidays, making it an ideal adventure if you’re in need of ways to keep the Kids entertained during the School holidays!
Free Entry to Grounds-Explore from 90 huge outdoor sculptures set within 500 acres of beautiful countryside walking routes, this makes a perfect outdoor activity in Yorkshire! With Family friendly access, such as Buggy safe paths, changing spaces and kids activities and exhibitions are also on at various times! Tickets are completely free for 18 and unders, with various free options for various pass holders! Standard entry is £4 after 3pm!
Check out our guide to Days out essentials here!
Free Entry- One of the largest urban glasshouses in Europe, filled with exotic plants and relaxing indoor walkways. Access is available to the Millennium Galleries, where in the gallery Cafe, a wide range of refreshments and facilities are available.
Free Family Days Out in the Midlands
Free Park Entry-Famous for its deer park stunning grounds, Hall and museum, this is the perfect spot for outdoor family adventures. The Hall is a stunning Elizabethan mansion set within 500 acres of beautiful parkland and home to Nottinghamshire’s largest Natural History Museum. Families can enjoy free access to the Deer Park, woodland walks, gardens, play areas, cafés, and plenty of open space, with herds of deer often spotted around the grounds. Entry to the Hall is available via an annual pass, while children aged 15 and under can visit free with a paying adult.
Free Entry-Explore art collections, history exhibits, and family-friendly displays and exhibitions in the heart of the city. Housed in a stunning Landmark that has watched over the city’s Chamberlain and Victoria squares since 1885, this Museum and gallery has an abundance of interesting elements to explore!
Free Entry- Ideal for family walks, scenic picnics, cycling trails, and exploring the great outdoors. The Peak District National Park is one of the UK’s most popular destinations for free family days out, offering stunning countryside, walking trails, cycling routes, picnic spots, and breathtaking views across hills, valleys, and lakes. It’s packed with family-friendly outdoor adventures, from gentle woodland walks and riverside paddling spots to famous landmarks like Mam Tor, Dovedale, and Stanage Edge.
Discover more Days out in the Midlands in our guide here!
Free Family Days Out in South East England
Free Entry-Enjoy a classic British seaside day out! The whole family can enjoy long beach walks, paddling in the sea, exploring the famous Brighton Pier, and relaxing on the pebbled shoreline during the warmer months. The beachfront is also packed with arcades, cafés, ice cream stalls, and nearby attractions, making it a lively spot for both children and adults to enjoy a traditional British seaside experience.
Why not explore more beach days out in our related guides?
Free Entry- Ashdown Forest is a beautiful countryside escape best known as the inspiration behind the Hundred Acre Wood from Winnie the Pooh. Families can explore peaceful woodland trails, open heathland, and scenic picnic spots while enjoying nature walks and wildlife spotting. With plenty of space to roam and outdoor adventures to enjoy, it’s the perfect free day out for families looking to spend time in the fresh air. Keep an eye out on their events calendar for themed events and fun activities!
Free Entry- Oxford is home to several incredible free museums that are ideal for family visits, including the Oxford University Museum of Natural History and the Pitt Rivers Museum. Visitors can discover dinosaur skeletons, fascinating archaeology collections, scientific exhibits, and interactive displays suitable for all ages. These museums combine fun and education, making them a brilliant budget-friendly day out for curious children and adults alike.
Free Entry-A fantastic destination for countryside walks, cycling, and family picnics The South Downs National Park offers miles of beautiful countryside, rolling hills, walking trails, and family-friendly outdoor activities completely free to enjoy. Families can explore scenic picnic spots, cycling routes, nature reserves, and charming villages while taking in stunning views across southern England. Whether you’re planning a peaceful walk or a full day of outdoor adventure, the South Downs is perfect for a low-cost family escape.
Discover more days out in South East England here!
Free Family Days Out in South West England
Free Entry
Bristol Museum & Art Gallery is a fantastic free attraction for families, packed with fascinating exhibits including dinosaur skeletons, Egyptian mummies, wildlife displays, and impressive art collections. Located in the heart of the city, the museum offers plenty of interactive exhibits and family-friendly galleries that make learning fun for visitors of all ages.
Free Entry
Dartmoor National Park is the perfect destination for families who love the outdoors, offering miles of open moorland, riverside walks, woodland trails, and scenic picnic spots. Families can explore famous tors, spot wild ponies roaming freely across the landscape, and enjoy a full day of adventure surrounded by some of the UK’s most beautiful countryside. Geocaching is also a popular activity here, a perfect way to keep the kids entertained and discover hidden trinkets!
Free Entry
Bournemouth Beach is one of the UK’s most popular seaside destinations, known for its long stretch of golden sand and family-friendly atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy paddling in the sea, beach games, coastal walks, and relaxing by the waterfront, while nearby cafés, amusements, and attractions make it an ideal low-cost summer day out.
Free Entry
Plymouth Hoe is a beautiful seafront destination offering stunning coastal views, open green spaces, and family-friendly walking routes. Families can enjoy picnics overlooking the sea, explore nearby historic landmarks, and watch boats passing through Plymouth Sound while enjoying a relaxing day outdoors.
Explore more days out in South West England!
Free Family Days Out in London
London is home to some of the world’s best free museums, making it perfect for affordable family days out packed with fun and learning.
Free Skyline Views in London
London has plenty of amazing viewpoints where families can enjoy incredible views across the city completely free of charge.
- Sky Garden, City of London– Enjoy panoramic views across London from the top of the famous “Walkie Talkie” building, alongside indoor gardens and viewing platforms.
- Primrose Hill, Camden- A popular green space offering one of the best free skyline views across central London, perfect for walks and picnics.
- Greenwich Park – A beautiful park with open spaces and stunning views overlooking Canary Wharf, The Shard, and the River Thames.
Famous Movie Locations in London
London is packed with famous filming locations from some of the world’s biggest movies and TV shows, making it a fun free activity for film-loving families.
- Platform 9¾ King’s Cross Station- Harry Potter fans can visit the famous trolley photo spot inspired by the iconic train platform from the films.
- Leadenhall Market City of London- Recognisable as Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter films, this beautiful covered market is full of historic charm.
- Notting Hill-an iconic movie magic spot, with the famous bookshop for rom-com lovers and Portobello road, where Paddington lovers can see the iconic antique shop!
- Check out our guide to the top Paddington spots to visit in London!
Covent Garden & Neal’s Yard
- Covent Garden, Central London- A lively area known for its street performers, market stalls, shops, pop ups and family-friendly atmosphere in the heart of the city.
- Neal’s Yard, Covent Garden- A colourful hidden courtyard filled with bright buildings, independent cafés, and quirky shops, perfect for photos and exploring.
For more Days out in London ideas, head to our page!
Free Family Days Out in Scotland, Wales & Northern Ireland
Scotland
- Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum, Glasgow- Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum is one of Scotland’s most popular free attractions, featuring fascinating exhibits covering natural history, ancient artefacts, art, and interactive displays. Families can spend hours exploring the museum’s child-friendly exhibits and impressive collections.
- Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park- Perfect for outdoor family adventures, Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park offers scenic walking trails, picnic spots, wildlife watching, and breathtaking views across Scotland’s famous lochs and countryside, perfect to add into a camping adventure!
- For more days out in Scotland, see related guides!
Wales
Northern Ireland
- Ulster Museum Belfast– The Ulster Museum is a brilliant free attraction for families, featuring dinosaur skeletons, natural history exhibits, art collections, and interactive displays suitable for children and adults alike.
- Giant’s Causeway Coastal Walk, County Antrim- One of Northern Ireland’s most famous landmarks, the Giant’s Causeway offers spectacular coastal views, unique rock formations, and scenic walking trails perfect for a family day outdoors.
- Explore more days out in Northern ireland here!
Conclusion
Planning memorable family days out doesn’t have to cost a fortune. From free museums in London and scenic national parks in Wales to beautiful beaches, countryside walks, and interactive attractions across the UK, there are plenty of free family activities to enjoy all year round. Whether you’re searching for budget-friendly days out, free things to do with kids, or affordable UK attractions for the school holidays, these destinations prove you can make amazing family memories without breaking the bank.
Don’t forget to check our Top deals page and related guides for even more cheap family days out, UK attraction deals, and discounted tickets for top theme parks, zoos, museums, and family attractions across the country.
