8 FREE things to do this Bank Holiday weekend

If you’re looking to fill your bank holiday with fun things to do but don’t want to break the bank, check out this list of places you can visit for free.   

Museums

Now we can visit indoor sites again, our bank holiday options have really widened. Most museums will still be bookings only, so check online to plan your visit.

Some of our top picks include:

Museum of Liverpool

The Museum of Liverpool is committed to exhibiting Liverpool's rich history. It demonstrates how the people, their port and their creative and sporting history has shaped the city.

You should expect to see the first Ford Anglia from Ford Halewood’s production line, a giant liver bird, the stage where John Lennon and Paul McCartney first met and plenty more.

Manchester Museum

At the Manchester Museum, you’ll find a decent collection of fossils and artefacts to explore. You can browse the Ancient Egyptian jewels and T-Rex bones from their collection, plus they boast an aquarium and a vivarium.

Portsmouth Museum

If you’re a Sherlock Holmes fan, then Portsmouth Museum and Art Gallery is the place for you. You can find out everything you need to know about Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. The collection also takes you on a journey through the books and films inspired by the Sherlock Holmes stories.

North Lincolnshire Museum

The North Lincolnshire Museum will take you back in time via their interactive galleries - including exhibitions on archaeology, local history, Ironstone cottage, people's war, post-war, Jurassic sea, and Street Town.

If you get peckish, they also have a quaint 1950’s inspired café where you can grab some refreshments.    

You may want to have a search online to find out which museums and art galleries are free to visit in the UK.

Gardens

If it’s nice weather, spending time outdoors is a must.

In which case, a beautiful outdoor green space is a perfect place to visit. You can pack up a picnic and make a day of it, play some outdoor games, or just lay a blanket down for some lazing in the sun.

Some of our favourites include:

Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is a world-renowned centre for plant science and horticulture. They offer the public a chance to walk around four gorgeous gardens, brimming with all kinds of beautiful plants and flowers.

Crystal Palace (Dinosaur) Park

At the south end of Crystal Palace Park, you’ll find a selection of dinosaur statues. They’re arranged by geological age from oldest to most recent. 

After you’ve learned all about the dinosaurs, follow up by checking out the rest of the park. Crystal Palace Park is one of London’s great green spaces.

Jesmond Dene, Newcastle

Jesmond Dene is a stunning green space hidden minutes away from the hustle and bustle of Newcastle’s city centre. It’s filled with wildlife, flowers, and ancient woodland. There's a river to walk along, rocks to climb, and if you're a fan of old architecture, you could visit Jesmond Dene House for a quick cup of tea.

One of the reasons Jesmond Dene is so popular is thanks to its renowned 'Pets Corner', where you can find pigs, sheep, goats, rabbits, and birds.

Try using the National Parks UK park finder feature to find more free parks near you.

The beach

If it’s a hot day and you live near the coast, consider spending a day at the beach. Pack a picnic, some towels, sun lotion and your swimming costume - and you're all set. Aside from your travel and snacks, beaching is the perfect low-cost day out.

According to The Beach Guide, West Wittering beach was voted the best beach in England, closely followed by Camber Sands Beach.