Free Days out
Days out in England’s Historic cities don’t have to be expensive. If you are going on a city break this year, why not look at one of these free days out – a great way to have some fun, see some sights and learn more about the fascinating history of the cities.
Salisbury
Langford Lakes
Wiltshire Wildlife Trust
Take a short drive from Salisbury centre to find Langford Lakes, a perfect location for a crisp morning or early sunset walks. Owned by Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, this nature reserve is free to explore and features picturesque meadows, three lakes and the river Wylye which surrounds parts of the border.
With level terrain, wheelchair users and families with prams can enjoy a spring walks around the lakes.
Lincoln
The Cultural Quarter
Lincoln’s Cultural Quarter is the perfect place to explore art, history, music and more. At the heart of the Cultural Quarter, you will find the Usher Gallery and the Collection Museum. Both are free to visit and host a variety of exhibitions, activities, and events throughout the year. You can also take a step back in time and immerse yourself in the county’s rich and varied history at The Museum of Lincolnshire Life. As a county, Lincolnshire has many stories to share, and this fascinating museum is here to tell them. Exhibitions give an insight into military, agricultural, commercial, and domestic life in Lincolnshire, from 1750 to the present day.
Greenwich
National Maritime Museum
Explore fascinating objects, interactive exhibits and more at the National Maritime Museum, one of the largest maritime museums in the world. With almost 2.5 million items in its collections including astronomical and navigational instruments, the Nationals Maritime Museum is a fascinating free day out.
Durham
Durham University Oriental Museum
From Ancient Egypt to modern China, Durham University Oriental Museum is the only museum in the North of England devoted entirely to the art and archaeology of the great cultures of Northern Africa and Asia. Home to many interesting artefacts, fascinating information and a variety of exhibits, Durham University Oriental Museum is a great day out when exploring Durham.
City of London
London Mithraeum Bloomberg SPACE
See and experience the reconstructed remains of the Temple of Mithras, an ancient Roman temple in the heart of the Square Mile. The temple has been restored to capture the mystery and intrigue of the Roman cult of Mithras, who used to meet on this site. Haze, light and the sound of footsteps, chanting and secret whispers will transport you back to London AD 240. Just one of many free things to do when exploring the City of London.
Bath
Bath World Heritage Centre
This new interactive visitor centre showcases what makes Bath a UNESCO World Heritage Site – the hot springs, Roman remains, Georgian architecture, Georgian town planning, the social setting of the Georgian spa town, and the city’s natural landscape setting. Explore exhibits, pick the brains of the local expert staff, and discover walking trails and guides to help you enjoy the city.
Lancaster
Lancashire Police Museum
Take a trip through time and learn about some of the pivotal moments across Lancashire Constabulary’s history. Delve into some incredible historical cases and how they were solved. Featuring 16 different galleries and film shows, housed within Lancaster Castle’s prison cells, Lancashire Police Museum is a great free day out.
York
York Art Gallery
Surround yourself with some of the best ceramic art in the world at one of the UK’s best regional galleries. The gallery has seven exhibition spaces, displaying the best of national and international exhibitions and an internationally significant collection of British Studio Ceramics. An £8 million development in 2015 saw the gallery also shortlisted for the Art Fund Museum of the Year and the European Museum of the Year.