Free Bank Holiday Activities

Looking for some free family fun over the bank holiday weekend? Look no further! Here’s our list of some amazing activities and attractions across the UK that don’t cost a penny!

Ben Lawer’s National Nature Reserve, Killin, Scotland

This nature reserve is the perfect day out to catch a glimpse of some amazing animals and wildlife, including red deer, ptarmigan, black grouse and ravens! Find out more.

Good for: Budding little conservationists

Imperial War Museum North, The Quays Trafford, Manchester

Visit this iconic museum, which brings to life stories of how war has shaped lives over the past 100 years. Kids can explore and find nasty surprises in ‘The Trench”, camouflage themselves against different backgrounds and break some codes! Find out more.

Good for: History lovers

Tam O’Shanter Urban Farm, Wirral, Merseyside

Come and see lots of lovely animals and wildlife, such as goats, pigs, chickens, donkeys, guinea fowl, pony and even bees! Learn all about how the farm is run and stop by for a bite to eat in their picnic area! Find out more.

Good for: Animal lovers

Library of Birmingham, Centenary Square, Birmingham

With ten floors full of books waiting to be read and discovered, this ultra modern library is a must see for little (and big!) book lovers! Head outside to see the gardens, where there’s an outdoor Amphitheatre, two outdoor terraces, children’s spaces and a panoramic viewing gallery! Find out more.

Good for: Little bookworms

Bradgate Park, Newton Lindford, Leicestershire

With over 800 acres for the family to discover, this park is the perfect place to bring your little ones to let off some steam! Learn about the history of the park at the Vistor Centre, have a picnic and see what wonderful wildlife is waiting around every corner! Find out more.

Good for: Active kids

Middlesborough Institute of Modern Art, Centre Square, North Yorkshire

The Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art is a wonderful place full of contemporary arts and crafts! Featuring exhibitions of fine art and craft between 1900 and the present by some of the best artists from around the world, you’ll be spoilt for choice! Find out more.

Good for: Little budding artists

Sheffield Botanical Gardens, Sheffield

Walk around the gorgeous gardens and discover stunning flowers, plants, sights and smells. There are many different sections including a Rose Garden, Asia Garden, Evolution Garden, Victorian Garden, Rock & Water Garden, Four Seasons Garden and more. Be sure to stop at their lovely tea room! Find out more.

Good for: Mini gardeners in the making

The Donkey Sanctuary, Sidmouth, Devon

Set beside the sea in the beautiful Devon countryside, this sanctuary provides a lovely home to many rescued donkeys. In the surrounding grounds there are numerous walking trails for the family to follow. No matter your age everyone will enjoy the stunning views of the countryside! Find out more.

Good for: Animal lovers

The Natural History Museum, London

Come and learn all about the natural world through amazing exhibitions and displays! Check out the Darwin Centre, where you’ll discover science in action and lots of fab collections. The Attenborough Studio is a fascinating audio-visual venue where you can learn all about life on earth. Find out more.

Good for: Curious little minds

Netly Abbey, Southampton, Hampshire

Come and explore this stunning ruin, which is surrounded by gorgeous lawns and trees! The abbey is alleged to be home to two ghosts, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled for some spooky goings on! Find out more.

Good for: Budding little historians

Cobtree Manor Park, Maidstone, Kent

This is a great park to let the kids run around and explore! There are some climbing frames for them to play and there is a cafe where you can all refuel. Find out more.

Good for: Kids that have tons of energy to burn off

Redwing Horse Sanctuary, Aylsham, Norfolk

Come and meet over 50 cute rescue horses, ponies and donkeys! There’s lots of walks and talks going on to learn more about these lovely animals. Don’t forget to bring a picnic to soak up some sunshine! Find out more.

Good for: Equestrian lovers

Mevagissey Aquarium, Cornwall

Little marine lovers will enjoy looking around this fascinating aquarium, housed in an old RNLI lifeboat house and full of tanks brimming with coastal fish! You’ll get to learn about how the Pilchard industry is important for the fishing history of this village. Find out more.

Good for: Aquatic lovers

Corfe Castle Museum, Wareham, Dorset

Corfe Castle Museum, located on the ground floor of Corfe town hall, is the smallest in England. Exhibits include images and artefacts from Corfe’s past, including dinosaur and Stone Age man items, all telling the story of how the village became what it is today! Find out more.

Good for: History lovers

Corris Craft Centre, Machynlleth, Wales

Paint some pottery, dip candles, craft herbals or even make your own unique bar of chocolate! For the kids there’s a small children’s play area so they can let off some steam, plus there’s a treasure hunt that they can follow around the centre. Find out more.

Good for: Creative little artists

Tannaghmore Animal Farm, Craigavon, Northern Ireland

Come and meet rare Irish cattle, saddleback pigs, geese, hens, turkeys, ducks, guinea fowl and many more at this lovely farm! There are some gorgeous gardens to explore and you can enjoy a spot of lunch in one of the picnic areas. There is also a play area where the kids can run riot. Find out more.