Free things to do and see
There are few places in the world offering more for eager culture vultures hunting for free things to do. Free museums and art galleries sit on top of the list. For the more outdoor-minded, grab a map from the local tourist office or visitor centre and go on a treasure hunt through town or countryside. Farmers’ markets offer a vivid tableau of community life, and often encourage you to taste free samples. See window shopping in a new light. The displays are often works of art in their own right and the architecture and design of some of the most famous shopping emporiums in the world is breathtakingly impressive.
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Be at one with birds of prey at Rosliston Forestry Centre
There’s something special about being close to a bird of prey; those round watchful eyes on high alert, fixing you with a dominating stare.
Location: Rosliston, Derbyshire
Small pleasures come free at Dimminsdale Nature Reserve
Just a few small snowdrops bring cheer to the colder, shorter days of England’s winter, and seen at Dimminsdale, they’re simply breathtaking.
Location: Staunton Harold, Leicestershire
Trip-trap along the Red Squirrel Trail
This family-friendly cycle and walking path encompasses an exciting trail of artwork, sculpture and trolls under bridges.
Location: Newport, Isle of Wight
Get back to nature at Attenborough Nature Reserve
The tranquil waters of the beautiful Attenborough Nature Reserve in Nottingham set the landscape for discovering and watching wildlife at its best.
Location: Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
Bird watching in St Bees
The largest seabird colony on the west coast of England is at St Bees Head.
Location: St Bees, Cumbria
Spot deer in the city
It might come as a surprise to discover a deer-filled oasis just a tube ride away from the hustle and bustle of London.
Location: Richmond, Surrey
Wild Swimming in Grassington
Grassington is an idyllic little Dales market town with a cobbled square, quirky shops and cosy pubs.
Location: Grassignton, North Yorkshire
Explore Romney Marsh
This patch of pristine wetland near the south east coast covers a whopping 100 square miles and is packed with wildlife – including the curious ‘laughing frogs’.
Location: Romney Marsh, Kent
Walk, cycle or ride the Longdendale Trail
Cycle, walk or bring a horse...
Location: Glossop, Derbyshire
Relax with a day's birding at Langford Lakes
Open bodies of water are a rarity in south Wiltshire, making Langford Lakes nature reserve an attractive stopping-off point for a host of wild birds.
Location: Salisbury, Wiltshire
Trot over to meet Redwings Horse Sanctuary's rescued residents
Come nose to nose with some of Redwings Horse Sanctuary's most delightful residents at Redwings Ada Cole Rescue Centre in Essex.
Location: Nazeing, Essex
Discover a haven for flowers in the heart of England
Wander hand-in-hand along Worcestershire’s Spring Blossom Trail, through field after field, amongst the county’s blossoming flowers and plant life.
Location: Vale of Evesham, Worcestershire
Peep into Durham’s locomotive past
Discover Durham’s role in the development of the railways at Locomotion, the National Railway Museum at Shildon.
Location: Vale of Durham
Savour the wilds of the UK’s first national park
Relish windswept moors, ancient woodland, towering rock faces and rolling dales in the Peak District National Park.
Location: Peak District, Derbyshire