New research for National Lottery Open Week shows one in five make plans knowing they’ll cancel – but want to say ‘yes’ to more fun

The National Lottery Open Week highlights in England include:

• Ahead of the film’s release in April, BFI Escapes are offering a special preview of The Penguin Lessons starring Steve Coogan on Monday 17 March at over 100 independent cinemas across the UK.

• Step back in time at the Black Country Living Museum in Dudley with free entry on 20 March.

• Marvel at stunning biomes at Cornwall’s Eden Project with free entry for you and a guest from 15-23 March.

• Explore National Trust gems across the country with free entry to hundreds of properties. Enjoy over 4,600 acres of unspoilt Norfolk countryside and step inside the Jacobean Mansion at Blickling Estate in Norfolk from 15-23 March. Get a glimpse into life in Roman Britain at Chedworth Roman Villa nestled in the heart of the Cotswolds with free entry from 15-23 March.

• Enjoy free guided tours from 15-23 March at the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford-upon-Avon, including a Costume Tour, Theatre Tour, and the thrilling Ghost Tour.

• See a Concorde and Spitfires in all their glory at the Imperial War Museum in Duxford with 2 for 1 entry from 15-23 March.

• Jump onboard and enjoy 2 for 1 tickets to RAF Museum Midlands’s 4D Theatre and Flight Simulator in Shifnal, Shropshire from 15-23 March.

• Hop on board the SS Great Britain in Bristol with 50% off tickets for up to three guests from 15-23 March.

• Enjoy free entry and free tours at a range of English Heritage sites across the country. Explore castle ruins and the revered Quarry Gardens at Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens or for history buffs, head to Berwick-upon-Tweed Barracks and Main Guard - both with free tours in Northumberland on 22-23 March. Marvel at the White Cliffs of Dover and head inside the iconic Dover Castle with free entry. Try its new Under Siege Experience, featuring reopened medieval tunnels and interactive displays on 22-23 March.

• Don’t miss the chance to visit the last surviving seaside Victorian glasshouse before restoration begins at The Winter Gardens in Blackpool. Hard hat tours are available on Saturday 15 March, to hear more about plans for the restoration.

• Be one of 14 lucky film fans to win a rare BFI archives tour in Berkhamsted on 20 March, exploring nearly a million film and TV titles. Information on how to enter will be available from 24 February.

• Explore the newly unveiled and recently renovated first and second floors of St Mary’s Guildhall in Coventry including the medieval kitchen and great hall with free entry on 15-16 March.

• Step back in time and learn about Cambridge’s technological history at Cambridge Museum of Technology with free entry on 15-16 and 21-23 March.

• Walk where medieval queens once stood and discover the life of Lady Baillie with free entry at Leeds Castle in Kent on 15 March.

• Discover the 400-year-old monastery at Downside Abbey in Somerset with free guided tours of Abbey Church and Monastery Gardens on 18 March.

• Explore Britain's largest Napoleonic fort with 50% off tunnel tours from 15-23 March at Fort Amherst in Kent and learn about the role the tunnels played in WWII.

• Hop onboard the UK’s largest working steamship and celebrate her 70th birthday with free entry to Steamship Shieldhall in Southampton on 15 March.

• Stroll through Surrey’s scenic Painshill Park with free entry from 19-23 March.

• Enjoy free entry to a number of RSPB nature reserves including RSPB Bempton Cliffs in East Riding of Yorkshire, RSPB Leighton Moss in Lancashire, RSPB Rye Meads in Hertfordshire and RSPB Titchwell Marsh Nature Reserve in Norfolk - from 15-23 March.

Ellie Taylor, Comedian and National Lottery Open Week ambassador said: “As a mum of two young kids, I know full well how manic life can get. The constant juggle trying to get through the never-ending to-do list can be a lot at the best of times, and it’s too easy to say no to things. But it’s important to find time for the things we want to do as much as the things we have to do."

“I’m so glad to have had the opportunity to say yes to new experiences that have come my way over the years. I couldn’t have foreseen everything I’ve learned, the memories I’ve made and the positive impact saying yes has had on my life. National Lottery Open Week is a great opportunity to say ‘yes’ and carve out time - whether it’s soaking in nature at some amazing wildlife hotspots or reliving sporting moments at some of the most iconic venues across the country or getting down to a gallery or museum.”

The struggle with the juggle

When people do prioritise their social life, their to-do lists still find a way to creep up on them. On average people have two social plans a week – but 23% admitted they’ll likely cancel some of those. In comparison, the typical adult has seven things on their weekly to-do list, including food shopping (78%), meal prepping (73%), clothes washing (71%), sorting out their recycling and bins (62%).

Aside from life admin, reasons for backtracking on plans were simply not being in the mood (39%), having to work overtime (18%), and one in 10 experience childcare issues as people struggle to juggle responsibilities and fun.

Darren Henley, Chief Executive of Arts Council England and Chair of the National Lottery Forum said: "National Lottery Open Week is a chance to say yes to the joyful things in life - to get outside and explore the UK’s rich history, stunning landscapes and vibrant culture through free and low-cost days out. We’re thrilled to bring back National Lottery Open Week for another year, it’s our way of thanking National Lottery players who raise £30 million every week for Good Causes, supporting vital projects in arts, sports, heritage, and communities nationwide.”