Last chance to unlock free UK days out in film, science, wildlife and more with a National Lottery ticket

From Saturday 7 until Sunday 15 March 2026, anyone with a valid online or retail National Lottery ticket, Scratchcard or Instant Win Game can enjoy a free or low-cost day out, thanks to over 700 special offers at National Lottery funded venues and attractions. Whether you’re stepping behind the scenes of iconic film institutions, exploring the wonders of space, getting closer to wildlife, climbing aboard historic vessels or discovering world-class art and culture, there really is something for everyone.

Darren Henley, Chief Executive of Arts Council England and Chair of the National Lottery Forum, said: “National Lottery Open Week is our way of saying thank you to the players who raise £32 million every week for good causes. Because of them, heritage sites, cultural institutions and community projects across the UK can continue to thrive. Wherever your interests lie, there’s an experience waiting to be unlocked.”

Here’s a roundup of fabulous and fun days out to enjoy during National Lottery Open Week – from film, fungi and furries to ferries, Fauvism and frescos!

To coincide with British Science Week (6-15 March), SCIENCE BUFFS should consider visiting:

Horniman Museum, London – take a magical journey through rivers, seas and oceans with half-price entry to the Horniman Aquarium from 7–15 March

Chelsea Physic Garden, London – explore the restored glasshouse collections and plants from the Atlantic Islands and South Africa with half-price entry from 9-13 March

Science Museum, London – dive into a big-screen adventure with 20% off IMAX documentary tickets from 7-15 March

National Space Centre, Leicester – explore the heavens with a free Tour of the Night Sky in the UK’s largest planetarium from 7–15 March

Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, Armagh – travel through space with free tickets to the Telescope Dome (10 March), 50% off dome shows (7–15 March March) and 50% off telescope observatory tour (14 March)

Royal Observatory Greenwich, London – take your place at the centre of the world with 2 for 1 entry from 7–15 March

Bristol Aerospace Museum – enjoy a free tour of the Conservation in Action Workshop on 9–13 March, to see historic aircraft being restored by dedicated volunteers, hear the stories behind the Bristol Bolingbroke, and even step inside the iconic Bristol Freighter

ThinkTank, Birmingham - Explore MiniBrum, the child-sized mini city, or visit its 4K Planetarium where you can journey to the stars! Discover a world of science in our interactive outdoor Science Garden. Plus, come face to face with a dinosaur and even more! 50% off tickets from 7-15 March

Natural History Museum, London – enjoy 20% off adult entry to Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibit from 7–13 March and experience the wonder of life on Earth through 100 of the world’s most remarkable wildlife images, as part of the global photography competition

If you’re an ANIMAL LOVER check out:

Kentish Town City Farm, London – make friends with the goats, horses & donkeys with a free tour of the UK's first city farm (founded in 1972), at 11am, 1pm and 3pm on 15 March

Yorkshire Wildlife Trust – Potteric Carr Nature Reserve, Doncaster – home to over 230 bird species, 28 butterfly species, 902 moth species and 23 dragonfly species, enjoy free entry from 14 and 15 March

Wagtail Equine Therapy CIC, North Durham – experience the magic of horses in an informal, family-friendly setting with free entry to a Pony Picnic on 14 March

Action in Rural Sussex – take a gentle amble through the beautiful Bedelands nature reserve with expert Michael Blencowe on 11 March

Edinburgh Zoo – hang out with Scotland's only sloths and make friends with the mischievous meerkat mob thanks to 2 for 1 entry from 7-15 March

RSPB Nature Reserves (40+ nationwide) – get up close and personal with an array of different bird species with either free entry, free parking or guided walks from 7–15 March (offer dependent on RSPB site)

The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association centre – go behind the scenes at North West Centre (Wigan, 12 March) or the Regional Centre Scotland (Angus, 11 March) with a free tour, offering a rare insight into the remarkable journey of a guide dog

Highland Wildlife Park, Kingussie, Scotland – have a wild day out with the chance to chill out with Scotland’s only polar bears, spot snow leopards and marvel at tigers, wolves and rare lynx, with 2 for 1 entry from 7–15 March

Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse, Norfolk – enjoy free admission on 13 and 14 March and step back in time where you can uncover what life was like in a Victorian workhouse, before meeting the animals on the farm

If ARTS & CULTURE are more your thing, visit:

Hayward Gallery, Southbank Centre, London – marvel at Chiharu Shiota's immense and intricate web-like installations with 25% off tickets for her Threads of Life exhibition from 7 -15 March

Yorkshire Sculpture Park, Wakefield – explore around 90 modern and contemporary artworks in the landscape with free entry from 10–13 March

The Design Museum, London – explore the story of the legendary Blitz club night in this major museum exhibition, charting how it reshaped 1980s London style and launched the careers of Spandau Ballet, Visage and Boy George, with 2 for 1 entry from 7–15 March

Dulwich Picture Gallery, London – enjoy free entry to the collection of historic paintings featuring works by Rembrandt, Poussin, Rubens and many others from 10-15 March

Tate Modern, London – enjoy two-for-one entry to Theatre Picasso from 7–15 March, and explore over 50 works by one of the most influential artists of the 20th century, in an exhibition marking the centenary of The Three Dancers and reimagining the gallery space as a theatrical stage for Picasso’s paintings, sculpture, textiles and works on paper

National Theatre, London – step behind the curtain and uncover the secrets of some of Britain’s most iconic stages with a free backstage tour (12 and 14 March). You can also take part in a very special costume tour at 1pm and 3pm on Saturday 7 March. Take a little drama home with you and enjoy 10% off at the NT Bookshop all week (7–14 March)

Royal Shakespeare Company, Stratford-upon-Avon
– go behind the scenes from 7–15 March and discover the secrets and stories of the RSC, past and present, with a guided tour offering a close-up look at costumes, set-building and theatre superstitions, each led by an expert guide and uniquely different every day

W. W. Winter Heritage Trust, Derby – photographers can explore the world’s oldest, operational, purpose-built photography studio with free entry from 12–14 March

Hamilton Camera Club, Hamilton – enjoy free entry on 12 March. 7:30pm for a special photography talk, Altered Images, including a demonstration on the art of photo processing and manipulation provided by Carluke photographer Libby Smith

Brontë Parsonage Museum, Haworth – enjoy 2 for 1 entry from 7–15 March and step back in time in the picturesque Yorkshire village home of the Brontës to discover the story of this exceptional literary family

Florence Nightingale Museum, London – enjoy 2 for 1 entry from 7–15 March to the museum celebrating the life and legacy of the most famous figure in nursing history. You can also experience a Special Topics Talk (12 March) and Meet Miss Nightingale performances (14 March).

Use any retail or online National Lottery ticket, including Lotto, EuroMillions, Set 4 Life and Thunderball or National Lottery Scratchcard or Instant Win Games, for special offers at selected attractions between 7-15 March 2026.

Terms and conditions and booking instructions across special offers will vary, check the individual offer listing for details. See www.nationallotteryopenweek.com for booking details and full terms and conditions.