The National Lottery Open Week returns this March, allowing visitors to enjoy free or discounted entry to a whole host of heritage sites across the UK. Here’s everything you need to know
Heritage sites across the UK are offering free or discounted entry in March as part of the National Lottery Open Week. From Saturday, March 15, to Sunday, March 23, venues that receive lottery funding will participate in the event as a thank-you to ticket buyers.
The National Lottery raises £30 million per week for good causes, including charities and heritage sites, through organisations like the National Trust, English Heritage, and Historic Royal Palaces.
During this week, visitors can explore historic houses, castles, museums, wildlife hotspots, art galleries, and theatres – All you need is one lottery ticket per adult, with many sites letting up to two children in free per adult.
National Trust sites nationwide are opening their doors during the event, with ticket-holding visitors able to visit places like Giant’s Causeway in County Antrim, Tattershall Castle in Lincolnshire, and Buckland Abbey in Devon for free.
National Trust members can also bring a friend for free, without needing a second lottery ticket.
Visitors are advised to check the National Trust website before setting off to their chosen location, as not all places can participate in this scheme, and some only do so on specific days.
Similarly, English Heritage is also offering free entry to several of its sites, but only on 22 and 23 March. On certain days of the week, they are also providing exclusive, behind-the-scenes tours at selected locations.
Historic Royal Palaces are offering lottery ticket holders a 50% discount on tickets to the Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace, Kensington Palace, and Hillsborough Castle and Gardens.
Again, verify before travelling as some sites are only included on particular days. Other attractions offering free or discounted entry include The Eden Project, the Charles Dickens Museum, the World Rugby Museum, and Painshill Park.
To see all participating National Lottery-funded venues across the UK go to the Lottery Good Causes website.