Visiting sites on a trip to the UK can be free and affordable. You may discover the rich British history, countryside vistas, and metropolitan culture while remaining on a budget. Every day of the year, all of Britain’s national museums (not only those in London) are open to the public for free. Most nature reserves and state-run parks are also free to visit, where you may hike, bike, look for animals, and walk on the beach. True, a trip over the pond might be costly, but once there, this two-part article of free things to do in the UK will ensure an amazing experience.
Stroll through Bath
Bath is steeped in Roman and Georgian history, which you can learn about on a free Mayor of Bath Walking Tour. Visit The Royal Crescent, a series of 30 terraced residences built out in a crescent pattern that is now a hotel and spa. The Circus, an equally spectacular ring of enormous townhouses conceived and built between 1754 and 1768 by architect John Wood, is a notable example of Georgian architecture. Pulteney Bridge, built in 1774, is another example of this style. Of course, no trip to Bath would be complete without learning about the city’s natural hot springs (Roman baths). Soaking in the mineral-rich springs is known to relieve some diseases.
Go to the Mayor of Bath’s Corps of Honorary Guides
Look through the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery’s paintings
Birmingham was a manufacturing powerhouse in nineteenth-century Britain, and the 120-year-old Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, known locally as BMag, is a reminder of wealthy Victorian industrialists’ contributions to the area’s art and culture. The museum’s holdings include Renaissance paintings as well as 9,000-year-old Middle Eastern artifacts. BMag is best recognized for its exceptional collection of Pre-Raphaelite paintings, which is one of the world’s largest of this once-radical school of art.
Go to the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery
Smell the Sky Garden flowers
London’s very popular Sky Garden has 360-degree views of the city. Sky Garden has planted terraces full of drought-resistant Mediterranean and South African plant types that thrive all year. African lily, red hot poker, Bird of Paradise, and herbs such as French lavender are examples of flowering plants. The garden is open for free on weekdays and weekends. Sky Garden has a garden cafe where you can make a dinner reservation in the garden cafe.
Discover More About the Textile Industry
The Brandford Industrial Museum tells the narrative of Moorside Mills, which was built in 1875. This worsted spinning factory, which has changed hands and grown multiple times, is a symbol of local industrial tradition. Displays of working textile and printing machinery, as well as vintage automobiles, can be found here. Learn about historical fashion and take part in a session that gives you a behind-the-scenes look at an operating mill. The museum is home to numerous galleries and venues; admission is free for all, although donations are gratefully accepted.
Go to the Brandford Industrial Museum
Investigate the Arbeia Roman Fort and Museum
The Arbeia Roman Fort was a residence for the garrison that guarded the Tyne estuary’s entrance. Despite the fact that a substantial amount of the fort was destroyed, the site was rebuilt using excavations and findings from the old fort. This stronghold was manned by Iraqi legionnaires, as indicated by the name Arbeia, which means “Arab” in Latin. While you’re there, look at the reproductions of historic buildings as well as the archeological artifacts that provide insight into life in Roman Britain. If you go in the winter, plan a candlelight tour in December to commemorate the Roman holiday of Saturnalia.
Bury St Edmunds
St Edmund, King of East Anglia, was martyred by Danish Vikings and was the patron saint of England before St. George. His shrine at Bury St Edmunds was a popular pilgrimage destination. Today, there is nothing remaining of the Abbey that housed the shrine, but vestiges of this major medieval town may still be seen. Other noteworthy medieval buildings and landmarks, in addition to the Abbey remains, make a visit here worthwhile. Stroll through the Abbey gardens to watch a traditional English game of lawn bowls, and then window shop on the grounds for a truly memorable experience.
Take in the View at Arthur’s Seat
King Arthur’s Seat is one of Edinburgh’s seven hills and an extinct volcano. It is a challenging hike, but most decently fit adults and children can do it. This rocky crag in Holyrood Park provides breathtaking views over Edinburgh and the surrounding area, including the coast, the Western Highlands, and Edinburgh Castle. If want to avoid hiking, get on a bus that will take you near to the summit (for a small fee).
Unwind on the Beach
With approximately 7,800 miles of coastline, the United Kingdom includes some of the world’s most stunning beaches, which are easily accessible within a two-hour drive or less from much of the country. However, UK beaches are hardly tropical havens where you may sunbathe or swim in warm waters. Even on beaches that receive Gulf Stream currents, the water is still quite cold. The UK beaches are popular because of their stunning panoramas and solitary stretches ideal for walking, surfing, hiking, and wildlife watching. Visit Kynance Cove in Cornwall, which serves as Nampara in the popular British television series Poldark. Poldark aired in the United States on PBS.
Enter the Castlerigg Stone Circle
Visit the historic Castlerigg Stone Circle, which is located high up in the Lake District near Keswick. This 33-stone structure was built around 3,000 BC and provides a magnificent perspective of snow-capped Helvellyn and High Seat. This early circle’s specific function is unknown, although it was assumed to be an important meeting site for disparate Neolithic people. The nonprofit group that oversees the site, English Heritage, claims that it is open “at any reasonable time during daylight hours.”
Visit the Big Pit National Coal Museum
As a modern, working coal mine, the Big Pit also houses the Big Pit National Coal Museum in the United Kingdom. It features galleries, exhibitions, and historic relics themed on the history of the coal industry in the United Kingdom. Guests can interact with a virtual miner in the Mining Galleries, view exhibitions in the Pithead Baths, and explore ancient colliery buildings. The highlight, though, is a tour that brings guests 300 feet beneath to see the coal face with a genuine miner. This coal mine is a part of the Blaenavon Industrial Landscape UNESCO World Heritage site in Blaenavon, Wales.
Go to the Big Pit National Coal Museum
The United Kingdom has many free and inexpensive events for visitors. Enjoy your visit to these UK sites. Read part 2 to find more UK places you can visit for free.