Museums, adventure playgrounds and modern art galleries are among the best free activities you can visit this May half term.
The team at Go Outdoors have analysed annual visitors, Tripadvisor reviews, Instagram hashtags, Tiktok views and Google search volume for more than 50 of the most visited free attractions in the UK to reveal the UK’s top cost-effective activities for 2023.
If you have the kids home from school for the week and are looking for something to keep them busy, or fancy a trip out yourself, then those featured below are great way to do so without breaking the bank.
We've highlighted some of the best museums, galleries, outdoor trails and historical buildings in different parts of the UK.
Museum of Liverpool Location: Liverpool
Total visitors (2021): 251,186
Said to be the world’s first national museum devoted to the history of a regional city, the museum offers a great free day out with easy access to engaging exhibits that showcase Liverpool’s popular culture, bringing its incredible heritage to life.
Visitors can learn about the remarkable story of the first electric elevated railway in the world, see photographer Leroy Cooper's 40 year documentation of the city, and find out about the story of how Liverpool's Black community supported the anti-apartheid campaign in the 1980s.
High Lodge Thetford Forest
Not only does this spectacular Suffolk location offer beautiful trails and play areas perfect for kids, but it’s also filled with rich wilderness and mountain biking opportunities.
The stunning location really does offer a little something for everyone, with brilliant trails and an adventure play park for kids to blow off some steam, Go Ape, disk golf and much more.
Windsor Great Park
This great park in Windsor is surrounded by history, shrouded in mystery and offers the tantalising chance to glimpse a royal in the shadow of the castle.
Windsor Great Park is the perfect place for picnics, walking, cycling and even horseback riding – perfect for a cheap day out.
If you're planning a short break then you may also want to check out our guide to some of the best things to see in Windsor while you're there!
National Railway Museum
The National Railway Museum in York tells the story of rail transport in Britain as well as the impact this has had on society.
At the moment the museum is celebrating the centenary of arguably the most famous train of all, the Flying Scotsman.
Gallery of Modern Art
Glasgow's world-class art museum and a place for people to gather, the Gallery of Modern Art is home to an outstanding collection of national modern and contemporary art.
The gallery is housed in an iconic building located in the heart of Glasgow, which it shares with the city centre library.
Sherwood Pines Forest Park
Located near the village of kings Clistone in Nottinghamshire, Sherwood Pines Forest Park is one of the most well-known forests in the Midlands.
Originally known as Clipstone Heath, Sherwood Pines was acquired in 1925 and many trees were planted then.
Today, you can explore the many activity trails, play areas and mountain biking trails Sherwood Pines has to offer.
Not only is this a top location for a free day out adventure but you can also extend your trip into an overnight stay, as Forest holidays at this destination provide a stellar selection of stunning cabins located right in the heart of the forest.
Durham Cathedral
Known to be a place of worship and hospitality for almost a millennium, the Durham Cathedral continues to thrive today.
Renowned for its spectacular Romanesque architecture and picturesque views, this magnificent location is at the heart of the Durham World Heritage Site and was used as a filming location in Harry Potter.
RAF Museum Midlands
Dedicated to the Royal Air Force and to the history of aviation, the RAF Museum in Cosford is packed with family activities and events for all ages, especially hearing exciting and exclusive stories on flying experiences from the Royal Wessex.
The museum is filled with a huge array of aircraft that will hopefully inspire and enthuse aspiring pilots and engineers.
Scottish National Portrait Gallery
Not only is this one of Edinburgh’s most remarkable buildings but the gallery also holds the national collections of portraits, as well as the Scottish National Photography Collection.
The gallery is home to a huge number of iconic portraits from across the centuries.
We've got a wider guide to the best places to visit in Edinburgh if you're after a bit more inspiration for your break too.
Ulster Museum
As the largest museum in Northern Ireland, the Ulster Museum in Belfast explores the past, present and future through spectacular collections of art, history and natural science.
With plenty of fun things to do with kids such as explorer maps, this family-friendly location is great for a cheap day out.
Array Collective, who won the Turner Prize in 2021, are currently exhibiting their take on a once illicit pub, The Druthaib’s Ball, at the museum.
The museum offers an impressive five floors of free exhibitions and collections to explore.
Goatfell Mountain
Great for a family fun day out and a hearty climb into the wilderness, Goatfell offers some of the best views across the Isle of Arran as it is the highest peak.
Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, Goatfell offers great opportunities to venture into challenging and dramatic upland landscapes for panoramic views.
Staffa National Nature Reserve
This breathtaking nature reserve on the Isle of Staffa is also home to famous volcanic hexagonal rock columns and the magical Fingal’s Cave.
The cave is known for its natural acoustics.
