Budget-friendly UK Adventures: Cheap or Free Days Out Near Me
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The Best Cheap or Free Days Out Near You

Whether you’re camping with your family, friends, partner or solo, there are plenty of free and affordable attractions for everyone to enjoy in the UK. From visiting the best English heritage sites to exploring the biggest mazes and meeting the furriest farm animals, you’ll find a budget-friendly activity perfect for your next camping trip.

Cheap days out across the UK

Select your camping destination and find all the affordable or free things to do near you.

Cheap and free days out in Birmingham

Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park

red panda

Price: From £3.80

Good for: Families

Just a few minutes away from Birmingham city centre, Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park is home to a great selection of animals, many of which are endangered in the wild. Otters, wallabies, lynx and porcupines are just a few of the animals you’ll see during your visit. There are daily feeding times and plenty of opportunities to learn about animals throughout the park.

Nearest campsite: Clent Hills Club Site (25-minute drive*)

Explore the Tolkien Trail

Price: Free

Good for: Families

Lord of the Rings fans will know that J.R.R. Tolkien lived in Birmingham from 1895 – 1911 and took inspiration from his surroundings. Sarehole, Moseley and Edgbaston are the locations of some of his most obvious points of inspiration.

Nearest campsite: 30-minute drive* to Moseley Bog from Clent Hills Club Site

Library of Birmingham

Birmingham Library

Price: Free

Good for: A peaceful escape

Visit the Library of Birmingham that sits in the heart of the city. Here, you can cosy up with a good book, explore the fascinating sculptures and paintings scattered around the building or find the not-so-secret, secret gardens on the library’s balcony that overlooks the city.

Nearest campsite: Clent Hills Club Site and Kingsbury Water Park Club Site (26-minute drive*)

Aston Hall

Price: Free

Good for: Families and history

Visit the magnificent gardens of Aston Hall, a 17th-century mansion. Surrounded by brick walls, Lady Holte’s Garden is beautifully designed and a great spot for a picnic on a warm day. You can visit the hall itself too, with admission prices starting from £3.

Nearest campsite: Kingsbury Water Park Club Site (22-minute drive*)

Ikon Gallery

Price: Free

Good for: Art and culture

In the heart of Birmingham’s Brindleyplace is a free to enter, internationally acclaimed art gallery. Ikon Gallery showcases work from artists all over the world and includes a wide range of multimedia installations.

Nearest campsite: Clent Hills Club Site (30-minute drive*)

Think Tank

Price: Free after 3pm

Good for: Families

Think Tank is an award-winning interactive science museum that’s perfect for a family day out. Tickets start from £7.50, but after 3pm, every day, you can enter the science garden at the Think Tank for free. Kids can roam around, play and, most importantly, learn new things.

Nearest campsite: Kingsbury Water Park Club Site (24-minute drive*)

More cheap or free days out in Birmingham

Check out our campsites in Birmingham for a budget-friendly camping trip.

Cheap and free days out in Cornwall

Spend a day at the beach

beach

Those camping in Cornwall are lucky to be near some of the best Blue Flag beaches in the UK. Some phenomenal beaches include;

  • Polzeath Beach
  • Porthtowan Beach
  • Carbis Bay
  • Crackington Haven Beach
  • Porth Joke Beach
  • Widemouth Bay
  • Summerleaze Beach
  • Sennen Cove

Click here for more on Cornwall beaches.

Cycle at Lanhydrock

building

Price: Free

With trails of varying difficulties, cycling at Lanhydrock can make for an active free day out. If you don’t have a bike, that’s fine, there are plenty of rental bikes available. On your day out, you’ll also find an adventure playground, café and visitor centre.

Nearest campsite: Bude Club Site (30-minute drive*)

St Michael’s Mount

St Michaels mount

Price: Free

Good for: Exploring

Enjoy a day out to St Michael’s Mount. Situated on a small island just off the coastal town of Marazion, St Michael’s is home to ancient cobbles, castle walls and subtropical gardens. This iconic destination is free to explore, but a small fee will be charged if you want to take a look inside the magnificent castle and breathtaking gardens.

Nearest campsite: Sennen Cove Club Site (20-minute drive*)

Falmouth Art Gallery

Price: Free

Good for: Art & rainy days

With a range of exhibitions, art collections, and events to get involved with, Falmouth Art Gallery is well worth a visit while in the coastal town.

Nearest campsite: Veryan Club Site (40-minute drive*)

Discover Merlin’s Cave at Tintagel Castle

cave

Price: Free

Good for: Families

Beneath Tintagel Castle, amongst the coastal cliffs, lies a 330-foot-long sea cave. Tintagel Castle has been linked to the legend of King Arthur, and today, the cave is linked to Merlin. Relax on the beach below the castle and explore the cave when the tide is out.

Nearest campsite: Bude Club Site (20-minute drive*)

Healey’s Cornish Cyder Farm

trees

Price: Free

Good for: Families

Over 3000 trees make up the orchards at Healey’s Cornish Cyder Farm. Head to the courtyard during your visit to see farm animals, including chickens, rabbits, goats and pigs.

The farm shop, which sells wines, juice, cyder and much more, is sure to be a hit with the adults. There is a range of guided tours available too, including a tractor ride for a small fee. Make sure you book online to secure your spot and for some fabulous discounts.

Nearest campsite: Tregurrian Club Site (25-minute drive*)

Camel Valley Vineyard

fruit tree

Price: Tours from £3.50

Good for: Adults

Enjoy the views of the sloping vineyards, a glass of award-winning wine on the terrace or a guided tour to discover the ins and outs of wine production at Camel Valley Vineyard.

Click here for more fabulous vineyards across the UK.

Nearest campsite: Tregurrian Club Site (30-minute drive*)

More cheap or free days out in Cornwall

Check out our Cornwall campsites for a budget-friendly camping trip.

Cheap and free days out in the Cotswolds

Walk the Winchcombe Way

countryside

Price: Free

Good for: All walkers

The Winchcombe Way, kicking off in the town of the same name, is a 42-mile, figure of eight-shaped trail. You can do as much or as little of the walk as you’d like, which makes it great for both families and seasoned walkers.

Nearest campsite: Winchcombe Club Site

National Waterways Museum, Gloucester

Price: From £3.25

Good for: Families and history lovers

Head to the Victorian docks in Gloucester to discover the story of the wonderful rivers and canals. Learn about horsepower, boats, wildlife and more in interactive displays that is great at inspiring young minds. The museum also operates several reasonably priced boat trips, making for a fun way of seeing the River Severn.

Nearest campsite: Blackmore Club Site (35-minute drive*)

Roman Amphitheatre, Cirencester

field

Price: Free

Good for: History and walkers

See the remaining earthworks of an amphitheatre which could hold up to 8,000 spectators in Cirencester. Make use of the free parking, take a picnic and explore the area to your heart’s content. Dogs on leads are welcome to explore the site too, so it’s a great day out for the whole family.

Nearest campsite: Chipping Norton Club Site (40-minute drive*)

Gloucester Cathedral

Cathedral

Price: Free, donations welcome

Good for: History

Discover 1000 years of history in the beautiful Gloucester Cathedral. Highlights include the Cloisters, the beautiful hallway used in the filming of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, the tower and the library.

Nearest campsite: Winchcombe Club Site (30-minute drive*)

More cheap or free days out in the Cotswolds

Check out our campsites in the Cotswolds for a budget-friendly camping trip.

Cheap and free days out in Derbyshire

Gorse Hill City Farm

baby lamb

Price: From £3.00

Good for: Families

With over 100 farm animals to meet, Gorse Hill City Farm is a registered charity and working farm dedicated to providing fun, educational visits. Cows, sheep, rabbits, ducks and pigs are amongst some of the animals you’ll get to meet during a visit. Buy a bag of feed and offer it to the animals as you go along for an interactive and fun day away from the campsite.

Nearest campsite: Conkers Club Site (40-minute drive*)

Poole’s Cavern

Price: From £7.50

Good for: Families

Visit Poole’s Cavern and see stalactites and stalagmites in this ancient limestone cave under the Peak District. Take the guided tour to learn about the formation of the caves and end your visit with the woodland walk to Grin Low, which is 437 metres above sea level and ideal for a picnic.

Nearest campsite: Hayfield Club Site (30-minute drive*)

The Roaches

mountain

Price: Free

Good for: Walkers

Climbers and walkers alike love the Roaches, a formation of rocks jutting out above the Tittesworth Reservoir. The stunning attraction is shrouded in folklore, with many believing that the ridge is home to mythical mermaids that live in Doxey Pool, just at the top of the Roaches. Whether you believe the story or not, the Roaches is a popular walking spot in the Peak District and well worth a visit.

Nearest campsite: The starting point to climb the Roaches is on the doorstep of Leek Club Site.

The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop

bakewell tart

Price: The cost of a Bakewell pudding

Good for: Foodies

No visit to Derbyshire is complete without trying the famous Bakewell Pudding. Not to be confused with a Bakewell tart, the pudding is a delicious custard-topped pastry. The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop is quite the tourist attraction, selling everything from the classic Bakewell pudding to themed merchandise.

Nearest campsite: Bakewell Club Site (10-minute drive*)

Peveril Castle

castle view

Price: From £4.00

Good for: History

High above the pretty village of Castleton sits one of England’s earliest Norman fortresses, Peveril Castle. Walk up the hill to the Keep to explore the castle remains and enjoy views over Hope Valley. The exhibition in the visitor centre maps the history of the castle and has artefacts on display. Book online to save money.

Nearest campsite: Hayfield Club Site (25-minute drive*)

More cheap or free days out in Derbyshire

Check out our Derbyshire campsites for a budget-friendly camping trip.

Cheap and free days out in Dorset

Corfe Castle, near Wareham

Castle ruins

Price: From £6.05

Good for: Families and history

Visit the ruins of Corfe Castle to learn about 1,000 years of history. There’s plenty to keep kids entertained, from exploring the grounds to embarking on the Corfe Castle Quest.

Nearest campsite: Moreton Club Site (20-minute drive*)

Search for fossils on the Jurassic Coast

Woman fossil hunting on Charmouth beach

Price: Free

Good for: Families

Fossils can be found up and down the Jurassic Coast. A great place to start is at the Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre. At the centre, you can find advice on where to look and how to collect any fossils you find. The centre runs regular fossil walking events, which are a great way to get started.

Nearest campsite: Charmouth Club Site (8-minute drive*)

See all Jurassic Coast campsites.

Lyme Regis Marine Aquarium

Price: From £7

Good for: Families

This small, family-run aquarium showcases some of the incredible marine life that lives on the Jurassic Coast. A highlight of a visit to Lyme Regis Marine Aquarium is the interactive experiences, which can include hand-feeding the mullet, holding starfish and getting close to different kinds of marine life. This is a great one for kids and adults alike.

Nearest campsite: Charmouth Club Site (11-minute drive*) 

Visit beautiful beaches

durdle door

Price: Free

Good for: Everyone

A camping trip to Dorset is incomplete without visiting the stunning beaches along the Jurassic Coast. In the summer, you can treat yourself to an ice cream as you top up your tan or enjoy a dip in the water. In the winter, you can enjoy a peaceful walk alongside the coast or try crabbing and rockpooling.

Some fabulous beaches in Dorset include:

More cheap or free days out in Dorset

Check out our campsites in Dorset for a budget-friendly camping trip.

Cheap and free days out in London

London view

Go sightseeing

Price: Free

Good for: Culture, history and families

London is jam-packed with popular tourist attractions, and if you’re on a budget or short on time, going on a sightseeing trip is great fun. Lots of places are walkable, and public transport is easy to navigate once you’ve got the hang of it. Some great places to spot whilst sightseeing are:

Explore London’s fascinating museums

museum and fossils

Price: Free

Good for: History enthusiasts and families

England's capital is flooded with a diverse and rich history, which can be found in the streets of London as well as in the many free museums and art galleries. Some popular ones include:

Hampton Court Palace

gardens and palace

Price: Free - £10.65

Good for: History and families

Visit the picture-perfect Hampton Court Palace to see the beautiful gardens, explore the grand interior and enjoy the regular re-enactments and events.

Nearest campsite: Walton on Thames Club Site (11-minute drive*)

Cassiobury Park

river and boat

Price: Free

Good for: Families

Voted one of the top 10 parks in the UK, Cassiobury Park has state-of-the-art paddling pools, a café, miniature railway and much more. Take a picnic and enjoy a great day out for the whole family.

Nearest campsite: Theobalds Park Club Site (35-minute drive*)

More cheap or free days out in London

Check out our campsites in London for a budget-friendly camping trip.

Cheap and free days out in Scotland

Climbing mountains, hills and extinct volcanos

ben nevis

Price: Free (although you may need to pay for parking)

Good for: Walkers

What better way to capture Scotland’s picturesque landscapes than by hiking to the top of mountains, hills and extinct volcanoes? Here are some popular climbs:

Go on the Faery Glen walk

mountains

Price: Free

Good for: Walkers

Following a clear footpath throughout, this walk isn’t too challenging, includes two waterfalls, and it has many great photo opportunities.

Nearest campsite: Rosemarkie Club Site (5-minute drive*)

Scotland’s museums

museum

Price: Free

Good for: History enthusiasts

There are plenty of museums across Scotland that are not only free upon entry but are fun and educational visits that are perfect for a family day out, romantic evening or solo adventure. Some popular museums include:

Inverness Castle

Castle

Price: From £3

Good for: History

The imposing Inverness Castle overlooks the River Ness. The tower and the Inverness Castle Viewpoint is open to the public and offers 360° views over the city and the Scottish Highlands.

Nearest campsite: Dingwall Club Site (25-minute drive*)

The Scottish Deer Centre

deer

Price: From £6

Good for: Families

With wolves, otters, lynx and 12 species of deer, The Scottish Deer Centre makes a great family day out. Most people spend a few hours at the park, joining the ranger tours and watching bird of prey shows during their visit.

Nearest campsite: Scone Club Site (40-minute drive*)

Search for the Loch Ness Monster

Price: Free

Good for: Families

Our Loch Ness Shores Club Site is located on the South Shore of Loch Ness. Dig out your binoculars and spend some time watching the water. The Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition is packed full of information about the local area and the famed Loch Ness Monster.

Nearest campsite: Loch Ness Shores Club Site

Grey Mare’s Tail Nature Reserve

waterfall

Price: From £3

Good for: Walkers

There are a few walks you can follow at Grey Mare's Tail Nature Reserve, all coming with spectacular views. In the summer months, guided tours and fossil hunts are popular with families. Dogs on short leads are welcome to join you while you explore the fantastic landscape.

Nearest campsite: Moffat Club Site (20-minute drive*)

More cheap or free days out in Scotland

Check out our campsites in Scotland for a budget-friendly camping trip.

Cheap and free days out in Yorkshire

Scarborough Castle

castle

Price: From £4.10

Good for: History

With spectacular views over the Yorkshire coastline, Scarborough Castle is a highlight for many visitors to Yorkshire. The exhibition will take you back over 3,000 years of history with artefacts telling the story of the castle’s past. The audio tour is an excellent addition to exploring the castle.

Nearest campsite: Scarborough Club Site (7-minute drive*)

National Coal Mining Museum

Price: Free

Good for: Families and history

Explore the history of coal mining and discover what life was like for those travelling down into the mines each day at the National Coal Mining Museum. For a £5 deposit, you can don a hard hat and journey 140 metres underground into the last deep coal mine in England.

Nearest campsite: Boroughbridge Club Site (50-minute drive*)

National Railway Museum

transport museum

Price: Free

Good for: History

See iconic locomotives from different eras, including a Japanese bullet train and a wide range of steam engines at the National Railway Museum.

Nearest campsite: Sheriff Hutton Club Site (30-minute drive*)

Brimham Rocks

Rocks

Price: Free

Good for: Explorers

Whether you’re a walker, climber or looking for a family day out, Brimham Rocks is a great place to visit. The fascinating rock formations here are the product of millions of years of erosion. Enjoy the views, great climbing opportunities and natural playground that Brimham Rocks offers.

Nearest campsite: Boroughbridge Club Site (30-minute drive*)

More cheap or free days out in Yorkshire

Check out our Yorkshire campsites for a budget-friendly camping trip.

Cheap and free days out in Wales

Welsh castles

Castle

Price: Free – small charge

Good for: History

Wales is scattered with castles of all shapes, sizes and levels of restoration. Some are free to visit, and some charge a small entry fee. Some recommendations include:

Go dolphin spotting at Cardigan Bay

Price: Free

Good for: Nature and families

The wonderful coastline around Cardigan Bay is home to the largest population of dolphins in Europe. The cliffs at Mwnt are a great place to see the bottlenose dolphins near the coastline.

Nearest campsite: Cardigan Bay Club Site

Explore Wales’ National Parks

Snowdonia

Price: Free

Good for: Explorers and walkers

Wales has three breathtaking National Parks.

  1. Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog): 30-minute drive* from Rhandirmwyn Club Site
  2. Pembrokeshire Coast 6-minute drive* from St Davids Club Site
  3. Snowdonia (ERYRI): 21-minute drive* from Llanystumdwy Club Site and 29-minute drive* from Bala Club Site.

There’s plenty to do in each National Park for free, and you can easily spend days discovering new parts of the park. Some popular things to do at the national parks include:

  • Climb Mount Snowdon
  • Enjoy plenty of walking and cycling trails
  • Wild swimming
  • See stunning waterfalls
  • Explore Talybont Reservoir
  • Discover magnificent wildlife
  • Foraging

Uncover Welsh history at these museums

museum

Price: Free

Good for: History enthusiasts and families

If you’re curious about the country’s history or fancy taking a trip to the past, these fun museums are great for everyone.

  • South Wales Miners Museum
  • Museum of Welsh Textiles
  • National Wool Museum
  • Llyn Maritime Museum
  • Swansea Museum
  • Tredegar Local History Museum
  • St Fagans National Museum of History
  • National Museum Cardiff

Go bird watching at RSPB Gwenffrwd-Dinas

bird

Price: Free

Good for: Nature lovers

Take a peaceful walk through the oak woodland at RSPB Gwenffrwd-Dinas to enjoy the wonderful surroundings and the variety of winged inhabitants. The mixed landscape, with rivers and streams, is the perfect habitat for red kites, redstarts, dippers and grey wagtails.

Nearest campsite: Rhandirmwyn Club Site (10-minute drive*)

More cheap or free days out in Wales

Check out our campsites in Wales for a budget-friendly camping trip.

Cheap and free days out in Warwickshire

Royal Pump Rooms and Leamington Spa Art Gallery

 building

Price: Free

Good for: Heritage

The Royal Pump Rooms are a Grade II listed building and give a great insight into the spa past of Leamington Spa. Visit the gallery to see the latest exhibitions and stop off at the café for a light bite.

Nearest campsite: Clent Hills Club Site (40-minute drive*)

Royal Shakespeare Theatre tours and Tower trip

theatre

Price: From £1.00

Good for: Families

There are several different tours at the RSC theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon. Go behind the scenes, discover more about the creative production process or ignite kids’ imaginations on the Family Fun Tour. The tower overlooks the River Avon, allowing for beautiful views of the medieval town and surrounding area.

Nearest campsite: Kingsbury Water Park Club Site (45-minute drive*)

Alpaca Farms

Alpacas

Price: From £10.00

Good for: Families

There are two alpaca farms in Warwickshire, both offering experiences for kids and adults. Visit the farm, walk the alpacas and learn all about the cute animals.

Nearest campsite:

Anker Wood and Maze World

Price: From £2.95

Good for: Families

Breathe in the fresh air, get your walking boots on and prepare for a day of fun at Anker Wood and Maze World. Explore the six mazes, meet the farm animals and enjoy the Tree Top Trail with the whole family.

Nearest campsite: Kingsbury Water Park Club Site (20-minute drive*)

Coventry Cathedral and Transport Museum

Cathedral ruins

Price: Free

Good for: Heritage

Coventry, a city full of history, has a few things for the whole family which you can do for free. Coventry Cathedral and the ruins of the cathedral destroyed during the Coventry Blitz in 1940 are well worth a visit. From an architectural perspective, both buildings are fascinating and give a real insight into both the past and present of the city. Find out more about the city and transport heritage at the Coventry Transport Museum, which is free to enter.

Nearest campsite: Kingsbury Water Park Club Site (30-minute drive*)

More cheap or free days out in Warwickshire

Check out our Warwickshire campsites for a budget-friendly camping trip.

Cheap and free days out on the Isle of Wight

Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

donkey

Price: Free

Good for: Families

Visit nearly 100 donkeys and a number of ponies at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary. Watch the donkeys grazing happily, treat yourself to some delicious snacks at the café and don’t forget to purchase some memorabilia at the gift shop. Entry is free, but donations are welcome. 

The Garlic Farm

garlic farm

Price: Free

Good for: Foodies

Visit The Garlic Farm on the Isle of Wight for a free to enter, family attraction that has something for everyone. Climb aboard the tractor to embark on a guided tour through the farm, learning about the garlic growing process. Kids can enjoy the play area while adults make use of the restaurant before visiting the farmland and animals. The shop stocks everything from smoked garlic to garlic beer and vodka, so it is well worth stopping off at during your visit. 

Sandown Pier

beach

Price: Free

Good for: Families

Expect crazy golf, bowling, and plenty of indoor fun to be had on Sandown Pier. All of the usual games can be played in the amusement arcade, and there are plenty of places to get your favourite traditional seaside treats. 

Quarr Abbey

abbey

Price: Free, donations welcome

Good for: History

Visit the Benedictine monastery, Quarr Abbey, which is home to a small group of monks for a real insight into the past nine centuries of the site. There are tours available on certain days each month, and the visitor centre is a great way to learn about monastic life. 

Check out our Isle of Wight campsites for a budget-friendly camping trip.

*Drive times are approximate and may change due to traffic conditions.

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