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If you’re taking a cottage holiday this winter and are on a budget or just want to get the best available deals then you may want to optimise on free days out.
Visit National Trust Houses if you are a member
For members, once you’ve paid your annual membership fee, the National Trust offer a host of fascinating country houses and gardens which can be visited for free. Although some houses are closed for the winter season, the gardens are open at many and special events are on at some such as special Christmas evenings and guided tours at some properties where the houses are decorated especially for the season.
Visit Edinburgh
Edinburgh in Scotland is a beautiful city, with the Old Town and New Town UNESCO heritage sites. Meander around, soaking up the stunning setting. Hike up Arthur’s Seat if there is no ice, to enjoy stunning views of the city below. Visit the Scottish National Gallery; it’s free! The Museum of Childhood and the People’s Story Museum are also free to enter.
Visit the Spa City of Bath
Bath is a gorgeous city and small enough to easily walk around. A UNESCO heritage site, much of Bath’s appeal is in walking around the historic streets and soaking up the vibe. Wrap up warm and enjoy soaking this city’s atmosphere. Meander around the shops and marvel at the history.
Pop in to the Bath World Heritage Centre when visiting too; it’s free to enter.
Visit the Cotswolds
The Cotswolds is a superb area to visit in summer but is wonderful in winter too. Wander around pretty villages and towns and see the Christmas lights. Stop off at gift shops and cafes as you enjoy soaking up the beautiful setting with the charming historic houses and Cotswold charm. Wrap up warm and the Cotswolds is a delight, whatever time of year you visit.
Visit London’s Museums
Many of London’s best and biggest museums are completely free. And when it’s cold outside, where better to be than inside seeing some fascinating sights?
Free Museums in London
The following museums in London are all completely free to visit.
• The British Museum
• The Natural History Museum
• The Science Museum
• The Imperial War Museum
• The National Maritime Museum
• Victoria & Albert Museum
• Tate Modern
• Tate Britain
Wrap up Warm & Discover Country Parks and Gardens
Other great free attractions include country parks and gardens. Wrap up warm and enjoy the changing scenery in parks and gardens. Frosty and snowy days can really add that something special to your experience. If you need to warm up why not pop in to a local café for a good value lunch or cup of tea. A number of galleries and museums up and down the country are also free.
Look Out for Festive Offers
We recommend that you do your research on 2 for 1 offers for days out. Particularly out of summer season, you can find offers for 2 for 1 or discounted days out, so you can discover some of the best of the local area on holiday. With a little bit of searching you can reap great rewards and save money when exploring a local area.
Wherever you go for your self-catering break, we hope you find that the best things in life are indeed free and that you have the very best of times. If you haven’t yet booked your cottage getaway take a look at last minute cottages for some of the best late deals.
Edinburgh in Scotland is a beautiful city, with the Old Town and New Town UNESCO heritage sites. Meander around, soaking up the stunning setting. Hike up Arthur’s Seat if there is no ice, to enjoy stunning views of the city below. Visit the Scottish National Gallery; it’s free! The Museum of Childhood and the People’s Story Museum are also free to enter.
