Free Things To Do

If you're travelling on a budget and looking for some free things to do to keep the kids entertained, there are plenty of activities to enjoy across the South that will excite all the family and help those pounds go a little further.  With both indoor and outdoor activities to enjoy it doesn't matter what the weather does.

Don't forget the South East is blessed with plenty of beaches to enjoy a great day out, many of which have been awarded blue flag status for their cleanliness.  Many beaches across the South East have life guards during the summer season, to find out when and where check with the RNLI.

Home to over 3 million acres of natural beauty and a host of country parks, its easy to enjoy the fresh air, space and the picturesque surroundings of the South East countryside, with a picnic, afternoon stroll or cycle ride.

Free things to do in Hampshire

For 10 weeks you can bound across Winchester and Southampton in search of the 'Hares of Hampshire'.  This spectacular public art event will get you out and about exploring these fantastic cities.  There are 15 Hares and 19 Leverts to find in Winchester, download the trail map here, and 17 Hares and 19 Leverts to find in Southampton - find out more here.  Running from 16th June until the 25th August, why not hop along to one or both cities and take a look. 

Head to Portsmouth on England's South Coast and enjoy a walk along the miles of promenade, visit it's two famous piers or pop into Southsea Castle and explore the ramparts and views over the Solent.  Head to Gunwharf Quays waterfront outlet shopping and follow the free children's history trail to keep the little ones entertained.  Make time to visit Portsmouth Museum (closed on Mondays) and discover the world's largest collection of memorabilia relating to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and an ever-changing collection of artworks.  Free on the weekend of the 30th - 31st July?  The free International Kite Festival is confirmed to go ahead on Southsea Common.

Head across Portsmouth Harbour to Gosport where you can enjoy a visit to the beautiful Alver Valley Country Park, or enjoy time at Lee-on-the-Solent beach with its fantastic views over the Isle of Wight.  Pop into the Gosport Tourist Information Centre for maps and walking routes around the town and local area, or head indoors and explore Gosport Discovery Centre which is free to visit. You can pop along to the 'One of a Kind', pop-up shop showcasing the talent of local makers whilst the Gosport Gallery is currently being refurbished. 

East Hampshire has six self-guided walks, each dedicated to a famous literary figure who lived in the area including Jane Austen and Gilbert White.  Head to Winchester, you find a whole host of free places to visit including Royal Armouries-Fort Nelson (car parking applies) with its underground tunnels, fascinating fort facts explorer trail and sandbag maze. Try the Winchester city walk, with three different loops to follow which are suitable to wheelchairs and prams. They're a great way to explore the city, give a focus to your journey and helps children develop their map reading skills. 

This year you can not only watch the world's largest international sailing event 'Cowes Week' for eight days from the 30th July - 5th Aug 22, but also the final stage of the Tour of Britain professional cycling race on the 11th September on the Isle of Wight.  Known as 'Dinosaur Isle' the Isle of Wight is regarded as one of the richest areas for Dinosaur discovery in Europe.  It's just £3.80 for a child to visit Dinosaur Isle, Britain's first purpose built dinosaur attraction.

Free things to do in Sussex

This summer don't miss the chance to 'Follow The Duck' from the 24th June to 4th September in and Hastings and Bexhill-on-Sea.  Each giant duck has been hand decorated with individually created designs, there are 30 big 5ft ducks and 21 smaller rubber ducks to find.  You can pick up a map or download the app to get involved.

Brighton is a city in Sussex and is a great place to find a range of indoor and outdoor things to do for free.  Take a stroll around the world-famous Lanes, head to the beach, the pier or Brighton Marina.  Head to the Royal Pavilion gardens and marvel at the unique architecture of the Royal Pavilion, pack your children's swimsuits and let them take a dip in one of the cities four paddling pools.  The main one is on the seafront by the old West Pier, they are free to use and open from late May to early September. 

Bolney Wine Estate's Vineyard Trail in Sussex is free of charge and open all year round. Find all eight signs among the vines and learn about the wildlife and grapes at Bolney.

Explore the stunning Towner art museum, in Eastbourne which has been collecting and exhibiting work for over 100 years - admission is free.  Head to Longland Road Recreation Ground for a game of tennis on the newly refurbished courts or stroll over the famous white cliffs at Seven Sisters Country park and enjoy the stunning views over the English Channel.  Why not fly a kite, enjoy a picnic or pop into the visitor centre to explore the displays and exhibitions?  It's the annual Airbourne - Eastbourne International Air Festival on the 18th - 21st  August 22 which takes place along a 2-mile stretch of Eastbourne seafront and is free to attend.

Take a seat on Littlehampton's Long Bench or enjoy a visit to Chichester Cathedral in West Sussex. The beautiful Highdown Gardens, Worthing are free and have been deemed a National collection, offering great views over the sea and the South Downs.  Or head to the newly built Rye Harbour Nature Reserve on the outskirts of the medieval town on Rye or Hastings Museum and Art Gallery, open Thursday - Sunday in Hastings, East Sussex. 

Free things to do in Kent

Mote Park located in the centre of Maidstone offers lots of green space and a great boating lake for fun on the water time. For something a little different how about a stop at the Buttercups Sanctuary for Goats, they simply ask that you make a donation to help keep the goats, or discover more about the town and local area at Maidstone Museum.

Heading to Dover, Sandwich and Deal?  Enjoy a visit to Betteshanger Park, or a stroll around the beautiful Samphire Hoe. Enjoy time at Dover Museum and see the remains of a large wooden prehistoric boat thought to be some 3,000 years old, an internationally important archaeological discovery.  Explore the medieval streets of Sandwich and take a visit to Sandwich Guildhall Museum located in the heart of the town or enjoy a tour of Sandwich Guildhall. Take a look at the latest blog from Visit White Cliffs Country full of some great budget family friendly ideas for this summer. 

With 19 miles of coastline and 16 spectacular, sandy beaches and bays, you’re sure to find one to suit you in Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate on the Isle of Thanet or grab your bike and head out on the Viking Coastal Trail, one of the most attractive circular leisure cycle routes in Kent.

Free things to do in Oxfordshire

The Museum of Oxford, The Ashmolean and The Bodleian Library all offer a range of free exhibitions or activities for families to explore.

In West Oxfordshire get outdoors and explore both Kilkenny Lane Country Park and Wychwood Wild Garden - a beautiful woodland and garden, close to the centre of Shipton under Wychwood. Both are free and open all year round. 

In South Oxfordshire take time to explore the Historic Market Towns that are so central to this area, including Henley-on-Thames, Marlow and Thame.  Here you will find a number of free downloadable walking trails and apps to explore this Historic Market Town.  These are also available from Thame Museum (also free to visit) or Thame Town Hall.  Wallingford Museum provides free entry and offers fun things including the much loved 'smelly, feely' drawers and archaeology sandpits. Whilst there make sure you visit the grounds of Wallingford Castle which provide the perfect setting for a picnic.

Free Things to do Berkshire

Reading is home to a number of fascinating free museums to visit, including Reading Abbey Ruins, The MERL and Reading Museum. If you want to head outdoors, the Thames Path National Trail offers you the chance to explore the banks of the River Thames or maybe try some Geocaching.  Don't forget you can also shop till you drop at the Oracle shopping centre.

Heading to Windsor, then you don't have to go far to find some great free things to do. Take a stroll along the famous Long Walk and through Great Windsor Park, watch out you might see a deer or two!  Explore Maidenhead Heritage Museum, or follow the Queens Walkway, 63 gunmetal plaques marked with HM The Queen's personal royal cypher, pick up a map from the Windsor Visitor Information Centre.  Head to Windsor town centre to see the daily changing of the guards. The guards leave the barracks at approximately 10:50am then return back again about 11:30am (best view from the Corn Exchange by Windsor Guildhall) - check schedule in advance.

Free Things to do in Surrey

Nearby in Guildford, there’s enough to take up a full day out without spending a penny including a visit to the Guildford Museum, Guildford House Gallery and Guildford Castle Grounds. The Watts Gallery does not charge for children (under 18s) and is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful small galleries in Europe, with special exhibitions running throughout the year.

Free things to do in Dorset

Head to one of the fantastic beaches in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.  Enjoy a day at the beach sandcastle building, taking a dip in the sea and just enjoying being outdoors in the fresh air.  You can also explore the central, upper and lower gardens in Bournemouth, explore Alum Chine Tropical Gardens and Beach or take a walk out along the breath-taking Hengistbury Head. Remember the Bournemouth Air Festival (1st - 4th September 22) is also free, offering a great day out for all the family whatever their ages. 

Looking for more inspiration, head to our blog showcasing 101 things to do in South East England, or our YouTube channel for videos from around the region.