Free Things To Do

If you're travelling on a budget and looking to keep the kids entertained, there are plenty of things to do for free days out across South East England that will excite all the family.

Our current feature looks at a selection of free things to do in the south coast counties.

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.

Free days out 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.

Head 20 minutes north of Oxford to the idyllic Heyford Wharf - a 200 year old working boatyard for you 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. Under 4s get into Henlys River & Rowing Museum for free, and all other tickets are valid for 12 months, giving you a whole year to return and explore all the Museum has to offer, with the beautiful riverside town of Henley on it’s doorstep. Thame has free walking trails and Treasure Trail App to download and use to explore this Historic Market Town – all available from Thame Museum (also free to visit) or Thame Town Hall. Wallingford Museum provides free entry to Children 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 days out in Surrey

The WWF Living Planet Centre in Woking is one of the greenest buildings in the UK and has free admission, although does welcome donations. From family activities and school workshops, to behind-the-scenes tours and inspiring public talks the centre has a wonderful range of activities to inspire and educate. 

Nearby in Guildford, there’s enough to take up a full day out without spending a penny including Guildford Museum, Guildford House Gallery and Guildford Castle Grounds. Watts Gallery does not charge for children (under 16s) 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 Hampshire

If the kids get bored when shopping, why not try Gunwharf Quays' Premium Retail outlet in Portsmouth and its free children's history trail to keep the little ones entertained?

Portsmouth Museum does not cost to enter and contains a variety of exhibitions to suit many different interests. Fort Nelson is a superbly restored Victorian fort overlooking the city with over 350 historic guns on display and daily gun salutes.

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.

Free things to do in Sussex

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.

Also in Sussex, the RSPB Nature Reserve at Broadwater Warren has undergone development and contains native woodland trees, plants and wildlife including dormice, nightjars, marsh tit and woodlark and butterflies.

Free things to do in Kent

At the Turner Contemporary in Margate you’ll find rolling programme of temporary exhibitions, events and learning opportunities. The gallery celebrates JMW Turner, one of Britain’s best known painters.

Another fascinating free attraction in Kent can be found at Maidstone Museum.