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 activites 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

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 7th - 8th August?  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 or Gosport Gallery which are both free.

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. 

Free things to do in Sussex

Brighton is the only 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?

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

This summer head to Maidstone and enjoy Elmer's Big Heart of Kent Parade (19th June - 22nd August).  Follow the elephant trail around the city, a great way to get out and exercise whilst having fun. 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.  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.

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 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

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 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.

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.