Best UK days out for free

Over 4,000 people took part in our survey of the UK's best museums and more than 3,000 told us about their favourite historic attractions.

The results were surprising - not just because many of Britain's favourite places are little-known gems - but also because many of them were completely free.

We ranked more than 100 museums, galleries and attractions to find the country's finest and its best-value days out. The top rated museum (St Fagans in Cardiff) and gallery (Kelvingrove in Glasgow) don't charge for entry, while several of the best historic attractions are also free.

In some cases, such as the Houses of Parliament, you'll need to plan ahead. It's only free for UK residents – and you have to book through your MP. But many destinations are open all year round with no advance booking required. Check the destination website first.

Many of the attractions below also have special appeal for kids, with tours and games tailored to families, as well as playgrounds. 

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The 10 best free museums and galleries – and what they offer for families

10 of the 12 best museums and galleries in our survey are free – but they aren't all familiar names. Those listed below beat famous attractions such as the Natural History and Science museums and the Tate Modern to be named best in the country. Scotland and Wales are particularly well represented, with five in the top 10 between them.

See our full table of the best museums and galleries in the UK

1. St Fagans National Museum of History, Cardiff (94%) This open-air museum has a reconstructed historic street as well as demonstrations of traditional crafts such as blacksmiths and clog-making. Farm animals and the large play area will be popular with children.
2. National Railway Museum, York (91%) The best way to arrive at the world’s largest railway museum is by the road train from York Minster. Small children will also love the play area and there are family-friendly science shows for older children.
3. Royal Air Force (RAF) Museum Cosford (91%) Along with its collection of military aircraft, from the Dornier Do 17 to the Vulcan V Bomber, interactive exhibits ensured the museum earned full marks for engagement in our survey. For children, there's an aviation-themed playground.
4. National Museum of Scotland (90%) As well as holding Scotland's collection of internationally important science, technology and natural history artefacts, the National Museum has interactive galleries aimed at children of all ages.
5. Cardiff National Museum (87%) Turner, Monet, Rodin and Van Gogh are all represented, as well as celebrated Welsh artists such as Augustus and Gwen John. The Evolution of Wales gallery, featuring dinosaurs and woolly mammoths, is most popular with children.
6. Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Glasgow (87%) Dali’s Christ of St John of the Cross is its most famous attraction, but it also has a mini-museum for under-fives and an activity trail for families.
7. Royal Air Force Museum, London (87%) The second RAF museum to feature in our top 10 has exhibits from the RAF's 100-year history. There are also climbable models of planes, such as the Spitfire in the children's play area.
8. Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool (87%) One of the biggest art galleries outside London, it has works by Rubens, Rembrandt and Turner. The Big Art for Little Artists gallery caters to children, with art materials and costumes for dressing up.
9. Oxford University Museum of Natural History (86%) This museum is home to more than 7 million objects, including giant sea lizards the plesiosaurs. Children can follow the Dinosaur Detective trail.
10. Scottish National Galleries (86%) Of Edinburgh's three great national art galleries (The National, Portrait and Modern) the Modern on Bedford St is particularly good for kids with its under-5s Art Stomp activities, including leaf-kicking. The National, in the centre of town, has tours for older kids and a world-class collection including works by Botticelli, Raphael and Titian.

Seven free historic attractions

Without membership of the National Trust or English Heritage, relatively few of the country's great historic monuments don't charge. However, seven of the UK attractions in our list of 50 are free – at least, some of the time.

1. Durham Cathedral, Durham (86%) The highest-rated cathedral in our survey has been described by travel writer Bill Bryson as 'the best cathedral on planet Earth'. 

2. St David's Cathedral, St David's (80%) Britain's smallest city is home to one its most ancient sites of worship. There have been services here since the sixth century, and the current, purple-stoned building dates back to Norman times.

3. Chichester Cathedral, Chichester (77%) Chichester's glorious spire can be seen from miles across the flower meadows of West Sussex. It's also the only medieval English cathedral visible from the sea.

4. Houses of Parliament, London (76%) The home of democracy in the UK can be pricy if you just turn up for a tour. Adult tickets cost £25 (one accompanying child, aged 5-15, goes free). However, any UK resident can contact their MP, or a member of the House of Lords, to request a free-75 minute guided tour. UK residents also have the right to visit Prime Ministers Questions or other debates, again by contacting your MP.

5. Bury St Edmunds Abbey (73%) England's grandest monastery was destroyed by Henry VIII's men during the Reformation, but two great towers still remain, as well as peaceful gardens to explore, from where you can imagine how huge and imposing this place must once have been.

6. Somerset House (71%) For a grand, neoclassical building that's right on the Thames, Somerset House feels tucked away from the rest of central London. It has a charming courtyard where you can lounge on the grass in front of the fountains. There are also regular exhibitions, although some may charge.

7. Bristol Cathedral (68%) The best time to visit is probably 5.15pm (3.30pm on Saturdays), when the Romanesque architecture echoes to evensong.

See our full list of the best 50 UK attractions

How to save on UK days out

Even if you want to visit theme parks or other expensive attractions, there are ways to get the cost down. From getting two-for-one tickets, to using reward cards for discounts, you can see some of our best tips below.

Save money at National Trust properties, theme parks and historical attractions.