The ultimate guide to half term days out that are absolutely FREE
KEEPING the kids entertained in the school holidays can be a costly challenge, with prices rocketing.
Tickets for Kew Gardens in London can be more than £20 each, while Stonehenge is from £57 for a family.
But days out with the children don’t need to come at a price.
Pack a picnic and head to one of these beautiful beaches, scenic walks or amazing museums, all completely free to enjoy.
North West
Blackpool, Lancashire: Kids will adore the miles of sand and seeing the trams, piers and donkeys.
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Science and Industry Museum, Manchester: Explore the best big ideas of the past 250 years, with exhibitions on the solar system and more.
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East of England
Southwold, Suffolk: Spot boats and visit the Victorian pier as you amble along the seafront town.
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Museum of Zoology, Cambridge: See specimens from the entire animal kingdom, from molluscs to elephants, at
Ferry Meadows in Nene Park, Peterborough: This 500-acre country park has lakes, meadows, woodlands and riverside to explore.
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Museum of Making, Derby Silk Mill, Derbyshire: The site of the world’s first factory now tells the story of the area’s industrial and creative heritage.
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Changing of the Guard, Buckingham Palace: Takes place daily at 10.45am for 45 minutes.
South East
Rye Harbour Nature Reserve, Sussex: Unspoilt sands and lots of birds, .
Viking Coastal Trail, Kent: Takes in the coast of Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate where you can see Viking ship Hugin.
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Wales
St Fagans National Museum of History, Cardiff: Walk around Wales from Celtic times to today at this open-air museum.
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Big Pit National Coal Museum, Torfaen: Experience life as a miner, 300ft underground.
Tenby, Pembrokeshire: Lovely resort with three beaches and castle.
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West Midlands
Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail, Cinderford, Gloucs: Features stunning artworks set in beautiful woodland.
Tolkien Trail, Birmingham: The places and people that inspired Lord Of The Rings and The Hobbit.
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Cannock Chase Forest, Staffs: Woodland walks, cycle rides and a “fairy tree” on Route To Health sculpture trail.
Sheldon Country Park, Birmingham: 300-acre oasis with 17th century dairy farm and views of planes flying from airport.
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South West
Ashton Court Estate, Bristol: 850 acres at this Grade I-listed country park and mansion with hot air balloon rides and roaming deer.
Studland Bay, Dorset: Stunning stretch of sand with one of the best climates in Britain.
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Bath City Farm, Wilts: Lots of livestock for kids to meet.
Donkey Sanctuary, Sidmouth, Devon: A working farm with donkeys and nature trail.
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North East
Bamburgh, Northumberland: Vast expanse of golden sand, with views of Bamburgh’s striking castle too.
Northumberlandia, Cramlington: Land sculpture at commu-nity park.
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Brimham Rocks, Ripon: Spot the dancing bear and turtle among the weird and wonderful rock formations.
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Royal Armories Museum, Leeds: The national collection of arms and armour, with combat demos and jousting events.
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National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh: Meet Dolly the Sheep and make a Chinese dragon dance.