The English counties with the most free family activities from pony sanctuaries and steam railways to soft plays
WE’VE taken a look at how to spend a family day out for FREE across multiple locations in the UK.
We’ve pinpointed three UK counties brimming with free activities for all ages, ensuring everyone stays entertained without spending a single penny.
And with activities covered for all ages, you can be sure there’ll be no getting bored.
Sussex: Beach days, railways and pirate festival
Across Sussex there are plenty of free things to do, meaning that you can take the kids out for an action-packed day of activities without breaking the bank.
If you’re visiting when the sun’s out, head to one of the many beautiful beaches in the county.
Camber Sands is perfect for families with its sprawling stretches of golden sands, perfect for bucket and spade days and paddling in the water.
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It’s a top choice due to its nearby facilities including parking, cafes and loos – perfect for parents of young children.
A sunny day is also the perfect time to go for a family bike ride.
The South Coast East route will take you along the coast, past stunning cliffs and landscapes.
And if the children (or Dad) are into steam trains, there’s multiple ways to enjoy them in Sussex – without booking a pricey ticket.
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The Bluebell Railway is a great spot to visit, with its interactive “SteamWorks” exhibition at Sheffield Park station, and its own outdoor playground at Kingscote station.
There is no charge for platform entry on non-service days, and the gifts and models shop often remains open on these days too – just check their website ahead of time.
You can also head to Hotham Park, a short walk from Bognor Regis town centre, where there’s a popular miniature railway.
The park is free to enter if you’re wanting to stroll and have a look around.
But there’s loads to see and do for an optional small fee, such as crazy golf, a boating lake and kids’ adventure play area.
And if you do visit with some change in your pocket, the Hotham Park Railway is only £2.50 for adults and £2 for kids (under 2s go free).
Sun reader Nora Hinds, 69, from Hounslow, recommends Hastings in Sussex for its annual Pirate Festival.
She said: “Hastings is brilliant for live music, with lots of events on the seafront like the pirate festival.
It’s a pirate-themed weekend with free things to do including a treasure hunt, craft workshops and kids pirate tattoos.
Lastly, Sussex is home to some fantastic free museums.
The Shipwreck Museum is free to enter, and is full of fascinating maritime artifacts.
Sue Mercer, 62, from Pagham recommends The Novium Museum in Chichester for families.
It also has free entry, and kids can learn about history covering the Stone Ages to the Saxons.
Lincoln: Horse sanctuary, lakeside picnics and history museums
There’s loads of free and cheap things to do for families in Lincolnshire.
So much so, that there’s a Facebook group with more than 15,000 members sharing free things to do with the kids “in and around Lincoln”.
If you’ve got any mini history buffs in the family, they’ll enjoy a visit to the Museum of Lincolnshire Life.
The museum takes a deep dive into life in the county, from 1750 to the present day.
There’s an authentic WWI tank, interactive exhibitions and group quiz sessions.
Similarly, The Lincoln Museum is another indoor attraction well-worth the visit.
Aside from the fascinating exhibitions, it offers “Play at The Lincoln Museum” – a free activity centre packed with activities for younger children and a play zone for babies.
For older kids, there’s lots of interactive games and trails too.
Alternatively, just 20 minutes from Lincoln you’ll find Bransby Horses.
The charity owns a 600-acre site which is home to over 300 horses, ponies, donkeys and mules.
Visitors can walk through to admire the animals and set up for lunch at the designated picnic area.
There’s also a play park, cafe and gift shop.
Entry is free, although donations are recommended upon visiting to support the charity.
Sun reader Sarah Al-Aidi recommends Hubbard’s Hills – a vast green space near Louth with plenty of trees and a water valley.
“It’s a real beauty spot with great picnic areas, dog walking trails and nature walks” she says.
In the park you’ll find a play area and plenty of scenic picnic spots by the river – and it’s a great place to bring the dog, too.
Devon: Free soft play, giant animal models and discovery trails
Whilst Devon is known for it’s family-friendly beaches, there’s more to it than building sandcastles and wasting away your change at the arcades.
One of the best ways to explore the county is by undertaking one of its many outdoor discovery trails.
Haldon Forest near Exeter has a popular family activity trail which often has new themes depending on the time of year.
It’s a beautiful winding trail which ends at a picnic spot, home to an impressive Gruffalo sculpture.
And for kids of all ages, geo-caching can make for an exciting and energy-burning day out – and can get your kids away from their screens.
Geo-caching in Dartmoor or Exmoor National Parks is a fantastic way to get the kids to explore the outdoors.
Hidden around the parks you’ll find stashes of hidden items known as caches.
They’ll often have quirky items in to trade, as well as a log book to record your win finding the geo-cache.
In fact geo-caching happens all over the UK, and all the rules are on the geo-caching website.
Plus, the Royal William Yard Geo Trail in Plymouth is a fascinating look back in time to 380 million years ago.
And whilst you’re visiting Plymouth, dads can make the most of free soft play.
“On Thursdays, Barnardo’s runs a Dads and Dinkies session, which is free soft play for dads and the children” says Gem Krupa, Holiday Home Sales Manager at Challaborough Bay holiday park.
“Mums can have a rest while Dads take the kids down to the YMCA for a play.”
The free soft play sessions take place every Thursday at 1.30pm. Just make sure to prebook first!
Lastly, on the outskirts of Dartmoor in Bovey Tracey you can’t skip out on The Jolly Roger.
Here you’ll find incredible showrooms displaying giant animal and dinosaur models – and the best part is, it’s free to visit.
There’s also models of race cars, fairies, and at Christmas time the showroom even gets decked out with Santas and sleighs.