OVER the Mother’s Day weekend, you can head to some fantastic attractions across Britain for free – or as little as 25p.
Between March 7 and 15, National Lottery players can get free tickets, discounted tickets and special offers to hundreds of attractions across the UK.
All you need to do is show proof of purchasing a National Lottery ticket, scratchcard or Instant Win Game in store or online.
And what better way to spend Mother’s Day than exploring somewhere your mother has always wanted to – but without paying the usual fee.
So here are some of the best to add to your diary to visit next weekend.
The Brunel Museum, London
On March 14 and 15, you can head to the Brunel Museum for free and explore the world’s first underwater tunnel.
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The Thames Tunnel was built by Marc Brunel alongside his son Isambard Kingdom Brunel and hundreds of workers.
It was originally a pedestrian tunnel with lots of shops and entertainment, and then it was later converted into a train tunnel, which the Windrush Line now uses.
As part of your visit, you can head 40 feet underground into the Tunnel Shaft.
Tickets need to be booked in advance via the Museum’s website, using the code ‘LOTTERY26’.
English Heritage Bolsover Castle, Bolsover
Bolsover Castle was once an aristocratic retreat during the 17th century.
Inside, there are wall paintings and lavish interiors, and outside you can explore the Fountain Garden, which is designed around a statue of Venus and features lots of flowers.
If you have kids, there is a play area as well and a tearoom.
It’s not required to book in advance, but use the code ‘NLOPENWEEK26’ to gain free entry.
Free Family Swims at The Lenton Centre, Nottingham
Between 2:30pm and 3:30pm on Mother’s Day, families can go swimming at The Lenton Centre in Nottingham.
It’s a family swim session so you can master your swimming skills or splash and play.
As spaces are limited, booking in advance is recommended and you just need to bring your swimming gear and a towel.
Willow weaving with Oskars, Bridgewater
In Bridgwater, on Mother’s Day you can have a go at willow weaving with Oskars the Wanderer.
You’ll learn about the ancient craft, whilst also getting hands-on experience.
The workshop is ideal for beginners or even those with some willow weaving experience that want to learn new techniques.
And what’s better is that you get to take home your creation.
All materials and tools are included, and there are two sessions on Mother’s Day – one starting at 10am and another starting at 2pm.
The workshop will take place at Mingle Cafe Bridgewater and is for over 18s.
Abbotsford, The home of Sir Walter Scott, Melrose
Each day between March 7 and 15 from 12pm, you can head on a free tour of Abbotsford House, which was once home to Sir Walter Scott.
While you do have to pay for admission to Abbotsford, which is £16.20 per adult and gives you access to the house and gardens, the guided tour will be free when you present a National Lottery ticket.
English Heritage Housesteads Roman Fort & Hadrian’s Wall, Northumberland
Housesteads is the most complete example of a Roman fort in Britain and can be found midway along Hadrian’s Wall.
The fort was built around AD 122, which is when work on Hadrian’s Wall began.
Over the decades, excavations have revealed major buildings, defences and even a settlement just outside the walls of the fort.
Visitors can see the fort as well as explore an immersive exhibition.
And you will even be able to see the oldest toilets in Britain!
You don’t need to book in advance but you can do online if you want to by using the code ‘NLOPENWEEK26’.
Historic Royal Palaces Hampton Court Palace, London
If you don’t mind celebrating Mother’s Day a day early, then you can head to Hampton Court Palace in London.
Whilst not free, you can get 50 per cent off tickets for up to two adults and four children.
You can explore Tudor kitchens, see amazing architecture and wander through 60 acres of gardens.
Booking online in advance is essential, and you will need to enter the code ‘LOTTERY50’ to benefit from the promotion.
Filmhouse, Edinburgh
Fancy doing something a little out of the ordinary? Well, you can go on a tour of the projection box at the Filmhouse in Edinburgh.
This unique opportunity allows visitors to see how real film projection works and explore the hidden areas of a film house.
Places are limited to 10 per tour and you’ll need to book your space via the Filmhouse website.
Eden Project, Cornwall
From March 7 to 15, you can get free entry to the Eden Project in Cornwall.
What says Mother’s Day more than flowers? Well, exploring thousands of them alongside other tropical plants.
The Eden Project is also home to the world’s largest indoor rainforest, so you can investigate plants from further afield.
You’ll need to book a free day entry ticket on the website, and then show your National Lottery ticket on arrival.
Witley Court and Gardens, Worcestershire
Perfect if you are spending Mother’s Day with children, Witley Court and Gardens boasts exciting woodland trails, sprawling gardens and a wilderness play area.
Witley Court once used to be a Victorian party palace, and inside the audio tour will bring the mansion’s party days to life.
To get free entry, simply show up with a National Lottery ticket or proof of a game.
For more inspiration on where you can visit across National Lottery Open Week, here are some more of the top attractions open across the country.
Plus, you can get a year’s free entry to 20 of UK’s top theme parks and attractions for less than the cost of one chocolate bar a week.
