Free family May bank holiday days out around the country

Now the sun is out, there are plenty of great activities taking place to keep the family entertained this May Day bank holiday.

We’ve pulled together a top list of free things to do up and down the country with your extra long weekend.

Family fun doesn’t have to cost fortunes!

London

Get free entry to some of London’s top tourist attractions including the Barbican Conservatory, National History Museum, and Science Museum. Or why not watch the changing of the guards at Buckingham Palace – always a firm favourite or take a picnic and have a kick around at Crystal Palace Park.  

Take a trip down to Little Venice canal this May Day bank holiday for the Canalway Cavalcade. The vibrant festival promises live music, activities for the kids, and boat-based fun.

If creating the perfect home is more your thing, bag free tickets for Grand Designs Live at ExCel London. There will be live talks, exclusive offers, and free consultations available with architects, designers and more. Claim your free tickets by quoting the code LONDONIST.

Central England and the Midlands  

Take a trip around Coventry Cathedral or see some prehistoric sights at Nottingham’s Natural History Museum.

If you have a little bookworm, why not take advantage of the warmer weather and explore The Tolkien Trail to experience the magic that inspired classics such as The Lord of the Rings? Alternatively, visit the Stratford Literary Festival and immerse yourself in a world of words and thought-provoking workshops.

If all things fluffy are your thing, why not head out to The Donkey Sanctuary? Nestled in the stunning Sutton Park, kids can meet the donkeys and learn all about what it takes to look after them. Tickets are free but prebooking is advised.

 North East England  

Grab a free history lesson at Arbeia Roman Fort in South Shields or recreate our forebearers' steps along Hadrian’s Wall.

Chug along to the Locomotion Museum in Sheldon to see steam spectaculars and take part in exciting family activities.  

Immerse yourself in contemporary art at the BALTIC in Newcastle/Gateshead Quay. The art gallery offers hands-on activities to keep the kids busy.

Or keep buzzy at the Chain Bridge Honey Farm in Berwick, where you can learn all about bees and honey and see the little creatures in action.

 North West England 

See the history of Britain come to life at the Manchester People’s History Museum. Make a full day of it by wandering down to take in the Manchester Science and Industry Museum, and see the recently renovated John Ryland Library too.

Have some family fun exploring nature, the climate and biodiversity at Boggart Hole Clough. Part of the SICK! Festival 2024, the event will feature live music, poetry and artists from within North Manchester, as well as sports and activities for all.

Go underground at The Williamson Tunnels in Liverpool to learn about subterranean excavation and how it was important to Britain’s industrial heritage. Stay in Liverpool to have a wander around the Royal Albert Dock or visit the Cathedral.

Get twitching at RSPB Fairhaven Lake in Lytham St Annes to learn about our native feathered friends. Find out about the true story of the Pendle Witches on The Pendle Sculpture Trail. Or wander down the Comedy Carpet in Blackpool – a new permanent walk-on installation recognising all the greats who have played at Blackpool Tower. And if there’s time, finish the day off by treating the kids to an ice cream on the promenade.

East England 

Learn about dinosaurs on a fossil-hunting expedition in Essex or see grey seals in their natural environment at Blakeney Nature Reserve.  Take a tour around Norwich Cathedral and visit its library to take in a poetry exhibition.

Take full advantage of the break in rain by wandering down Portsmouth pier, or pop into Southsea Castle.

There’s children’s entertainment galore at the May Day Weekend at Hever Castle. Dance around a maypole and look out for Robin Hood, Maid Marion, the sheriff of Nottingham and Little John as you wander through the grounds.

The Sainsbury Centre is the place to go if you want to see some amazing art, with works from Pablo Picasso, Alberto Giacometti, Francis Bacon on display. It operates on a ‘pay if and what you can’ basis making for an affordable day out.

South East England  

Head to the beach at Margate for some spring sun and pick up a fish and chip supper for the kids. You could even walk the Viking Coastal Trail.

Grab some popcorn and enjoy a free screening of Grease in Folkstone’s outdoor cinema, which kicks off its summer run this weekend. The screening is at the harbour’s Goods Yard, which is surrounded by street food stalls with cuisine from all around the world.

Step back in time with Kent Life’s vintage village, with traditional maypole dancing and live music. Alongside traditional May Day activities, you can pet animals at the farm, watch an owl flying demonstrations and let the kids play in the indoor and outdoor areas.

 Boogie on down at The Spring River in Ebbsleet over the bank holiday weekend. There’s food from artisan bakers and local businesses, live music, and face painters for the kids.

 Or rev your engine at the biggest free motor spectacular on the south coast. See over 600 vintage and classic cars, motorbikes, steam tractors, and commercial and military vehicles at the Royal Parade in Eastbourne.

 South West England  

Go wild swimming in Bude Sea Pool’s semi-natural tidal pool. And learn about the ocean at the National Maritime Museum in Falmouth.

The South West has lots going on for animal lovers. Help out on a real working, organic Cornish dairy farm at Roskilly’s Farm, Helston or pet the donkeys at The Donkey Sanctuary Devon. Alternatively, visit all the farm animals at Bath City Farm – an urban oasis set in 37 acres.

Pull on your walking shoes and take part in Bristol’s Walk Fest, which is a brilliant way to explore the city. Or explore behind-the-scenes at Open Studios at Spike Island, the former Brooke Bond tea-packing factory that’s home to over 70 artists’ studios.

 Over 70 service men and women will take to the streets of Pool on Saturday 4 May as the Royal Navy Warship is granted the Freedom of Poole. Join in the celebrations which will feature beating drums, bayonets and flying colours.