National Lottery Open Week 2026: The Best Places to Visit with Kids in London, the South East & East of England
Looking for fun things to do with the kids without spending a fortune? Every year National Lottery Open Week gives families the chance to visit hundreds of attractions across the UK either for free or with 2-for-1 entry simply by showing a National Lottery ticket or scratch card.
From historic castles and beautiful gardens to museums, wildlife parks and family attractions, it’s a brilliant excuse to get out exploring during the week and discover places you might not normally visit.
For families, it’s particularly good news because many of the participating venues are National Trust properties, English Heritage sites, museums and heritage attractions that already have plenty to keep children entertained. Think castle adventures, woodland walks, treasure trails and hands-on exhibits.
If you’re based in London, the South East or the East of England, here are some great places to add to your list.
Audley End, Essex
Best National Lottery Open Week Days Out for Families
London
• Greenwich Royal Museums – A great option for kids who love space and exploration. The National Maritime Museum has hands-on exhibits and play areas for younger visitors.
• Cutty Sark – Step aboard one of the world’s most famous tea clippers and explore life at sea. Kids love walking underneath the ship and learning about historic voyages.
• Eltham Palace and Gardens (English Heritage) – A fascinating mix of medieval palace and art deco mansion surrounded by gardens perfect for little explorers.
South East England
• Bodiam Castle, East Sussex (National Trust) – A real-life fairytale castle complete with towers, moat and spiral staircases. Kids can explore the grounds and imagine medieval life.
• Dover Castle, Kent (English Heritage) – One of the most impressive castles in England with secret wartime tunnels, battlements and incredible views across the Channel.
• Chartwell, Kent (National Trust) – Winston Churchill’s former home is brilliant for families thanks to the huge gardens, lakes and woodland trails.
• Bateman’s, East Sussex (National Trust) – The former home of Rudyard Kipling set in beautiful countryside, perfect for a relaxed family wander.
East of England
• Audley End House and Gardens, Essex (English Heritage) – A favourite with families thanks to the children’s play area, Victorian kitchen and expansive grounds ideal for running around.
• Anglesey Abbey, Cambridgeshire (National Trust) – Famous for its gardens and woodland walks. Kids will love exploring the grounds and spotting wildlife along the trails.
• Wimpole Estate, Cambridgeshire (National Trust) – One of the best National Trust sites for families, with a working farm, huge grounds and plenty of space for outdoor adventures.
• Colchester Castle Museum, Essex – A brilliant mix of history and interactive exhibits, located in one of the oldest towns in Britain.
Battle, Hastings, East Sussex
How National Lottery Open Week Works
Taking part is really simple:
• Visit participating attractions during National Lottery Open Week
• Bring a National Lottery ticket, scratch card or digital ticket
• Show it at the entrance to receive either free entry or a 2-for-1 ticket offer, depending on the attraction
Some venues require advance booking, so it’s always worth checking the individual listing before you go.
Why It’s Perfect for Families
National Lottery Open Week is a great opportunity to explore somewhere new with the kids without worrying too much about the cost. Many of the venues are National Trust properties, English Heritage castles, museums and gardens, meaning there’s plenty of outdoor space, family trails and hands-on activities to keep children entertained.
It’s also the perfect excuse to plan a midweek family day out, whether that’s climbing castle towers, exploring woodland trails or discovering a museum you’ve never visited before.
Find Participating Attractions
You can browse the full list of participating attractions and see which ones are offering free entry or 2-for-1 tickets here:
If you’re planning a week of adventures, this is a brilliant opportunity to tick off a few places on your London and South East family days out list without the usual price tag.
Scotney Castle, Kent
