The Best Cheap and Free Days Out Across the UK
Wherever you camp in the UK, there are plenty of free and affordable attractions for all ages to enjoy. From visiting the best heritage sites, to exploring the biggest mazes and meeting the furriest farm animals, you’ll find something great in the list below.
Cheap days out across the UK:
Cheap days out in Warwickshire
Royal Pump Rooms and Leamington Spa Art Gallery
Price: Free
Good for: Heritage
The Royal Pump Rooms are a Grade II listed building and give a great insight into the spa past of Leamington Spa. Visit the gallery to see the latest exhibitions and stop off at the café for a light bite.
Nearest campsite: 40-minute drive* from our Clent Hills Club Site
Royal Shakespeare Theatre tours and Tower trip
Price: From £1.00
Good for: Families
There are several different tours at the RSC theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon. Go behind the scenes, discover more about the creative production process or ignite kids’ imaginations on the Family Fun Tour. The tower overlooks the River Avon, allowing for beautiful views of the medieval town and surrounding area.
Nearest campsite: 45-minute drive* from Kingsbury Water Park Club Site
Visit an Alpaca Farm
Price: From £10.00
Good for: Families
There are two alpaca farms in Warwickshire, both offering experiences for kids and adults. Visit the farm, walk the alpacas and learn all about the cute animals.
Nearest campsite:
Middle England Farm Alpacas is a 25-minute drive* from our Clent Hills Club Site
Lucky Tails Alpaca Farm is a 9-minute drive* from our Kingsbury Water Park Club Site
Anker Wood and Maze World
Price: From £3.95
Good for: Families
Breathe in the fresh air, get your exploration boots on and prepare for a day of fun at Anker Wood and Maze World. Explore the six mazes, meet the farm animals and enjoy the Tree Top Trail with the whole family in tow.
Nearest campsite: 20-minute drive* from Kingsbury Water Park Club Site
Coventry Cathedral and Transport Museum
Price: Free
Good for: Heritage
Coventry, a city full of history, has a few things for the whole family which you can do for free. Coventry Cathedral and the ruins of the cathedral destroyed during the Coventry Blitz in 1940 are well worth a visit. From an architectural perspective, both buildings are fascinating and give a real insight into both the past and present of the city. Find out more about city and transport heritage at The Coventry Transport Museum which is free to enter.
Nearest campsite: 30-minute drive* from Kingsbury Water Park Club Site
Cheap days out in Cornwall
Spend a day at the beach
Those camping in Cornwall are lucky to be near some of the best blue flag beaches in the UK. Dress for the weather, pack a picnic and enjoy an ice cream by the sea. View our guide to the best UK beaches.
Cycle at Lanhydrock
Price: Free
Good for: Being active
With trails of varying difficulties, this is a great one for all cycling lovers. Cycle hire is available, but if you take your bikes with you, you won’t have to pay a penny. You’ll also find an adventure playground, café and visitor centre when you arrive. Find out more.
Nearest campsite: 30-minute drive* from Bude Club Site
Falmouth Art Gallery
Price: Free
Good for: Art & rainy days
With a range of exhibitions, art collections and events to get involved with, Falmouth Art Gallery is well worth a visit while in the coastal town.
Nearest campsite: 40-minute drive* from Veryan Club Site
Discover Merlin’s Cave at Tintagel Castle
Price: Free
Good for: Families
Beneath Tintagel Castle, amongst the coastal cliffs lies a 330-foot-long sea cave. Tintagel Castle has been linked to the legend of King Arthur, and today the cave is linked to Merlin. Relax on the beach below the castle and explore the cave when the tide is out.
Nearest campsite: 20-minute drive* from Bude Club Site
Healey’s Cornish Cyder Farm
Price: Free
Good for: Families
Over 3000 trees make up the orchards at Healey’s Cornish Cyder Farm. Head to the courtyard during your visit to see farm animals including chickens, rabbits, goats and pigs, which is sure to be a hit with the kids. For adults, the farm shop which sells wines, juice, cyder and much more is sure to be a hit. There is a range of guided tours available which are great fun, with tractor rides starting at £4.
Nearest campsite: 25-minute drive* from Tregurrian Club Site
Taste award-winning wines at Camel Valley Vineyard
Price: Tours from £3.50
Good for: Adults
Enjoy the views of the sloping vineyards, a glass of award-winning wine on the terrace or a guided tour to discover the ins and outs of wine production at Camel Valley Vineyard. View all of our vineyard recommendations.
Nearest campsite: 30-minute drive* from Tregurrian Club Site
Cheap days out in the Cotswolds
Walk the Winchcombe Way
Price: Free
Good for: All walkers
The Winchcombe Way, kicking off in the town of the same name, is a 42-mile, figure of eight shaped trail. You can do as much, or as little of the walk as you’d like, which makes it great for both families and seasoned walkers.
Nearest campsite: Winchcombe Club Site
Visit the National Waterways Museum Gloucester
Price: From £3.25
Good for: Families and history lovers
Head to the Victorian docks in Gloucester to discover the story of the wonderful rivers and canals. Learn about horsepower, boats, wildlife and more in interactive displays which are great at inspiring young minds. The museum operates several reasonably priced boat trips which are a great way of seeing the River Severn.
Nearest campsite: 35-minute drive* from Blackmore Club Site
See the Roman Amphitheatre in Cirencester
Price: Free
Good for: History and walkers
See the remaining earthworks of an amphitheatre which could hold up to 8,000 spectators in Cirencester. Make use of the free parking, take a picnic and explore the area to your heart’s content. Dogs on leads are welcome to explore the site too, so it’s a great day out for the whole family on a sunny day.
Nearest campsite: 40-minute drive* from our Chipping Norton Club Site
Explore Gloucester Cathedral
Price: Free, donations welcome
Good for: History
Discover 1000 years of history in the beautiful Gloucester Cathedral. Highlights include the Cloisters, the beautiful hallway used in the filming of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, the tower and the library.
Nearest campsite: 30-minute drive* from Winchcombe Club Site
Cheap days out in Derbyshire
Gorse Hill City Farm
Price: From £2.00
Good for: Families
With over 100 farm animals to meet, Gorse Hill City Farm is a registered charity and working farm, dedicated to providing fun and education for all. Cows, sheep, rabbits, ducks and pigs are among some of the animals you’ll get to meet during a visit. Buy a bag of feed and offer it to the animals as you go along for an interactive and fun day away from the campsite.
Nearest campsite: 40-minute drive* from Conkers Club Site
Poole’s Cavern
Price: From £5.50
Good for: Families
See stalactites and stalagmites in this ancient limestone cavern under the Peak District National Park. Take the guided tour to learn about the formation of the caves and end your visit with the woodland walk to Grin Low, which is 437m above sea level and ideal for a picnic.
Nearest campsite: 30-minute drive* from Hayfield Club Site
The Roaches
Price: Free
Good for: Walkers
Climbers and walkers alike love the Roaches, a formation of rocks jutting out above the Tittesworth Reservoir. The stunning attraction is shrouded in folklore, with many believing that the ridge is home to mythical mermaids that live in Doxey Pool, just at the top of the Roaches. Whether you believe the story or not, the Roaches is a popular walking spot in the Peak District and well worth a visit.
Nearest campsite: The starting point to climb the Roaches is on the doorstep of Leek Club Site
Visit The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop
Price: The cost of a Bakewell pudding
Good for: Foodies
No visit to Derbyshire is complete without trying the famous Bakewell Pudding. Not to be confused with a Bakewell tart, the pudding is a delicious custard topped pastry. The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop is quite the tourist attraction, selling everything from the classic Bakewell pudding to themed merchandise.
Nearest campsite: 10-minute drive* from Bakewell Club Site
Peveril Castle
Price: From £3.70
Good for: History
High above the pretty village of Castleton sits one of England’s earliest Norman fortresses, Peveril Castle. Walk up the hill to the Keep to explore the castle remains and enjoy views over Hope Valley. The exhibition in the visitor centre maps the history of the castle and has artefacts on display.
Nearest campsite: 25-minute drive* from Hayfield Club Site
Cheap days out in Scotland
Go on the Faery Glen walk
Price: Free
Good for: Walkers
Following a clear footpath throughout, this walk isn’t too challenging and includes two waterfalls. This is a lovely walk, with great photo opportunities.
Nearest campsite: Less than a 5-minute drive* from Rosemarkie Club Site
Discover Inverness Castle
Price: From £3
Good for: History
The imposing Inverness Castle overlooks the River Ness. The tower, the Inverness Castle Viewpoint is open to the public and offers 360° views over Inverness and the Scottish Highlands.
Nearest campsite: 25-minute drive from Dingwall Club Site
The Scottish Deer Centre
Price: From £6
Good for: Families
With wolves, otters, lynx and 12 species of deer, The Scottish Deer Centre makes a great family day out. Most people spend a few hours at the park, joining the ranger tours and watching bird of prey shows during their visit.
Nearest campsite: 40-minute drive* from Scone Club Site
Search for the Loch Ness Monster
Price: Free
Good for: Families
Our Loch Ness Shores Club Site is located on the South Shore of Loch Ness. Dig out your binoculars and spend some time watching the water. The Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition is packed full of information about the local area and the famed Loch Ness Monster.
Nearest campsite: Loch Ness Shores Club Site
Visit Grey Mares Tail Nature Reserve
Price: From £3
Good for: Walkers
There are a few walks you can follow at Grey Mares Tail Nature Reserve, all coming with spectacular views. In the summer months, guided tours and fossil hunts are popular with families. Dogs on short leads are welcome to join you while you explore the fantastic landscape.
Nearest campsite: 20-minute drive* from Moffat Club Site
Cheap days out in Birmingham
Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park
Price: From £3.50
Good for: Families
Just a few minutes away from Birmingham city centre, Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park is home to a great selection of animals, many of which are endangered in the wild. Otters, wallabies, lynx and porcupines are just a few of the animals you’ll see during your visit. There are daily feeding times and plenty of opportunities to learn about animals throughout the park.
Nearest campsite: 25-minute drive* from Clent Hills Club Site
Explore the Tolkien Trail
Price: Free
Good for: Families
Lord of the Rings fans will know that J.R.R. Tolkien lived in Birmingham from 1895 – 1911 and took inspiration from his surroundings. Sarehole, Moseley and Edgbaston are the locations of some of his most obvious points of inspiration.
Nearest campsite: 30-minute drive* to Moseley Bog from Clent Hills Club Site
Relax at Aston Hall
Price: Free
Good for: Families and history
Visit the magnificent gardens of Aston Hall, a 17th century mansion. Surrounded by brick walls, Lady Holte’s Garden is beautifully designed and a great spot for a picnic on a warm day. You can visit the hall itself too, with admission priced at £3-8.
Nearest campsite: 22-minute drive* from Kingsbury Water Park Club Site
View fine art at the Ikon Gallery
Price: Free
Good for: Art and culture
In the heart of Birmingham’s Brindleyplace is a free to enter, internationally acclaimed art gallery. Ikon Gallery showcases work from artists all over the world and includes a wide range of multimedia installations.
Nearest campsite: 30-minute drive* from Clent Hills Club Site
Cheap days out in London
Go sightseeing
Price: Free
Good for: Culture, history and families
London is jam-packed with popular tourist attractions and if you’re on a budget or short on time, going on a sightseeing trip is great fun. Lots of places are walkable, and busses and the tube are easy to navigate once you’ve got the hang of it. We recommend going to see Buckingham Palace, the London Eye, Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, Big Ben and St. Paul’s Cathedral.
Visit Hampton Court Palace
Price: Free - £10.65
Good for: History and families
Visit the picture-perfect Hampton Court Palace to see the beautiful gardens, explore the grand interior and enjoy the regular re-enactments and events.
Nearest campsite: 11-minute drive* from Walton on Thames Club Site
Have fun in Cassiobury Park
Price: Free
Good for: Families
Voted one of the top 10 parks in the UK, Cassiobury Park has state of the art paddling pools, a café, miniature railway and much more. Take a picnic and enjoy a great day out for the whole family.
Nearest campsite: 35-minute drive from Theobalds Park Club Site
Cheap days out on the Isle of Wight
Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary
Price: Free
Good for: Families
Visit nearly 100 donkeys and a number of ponies at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary. Watch the donkeys grazing happily, visit the café and explore in the shop. Entry is free, but donations are welcome.
Nearest campsite: 12-minute drive* from Adgestone Club Site
The Garlic Farm
Price: Free
Good for: Foodies
Visit The Garlic Farm on the Isle of Wight for a free to enter, family attraction that has something for everyone. Climb aboard the tractor to embark on a guided tour through the farm, learning about the garlic growing process. Kids can enjoy the play area while adults make use of the restaurant before visiting the farmland and animals. The shop stocks everything from smoked garlic to garlic beer and vodka so is well worth stopping off at during your visit.
Nearest campsite: 11-minute drive* from Adgestone Club Site
Enjoy Sandown Pier
Price: Free
Good for: Families
Expect crazy golf, bowling, and plenty of indoor fun to be had on Sandown Pier. All of the usual games can be played in the amusement arcade, and there are plenty of places to get your favourite traditional seaside treats.
Nearest campsite: 7-minute drive from Adgestone Club Site
Discover Quarr Abbey
Price: Free, donations welcome
Good for: History
Visit the Benedictine monastery, Quarr Abbey, which is home to a small group of monks for a real insight into the past nine centuries of the site. There are tours available on certain days each month, and the visitor centre is a great way of learning about monastic life.
Nearest campsite: 20-minute drive* from Adgestone Club Site
Cheap days out in Yorkshire
Scarborough Castle
Price: From £4.10
Good for: History
With spectacular views over the Yorkshire coastline, Scarborough Castle is a highlight for many visitors to Yorkshire. The exhibition will take you back over 3,000 years of history with artefacts telling the story of the castle’s past. The audio tour is an excellent addition to exploring the castle.
Nearest campsite: 7-minute drive* from Scarborough Club Site
National Coal Mining Museum
Price: Free
Good for: Families and history
Explore the history of coal mining and discover what life was like for those travelling down into the mines each day at the National Coal Mining Museum. For a £5 deposit, you can don a hard hat and journey 140m underground, into the last deep coal mine in England.
Nearest campsite: 50-minute drive* from Boroughbridge Club Site
National Railway Museum
Price: Free
Good for: History
See iconic locomotives from different eras including a Japanese bullet train and a wide range of steam engines at the National Railway Museum.
Nearest campsite: 30-minute drive* from Sheriff Hutton Club Site
Explore Brimham Rocks
Price: Free
Good for: Explorers
Whether you’re a walker, climber or looking for a family day out, Brimham Rocks is a great place to visit. The fascinating rock formations here are the product of millions of years of erosion. Enjoy the views, great climbing opportunities and natural playground that Brimham Rocks offer.
Nearest campsite: 30-minute drive* from Boroughbridge Club Site
Cheap days out in Wales
Explore Welsh castles
Price: Free – small charge
Good for: History
Wales is scattered with castles of all shapes, sizes and levels of restoration. Some are free to visit, and some charge a small entry fee. Some recommendations include Dryslwyn Castle, Caernarfon Castle and Harlech Castle.
Go dolphin spotting at Cardigan Bay
Price: Free
Good for: Nature and families
The wonderful coastline around Cardigan Bay is home to the largest population of dolphins in Europe. The cliffs at Mwnt are a great place to see the bottlenose dolphins near to the coastline.
Nearest campsite: Cardigan Bay Club Site
Climb Snowdon
Price: Free
Good for: Walkers
Up for a challenge? Snowdon, the highest mountain in wales is great for walkers of all abilities. Walk up to the peak, catch the train or enjoy a partial walk with little ones, there are so many ways to experience the mountain.
Nearest campsite: 35-minute drive from Llanystumdwy Club Site
Go bird watching at RSPB Gwenffrwd-Dinas
Price: Free
Good for: Nature lovers
Take a peaceful walk through the oak woodland at RSPB Gwenffrwd-Dinas to enjoy the wonderful surroundings and the variety of winged inhabitants. The mixed landscape, with rivers and streams, is the perfect habitat for red kites, redstarts, dippers and grey wagtails.
Nearest campsite: 10-minute drive* from Rhandirmwyn Club Site
Cheap days out in Dorset
Corfe Castle, near Wareham
Price: From £6.05
Good for: Families and history
Visit the ruins of Corfe Castle to learn about 1,000 years of history. There’s plenty to keep kids entertained, from exploring the grounds to embarking on the Corfe Castle Quest.
Nearest campsite: 20-minute drive* from Moreton Club Site
Search for fossils on the Jurassic Coast
Price: Free
Good for: Families
Fossils can be found up and down the Jurassic Coast. A great place to start is at the Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre. At the centre, you can find advice on where to look and how to collect any fossils you do find. The centre runs regular fossil walking events which are a great way to get started.
Nearest campsite: 8-minute drive* from Charmouth Club Site
Lyme Regis Marine Aquarium
Price: From £4.50
Good for: Families
This small, family-run aquarium showcases some of the incredible marine life that lives on the Jurassic Coast. A highlight of a visit to Lyme Regis Marine Aquarium is the interactive experiences which can include hand feeding the mullet, holding starfish and getting close to different kinds of marine life. This is a great one for kids and adults alike.
Nearest campsite: 11-minute drive* from Charmouth Club Site
Visit beautiful beaches
Price: Free
Good for: Everyone
Part of the pull of camping in Dorset is the stunning coastline with wonderful beaches. Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove, Weymouth, Bournemouth, Lyme Regis and Mudeford Sandbank are some of the best beaches on offer. Enjoy a blustery winter walk, pack a picnic or grab an ice cream and have a great day on one of Dorset’s beaches.
*Drive times are approximate and may change due to traffic conditions.