The best things to do during National Lottery Open Week this March

It's no secret that London is filled to the brim with things to do, but during this year's National Lottery Open Week, there are some pretty epic offers awaiting you. First up, there's 2-for-1 entry at The Design Museum for its iconic 'Blitz: the club that shaped the 80s' exhibition from March 7-15. Next, you can get 20% off tickets to all IMAX documentaries at the Science Museum, shown daily on one of Europe's most advanced IMAX screens from March 7-15. Or, if you're feeling nostalgic, take a step back in time to 1837, where you'll witness the world of Oliver Twist (and get 2-for-1 entry to the Charles Dickens Museum) from March 11-13. Looking for free entry? Swing by The Brunel Museum from March 14-15 to explore the story of the world’s first underwater tunnel. So whatever floats your boat – pun intended – London and National Lottery have got you covered.

If you're in Manchester during this year's National Lottery Open Week, consider paying a visit to the Guide Dogs for the Blind Regional Centre in Wigan, which offers an insightful tour to a project close to all of our hearts on March 12. Fan of British wartime history? Experience a World War 1 romance like no other through Marion's scrapbook at the National Trust's Quarry Bank – and receive free entry from March 7-14. If music's your main jam, take a peek behind the scenes of the UK's largest specialist music school, Chetham's School of Music on March 10 and learn all there is to know about your do-re-mes.

Consider yourself a history buff? Visit Kenilworth Castle throughout the week to experience Elizabethan entertainment at its finest with free tours happening from March 7-8 and 11-15, or head to National Trust Brockhampton to explore the traditionally-farmed estate and Medieval manor house from March 7-14. You'll get free entry and a reason to just pause for a moment and take it all in. Or, for thrill-seekers of all ages, head to the RAF Museum Midlands for two-for-one flying experiences all week – think soaring with the Red Arrows in a 4D cinema or taking the controls of a Eurofighter Typhoon in the flight simulator.

Enjoy 2-for-1 entry to Edinburgh Zoo all week – complete with all the wonderfully furry creatures you'd expect. Fan of all things cinema? Get behind the silver screen at Edinburgh's Filmhouse with a bespoke projection box tour across the week (excluding March 9 and 13). Or better yet, experience a world premiere with the Royal National Scottish Orchestra for one night only on March 21 in Glasgow – and get 2-for-1 tickets, too. Yes, really.

Live slightly further afield? No worries, National Lottery Open Week has some fantastic offers far and wide across the UK. You could spend the day out at the Eden Project and enjoy free entry (all week, might we add), or immerse yourself in an exclusive preview of the cinematic gem, Amelie, ahead of its 25th anniversary re-release across selected UK cinemas from March 9-10 thanks to BFI Escapes. More of a castle fanatic? Visit the newly reopened Norwich Castle to walk in the footsteps of William the Conqueror across the grounds from March 13-14 (yep, with free entry) or head to the Maritime Belfast Trust to enjoy a free Maritime Mile heritage tour and learn more about the infamous Titanic from March 12. Bit of a foodie? Live out your best (or worst) school dinner dreams with free adult entry to the UK's only Food Museum in Suffolk from March 7-8. Eat your heart out!

Visit the National Lottery Open Week website and find venues taking part near you here.

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*During National Lottery Open Week, players can present any National Lottery ticket (or screenshot of a digital game), including Lotto, EuroMillions, Set 4 Life, Thunderball, National Lottery Scratchcard or Instant Win Game, to receive free or discounted entry or another special offer for hundreds of National Lottery-funded venues across the UK. Participants must be 18+.  Full T&Cs apply.