Here’s all you need to know about National Lottery Open Week

Head to the RSPB-operated Cameron’s Cottage in Wiltshire, which is one of the organisation's most fascinating nature reserves. This unique activity centre is purpose-built for families, offering discounted forest adventure days, fun sessions of wild art, campfires and storytelling, and practical skills such as pond dipping and introduction to whittling sessions. National Lottery players can visit for free on March 26, between 10am and noon.

The National Trust-run Mount Stewart is one of Northern Ireland's most impressive stately homes. Travel back in time to the 1920s to the 1950s, when the Marquesses of Londonderry lived in pure luxury among regal portraits, life-size sculptures, and family heirlooms. Get exploring with free entry March 18 to 26 through the National Lottery!

Up in the northeast, you’ve got Seaton Delaval Hall in Northumberland. This country house was the talk of the town back in the Georgian days, thanks to the Deval family’s penchant for hosting ‘wild’ (less so nowadays) events such as rope dancing, outdoor sack races, masquerade balls and even their own theatrical productions. Channel your inner duke or duchess while wandering its grounds on March 18 and 19, and between March 22 to 26, smugly knowing you got in for free. 

Meanwhile in Anglesey, Plas Newydd House and Garden sits in the shadow of Snowdonia, with lush gardens, extensive woodland and a grand mansion to explore. It’s also home to a 58-foot mural from artist Rex Whistler and numerous other artworks indoors. Make use of the free entry from March 18 to 26.

Falkirk is home to one of Scotland’s national treasures – the magical ‘Kelpies’, a pair of imposing 100ft-high equine sculptures dominating the stunning Helix Park. Entry is free to the park, but during National Lottery Open Week, players can claim a free hot drink to keep you toasty while gazing in awe at these mythical beasts. 

At the other end of the UK, The Eden Project in Cornwall is an officially happy place for people and the planet, voted one of the country’s top destinations. Its glass biomes house dazzling flora and fauna from across the globe, offering an ecological world tour while letting you pretend you’re in a sci-fi movie. From March 18-26, entry is free for National Lottery players.

If – despite these tantalising options – venturing outside the metropolis brings you out in a cold sweat, there’s something for everyone in London too.

Families will love a visit to HMS Belfast, an impressive WWII cruiser moored on the Thames. There’s 2-for-1 entry during National Lottery Open Week (March 18-26). Hear the stories of the 950-strong crew, from D-Day to the Korean War. 

If you prefer dry land, the capital’s iconic fortress, the Tower of London, is offering 25 percent off. Goggle at the Crown Jewels, meet a raven or two and don’t lose your head at the notorious Traitors’ Gate. 

Oscars invite mysteriously disappeared in the post? Well, 30 lucky film buffs will get a rare (and free) guided tour of the BFI National Archive on March 23. One of the world’s greatest cinematic treasurehouses, the collection holds amazing material from the dawn of the movies to the present day. Please note only 30 people will win a chance to participate in the tour, and the deadline to enter is midnight on March 16.

Whatever you choose to do, have a great day out on us during National Lottery Open Week and know you’ve made a difference. It’s all #ThanksToYou!

Find out more about National Lottery Open Week here.

Terms & conditions apply. 

National Lottery Players need to be 18+. Not all National Lottery Open Week offers are free entry, some are special offers such as a hot drink, a behind-the-scenes tour and some offers require advance booking. See individual venues for full details. Full terms and conditions here.