As the summer rolls on and we look for more ways to have fun out and about, things can soon get costly. However, the UK is home to hundreds of free-entry museums and galleries for you to explore.
According to data released earlier this year, the Natural History Museum in London was the UK’s most visited indoor attraction during the year of 2021. Whether you’ve visited before or are perhaps thinking of going for the first time, there’s no doubt that you’ll have a fun-packed day out with the family. With that in mind, we thought we’d put together a handy guide to the UK’s best free-entry museums and galleries. We’ve got everyone covered: whether you prefer archaeological exhibitions, modern art, or history – there’s sure to be the perfect day out for you…
London and the Southeast
Tate Modern, London
The Tate Modern has over 100 years of art to explore from the modernism period up until art and artists of today. You’ll find works by famed artists such as Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, and Jenny Holzer. Entry is free and whilst you don’t need to book, there are certain exhibitions that require a paid ticket. Opening times are Monday-Sunday, 10am-6pm and the nearest tube station is Southwark.
Natural History Museum, London
A world-famous museum, the Natural History Museum is home to a vast range of specimens from various parts of natural history. Take a look at the museum’s six free things to do, here. Whilst entry is free, you will need to book a ticket. Opening times are Monday-Sunday, 10am-5.50pm and the nearest tube station is South Kensington.
Booth Museum of Natural History, Brighton
Originally founded as a Victorian collector’s private museum, the Booth Museum is home to birds, butterflies, fossils, and bones. Entrance is free and opening times are Monday, Tuesday, Saturday, and Sunday, 10am-5pm. During Brighton and Hove’s school holidays, Wednesday’s entry is 10am-5pm or 2pm-5pm during term time. From Brighton and Hove stations, the museum is around a 20-minute walk.
The Lightbox, Woking
The Lightbox is an award-winning gallery and museum is an exciting cultural space. It contains 3 stunning galleries and hosts a range of changing exhibitions as well as interesting and fun events. General admission is free, but you will need to pay to visit the main and upper galleries. The Lightbox is closed on Mondays and bank holidays and open 10.30am-5pm on Tues, Weds, Thurs, Fri and Sat, and 11am-4pm on Sundays. The Lightbox is open until 8.30pm on the last Thursday of the month. The nearest station is Woking.
Portsmouth Museum and Art Gallery
At the Portsmouth Museum and Art Gallery you can walk through Portsmouth’s fascinating history and heritage. You can also explore the world of Sherlock Holmes, take in some stunning works of art, view the history of Portsmouth FC and more. Entry is free and opening times are Tuesday-Sunday 10am to 5.30pm with the last admission at 5pm. The museum is a 15-minute walk from Portsmouth and Southsea station.
Oxford University Museum of Natural History
This museum holds an internationally significant collection of natural history specimens and archives. The neo-Gothic space itself is beautiful, too. You can explore the museum’s highlights, here. The museum is open 10am-5pm Monday-Sunday and entry is free. Bookings are only required for large groups. The museum is a 20-minute walk from Oxford rail station.
The Midlands
Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery
Some of the city’s coolest and most exciting creatives have taken over Birmingham’s Museum and Art Gallery for 2022. Currently, 5 out of the museum’s 40 galleries and reopened, plus the Edwardian tearooms and gift shop. Open 7 days a week from 10am-5pm with free entry, though some exhibitions and events may charge. The nearest train station is Snow Hill.
Tudor House Museum, Worcester
Situated on Friar Street (also known as Worcester’s prettiest street), the Tudor House Museum is a beautiful 16th century building full to the brim of interesting stories and history. Entry is free, and the museum is open Wednesday-Saturday from 10am-4pm. The nearest station is Worcester Foregate Street.
Derby Museum & Art Gallery
Home to the largest collection of the 18th century Derby artist Joseph Wright, the Derby Museum and Art Gallery also contains a fascinating range of nationally important collections including ceramics and archaeology. Entry is free and you do not need to pre-book. Opening times are Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm and 10am-4pm on Sundays. The nearest train station is Derby.
The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent
With almost 1 million objects, the Potteries Museum and Art Gallery is home to a wide range of exciting collections including fine and decorative arts, natural science, social history, and archealogy. The museum is also home to what is widely acknowledged as the world’s finest collection of Staffordshire pottery. Admission is free and opening times are Wednesday-Saturday 10am-5pm, and 11am-4pm on Sundays. The nearest railway station is Stoke-on-Trent.
East
Kettle’s Yard, Cambridge
Kettle’s Yard is the University of Cambridge’s modern art gallery, situated in a beautiful house. It also hosts modern and contemporary art exhibitions. Kettle’s Yard is open Tuesday-Sunday, 11am-5pm. It is recommended that you book a free, timed ticket to visit the house and galleries. There is also a café.
Hollytrees Museum, Colchester
Explore 300 years of history in this Georgian townhouse situated in the beautiful grounds of Castle Park. There are fascinating clocks and a dolls’ house, too. Admission is free, and the museum is open Monday-Saturday from 10am-5pm. Colchester Main is the nearest train station.
Norfolk and Suffolk Aviation Museum, Suffolk
The Norfolk and Suffolk Aviation Museum in Bungay, North Suffolk is a collection of aircraft and aviation-related artefacts. Admission is free, and the museum is currently open on Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10am-4pm.
West Country
Bristol Museum and Art Gallery
Bristol Museum and Art Gallery is home to collections of art, nature, and history. Housed in a beautiful building, you can discover the history of the Earth, Bristol and the southwest’s natural wonders, and people’s lives both past and present. Until 4th September, you can also explore Grayson’s Art Club (though it is recommended that you book your visit in advance.) Opening times are Tuesday-Sunday 10am-5pm. The nearest stations are Bristol Temple Meads and Clifton Down.
The Box, Plymouth
The Box is Plymouth and the Southwest’s major new museum, art gallery and archive. Admission is free and opening times are Tuesday-Sunday from 10am-5pm. The nearest train station is Plymouth.
Museum of Cornish Life, Cornwall
Housed in Helston town’s historic buildings and spread over 3 floors, the Museum of Cornish Life is full of thousands of entertaining and fascinating objects. Entry is free, and the museum is open Monday-Friday 10am-4pm and Saturday 12pm-4pm.
Burton Art Gallery and Museum, Devon
The Burton at Bideford is a community venue for all and contains art galleries, a shop, a French bistro-style café and a museum. Entry is free, and opening times are Monday-Saturday 10am-4pm and Sunday 11am-4pm.
The North
Leeds Art Gallery
Leeds Art Gallery holds a significant collection of modern and contemporary British art, and is a world of art in the heart of Leeds city centre. Opening times are Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm and Sunday 11am-3pm. Leeds is the nearest railway station.
National Railway Museum, York
York’s National Railway Museum tells the story of rail transport in Britain and its impact upon British society. Entry is free, but you will need to book a ticket. Opening times are Wednesday-Sunday 10am-5pm. York is the nearest train station.
International Slavery Museum, Liverpool
The International Slavery Museum is a place where you can hear the untold stories of enslaved people and learn about historical and contemporary slavery. The museum is open Tuesday-Sunday and bank holidays from 10am-6pm. The nearest station is James Street station.
Salford Museum and Art Gallery
Salford’s museum and art gallery is devoted to the history of the area of Salford as well as Victorian art and architecture. Opening times are Tuesday-Friday 9.30am-4pm and Saturday-Sunday 11.30am-4pm. Salford Crescent is the nearest station.
Scotland
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Glasgow
Kelvingrove is one of Scotland’s most popular free attractions with 22 themed state-of-the-art galleries displaying 8000 objects. Entry is free, though exhibitions charge. Opening hours are Monday-Thursday and Saturday 10am-5pm, Friday-Sunday 11am-5pm. Kelvinhall is the closest subway station.
Aberdeen Art Gallery
Aberdeen Art Gallery is home to one of the finest collections in the UK, with art spanning over 700 years including work from many major Scottish artists. Opening hours are Monday-Saturday 10am-5pm and Sunday 11am-4pm. Aberdeen is the nearest train station.
Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, Edinburgh
This gallery contains an outstanding collection of modern and contemporary art by artists including Rachel Whiteread and Barbara Hepworth. There are also parks, shops, and cafes. Opening times are daily from 10am-5pm. Princes Street is the nearest station. Admission is free, with charges for some exhibitions.
Wales
National Museum of Cardiff
This museum includes a wide range of delights from world-class art to natural history. It also houses Wales’s national art and major touring and temporary exhibitions. Opening times are Tuesday-Sunday 10am-5pm. Cathays is the nearest train station.
St. Fagan’s National Museum of History, Cardiff
St. Fagan’s is an open-air museum chronicling the historical lifestyle and culture of the Welsh people. It contains a park, farm, and traditional cottages. Opening times are daily from 10am-5pm.
National Slate Museum
Located in Llanberis, North Wales; at the National Slate Museum you can explore and learn all about the history of slate and the story of the Welsh slate industry. The museum is open daily from 10am-5pm.
Northern Ireland
Ulster Museum
Ulster Museum is the home of Northern Ireland’s treasures including art, history, and natural sciences, both past and present. Opening hours are Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-5pm.
The MAC Belfast
The MAC is Belfast’s home of international art exhibitions as well as live theatre, shows and events. Entry is free, though some events are chargeable. The galleries are open daily from 11am-5pm. The Australian sculptor Ron Mueck is currently exhibiting his work until 20 November.
North Down Museum, Bangor
Known as Northern Ireland’s most visited small museum, The North Down Museum tells the history of Bangor and the surrounding area from the Bronze Age to the present day. You’ll find the museum is in the stable block of Bangor Castle. The museum is open 10am-4pm Tuesday to Saturday, and 12pm-4pm on Sunday.
