There are lots of free days out in the UK for you to do when you’re staying with us. From learning all about maritime history in Newcastle, to exhibitions on dinosaurs in Bristol and seeing hermit crabs in Liverpool. We’ve scoured Great Britain to find days out that are not only great fun but friendly on your pocket because they are ALL FREE!
Steam trains and Roman forts in York
Voted the UK’s most popular staycation city, York has plenty of free things on offer. Has the latest film, The Railway Children Return, sparked an interest in steam trains? Whilst staying at YHA York a must visit is the National Railway Museum, it’s just the ticket for a big family day out. Free entry (book online before your visit), you’ll easily fill several hours as you see George Stephenson’s Rocket, the stunning Mallard and so many other great trains.
York Minster is spectacular, but pretty costly to have a tour around, however, it’s still a working and fully operational church, so soak up some of the atmosphere by attending a free church service. York Museum Gardens is a favourite of the locals. Free to visit and plenty to see, such as the ruins of St.Mary’s Abbey dating back to 1294, you can also spot one of the remaining towers of a Roman fort.
Egyptian mummies and Alfred the Gorilla in Bristol
See how people lived through time — what they wore, the toys they played with and how they managed their household chores at Blaise Castle House Museum. There’s a dairy garden, an orangery and a kitchen garden to have a nosey around. Over at Bristol Museum & Art Gallery there are three floors of treasures to explore. From Egyptian mummies, archaeological curiosities from around the world to Alfred the Gorilla and art by Constable, all tastes are catered for. Make sure you pop in, all for free, when staying at YHA Bristol.
Hermit crabs and The Beatles’ suits in Liverpool
Get up close with hermit crabs, starfish and brightly coloured wrasse from Liverpool’s coast in the aquarium at the World Museum. Bug fans will love the insect house and big kids and little kids alike will surely be in awe of the dinosaur droppings! Explore Liverpool’s internationally recognised talent across music, sport, cinema and TV at the Museum of Liverpool. Items on display include one of Villanelle’s costumes from Killing Eve, worn by Liverpudlian actress Jodie Comer, to the iconic suits worn by The Beatles.
The International Slavery Museum is located within Liverpool’s Albert Dock, inside the Maritime Museum building. The museum is the only one of its kind and looks at the aspects of historical and contemporary slavery. Expect to be taken on a thought-provoking and moving explorative journey. Entrance to all is absolutely free. Stay at YHA Liverpool Albert Dock.
Riot gear and Pre-Raphaelites in Manchester
If you’re visiting our fantastic YHA Manchester then you should definitely say ‘ello ‘ello ‘ello to the Greater Manchester Police Museum & Archives. This quirky museum is set in an early Victorian former police station. Find out how Manchester’s criminals were charged and fingerprinted in the Victorian times and try on old uniforms but just be careful you don’t get locked up in the of the old cells.
Or you could take a trip to the Imperial War Museum North and find about war and conflict from the First World War to the present day. From old bombs to Women’s Land Army uniforms, to artwork poppies, there’s so much to see. Other free places to visit in Manchester include the Manchester Art Gallery, which is best known for its collection of works by 19th-century British artists, particularly the Pre-Raphaelites. Enjoy!
Discover more about YHA.
Photo credit: Patrick / Electric Egg Ltd. / Pecold / Ivelin / Richard / Adobe Stock
