National Lottery Open Week is back and bigger than ever, running from Saturday, March 15, 2025, until Sunday, March 23, 2025. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the National Lottery, celebrating the remarkable sum of £30 million raised each week for good causes via the generous contributions of its players. Throughout this week, anyone holding a valid online or retail National Lottery ticket, Scratchcard, or Instant Win Game can enjoy free or low-cost day trips to over 750 funded venues across the UK.
Among the highlights for visitors include RHS Bridgewater, where guests can admire the first blooms of spring for just £1. Located in Greater Manchester, this beautiful garden is part of the National Lottery Open Week initiative aiming to express gratitude for the funds raised to support good causes. All guests need to do is present their National Lottery ticket, and they can enter for this special price—an incredible bargain compared to the regular admission fee of £16.80 for adults and £5 for children aged between five and sixteen.
During this week, multiple attractions are warmly inviting guests with various enticing deals. The famous Tate Modern, located on the vibrant Bankside, is offering 2-for-1 entry to its spectacular exhibition titled "Electric Dreams: Art and Technology Before the Internet" to showcase the intersection of art and technology from March 15 to 23. Over at the Science Museum, art enthusiasts can enjoy 50% off tickets to their "Versailles: Science and Splendour" exhibition, also running throughout the same period.
If you're interested in history, the Mary Rose Museum and HMS Victory will provide free admission on March 21, providing visitors with unique experiences of maritime history. Visitors can also find delight at the mesmerizing Horniman Butterfly House with its free entry during the Open Week, enabling families to revel in the beauty of tropical butterflies.
For those inclined toward cultural enrichment, the Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre offers 2-for-1 tickets for its "Shakespeare's Globe Story & Tour," where guests will discover the intricacies of stagecraft during this remarkable theatre experience. Perhaps history enthusiasts would prefer to visit the Roman Baths Time Detective Archaeology Experience, which allows National Lottery players free entry on March 15, engaging them with the fascinating tales of the past.
Heading north, visitors to the Segedunum Roman Fort near Newcastle can enjoy free entry and participate in educational talks about the fascinating Roman ruins on March 22. Nature lovers will not want to miss the stunning landscapes at Culzean Country Park, where they too can enter for free, immersing themselves within the scenic beauty of South Ayrshire.
For those situated in Wales, attractions such as the stunning Principality Stadium offer 25% off standard stadium tours, allowing visitors to walk through the hallowed halls where sporting legends have trodden. It is another example of the wide array of opportunities awaiting National Lottery players across the country!
Alex Lister, Northumberland Wildlife Trust’s Druridge Bay Landscapes Manager, noted, “We’re delighted to be taking part once again in The National Lottery Open Week as we’ve been fortunate to have received National Lottery funding for so many of our projects - big and small.” With additional offerings such as free drinks at the Lookout Café at the Hauxley Wildlife Discovery Centre, there are unique ways to enjoy refreshments paired with nature walks and exploration.
Darren Henley, Chief Executive of Arts Council England and Chair of the National Lottery Forum, conveyed the event’s sentiment perfectly: “We’re delighted to mark National Lottery Open Week 2025 and giving people a chance to say yes to the joyful things in life - to get outside and explore the UK’s rich history, stunning landscapes and vibrant culture through free and low-cost days out.”
On the ground, participants vary from historical homes and monuments to cultural attractions, promising fun for people of all ages. With free and discounted entry to National Trust properties across regions, including Cornwall’s Cotehele and Lanhydrock estates, history lovers can look forward to exploring the rich cultural heritage of their locality.
Throughout last year, more than 500 National Lottery funded venues came together to express their gratitude to Lottery players, allowing for incredible experiences across the arts, sports, and community projects. This year is no exception, with the open week strongly supported by venues and organizations acknowledging the support from players.
It’s clear: this week is more than just discounted admission—it's about embracing life-enriching experiences through the generosity of National Lottery players. Everyone is invited to partake, whether as someone who plays the lottery every week or as someone whose ticket might sit unnoticed at the bottom of their bag. So why not grab your ticket, visit the various venues—it’s time to enjoy all the delights National Lottery Open Week brings!