Top 10 Free museums UK- for families on a budget
Looking for affordable days out the whole family will love? In this guide, we’re sharing the Top 10 best free museums across the UK for families of all ages. Combining education, play, and zero entry costs, museums are the perfect way to enjoy a fun-filled day out without stretching your budget.
Perfect for school holidays, rainy days, or spontaneous adventures. Expect interactive displays, educational fun, and exciting spaces where little ones can learn, play, and discover; all without spending a penny.
Looking for more budget friendly days out with the Family? Head to our days out hub for more!
1. Natural History Museum London
Location: South Kensington, London
One of the best free museums in London for families, the Natural History Museum is a must-visit for a budget-friendly day out. Entry is completely free, with plenty of interactive galleries and exhibits to explore. While some temporary exhibitions require a ticket, the main museum offers more than enough to keep kids and adults alike entertained for hours at no cost.
Not to mention, if your kids are Paddington bear fans, this museum is a must stop visit as it features in the film! Check out our complete guide to paddington days out in London here!
Why kids love it:
With Dinosaurs, Giant whales,Earthquakes and more, The Natural history museum is an inspiring place for kids and adults alike! The famous T-Rex and animatronic exhibits are a huge hit with younger visitors.
What’s on:
- Dinosaur gallery
- Volcano and earthquake simulator
- Wildlife exhibits and creepy crawlies
- Seasonal family trails and interactive zones
2. National Football museum- Manchester
Location: Manchester City Centre
If Manchester is on your doorstep, the National Football museum is perfect for little (and big!) football fans, one of the top free museums in the North West for Manchester residents.With several different galleries such as Match, Pitch and Play, special exhibitions and more, this museum is both interactive and one of the top Football museums worldwide, featuring over 140,000 items, including World Cup medals and historic kits.
While the museum is completely free for Manchester residents, one ' under £20 season ticket' will insure anyone else free entry for the whole year, making it a low cost option if you're visiting Manchester often!
- Under 5's go Free
- Season tickets between £10-18 with various discounts available for carers etc
Why kids love it:
It’s interactive, energetic, and all about football! Kids can test their skills and get involved rather than just looking.
What’s on:
- Penalty shootout games
- Football memorabilia and trophies
-
Interactive challenges and exhibitions
(Note: Free entry for Manchester residents, insuring to bring identification is a must!)
If you have action loving kids, why not check out our guide to Top 5 UK Immersive Experiences for Action-Loving Kids & Thrill Seekers (2026 Guide)
3. National Museum of Scotland - Edinburgh
Location: Edinburgh, Scotland
A standout when it comes to free things to do with kids in Scotland. With over 12 million objects and specimens in the museums and stores, this museum allows families to discover breakthrough research and uncover incredible stories. With free entry to the majority of galleries and exhibitions, the museum also hosts several different experience days and exhibitions which are updated regularly onsite, including free find out fridays (for families), toddler days and more (may be subject to additional cost.)
Why kids love it:It’s huge, varied, and super interactive, making it perfect for curious minds.
What’s on:
- Science and technology zones
- Animal exhibits and natural world galleries
- Hands-on discovery areas
- Rooftop views for a family photo spot
4. Science Museum - London
Location: South Kensington, London
One of the best interactive museums in the UK for children. One of Londons major tourist attractions, with inspiring exhibitions, workshops and galleries, the Science museum is perfect for both kids and adults alike.
General admission is completely free, and must be booked online to guarantee entry.
Why kids love it:
It’s designed for play and discovery, especially in the hands-on Wonderlab (paid) and free interactive galleries.
What’s on:
- Space exploration exhibits
- Interactive science displays
- Pattern Pod for younger children
5. British Museum - London
Location: Bloomsbury, London
A world-famous museum and one of the top free attractions in the UK, the British Museum is a brilliant option for families looking for an educational day out in London. Entry is completely free, with access to a huge collection of artefacts from around the world.
While it can feel quite big and busy, focusing on a few key areas makes it much more enjoyable for younger visitors. Some special exhibitions may require a paid ticket, but the main museum offers more than enough to fill a full day without spending anything.
Why kids love it:
It feels like travelling the world in one day; mummies, treasures, and ancient artefacts everywhere! There’s plenty to keep kids engaged, from Egyptian mummies and ancient treasures to interactive family trails designed to make exploring more fun.
What’s on:
- Egyptian mummies
- Roman and Greek history
- Family trails and activity backpacks
6. Museum of Liverpool- Liverpool
Location: Liverpool Waterfront
The Museum of Liverpool is one of the best free museums in the North West for families, offering a mix of history, culture, and interactive fun. Entry is free, making it ideal for a budget-friendly day out.
The museum is modern, easy to navigate, and particularly great for younger children thanks to its dedicated play areas and hands-on exhibits.
Why kids love it:
- Interactive exhibits and hands-on displays
- Dedicated play space for younger children
- Bright, open layout that’s easy to explore
What’s on:
- “Little Liverpool” indoor play gallery
- Transport and city history exhibits
- Music and culture displays
- Seasonal family events and activities
In need of Soft play recommendations? Head to our Top 10 guide!
7. The National Railway museum- York
Location: York, North Yorkshire
The National Railway Museum is a must-visit for families, especially if your kids love trains. Entry is completely free, with a huge indoor space packed full of iconic locomotives and railway history.
It’s a great mix of education and exploration, with plenty of room for kids to move around and discover at their own pace.
Why kids love it: With Full-size trains to explore and get up close to, lots of open space to walk and run around and Interactive exhibits and family-friendly displays, kids can step into interesting storytelling, sparking their curiosity!
What’s on:
- Historic steam trains and locomotives
- Royal carriages
- Interactive railway exhibits
- Seasonal events and activities during school holidays
8.Discovery Museum – Newcastle
Location: Newcastle upon Tyne
The Discovery Museum is one of the most popular free museums in the North East and a brilliant choice for a family day out. Entry is completely free, with a wide range of exhibits focused on science, technology, and local history. Set across multiple floors, the museum offers plenty to explore and is ideal for keeping kids entertained for a few hours without spending a penny.
Why kids love it:Kids love the hands-on exhibits, interactive science displays, and the chance to explore real-life inventions and machines, making it both fun and educational for all ages.
What’s on:
- Science and technology galleries
- Shipbuilding and maritime history exhibits
- Interactive displays and hands-on activities
- The iconic Turbinia ship
- Regular family-friendly events and exhibitions
9. Great North Museum: Hancock
Location: Newcastle upon Tyne
This is one of the best free museums in the North East for families. Entry is completely free, giving you access to a wide range of exhibits covering everything from natural history to ancient civilisations. It’s a well-rounded museum that’s easy to explore and ideal for families with children of all ages
Why it’s great for kids: Kids love the museum for its impressive dinosaur skeletons, fascinating animal exhibits, and interactive displays that make learning feel fun and engaging. There’s also a dedicated play space for younger children, making it especially suitable for families with toddlers.
What’s on:
- Ancient Egyptian and Roman galleries
- Animal and natural world exhibits
- Planetarium (some shows may be paid)
- Regular free family events during school holidays
Needing more kids activity ideas? Check out our guide to affordable activities at home for holidays.
10. St Fagans National Museum of History – Cardiff
Location: Cardiff, Wales
St Fagans is one of the best free days out in Wales and offers a unique museum experience. Entry is completely free, and the museum is set across beautiful outdoor grounds filled with historic buildings.
It feels more like an adventure than a traditional museum, with traditional craftsmen and activities, interesting heritage and play, making it perfect for families who want a mix of learning and outdoor fun.
Why kids love it:
- Outdoor space to explore and run around
- Real historic buildings to walk through
- Feels like stepping back in time
What’s on:
- Reconstructed historic houses and farms
- Traditional workshops and demonstrations
- Play areas and open green spaces
- Seasonal events and live activities
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for cheap days out for families in the UK, these free museums are some of the very best places to start. They combine education, play, and adventure, making them perfect for school holidays, weekend trips, and rainy day activities.
The best part? You can visit again and again without worrying about the cost, because great family memories shouldn’t come with a hefty price tag.
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