Free UK Summer Events 2025 – Family Fun on a Budget
Summer holidays can be expensive — we all know that! But the good news is there are loads of free things to do with the kids across the UK this summer, and we’ve done the digging so you don’t have to.
Whether you’re up North in Newcastle, Yorkshire or Durham, or soaking up the sun in London, Bristol or Weymouth, there’s no shortage of fun, free events happening from 18th July through to September 2025.
From outdoor movies and sculpture trails to beach festivals and free library fun, here’s our top picks for making the most of summer without spending a fortune.
FREE Events in the North East (and Worth the Trip!)
NE1 Screen on the Green – Newcastle
🗓️ 21 July–31 August
📍 City Centre (by Grey’s Monument)
Pull up a deckchair and enjoy free outdoor films every day, from Disney favourites to family blockbusters and live sports. Bring snacks and enjoy a chilled-out afternoon in town!
Ouseburn Festival – Newcastle
🗓️ Late July
📍 Ouseburn Valley
A lovely local weekend with a proper community feel. Expect art workshops, live music, food stalls and free kids’ activities. It’s a great one if you’re after something a bit different.
Tidal Trails – South Shields
🗓️ 17 August
📍 South Shields Seafront
Whether you fancy joining the run or just cheering from the sidelines, this free seaside event is full of energy and a fab day out. Expect street food, beach views and family-friendly entertainment.
Bug Hunts & Nature Trails – Various Parks
🗓️ All summer long
📍 Northumberlandia, Derwent Walk & more
Lots of local parks are running free wildlife trails for kids – perfect if you’re looking for something outdoorsy (and educational!) without spending a penny.
Yorkshire’s Best Free Events for Summer 2025
Sheffield by the Sea – Sheffield
🗓️ 25 July–26 August
📍 Peace Gardens
A giant sandpit right in the middle of the city, plus deckchairs, free games and daily entertainment. It’s basically a mini beach holiday without leaving Yorkshire!
Tommy Treebark’s Wild Adventure – York
🗓️ Until 14 September
📍 Various parks around York
This free sculpture trail is perfect for a sunny afternoon. Kids will love hunting for hidden animal statues dotted around the city’s green spaces.
FEVA Festival – Knaresborough
🗓️ 8–17 August
📍 Knaresborough
This arts and music festival is a great family day out. Loads of free performances, music and pop-up workshops happening across the town. Well worth a visit!
Kettlewell Scarecrow Festival – North Yorkshire
🗓️ 9–17 August
📍 Kettlewell
One of our favourites! Walk around the gorgeous village spotting funny and clever scarecrows. It’s donation-based, so very budget-friendly, and the views are lovely too.
FREE Events in Southern England
Southbank Summer Festival – London
🗓️ Mid-July to end of August
📍 Southbank, London
Loads going on here from live performances and music to family arts and craft sessions. All right by the river, and completely free. A proper London day out on a budget!
Weymouth Beach Fun – Dorset
🗓️ Weekends late July to August
📍 Weymouth Seafront
From beach games to entertainers and sports, there’s loads going on down here most weekends in summer. Great excuse for a free day at the beach.
Free Library Events & Reading Challenge – Nationwide
🗓️ All Summer Holidays
📍 Your local library
If you haven’t already signed the kids up for the Summer Reading Challenge, do it now! Loads of libraries also offer free craft sessions, story time and activities. Great for rainy days too!
Bristol Harbour Nights – Bristol
🗓️ Fridays & Saturdays, late July onwards
📍 Bristol Harbourside
A lovely evening option if you’re down south, with free live music, street food stalls and chilled family vibes on the waterfront.
Bonus Freebies (Anytime, No Booking Needed!)
- Yorkshire Sculpture Park (Wakefield) – Free to wander the giant sculptures and countryside trails.
- Royal Armouries Museum (Leeds) – Fascinating displays, live demos and kids’ activities, which are all completely free.
- National Trust Open Days – Some NT sites offer free summer trails or open access days. Make sure to check your local ones in advance (look for Cragside, Wallington, Kent and Wiltshire sites).
🗓️ At-a-Glance: Free Events Calendar (Post-18 July)
| Date | What’s On | Where |
|---|---|---|
| 21 Jul–31 Aug | NE1 Screen on the Green | Newcastle |
| Late July | Ouseburn Festival | Newcastle |
| 25 Jul–26 Aug | Sheffield by the Sea | Sheffield |
| 8–17 Aug | FEVA Festival | Knaresborough |
| 9–17 Aug | Kettlewell Scarecrow Festival | Kettlewell, N. Yorkshire |
| 17 Aug | Tidal Trails | South Shields |
| Late July–Aug | Weymouth Beach Fun, Bristol Harbour Nights | Southern England |
| All Summer | Nature Trails, Library Events, Sculpture Walks | UK-wide |
Money-Saving Tips for Summer Days Out
- 🧺 Pack a picnic – even at free events, food can be pricey.
- 💦 Bring refillable bottles – most places have free water stations now.
- 🚗 Arrive early – free events = busy car parks!
- 📲 Keep an eye on council sites and Facebook groups – last-minute free events pop up all the time.
