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How to Visit Castles and Museums Near Birmingham Almost for Free: The National Lottery Open Week 2026


In the United Kingdom, a special National Lottery Open Week takes place every year, during which hundreds of museums, historic houses, castles, gardens, and cultural venues open their doors to visitors for free or with big discounts.

In 2026, the event runs from 7 to 15 March. Many interesting places are very close to Birmingham, so this is a great opportunity to organise an inexpensive family day out.

The best part is that to get free entry, all you need is a National Lottery ticket, which can cost as little as £1.


How to get free or cheaper entry

It’s very simple.

1. Find a place on the official website

There you can:

  • choose a region,

  • see the list of offers,

  • check the terms for each site.

2. Buy any National Lottery ticketAny ticket type will do:

  • Lotto

  • EuroMillions

  • Scratchcard

  • Instant Win Game

The cheapest tickets cost around £1.

You can buy them:

  • in supermarkets,

  • in small shops,

  • via the official National Lottery app.

3. Show the ticket at the entranceAt the ticket desk, simply show:

  • a paper ticket, or

  • a ticket in the mobile app.

At some sites, one ticket covers several people (sometimes up to 6), which is great value for families.You may also need to book online in advance, so it’s worth checking the conditions on the website.


Places near Birmingham participating in National Lottery Open Week 2026

Here are a few historic places and museums located roughly within an hour’s drive of Birmingham.


Packwood House~25 minutes from Birmingham

One of the most beautiful historic houses in the region.

Highlights:

  • Tudor‑style house

  • the famous garden with hundreds of clipped yew trees

  • lovely walking avenues

During the week, you can get free entry or a special discount.


Baddesley Clinton~40 minutes from Birmingham

A unique historic house surrounded by a moat.

What you can see:

  • 16th‑century interiors

  • antique furniture

  • secret rooms

  • a cosy garden

It has a very atmospheric, almost fairy‑tale look.


Hanbury Hall~40 minutes from Birmingham

A luxurious 18th‑century Baroque estate.

You’ll find:

  • a grand historic house

  • beautiful formal gardens

  • historic wall paintings

The parkland is perfect for walks and family time.


Charlecote Park~40 minutes’ drive

One of the region’s most beautiful historic estates.

There is:

  • a large deer park

  • an elegant Elizabethan house

  • picturesque gardens

This place is linked with legends about William Shakespeare, who is said to have hunted deer here.


Upton House and Gardens~1 hour from Birmingham

A beautiful country house with terraced gardens.

Highlights:

  • a collection of European art

  • wonderful panoramic views

  • well‑kept gardens


Birmingham museums with discounts during the week

There are interesting offers in the city itself as well. For example:

  • Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum — a science museum with a planetarium (50% off tickets).

  • Sarehole Mill — a historic watermill that inspired the author of The Lord of the Rings.

  • Aston Hall — a beautiful 17th‑century historic house.

At these venues, you can get 50% off admission during National Lottery Open Week.


Example of a £1 family day out

Here’s how to organise an inexpensive day out:

  1. Buy a lottery ticket for £1.

  2. Choose a place, for example Packwood House or Charlecote Park.

  3. Show the ticket at the entrance.

Family tickets to such places usually cost £50–£80, but during the event you can pay almost nothing.


Why it’s worth taking advantage of this opportunity

National Lottery Open Week is a great chance to:

  • see beautiful castles and historic houses of England,

  • spend time with children,

  • discover new places near Birmingham,

  • save money on leisure.

Even if you don’t normally play the lottery, you can just buy the cheapest ticket and use it as your pass to fascinating places.

 
 
 

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