The Top 10 Paid-For Attractions in the UK That You Can Visit for Free and What to Expect
The UK is home to some of the world’s most famous attractions, drawing millions of visitors each year. While these attractions usually require an entry fee, there are often ways to experience them for free. Here’s a guide from StonehengeVisit.co.uk to the top 10 paid-for attractions in the UK, how you can see them for free, and what to expect from your visit. With the current cost of living crisis making it increasingly difficult for families to manage rising costs—such as the 24.6%* increase in adult ticket prices to the Tower of London over the past five years—exploring these attractions for free can offer valuable options for affordable family fun during the holidays.
| Attraction | Approx Visitors in 2023 | Average Adult Cost | Average Child Cost | Approx Monthly Google Searches | Free Option |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tower of London | 2,800,000 | £29.90 | £14.90 | 300,000 | Partial |
| Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew | 2,100,000 | £17.50 | Free (with adult) | 150,000 | Yes |
| Chester Zoo | 2,000,000 | £30.00 | £22.50 | 200,000 | Partial |
| Stonehenge | 1,600,000 | £21.50 | £12.90 | 350,000 | Partial |
| Westminster Abbey | 1,300,000 | £27.00 | £12.00 | 250,000 | Yes |
| Windermere Lake Cruises | 1,100,000 | £11.30 | £5.70 | 40,000 | Yes |
| ZSL London Zoo | 1,000,000 | £33.00 | £21.45 | 110,000 | Partial |
| Edinburgh Castle | 2,000,000 | £19.50 | £11.50 | 220,000 | Partial |
| The Roman Baths | 1,300,000 | £25.50 | £17.50 | 180,000 | Partial |
| Legoland Windsor Resort | 2,400,000 | £62.00 | £57.00 | 90,000 | No |
This table provides a comprehensive overview of the top 10 paid-for attractions in the UK, including approx visitor numbers, costs, search interest, and availability of free options.**
What to expect for the free option for these attractions?
1. Tower of London
Average Cost:
- Adult: £29.90
- Child (5-15 years): £14.90
What to Expect with a Ticket: The Tower of London, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers a deep dive into over 1,000 years of British history. With a ticket, you can explore the White Tower, view the Crown Jewels up close, and learn about the Tower’s past as a royal palace, prison, and execution site. Highlights include the iconic Beefeaters (Yeoman Warders), the resident ravens, and the impressive medieval architecture that brings the Tower’s storied past to life.
Free Option:
You can admire the Tower of London’s exterior from Tower Hill or from across the River Thames. Occasionally, free entry is available for UK residents during special days or events, such as Heritage Open Days.
Limitations:
Without a ticket, you won’t be able to explore the interior, including the Crown Jewels, medieval palace, and historical exhibits.
2. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Average Cost:
- Adult: £17.50
- Child (4-15 years): Free (with a paying adult)
What to Expect with a Ticket: Kew Gardens offers a lush, expansive environment with diverse plant collections, beautiful landscapes, and stunning structures like the Palm House and Treetop Walkway. A ticket grants you access to seasonal exhibitions, art installations, and educational workshops that enhance your visit to this botanical haven.
Free Option:
Kew Gardens occasionally offers free entry days or special community open days. Children under 16 enter for free when accompanied by an adult.
Limitations:
These events are infrequent, and without attending one, you would miss out on the extensive gardens and glasshouses.
3. Chester Zoo
Average Cost:
- Adult: £30.00
- Child (3-15 years): £22.50
What to Expect with a Ticket: Chester Zoo is a large wildlife park that provides access to over 35,000 animals and immersive exhibits. With a ticket, visitors can explore expansive habitats, enjoy interactive displays, and learn about global conservation efforts. Attractions include the impressive Elephant House, the tropical Realm of the Red Ape, and engaging educational talks.
Free Option:
Some external animal enclosures can be viewed from outside the zoo’s perimeter, and the zoo offers online virtual tours. Chester Zoo occasionally offers free entry days or discounts during certain promotions.
Limitations:
You won’t have close-up access to the animals or interactive exhibits. High demand on free days can lead to larger crowds.
4. Stonehenge
Average Cost:
- Adult: £21.50
- Child (5-17 years): £12.90
What to Expect with a Ticket: Stonehenge provides a remarkable glimpse into prehistoric Britain. With a ticket, you can explore the iconic stone circle, visit the exhibition at the Visitor Centre, and learn about the monument’s history and significance through interactive displays and informative talks.
Free Option:
You can view Stonehenge from a distance using the public footpath that runs alongside the site.
Limitations:
The view from the footpath is more distant, and you won’t access the visitor center or detailed exhibits.
5. Westminster Abbey
Average Cost:
- Adult: £27.00
- Child (6-16 years): £12.00
What to Expect with a Ticket: Westminster Abbey, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, offers access to significant historical and cultural sites. With a ticket, visitors can explore the Coronation Chair, Poet’s Corner with memorials to literary greats, and the abbey’s stunning medieval stained glass windows.
Free Option:
Attend daily church services or special events for free.
Limitations:
During services, you can see the interior but won’t have the freedom to explore all areas or historical exhibits.
6. Windermere Lake Cruises
Average Cost:
- Adult: £11.30 (varies by cruise type)
- Child (5-15 years): £5.70 (varies by cruise type)
What to Expect with a Ticket: Windermere Lake Cruises provide a relaxing way to explore the scenic beauty of the Lake District. With a ticket, you can enjoy leisurely boat rides with stunning views of the surrounding hills, charming lakeside villages, and peaceful waters. It’s a perfect way to experience the natural beauty of England’s largest lake.
Free Option:
Enjoy views of Lake Windermere from public areas along the shore or public footpaths.
Limitations:
You won’t experience the narrated cruise and the unique lake views from the water.
7. ZSL London Zoo
Average Cost:
- Adult: £33.00
- Child (3-15 years): £21.45
What to Expect with a Ticket: ZSL London Zoo offers a range of animal exhibits and interactive experiences. With a ticket, you can visit the Gorilla Kingdom, Penguin Beach, and explore various themed areas dedicated to wildlife conservation. The zoo also provides educational talks and special events throughout the year.
Free Option:
View some animals in outdoor enclosures from Regent’s Park or via live animal webcams online.
Limitations:
No access to all enclosures, indoor exhibits, or educational talks and experiences.
8. Edinburgh Castle
Average Cost:
- Adult: £19.50
- Child (5-15 years): £11.50
What to Expect with a Ticket: Edinburgh Castle offers breathtaking views and a rich historical experience. With a ticket, you can explore the Crown Jewels, the Stone of Destiny, and various historic military barracks. The castle’s fascinating exhibits and panoramic city views make it a must-see landmark in Scotland.
Free Option:
Admire the castle’s exterior and panoramic views from Castle Hill and the Royal Mile.
Limitations:
No entry to the interior, including historical exhibits, Crown Jewels, or Stone of Destiny.
9. The Roman Baths
Average Cost:
- Adult: £25.50
- Child (6-16 years): £17.50
What to Expect with a Ticket: The Roman Baths in Bath offer an immersive experience into ancient Roman life. With a ticket, visitors can explore the well-preserved bathhouse, see the thermal baths, and view historical artifacts in the museum. The site provides an engaging look at life in Roman Britain through interactive exhibits.
Free Option:
View the exterior of the Roman Baths complex and Bath Abbey from the outside.
Limitations:
No access to the interior baths, museum exhibits, or guided tours.
10. Legoland Windsor Resort
Average Cost:
- Adult: £62.00 (varies by booking date)
- Child (3-15 years): £57.00 (varies by booking date)
What to Expect with a Ticket: Legoland Windsor Resort is a thrilling destination featuring a range of LEGO-themed attractions. With a ticket, you can access exciting rides, explore detailed LEGO models of famous landmarks, and enjoy interactive play zones. The park offers everything from exhilarating roller coasters to creative building experiences that cater to all ages.
Free Option:
View some parts of the resort from public areas around the perimeter and enjoy themed decor outside the entrance.
Limitations:
No access to rides, attractions, interactive experiences, or shows within the park. Full-price tickets can be quite expensive, especially during peak times. Discounted tickets might be available through promotions.
Finally…
While there are ways to experience these top UK attractions for free, the limitations often mean missing out on the full, immersive experiences they offer. If you’re planning to visit these iconic sites, consider whether the free options meet your expectations or if investing in a ticket might provide a more enriching experience – we hope to have helped you understand the art of the possible with a limited budget during the Summer holidays!
* The analysis of the London Dungeon’s ticket price increase over the past five years is based on historical pricing data sourced from the attraction’s official website, customer service reports, and ticketing platforms.
**In this comprehensive guide to the UK’s top paid attractions that you can experience for free, we’ve compiled data from a variety of reputable sources. Visitor estimates for each attraction were gathered from annual reports and industry publications, including data from the UK’s Association of Leading Visitor Attractions (ALVA) and attraction-specific annual reports. Average ticket prices for adults and children were sourced from the official websites of the attractions and verified through recent visitor surveys. Additionally, monthly Google search interest was assessed using tools like Google Trends to gauge public interest. Information on free entry options and their limitations was obtained directly from the attractions’ official websites and recent promotional announcements. This detailed analysis aims to help families and budget-conscious travelers make the most of their visits to these iconic sites while navigating the financial challenges posed by the current cost of living crisis.