I'm a skint mum of three – these are the FREE attractions my kids love going to
CHILD'S PLAY I'm a skint mum of three – these are the FREE attractions my kids love going to
IF YOU fancy a National Trust day out but you're not a member, there's some easy-to-overlook sites that won't cost you a penny to access.
We all think about the historic houses and great estates that National Trust and English Heritage look after around the country.
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There are many free National Trust and English Heritage places across the UK to visit including Hadrian's Wall
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And many boast amazing walks and cafes
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But it's easy to forget that they both have lots of free locations too, giving access to our coastlines and countryside for the cost of car parking.
I'm lucky to have two reservoir reserves right on my doorstep, both of which have lovely waterside walks, a playground for the kids and a cafe for those all-important refreshments.
Even better, National Trust members can park free, since the organisation took over looking after Staunton Harold Reservoir and nearby Foremark on the border of Leicestershire and Derbyshire a couple of years ago.
In the school holidays, there's often kids' activities like circus skills or kite-making that anyone can turn up and have a go at.
Calke Abbey, which is a location you have to pay to access, is in-between the two and has one of the National Trust's biggest woodland play areas and a huge walled garden full of fun like hobby horses, den building, garden games and craft stations throughout the summer holidays.
There's enough there for a full day out, but if you're just after somewhere outdoors to while away a few hours, its free neighbours could be perfect.
To be honest, we very rarely visit the inside spaces when we go to National Trust places anyway as my boys prefer to be in the fresh air.
So it's great that you have the option of playgrounds and woodland walks without having to pay.
It's not just hidden countryside spots that are great to explore for free.
I'm a mum and here's '10/10' free day out near Glasgow I swear by for summer hols
There's some incredible coastal sites that fall under National Trust and English Heritage ownership too.
If you're heading to Norfolk for your holidays, there's the remains of a big Roman fort tucked away behind Parkdean's Breydon Water caravan site.
Burgh Castle, looked after by English Heritage, is a short stroll away from the caravans if you're staying there or there's a small car park for visitors just up the road.
It's amazing how much of the fort walls have survived and you can get a sense of how the Romans built their empire.
We've been there many times over the years and there's only ever a handful of visitors about, even in the height of summer.
Just up the Norfolk Coast is the National Trust's Blakeney Point, home to a colony of seals.
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Some destinations have historical ruins as well
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We stayed nearby for our first wedding anniversary and it really is a very special place.
Just remember to give the wildlife plenty of space if you want to visit it in its natural environment.
When we headed up north last year, we went to several English Heritage sites along Hadrian's Wall, including Housesteads Fort.
But it's easy to forget that most of the 73 miles of wall are free to access and looked after by various organisations like National Trust and English Heritage.
My top tip if you're heading to one of these free sites and aren't a member is to try to support the location by buying something from the cafe or giving a small donation if you can.
Always follow the countryside code to leave nothing but footprints and take nothing but memories so that these wonderful wildlife havens remain unspoilt for future generations.
With 620,000 acres of land and 780 miles of coast belonging to the National Trust, you're bound to find somewhere to visit not far from your doorstep - and you might not even need to pay a penny to enjoy your local location.
Free summer holiday activites
You don't need to spend a penny to keep your kids entertained this summer...
Museums - Some museums offer free entry to some exhibits, and also host events for kids.
Parks - Head to your local park to enjoy the playgrounds, games areas, courts and splash pads. Some even have trails for kids to enjoy.
Beach - It doesn't have to be sunny to enjoy the beach, you can go rock pooling, crabbing, make sandcastles, or enjoy a walk along the headland.
Library - If the weather is awful, head indoors and borrow books, audiobooks, dvds.
Cooking - Have your own mini bake-off, or Come Dine With Me challenge.
Playdates - Invite friends over for an afternoon of socialising.
Boardgames - Enjoy a little sibling rivalry with rounds of Monopoly or stretch your brain with Scrabble.
The National Trust has also revealed their best free attractions to visit this summer – from sky gardens to 'city oasis' parks.
Plus, these are the National Trust's top family-friendly attractions with fairytale castles and 'book jungles'.
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