How to get free access to hundreds of National Trust properties next month with just a lottery ticket
This March, people will be able to visit hundreds of National Trust properties and National Lottery-funded venues across the UK for free - and all you need is a lottery ticket. It's part of National Lottery Open Week taking place from 15-23 March.
The open week is held to say thank you for the £30m raised for good causes every week by National Lottery players - and to encourage people to say yes to new experiences. In 2024, over 500 National Lottery funded venues across the UK said thank you to The National Lottery players by offering free and low-cost days out.
All visitors will need to unlock the offer is any retail or online National Lottery ticket, scratchcard or Instant Win Game. The date of draw or purchase of the ticket isn't relevant.
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Highlights this year include a special preview of The Penguin Lessons starring Steve Coogan on Monday 17 March at over 100 independent cinemas across the UK as part of BFI Escapes.
Families can also visit the last surviving seaside Victorian glasshouse before restoration begins at The Winter Gardens in Blackpool. Hard hat tours are available on Saturday 15 March, to hear more about plans for the restoration.
Dozens of venues will be taking part across the North West as part of the open week, perfect for a day out in the spring. Various National Trust properties are taking part with visitors able to get free entry with a lottery ticket.
National Trust sites near Greater Manchester include Dunham Massey, Hare Hill and Lyme Park in Cheshire, as well as Quarry Bank Mill.
Some of the other venues taking part in the North West are the British Commercial Vehicle Museum Trust with 20% of entrance tickets; Lancaster Maritime Museum; Castlefield Gallery; and Open Eye Gallery, amongst others.
Darren Henley, Chief Executive of Arts Council England and Chair of the National Lottery Forum said: "National Lottery Open Week is a chance to get outside and explore the UK's rich history, stunning landscapes and vibrant culture through free and low-cost days out.
"We're thrilled to bring back National Lottery Open Week for another year, it's our way of thanking National Lottery players who raise £30 million every week for Good Causes, supporting vital projects in arts, sports, heritage, and communities nationwide.'
Visit the National Lottery website for more details on the open week here.
The National Lottery Open Week is a way for National Lottery funded venues to say thank you to the players for the £30 million raised for Good Causes every week, by offering free entry, discounts and special offers.
You will just have to present one lottery ticket per person at the venue or activity of choice.
Use any retail or online National Lottery ticket, including Lotto, EuroMillions, Set 4 Life and Thunderball or National Lottery Scratchcard or Instant Win Games, for special offers at selected attractions between 15-23 March, 2025.
Some venues will be busier than others and have capacity limits so it is worth checking off-peak times beforehand.
You will need to present a lottery card or scratch card at the entrance to participating venues, but it is one per person.
It can be digital or physical format, and if you have an old ticket this can be used too. Options online include the Instant Win ticket on the National Lottery Website and app.
This will depend on the venue, but you can find the specific rules by looking at the full venues list here and scrolling down.
Once you click on a location it will tell you if booking is required and the terms and conditions,
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