National Lottery Open Week Unlocks Free Access to Top UK Attractions
Hundreds of venues across the United Kingdom, funded by the National Lottery, are set to provide free entry and discounted tickets this spring during the annual National Lottery Open Week. From 7 to 15 March 2026, individuals possessing any National Lottery ticket, scratch card, or Instant Win Game will gain special access to some of the nation's premier attractions, offering a unique opportunity for affordable days out.
Wide-Ranging Participating Venues and Experiences
The initiative, now in its ninth consecutive year, encompasses a diverse array of national institutions and local projects. Highlights include free entry to Cornwall's Eden Project from 7 to 15 March, as well as discounted tours and talks at landmarks such as HMS Belfast in London and Edinburgh Zoo in Scotland. Properties managed by major heritage organisations, including the National Trust, National Trust for Scotland, English Heritage, and Historic Royal Palaces, will also participate by opening their doors with reduced or waived fees.
Further notable offerings feature access to the Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland and exclusive tours of BBC Studios at Alexandra Palace in London. For those seeking active experiences, options include sessions at the Halifax Wheelchair Rugby League Club and the Sport Wales National Centre. Creative community projects are available too, such as circus skills workshops with Generation Circus in Hertfordshire and singing activities with the Manchester Wellbeing Choir.
Impact and Statements from Organisers
According to the National Lottery, players contribute approximately £32 million weekly to support good causes, funding these cultural and community initiatives. Darren Henley, Chief Executive of Arts Council England and Chair of the National Lottery Forum, emphasised the broader value of participation. He stated, "This year, we're inviting everyone to see a National Lottery ticket as more than just a chance to win. It's a passport to discovery, unlocking joy, opportunity, and possibility in communities across the UK. From the nation's most-loved museums and heritage sites to grassroots projects and hidden local gems, every ticket helps create something extraordinary. National Lottery Open Week is our way of saying thank you to the players who make this possible."
The event underscores the National Lottery's role in fostering accessibility to arts, heritage, and sports, while celebrating the contributions of its players to societal enrichment.
