The Best Free Things to Do by Train

If you have more time to spend than money, now is the perfect moment to discover just how many brilliant free days out Britain has to offer

From world-class museums and galleries to peaceful green spaces and quirky hidden gems, you don’t need a lot of cash to make a memorable day of it. Whether you’re planning a family adventure, a relaxed date, or a solo wander somewhere new, there’s plenty to enjoy around Great Britain.

We’ve rounded up some of the best free activities, so you can get out and explore more – and you can reach them all by train.

Don’t forget your Railcard, which can save you 1/3 on rail travel, making your free days out even better value.

Please note that while these attractions, museums and galleries offer free entry, they often kindly ask for a donation if you’re able to contribute.

Free things to do for the family

These perfect family-friendly spots offer space to explore, play and learn together.

Celebrate the past, present and future of the railways at the National Railway Museum, with loads of displays and hands-on activities. Go from York station.

Vauxhall City Farm is a brilliant inner-city escape where children can meet animals and learn about farming, right in central London. Go from Vauxhall station.

For nature-loving families, the WWF and Forestry England have created a whole host of Feel Good Forest Trails, to encourage outdoor exploration and simple wellbeing activities.

Free things to do for couples

If you’re after some relaxed wandering and scenic views, these spots are ideal for spending quality time together.

Brighton Pier and the Promenade are perfect for a seaside wander. Read more on our Visit Brighton by Train page. Go from Brighton station.

Soak up panoramic city views while you enjoy the lush greenery of London’s Sky Garden, the capital's highest public garden. Go from London Fenchurch Street station.

Stroll through history in the medieval market town of Stratford-upon-Avon, Shakespeare’s hometown. Go from Stratford-upon-Avon station.

The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh offers peaceful paths and beautiful greenery, minutes from the city centre. Read more on our Visit Edinburgh by Train page. Go from Edinburgh station.

Free unusual and quirky things to do

For something a little different, these places are guaranteed conversation-starters.

God’s Own Junkyard in East London is a great place to start, with its neon-filled wonderland of signs and art. Go from Wood Street station.

Visit The Smallest House in Great Britain in Conwy, Wales – it’s just 1.83 metres wide, 3.10 metres high and 3.05 metres deep. Go from Conwy station.

Wander through the graffiti-covered Leake Street Arches, directly underneath London Waterloo station.

Explore science, medicine and humanity at the fascinating Wellcome Collection. Go from London Euston station.

For more weird and wonderful ideas, check out our 7 Unusual Things to See and Do in Britain by Train page.

Free historic and cultural things to do

Step back in time with Britain’s rich history – and it won’t cost a thing.

Leicester Cathedral offers history and reflection, and is also the burial place of King Richard III. Read more on our Visit Leicester by Train page. Go from Leicester station.

The British Museum is a must-see, housing treasures from across the world. Go from Tottenham Court Road (Elizabeth line) station.

Abbey Gardens in Bury St Edmunds combine beautiful ruins with peaceful green space. Go from Bury St Edmonds station.

Join the Mayor of Bath’s Honorary Guides for free walking tours of the city. Go from Bath Spa station.

Discover Anglo-Saxon history at the royal burial site of Sutton Hoo. Go from Melton (Suffolk) station.

Free artistic and creative things to do

For art lovers, Britain’s free galleries are hard to beat.

Explore modern and classic works at Tate Modern, Tate Britain, Tate St Ives and Tate Liverpool. Go from London Blackfriars station, Vauxhall station, St Ives (Cornwall) station and Liverpool James Street station.

Kettle’s Yard in Cambridge offers a unique blend of art and home, while the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford, Nottingham Contemporary and the Turner Contemporary in Margate showcase inspiring collections. Go from Cambridge station, Oxford station, Nottingham station and Margate station.

Take a self-guided Banksy walking tour in Bristol to spot iconic street art. Go from Bristol Temple Meads station.

Free things to do in the Great Outdoors

Get out and about for fresh air, big views and peaceful walks.

Enjoy elevated views at the ‘sky garden’ of Manchester’s Castlefield Viaduct. Read more on our Visit Manchester by Train page. Go from Deansgate station.

Walk the waterside paths of the Cardiff Bay Trail, including the 140 metre-long Pont y Werin (People’s Bridge). Read more on our Visit Cardiff by Train page. Go from Cardiff Bay station.

Explore wildlife at Filey Dams Nature Reserve. Go from Filey station.

The Little Venice to Camden walk is a gentle canal-side stroll through London. Go from London Paddington station.

For something extra special, seek out The Best Places for Dark Skies and Stargazing or try Nature Bathing by Train.