10 of England’s best free attractions
Vicky Sartain
The National Gallery, London
Home to the national collection of Western European painting, London’s National Gallery is one of the easiest ways to see some of the finest works of art ever created, under one roof. It’s also one of the grandest buildings in England’s capital, so when you’re not looking at the art, you can admire the spectacular setting.
National Railway Museum, York
One of York’s best-loved museums, the National Railway Museum gathers together over 100 gleaming locomotives to tell the story of England’s railway history. You’ll also find art work, uniforms, and historical footage of the railways in action through time.
Maiden Castle, Dorset
England’s Iron Age heritage is made spectacularly visible at Maiden Castle in Dorchester. Of Iron Age forts, this is the most extensive and complex in Britain. Today you can explore its 6,000 year history, trace its life through the Neolithic and Roman periods and soak up the rich atmosphere of the area.
Imperial War Museum North, Manchester
The grim truths and artefacts of war are brought to light at IWM North, one of the country’s most popular attractions. A host of conflicts are covered, and you’ll find exhibits dealing with military history and civilian experiences of war from World War I to the present day.
www.iwm.org.uk/visits/iwm-north
The New Forest
The New Forest is one of England’s oldest and most extensive areas of woodland. It surrounds a number of charming country towns and villages, and is a top spot for walking, cycling and taking in the scenery. It’s also known for its population of wild ponies, who have lived happily in the forest for hundreds of years, and are a tourist attraction in their own right.
Antony Gormley’s Another Place, Liverpool
Famous for creating the enormous Angel of the North, Antony Gormley’s Another Place is a striking work of public art on Crosby Beach, near Liverpool. It consists of a number of life-sized bronze figures looking out to sea, positioned over a 1km stretch of beach. It’s an iconic, haunting sight.
www.visitliverpool.com/explore/search/another-place-figures-antony-gormley-p160981
Greenwich Park, London
The sweeping green expanse of London’s Greenwich Park is one of the largest, and oldest, areas of parkland in the capital. You can visit the deer in the enclosure, and see the Greenwich Meridian line, the division between the east and west hemispheres. Make sure you check out the view from the top of the park over the city – it’s one of the best you’ll find.
www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/greenwich-park
RAF Museum Cosford, Shropshire
Explore the history of the Royal Air Force and be wowed by the war planes, missiles, and training facilities on show. You’ll find over 70 aircraft here, and be taken through history to see the key role the RAF has played in England’s defence. You’ll also see some of the world’s most exotic aircraft in the research and development collection.
Yorkshire Sculpture Park, near Wakefield
Treat yourself to the great outdoors with a difference. Yorkshire Sculpture Park is a gathering of inspirational works of art in a 500 acre expanse of dramatic northern countryside. You can explore the rural setting and meet spectacular sculptures as you walk – it’s a wonderfully different way to experience art.
Durham Cathedral
Among English cathedrals, Durham is home to one of the most magnificent. Considered one of the finest examples of Norman architecture, it also holds the tomb of The Venerable Bede, one of the earliest English scholars and historians. A real northern icon.
© VisitEngland
