New research reveals just how much the public enjoys a great day out – an inquisitive 78% of adults are keen to travel the UK to visit places they haven’t seen before.
The research was commissioned to celebrate The National Lottery Open Week which is running until 27 March and sees venues and attractions around the UK offer free entry and special offers as a thank you to National Lottery players for the £30 million raised every week for good causes.
Over half of adults also say they turn to venue experts for insider knowledge during trips out. With this in mind, The National Lottery has created The Insider’s Guide to The National Lottery Open Week, offering insider tips and info on the venues taking part in the initiative. From where to spot rare wildlife on a reserve, to favourite film & TV locations, through to historic facts and the best attractions to take dogs - the Insider’s Guide to The National Lottery Open Week provides inspiration for all types of days out…
For film and TV lovers, Rosie Holmes, Assistant Learning Producer at Hampton Court Place in London – which is offering a 10% discount offer its shops and cafés – reveals her insider tip for visiting this Open Week: “The former home of King Henry VIII, Hampton Court Palace doubles as the opulent residence of Queen Charlotte in Netflix’s popular period drama Bridgerton. Sweeping shots of the outer courtyard can be seen in the opening scenes of series one when the carriages arrive for Queen Charlotte's Ball.”
For those fascinated by history’s mysteries, Tour guide Erfyl Parry reveals some insider knowledge about Cardiff Castle. Those visiting this Open Week can enjoy half-price tickets until the 25th March: “The iconic clock tower was built in the late 1800s for the 3rd Marquess of Bute and contains some of the most elaborately decorated rooms in the whole Castle. Although it was originally intended as a Victorian bachelor pad for the young Marquess to enjoy, he was married before the suite of rooms was finished.”
For fitness fans, dancer Marios Ento-Engkolo reveals his top tip for visiting Dance Base in Edinburgh this Open Week , where people can enjoy discounted classes between 21st-26th March: “Anyone lucky enough to dance in The Principal Studio can enjoy a great view of Edinburgh Castle and the sky above thanks to its generous glass roof.”
For those interested in learning more about Britain’s finest inventions, Ryan Saunders, Front of House expert at Brunel’s SS Great Britain in Bristol – where people can enjoy free pre-booked afternoon entry – reveals insider knowledge and his top tip for visiting this Open Week: “Brunel’s SS Great Britain was the world's first ship to have the title ocean liner, first crossing the Atlantic Ocean in 1845. I recommend taking your time going around and enjoy exploring every cabin and deck. We pride ourselves on being a hands-on museum, so we encourage families to try sitting in the dining saloon and the bunk beds in steerage!”
Want to know more about saving species? Claire Freeburn, experience manager at RSPB Saltholme nature reserve, reveals some insider knowledge and her top tip for visiting this Open Week where visitors can enjoy free entry: “RSPB Saltholme is home to one of the UK’s largest inland breeding colonies of common tern which arrive each spring to nest on the on the cockleshell-covered islands in our open pools. Nature-lovers should visit the hides to get up close and watch.”
For those looking for a pawsome day out, local expert Siobhan Falkous reveals her insider knowledge and top tips for visiting Seaton Delaval Hall – which if offering free entry – this Open Week: “Expect the unexpected! Seaton Delaval Hall was a place known for its creativity, theatricality, mischief Check out the installations on site that celebrate Delaval-style fun, flamboyance and creativity.”
For history buffs, Visitor Services Assistant Jill Kirkwood reveals some insider knowledge for those enjoying free entry at Pollok House this Open Week: “Check out the view from the house due south across the White Cart River. Up until 1752, the tiny village of Polloktoun stood there – home of the infamous witches of Pollok. Many people are unaware a major witch-trial centred on the estate in 1677 which resulted in five executions.”
Want to get closer to where the stars came from? Phil McGowan, Museum Curator at the World Rugby Museum in London, reveals some insider knowledge for making the most of two for one entry at the World Rugby Museum this Open Week: “We have items from international rugby players from nations across the world. Don’t miss the ball that Jonny Wilkinson kicked to win the Rugby World Cup in 2003 or the touch flag from the first game at Murrayfield in 1925.”
National Lottery players can visit nationallotteryopenweek.com to find the Insider’s Guide to Open Week, special offers and free entry from National Lottery funded venues to say #Thankstoyou for the £30m they raise for good causes each week.
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