Directory of Free Stuff
Some of the free entry places in England that you can
visit without paying for a ticket – all you need is the knowledge
English Free Entry Attractions, Heritage Sites, Events,
Museums, Galleries. Listed by County.
Do Free Stuff in Leicestershire - Midlands - England
Places in Leicestershire where you don't have to pay to have fun.
Free Entry, Museums, Galleries, Country Parks and Visitor Attractions.
This is your Leicestershire freebie page.
Abbey Pumping Station
Corporation Road, Abbey Lane
Leicester, Leicestershire, LE4 5PX
Open Apr to Sept: Mon - Sat 1000 - 1700,
Sun 1300 - 1700
Oct to Mar: Mon - Sat 1000 - 1600,
Sun 1300 - 1600
Closed Dec 24, 25, 26, 31 and Jan 1
Admission is free.
MAP
Tel: 0116 299 5111
Fax: 0116 299 5125
Beacon Hill Country Park Near Woodhouse Eves, Loughborough, Leicestershire
Just to the south of Loughborough this free entry country park, with a car
parking charge (£1-50p in 2008), is part of The National Forest.
Consisting of heathland and woods, with the second highest point in Leicestershire
having great views. The summit toposcope, located above ancient earthworks, indicates
landmarks in all directions.
MAP
Tel: 01509 890048
Belgrave Hall
Church Road, Belgrave
Leicester, Leicestershire, LE4 5PE
Open Apr to Sept: Mon-Sat 1000-1700,
Sun 1300-1700
Oct to Mar: Mon-Sat 1000-1600, Sun 1300-1600
Closed Dec 24th, 25th, 26th, 31st & January 1st
Belgrave Hall provides an oasis of peace and quiet in a busy city. The Hall was built between 1709 and 1713. Today, Belgrave Hall is a thriving museum where the visitor can discover the contrasting lifestyles of an upper middle class family and domestic servants in the Victorian and Georgian Room settings and beautiful walled botanic gardens. The Victorian Nursery, family music room and 18th century kitchen allow the visitor to step back in time.
During 1999 the Hall became famous for its ghostly goings-on and over the years there have been a number of unexplained paranormal events
Admission is free.
MAP
Tel: 0116 266 6590
Fax: 0116 261 3063
Bradgate Country Park,
(Northwest of) Leicester, Leicestershire
FREE entry but Parking Charge
Entrances with car parking at:
Newton Linford MAP to car park
Cropston - Hallgates MAP to car park
Hunt's Hill - Old John MAP to car park
Bradgate Country Park is probably Leicestershire's most visited country park.
With extensive areas of small woodlands, ancient trees, rocky outcrops and all
this with the chance of seeing herds of fallow or red deer too!
Ruins of Bradgate and Old John Tower.
Originally the area was a medieval and Royal Tudor hunting park.
Open daily for foot passengers.
Tel: 0116 236 2713
Brocks Hill Country Park and Visitors Centre
Washbrook Lane, Oadby, Leicester
LE2 5JJ
Off the B582 - MAP
Over 65 acres of country park with arboretum, play area, on-site cafe and
large car park.
Environment centre demonstrating solar and wind power.
Photovoltaics explained! - The water cycle explained, including the journey
from rain to sewage treatment.
FREE entry - self guided tour.
Opening times:
Mon to Fri 10.00 to 17.00 - Sat, Sun and Bank Hols 10.00 to 16.00
Tel:0116 2572888
Burrough Hill Country Park,
Burrough on the Hill, (south of) Melton Mowbray,
Leicestershire
The site of an Iron Age Hill Fort. Toposcope showing landmarks over eastern
Leicestershire.
Marked footpaths
Free access - Car Parking Charge Applies
MAP
Castle Donington Museum,
The Stone House, 4 Apiary Gate,
Castle Donington,
Leicestershire DE74 2JA
Castle Donington Museum is housed in a 17th century farm building. With outdoor
and indoor exhibits since 2004. The museum tells the story of the area since
prehistoric times.
Open from Easter Sunday to the end of September
Saturdays -
09.30 to 12.00
Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays -
14.00 to 16.30
May Day -
09.30 to 15.30
Tel: 01332 810712
Parties by Appointment - Please Phone 01332 810719
FREE ADMISSION - donations welcome
MAP
Castle Donington Museum is a Registered Museum, No. 1058715
and a member of Leicestershire Museum Forum. Registered Charity Registration
No.1058715
Charnwood Museum
Queen's Hall, Granby Street
Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 3DU
Close to the Grand Union Canal, Loughborough Basin.
Situated in the pleasant Queen's Park, Charnwood Museum features permanent
exhibitions that have been grouped into four areas: 'Coming to Charnwood', 'The
Natural World of Charnwood', 'Living off the Land' and 'Earning a Living'. Each
contain exhibits from the past and present including interactive displays.
Mon to Sat 1000 - 1630
Sun 1400 - 1700
Admission is free.
Tel: 01509 233754
Fax: 01509 268140
Visit Website
MAP
Donisthorpe Woodland Park, Church Street, Donisthorpe, North West Leicestershire
A 36-hectare former colliery site in The National Forest where there are 20
hectares of mixed woodland and 3km (1.85 miles) of stone-surfaced paths, which
are suitable for all users. There are links to the 6km (3.7 miles) Ashby Woulds
Heritage Trail and Moira Furnace along the towpath of the restored Ashby Canal.
Admission - Free
Open -
October to March Daily 09.00 to 16.00
April-September Daily 09.00 to 19.00
Pedestrian Access Anytime
Map
Picnic Area Way-marked walks and cycle trails
Parking: available at Donisthorpe Miners' Welfare
Tel: 01530 278 444
Email: countryparks@leics.gov.uk
Ferrers Centre for Arts & Crafts
Staunton Harold, Ashby de la Zouch
Leicestershire, LE65 1RU
Situated within an original Georgian stable block, amidst beautiful countryside,
houses a thriving community of crafts people. 16 studios operate around an exhibition
and demonstration area within the courtyard, with direct access to the public.
Open all year
Admission is free.
MAP
Tel: 01332 965 408
Fax: 01332 965 408
Foxton Locks, Grand Union Canal,
Market Harborough LE16 7RA
Admission to Foxton Locks is FREE but visitor attractions in the vicinity
may charge admission.
Foxton Locks are managed by British Waterways and is part of the working canal
system. Please take care around water. There are 10 locks where you can watch
canal narrowboats and cruisers passing through daily.
There is the Foxton Canal Museum (charge applies), Foxton Boat (Trip Boat)
Services (charges apply), pubs and refreshments.
There is a country park close by and Foxton Inclined Plane
Ideal for picnics and exercise
See www.CanalCuttings.co.uk/Foxton-locks
MAP
Open all year - 24/7
Tel: BW - 01908 302500
Gas Museum, National Gas Museum Trust, 195 Aylestone Road, Leicester LE2 7QJ
The largest museum in the world to do with gas! Gas appliances and equipment.
Even a gas radio!
Free admission
Open Tues to Thurs from 12.00 to 16.30 only
MAP
Guru Nanak Sikh Museum,
9 Holy Bones, Leicester LE1 4LB
Tel: 0116 262 8606 of opening times.
Free to enter
The first registered Sikh museum in the UK with permanent displays of models
of major Sikh shrines, paintings illustrating Sikh culture, manuscripts, coins,
photographs. Details of Sikh army officers who fought for Britain in two world
wars.
MAP
Hallaton Museum
Hog Lane, Hallaton
Market Harborough,
Leicestershire, LE16 8UE
Open 12 Apr-31 Oct, Sat, Sun,
Bank holiday, 1430-1700
MAP
Admission is free.
Harborough Museum
Council Offices, Adam & Eve Street
Market Harborough
Leicestershire, LE16 7AG
Housed in the old corset factory in the centre of Market Harborough, the
Museum illustrates Market Harborough's role as a market, social and hunting centre
and a stagecoach post. Boot and shoemakers workshop. 17th century toys and much
more.
Displays also include: Symington Corsets, including the world famous 'liberty
bodice' - Symington Soups, Table Creams and Pea Flour - Local archaeology finds.
OPEN TO OCTOBER 2008 - Closed for refurbishment until Spring 2009
Open Mon to Sat 1000 - 1630
Sun 1400 - 1700
Admission is free.
MAP
Tel: 01858 821085
Fax: 01858 821086
Visit Website
Hough Windmill, St Georges Hill, Swannington, Leicestershire
Hough Windmill is a partially restored tower windmill. The brick built mill has machinery on show, artifacts, models and hands-on exhibits.
A great picnic spot close to Swannington Common.
Open April to end of September Sundays and Bank Holidays only 1400- 1700
Admission free (donations welcome)
OS Grid: SK 410171
MAP
Tel: 01530 832704
Web: www.swannington-heritage.co.uk
Leicester Royal Infirmary: History Museum
Knighton Street
Leicester
Leicestershire
Open all year , Wed, 1200-1400.
Admission is free.
MAP
Tel: 0116 254 1414
Loughborough Carillon and War Memorial Museum,
Within Queen's Park, Loughborough,
Leicestershire
The first grand carillon in Britain. Home of a Museum of the Armed Forces.
A carillon is a stationary set of chromatically tuned bells in a tower, usually
played from a keyboard. The keyboard for the Loughborough Carillon is on the
third level floor, just below the bells.
Free admission to the Museum ground floor but a small charge to visit the
upper floors or climb the 138 steps to the top of the tower (60p - 2008), where
there are great views of the Charnwood Forest. Concessions FREE.
Entrance to the two upper rooms of the War Memorial Museum, the first being
dedicated primarily to the Leicestershire Yeomanry, are dependant on there being
two volunteers in station.
Open to the public every day from Good Friday to the 30th September.
Sun, Mon, Tues, Wed and Fri 13.00 to 16.30
Thurs and Sat 10.00 to 16.30
MAP
Recitals: Thursday at 13.00 and on other days as per programme - Tel: 01509
263370
Lutterworth Museum
Wycliffe House, Gilmorton Road
Lutterworth, Leicestershire, LE17 4DY
Open 1 March - 30 October, Monday, Thursday to Saturday, 10.00 - 16.00
Admission is free.
MAP
Tel: 01455 555585
The Manor House at Donington-Le-Heath
Donington-Le-Heath, Coalville
Leicestershire, LE67 2FW
A Manor House dating back to 1280. The mainly 17th century house has a fascinating
history and is now restored with fine oak furnishings. The surrounding grounds
have a period herb garden and an orchard. The adjoining stone barn houses a tempting
tea room.
March - November: 11.00 - 16.00
December, January & February open weekends only 11.00 - 16.00
Admission is free.
MAP
Tel: 01530 831 259
Fax: 01530 831 259
Visit Website
Melton Carnegie Museum
Thorpe End, Melton Mowbray
Leicestershire, LE13 1RB
The history of the surrounding area is explored through the social, economic
and artistic development of the town, from pre history to date and includes displays
featuring its famous food industries as well as references to the market and
other trades. The Museum is situated at the eastern end of this thriving market
town renowned world wide as a centre for pork pie and 'the King of English cheeses'
- Stilton.
What is stilton cheese? Where is stilton cheese made?
Open daily 10.00 - 16.30
Admission is free.
MAP
Tel: 01664 569946
Fax: 01664 564060
Visit Website
Newarke Houses Museum
The Newarke, Leicester
Leicestershire, LE2 7BY
Newarke Houses Museum incorporates the Museum of The Royal Leicestershire
Regiment - 'The Tigers'.
The museum is about the citizens of Leicester. Toys and growing up in Leicester.
You can also experience a WWI trench from the Western Front.
Take time out to visit the formal gardens.
Opening Hours: 1 Apr - 30 Sep, Mon - Sat, 10.00 - 17.00,
Sun, 11.00 - 17.00
Closed 24, 25, 26 Dec, 1 Jan.
Admission is free.
MAP
Tel: 0116 247 3222
Fax: 0116 247 0403
New Walk Museum and Art Gallery,
New Walk, Leicester LE1 7EA
Free Admission Museum
2008 - A major refurbishment programme of the main entrance hall gallery is
being undertaken The rest of the museum is fully open with galleries for art,
ancient Egypt, bio-diversity, natural history and geology.
Open: Mon to Sat 10.00 - 17.00 and Sun 11.00 - 17.00
MAP
Tel: 0116 225 4927
Oakthorpe Colliery Picnic Site, Ashby Road, Oakthorpe, North West Leicestershire
A six-hectare former colliery site in The National Forest which has areas
of naturally-regenerated woodland, as well as planting with new native woodland.
There are open grass areas, managed for wild flowers, and surfaced paths, which
are suitable for all users.
There is access to the 40-hectare Willesley Wood managed by the Woodland Trust.
Admission - Free
Open October to March Daily 09.00 to 16.00
April to September Daily 0900 to 19.00
Pedestrian Access Anytime
Map
Picnic Area
Access
Wheelchair users will need assistance in some places.
Facilities
Parking
The car park entrance has a height restriction barrier of 2 metres.
Tel: 01530 278444
Old Rectory Museum
Rectory Place, Loughborough
Leicestershire, LE11 1UW
Open 3 Apr - 30 Oct, Sat 1000 to 1600
Admission is free.
MAP
Tel: 01509 843297
University of Leicester Botanic
Gardens Glebe Road, Oadby, Leicester LE2
2NE
Free entry except special events.
16 acres of botanical gardens, including glasshouses pond, water garden, woodland
and borders.
Home of the award winning Fibonacci Pavements - based on the series of numbers
forming the mathematical basis for spirals and patterns common in nature.
Opening times:
Mid March to Mid November - Monday to Friday ONLY - Rest of the year Daily
10.00 to 16.00
MAP
Tel: 0116 2712933
Watermead Country Park, Birstall, Syston, Leicester, Leicestershire
Free Entry
 Access to the Grand Union Canal and River Soar - Nature reserve
with bird hides by reedbeds. Lakes - Woodland walks.
Wildfowl refuge.
Pay and display car parking (£1-50p - 2008)
MAP
William Carey Museum
Central Baptist Church
Charles Street, Leicester
Leicestershire, LE1 1LA
Open by appointment only.
Admission is free.
MAP
Tel: 0116 255 4013
Send Email
Woodhouse Eaves Windmill, Windmill Hill, Woodhouse Eaves, Leicestershire LE12 8SR
Windmill Hill is part of the National Forest with way marked paths. The Woodhouse Eaves Windmill is now the viewing platform for the Country Park all that remains is the stone-built 'roundhouse' that was the base of a former post mill that was destroyed by fire in 1945.
OS GRid: SK 823142
Country Park open all year - exterior with interpretive boards.
Viewing platform (Roundhouse) open May to September, Sundays only 0900 - 1600
Tel: 01509 890048
MAP
Admission free (car parking charge applies)
Wymondham Windmill, Butt Lane, Wymondham, Leicestershire LE14 2BU
A rare 6 sailed, 5 story, windmill, partially restored.
Wymondham Windmill has a tea-room and woodland trails.
OS Grid: SK 850192
MAP
Various family events throughout the summer.
Admission and Parking free
Open: Easter to October. Tuesday to Sunday and Bank Holidays. 1100 - 1500
Tel: 01572 787304
Web: www.wymondhamwindmill.co.uk
Below this line, in the grey area, we are adding alternative days out to the free listings that DoFreeStuff is renowned for. This is to help you plan your family days out. The attractions listed below make a charge for admission!
Map of the counties of England CLICK
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Every effort has been made to make sure that the information contained
in this Directory is accurate. Do be aware, however, that conditions of
entry etc. can change at short notice and that telephone numbers and personalities
may change also.
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