With £32 million raised for good causes every week by players, hundreds of National Lottery-funded venues across the UK are gearing up to say thank you as part of National Lottery Open Week 2026. Returning for its ninth year, players will be offered tickets, tours, talks and exciting things to do in a week-long show of gratitude from national institutions to community champions.
When is National Lottery Open Week & how does it work?
From Saturday 7 – Sunday 15 March 2026, anyone with a National Lottery ticket, Scratchcard or Instant Win Game can unlock a special day out and the chance to explore some of the UK’s best-loved National Lottery-funded venues and attractions.
From Culloden to Cornwall, Belfast to Bury St Edmunds – The National Trust, National Trust for Scotland, English Heritage and Historic Royal Palaces will be throwing open their doors, the RSPB will be wowing birdwatchers, and players can bask in cinematic Escapes nationwide.
Darren Henley, Chief Executive of Arts Council England and Chair of the National Lottery Forum said: “We’re thrilled to bring back National Lottery Open Week 2026! 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. Because of you, an incredible £32 million is raised each week for good causes, which helps fund vital projects in arts, sport, heritage and communities nationwide. Wherever your interests lie, there’s an experience waiting to be unlocked.”
The National Lottery Open Week highlights in and around Greater Manchester include:
Free entry & tours
National Trust sites:
- Biddulph Grange Garden: 7–14 March
- Chirk Castle and Gardens: 7–14 March
- Clumber Park: 7–14 March
- Dunham Massey: 7–14 March
- East Riddlesden Hall: 7–11 & 14 March
- Erddig Hall and Garden: 7–14 March
- Hardwick Hall: 7–13 March
- Hare Hill Gardens: 7–8 & 11–14 March
- Kedleston Hall: 7–13 March
- Little Moreton Hall: 7–8 & 11–14 March
- Nostell: 7–9 & 11–14 March
- Quarry Bank: 7–14 March
- Rufford Old Hall: 7–10 & 13–14 March
- Shugborough Estate: 7–14 March
- Speke Hall: 7–14 March
English Heritage:
- Bolsover Castle: Free entry (7–15 March) and Free tour (11 March).
- Brodsworth Hall and Gardens: Free entry, 7–8 & 11–15 March.
Museums & Galleries:
- Dronfield Heritage Trust: Free entry to ‘Touching The Past’ Exhibition, 5–8 & 12–15 March.
- W.W. Winter Heritage Trust: Free entry to Photography Studio, 12–14 March.
- Yorkshire Sculpture Park: Free entry, 7–8 & 10–13 March.
Specialist Tours & Open Days:
- Bradford African Community (BAC): Open Day free entry, 13–14 March.
- Chetham’s School of Music: Free tour at Stoller Hall, 10 March.
- Guide Dogs Regional Centre North West: Free tour, 12 March.
- The Conservation Volunteers: Free entry, 11–13 March.
- Scropton Riding for the Disabled: Free entry, 7 March.
Food, drink & discounts
Free treats:
- Burnside Centre: Free slice of cake and a warm brew, 9–13 March.
- HOME: Free popcorn, 7–15 March.
- Showroom / Work Station: Free popcorn, 7–15 March.
- The Art House: Free slice of cake, 7 & 9–14 March.
Support & refreshments:
- Holy Trinity Warrington Coffee Bar: Free hot drinks, food, and support, 9, 11, & 13 March.
- St Wilfrids Church Standish: Free tea or coffee, 7 March.
Paid discounts:
- Harewood House: Discount entry for adults and children, 7–8 & 13–15 March.
- Nidderdale Museum: 2-for-1 entry, 14 March.
- Open Eye Gallery: 10% bookshop discount, 7–8 & 10–15 March.
- The Zink Project: Half-price cake and drink, 10–13 March.
Activities & wellbeing
Yorkshire Dance “Dance On” (first session free):
- Beeston / Tinshill: 9 March
- Belle Isle / Greengates / Harehills / Holbeck / Pudsey: 10 March
- Bierley / Denholme / Holme Wood / Ravenscliffe / Seacroft / Shipley / St Peter’s Square: 13 March
Classes & groups:
- Braille IT: Taster sessions (Multiple locations), 10–12 & 14 March.
- De Butterfly: Creative wellbeing sessions, 6, 20, & 27 March.
- Manchester Wellbeing Cancer Choir: Free choir sessions at The Edge, 9–30 March (Mondays).
- MHA Communities Derbyshire Peaks and Dales: “Love to Move” session and refreshments, 10 & 12 March.
- Ready, Steady, Go Parent and Toddler Group: Book one family, bring one free, 13 March.
Sports:
- Halifax Wheelchair Rugby League Club: Free ticket + “Come and Try” session (Various dates April–August 2026).
Other perks:
- RSPB (St Aidan’s & Fairburn Ings): Free parking, 7–15 March.
- Elizabeth Gaskell’s House: Free piece of contemporary writing for visitors, 11–12 & 15 March.
- Community Solutions NW: Free Heritage Talk at Elmfield Hall, 13 March.
You can view all venues and offers that are available throughout The National Lottery Open Week here.