Tourist Attractions and Days Out Across the UK
A day out can be a chance to explore somewhere new, enjoy time together or take a break from everyday worries. From famous landmarks and historic places to gardens, museums and coastal walks, this guide helps you find ideas across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Choose somewhere that suits you
Choose somewhere that suits your budget, interests and access needs. Check the attraction's own website before travelling or booking.
Find attractions by location
England
Explore city attractions, countryside, seaside destinations, historic places and family days out through VisitEngland.
Scotland
Use VisitScotland to explore places to go, things to do and travel planning.
For historic attractions and places to visit, explore Historic Environment Scotland.
Wales
Explore destinations, family activities and outdoor or indoor ideas through Visit Wales.
For castles and historic places in Cadw's care, use Cadw.
Northern Ireland
Use Discover Northern Ireland to explore attractions, activities and places to visit.
London landmarks and sightseeing
London Eye
Check the official website for tickets, opening times, directions and accessibility information.
Tower Bridge
Explore the official website for visiting information, tickets and access arrangements.
Tower of London
Find official information about visiting, tickets and planning your day through Historic Royal Palaces.
Check which attraction you want
Tower Bridge and the Tower of London are different attractions. Check that you are booking the one you want.
Explore London's official visitor guide for sightseeing and things to do: Visit London.
Historic houses, castles and gardens
If you enjoy history, architecture, gardens or grounds, these organisations can help you find places to explore:
Check each individual site's opening arrangements, admission, parking and access information. Membership benefits differ, and some events or attractions may have separate charges.
Free and affordable days out
Look for local parks, public gardens, promenades, viewpoints and museums or galleries offering free general admission.
Before travelling, check whether you need to book a free ticket and whether temporary exhibitions, parking or activities cost extra.
Ways to manage the cost:
- Compare the full cost of entry, travel, parking and food.
- Ask about family, concession or companion tickets.
- Check whether bringing a picnic is allowed.
- Consider a nearby attraction to reduce travel costs.
- Compare membership or passes with the visits you realistically expect to make.
- Read the terms of offers before paying.
A free attraction can still involve travel or parking costs. Choose what is manageable for you.
Family days out
Consider museums, discovery centres, historic attractions, gardens, beaches and activity venues.
Before booking, check:
- Whether the attraction suits the children's ages.
- Height, age or supervision restrictions for activities.
- Pushchair access, baby-changing facilities and places to rest.
- Whether children's activities need separate tickets.
- Food options and permission to bring your own.
- How long the visit is likely to take.
Plan around your family's needs rather than trying to fit too much into one day.
Indoor attractions and rainy-day options
Museums, galleries, historic interiors and indoor visitor attractions can offer alternatives when the weather changes.
Check whether the whole attraction is indoors. Some visits still involve outdoor queues, walks between buildings or exposed areas.
Keep a backup plan if your first choice depends on the weather.
Countryside, coast and outdoor attractions
Explore parks, gardens, coastlines and scenic places. National Parks UKcan help you find information about the UK's national parks.
Check the route length, surface, gradients, weather and facilities before setting out. A short route is not necessarily step-free or suitable for every mobility aid.
Follow local signs and current visitor advice.
Accessibility and support for disabled visitors
“Accessible” does not tell you everything
Check the attraction's detailed access information and contact it about your particular requirements.
Questions to ask:
- Is there step-free access from arrival to the areas I want to visit?
- Are lifts working and suitable for my wheelchair or mobility scooter?
- Are there accessible toilets or a Changing Places toilet?
- How far is it from parking or public transport to the entrance?
- Are there resting places, quieter visiting times or sensory information?
- Can I borrow a wheelchair or use my own mobility scooter?
- Is help available with queues or entering the attraction?
- Are essential companion tickets available, and what evidence is required?
Companion admission policies vary. Confirm the rules before booking; do not assume a disability benefit award or Blue Badge automatically qualifies.
Euan's Guide provides disabled access reviews that can help with planning. Reviews describe individual experiences. Confirm current arrangements directly with the attraction, especially if a particular facility is essential.
Getting there
Check both the outward and return journey before booking.
Consider:
- Public transport timetables and station access.
- Assistance arrangements that need advance booking.
- Accessible parking and local parking restrictions.
- Drop-off points and the distance to the entrance.
- Whether the final connection runs after the attraction closes.
If you rely on equipment, medication or assistance, plan how these will stay available throughout the day.
Booking tickets safely
Start with the attraction's official website.
Before paying, check:
- The date, time and number of visitors.
- Whether the ticket includes everything you want to see.
- Booking fees and optional extras.
- Cancellation, change and refund terms.
- Whether any discount requires evidence.
- Whether the confirmation can be shown on your phone.
For combined tickets, check each attraction's location, booking requirements and validity period. Leave enough time to travel between them.
More help from Sixpence Support UK
Before you set off
Confirm opening times, tickets, transport, weather and any facilities you depend on. Keep your booking details and the attraction's contact information available.
Sixpence Support UK provides ideas and links to visitor information. Prices, opening times and access arrangements can change, so check directly before travelling.