Top Family-Friendly Attractions in Ireland & England That Won’t Break the Bank
Travelling as a family can be unforgettable — but it doesn't have to be expensive. From free museums to scenic parks and smart seasonal events, the UK and Ireland are packed with budget-friendly experiences that delight kids and adults alike. Below are ideas for days out that make great add-ons to your holiday itinerary, especially when paired with packaged deals in your holiday planning article.
🌳 Free & Low-Cost Parks, Forests & Outdoor Spaces
Ireland's Natural Wonders
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Phoenix Park, Dublin – One of Europe's largest city parks, complete with deer herds, playgrounds and picnic spots — perfect for an easy, free day out.
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Lough Boora Discovery Park, Offaly – 2,000 hectares of rehabilitated boglands with walking trails and picnic areas — wonderful for kids to run free.
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Pollardstown Fen, Co. Kildare – A peaceful nature reserve with boardwalks and birdlife — great for an educational and free outdoor adventure.
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Glencar Waterfall, Co. Leitrim – A stunning waterfall in lush surroundings, perfect for photos and nature walks.
England's Great Green Spaces
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Sherwood Pines Forest Park – Named among England's best free outdoor attractions, it offers forest trails, play areas and picnic spots that suit all ages.
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Wicksteed Park, Kettering – Free entry parkland with ride options at low cost; it's like a mini theme park without the hefty admission.
🖼️ Free & Low-Cost Museums & Cultural Spots
Ireland
Ireland's cities and towns are home to many museums with free entry — perfect for rainy days or educational stops:
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Ulster Museum, Belfast — Vast history, art and natural science collections, with free access.
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National Craft Gallery, Kilkenny — Contemporary craft exhibitions; great for creative inspiration.
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Natural History Museum ("Dead Zoo"), Dublin — A fascinating family-friendly museum with extensive animal exhibits.
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Chester Beatty Library, Dublin Castle — World cultures and art in a beautiful setting — also free.
England
Many cities offer excellent low-cost museums:
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Major museums like the British Museum or Science Museum in London have free entry (donations welcome).
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Regional museums such as the National Railway Museum in York also offer free admission and engaging exhibits.
👉 These museums pair perfectly with packaged holiday deals to London or major cities — adding culture without adding to the budget.
Tip: Check out The London Pass from AttractionTix, which provides London Attraction passes for 1-10 days
🏖️ Beaches & Seaside Fun
The UK & Ireland boast stunning coastlines where kids can explore for free:
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Howth Cliff Walk, Co. Dublin – A scenic seaside stroll with views, picnic spots, and seals in the harbour.
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Various Irish and English beaches – Consider family-friendly spots like Bournemouth, Cornwall beaches, or Donegal coastlines for endless free fun and swimming. These are often within reach of budget beach breaks.
🎉 Seasonal Events & Experiences for Kids
Heritage Open Days (England)
Each September, Heritage Open Days opens thousands of historic sites — including castles, gardens and hidden gems — for free across England. Families can experience history with no entry fee.
Local Council & Summer Events
Many local councils and arts groups offer free outdoor theatre, workshops and kids' weeks during summer and school breaks — perfect for families on holiday
🎫 Discount Passes That Stretch Your Budget
National Trust & Merlin Pass (UK)
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National Trust runs experiences across England, Wales and Northern Ireland — from gardens to woodlands to historic homes — and occasionally offers free or discounted passes, meaning families can visit many attractions under one membership.
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The Merlin Annual Pass gives access to multiple major attractions (e.g., SEA LIFE centres, LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre, and more) — an excellent deal if you're booking a multi-day UK stay. Family discounts and promotional packs often offer significant savings.
🎒 Final Tips for Budget Family Fun
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Pack picnics to save on meals at the park or beach.
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Check seasonal events calendars before travel to snag cheap or free experiences.
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Book passes in advance to maximise savings when planning your trip.
Tip: Check out lastminute.com for Ireland and England attraction tickets and passes
