Summer holidays can be tough if you’re on a budget and looking for ways to entertain yourself, your friends or even the whole family.
Fortunately, there are thousands of free events taking place around the UK until September that are educational, entertaining, or both!
From historical trails to galleries and festivals, here are 15 free culture events you can check out this summer.
We’ll tell you what’s true. You can form your own view.
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Visit a museum
There are hundreds of world-renowned museums around the UK that offer a diverting and educational experience for all the family. Whether it’s meeting “Hope”, the blue whale skeleton on display in the Natural History Museum in London, or visiting the National Football Museum in Manchester, there are plenty of free exhibitions running all year round.
Celebrate your love of books
The literacy charity Bookstart puts on thousands of free events for children and young people in libraries and community areas around the UK. You can see what’s currently on offer on their website.
1/23 Toy Story 4
Twenty-four years after the first Toy Story was released, and nine years after the last one, Woody and Buzz Lightyear return for what is expected to be the gang’s last hurrah.
Need-to-know: Annie Potts returns to voice Bo Peep for the first time since Toy Story 2 (1999),
Walt Disney Pictures
2/23 Apollo 11
Breathtaking footage and audio recordings will transport viewers directly into NASA’s 1969 mission that saw astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin embark on a historic trip to the moon.
Need-to-know: The film, from Todd Douglas Miller, features footage that has never been seen before.
Neon
3/23 In Fabric
British director Peter Strickland (The Duke of Burgundy) returns with a chiller following a cursed dress that haunts characters played by Hayley Squires, Marianne Jean Baptiste and Game of Thrones’ Gwendoline Christie.
Need-to-know: Despite making his debut, Katalin Varga, in 2009, Strickland found critical acclaim with the Toby Jones-starring horror film Berberian Sound Studio in 2012.
Curzon Artificial Eye
4/23 Yesterday
What would happen if you woke up one morning and the entire world had forgotten The Beatles? That’s the question this Danny Boyle film – written by Richard Curtis – poses.
Need-to-know: Ed Sheeran and James Corden both cameo in the film that’s led by Himish Patel, the actor best known (until now) for playing Tamwar Masood in EastEnders.
Universal Pictures
5/23 Spider-Man: Far From Home
Following directly on from the devastating events of Avengers: Endgame, new Spider-Man film Far From Home propels Peter Parker (Tom Holland) on a collision course with the seemingly heroic Quentin Beck (Jake Gyllenhaal).
Need-to-know: This film will bring the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s “third phase” to an end, ushering in a new era of superheroes and films.
Sony Pictures Releasing
6/23 Midsommar
Hereditary director Ari Aster’s new horror film Midsommar follows a couple visiting rural Sweden for a mid-summer festival that happens only once every 90 years. Unfortunately for them, they wander into the middle of a pagan cult ritual
Need-to-know: The entire film is rumoured to take place in broad daylight – unusual for a contemporary horror film.
A24
7/23 Vita & Virginia
The love affair between poet Vita Sackville-West and novelist Virginia Woolf is put under the microscope in this new drama adapted by Eileen Atkins and director Chanya Button from the former’s 1992 play Vita & Virginia.
Need-to-know: Eva Green and Andrea Riseborough were both attached to play Woolf before the role eventually went to Debicki.
Thunderbird Releasing
8/23 Stuber
This fun-sounding action comedy follows an uber driver (The Big Sick star Kumail Nanjiani) who must keep his high rating despite his passenger being a detective, played by Dave Bautista, on the hunt for a terrorist. Think Die Hard meets Collateral.
Need-to-know: Although being R-rated in the US, the film is distributed by Disney.
Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
9/23 The Dead Don’t Die
Bill Murray, Adam Driver, Chloë Sevigny and Selena Gomez lead this all-star ensemble comedy from acclaimed filmmaker Jim Jarmusch (Broken Flowers, Paterson).
Need-to-know: This isn’t the first zombie film Bill Murray will star in this year – in October, he’ll play himself (again) in the long-awaited sequel to 2009’s cult comedy Zombieland.
AP
10/23 Pavarotti
Using archive footage and family interviews, this new documentary delves into the life of legendary operatic tenor Luciano Pavarotti.
Need-to-know: This isn’t Ron Howard’s first music documentary. In 2016, he made documentary Eight Days a Week, which looked at the touring years of The Beatles.
HanWay Films
11/23 The Lion King
Disney is hoping to repeat its Jungle Book success with the Jon Favreau-directed Lion King, the latest in a long line of live-action remakes of the studio’s classics.
Need-to-know: Aside from concert film Homecoming, this marks the first big-screen credit since animated fantasy Epic in 2013.
Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
12/23 The Chambermaid
The debut film from Mexican director Lila Avilés follows a chambermaid names Eve as she goes about her daily routine in one of Mexico City’s most prestigious hotels.
Need-to-know: The film is one of the highest-rated films of 2019 on Rotten Tomatoes.
13/23 Animals
Holliday Grainger and Alia Shawkat are best friends who love drink. For most of the movie, in fact, they are intoxicated. However, that changes when one of them gets engaged.
Need-to-know: Director Sophie Hyde’s follow-up to 52 Tuesdays won rave reviews at Sundance earlier this year, with the two central performances being praised across the board.
14/23 Fast & Furious: Hobbs and Shaw
The Rock and Jason Statham return as their Fast & Furious characters Hobbs and Shaw in what will no doubt be a thunderous thrill-ride.
Need-to-know: Idris Elba plays the film’s villain, while Vanessa Kirby and Helen Mirren play Staham’s sister and mother, respectively. And if that’s not enough star power for you, Eddie Marsan, Keanu Reeves, Ryan Reynolds and Kevin Hart are all rumoured to have cameos in the film.
Universal Pictures
15/23 Artemis Fowl
Adapted from Eoin Colfer’s hugely popular novels, Artemis Fowl follows the eponymous child as he attempts to save his criminal father.
Need-to-know: Kenneth Branagh has directed the film, with the script written by Tony Award nominated playwright Conor McPherson. Harvey Weinstein was, at one time, a producer, but was removed following over 40 accusations of sexual harassment.
Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
16/23 Spies in Disguise
Will Smith voices the worlds smoothest super-spy. Whereas James Bond saves the world wearing a tuxedo, Smith’s Lance Sterling does so while disguised as a pigeon.
Need-to-know: Also voicing characters are Tom Holland, Rashida Jones, Karen Gillan, Ben Mendelsohn and Masi Oka. Oh, and DJ Khaled voices someone called Ears.
Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
17/23 Once Upon a Time In Hollywood
Leonardo Di Caprio plays a washed- up, alcoholic actor. Brad Pitt plays Di Caprio’s stunt double. The pair inadvertently get mixed up in the affairs of the Manson Family, with Margot Robbie playing victim Sharon Tate.
Need-to-know: Quentin Tarantino’s ninth film was the talk of Cannes. Not just because of the sheer star-power, but because the director’s story reportedly takes a controversial twist that split those people lucky enough to see the film.
Sony Pictures Releasing
18/23 Transit
Franz Rogowski (who appeared in the break-out one-shot film Victoria) plays Georg, a man on the run. While in Marseille, he assumes the identity of a famous author and, by chance, ends up meeting that writer’s wife and they fall in love.
Need-to-know: The German-language film has already been met with hugely positive reviews, scoring 96 per cent on the reviews aggregate website Rotten Tomatoes.
Curzon Artificial Eye
19/23 Pain & Glory
Antonio Banderas plays a declining Spanish director in Pedro Almodóvar’s Pain & Glory. Throughout the film, he recalls moments from the past, including past lovers, childhood experiences and the discovery of cinema.
Need-to-know: Pain & Glory competed for the Palme d’Or at Cannes and was widely recognised as one of the best films in the competition. Banderas ended up winning the award for Best Actor and his performance has already gained Oscar buzz.
Sony Pictures Releasing
20/23 Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark
A group of uncool teenagers find a book of scary stories that end up coming true. It’s pretty much that simple.
Need-to-know: While the premise may not exactly be groundbreaking, the behind-the-camera team is enough to excite any horror aficionado. Directed by André Øvredal (Trollhunter), Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark is produced by Oscar winner Guillermo del Toro (Blade 2, Hellboy) and J Miles Dale (who produced The Shape of Water).
Entertainment One
21/23 The Souvenir
Joanna Hogg made the jump from television dramas to feature films in 2008 with the critically acclaimed Unrelated, featuring a pre-Loki Tom Hiddleston. Her next film, The Souvenir, has been met with equal praise. Starring Tilda Swinton, Richard Ayoade and Tom Burke, the film focusses on England’s upper class in the 80s.
Need-to-know: Critics have poured adoration on The Souvenir, a sequel for which has already begun filming, with Robert Pattinson joining the cast.
Curzon Artificial Eye
22/23 It: Chapter Two
Pennywise the Clown returns for round two with The Losers Club. Only, this time, they’re not only ready, but 27 years older. Jessica Chastain, James McAvoy and Bill Hader play older versions of the club’s members.
Need-to-know: It: Chapter One was a box-office sensation, and Chapter Two looks to achieve the same. While the film may focus on the grown-ups, the teenagers from the first film all return in flashbacks.
Warner Bros Pictures
23/23 Downton Abbey
Taking place after the events of the television series, the Downton Abbey film centres on King George V and Queen Mary visiting the estate.
Need-to-know: Nearly all the regular cast members are returning from the main series. Additional faces include Imelda Staunton, Simon Jones and Tuppence Middleton.
Focus Features
1/23 Toy Story 4
Twenty-four years after the first Toy Story was released, and nine years after the last one, Woody and Buzz Lightyear return for what is expected to be the gang’s last hurrah.
Need-to-know: Annie Potts returns to voice Bo Peep for the first time since Toy Story 2 (1999),
Walt Disney Pictures
2/23 Apollo 11
Breathtaking footage and audio recordings will transport viewers directly into NASA’s 1969 mission that saw astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin embark on a historic trip to the moon.
Need-to-know: The film, from Todd Douglas Miller, features footage that has never been seen before.
Neon
3/23 In Fabric
British director Peter Strickland (The Duke of Burgundy) returns with a chiller following a cursed dress that haunts characters played by Hayley Squires, Marianne Jean Baptiste and Game of Thrones’ Gwendoline Christie.
Need-to-know: Despite making his debut, Katalin Varga, in 2009, Strickland found critical acclaim with the Toby Jones-starring horror film Berberian Sound Studio in 2012.
Curzon Artificial Eye
4/23 Yesterday
What would happen if you woke up one morning and the entire world had forgotten The Beatles? That’s the question this Danny Boyle film – written by Richard Curtis – poses.
Need-to-know: Ed Sheeran and James Corden both cameo in the film that’s led by Himish Patel, the actor best known (until now) for playing Tamwar Masood in EastEnders.
Universal Pictures
5/23 Spider-Man: Far From Home
Following directly on from the devastating events of Avengers: Endgame, new Spider-Man film Far From Home propels Peter Parker (Tom Holland) on a collision course with the seemingly heroic Quentin Beck (Jake Gyllenhaal).
Need-to-know: This film will bring the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s “third phase” to an end, ushering in a new era of superheroes and films.
Sony Pictures Releasing
6/23 Midsommar
Hereditary director Ari Aster’s new horror film Midsommar follows a couple visiting rural Sweden for a mid-summer festival that happens only once every 90 years. Unfortunately for them, they wander into the middle of a pagan cult ritual
Need-to-know: The entire film is rumoured to take place in broad daylight – unusual for a contemporary horror film.
A24
7/23 Vita & Virginia
The love affair between poet Vita Sackville-West and novelist Virginia Woolf is put under the microscope in this new drama adapted by Eileen Atkins and director Chanya Button from the former’s 1992 play Vita & Virginia.
Need-to-know: Eva Green and Andrea Riseborough were both attached to play Woolf before the role eventually went to Debicki.
Thunderbird Releasing
8/23 Stuber
This fun-sounding action comedy follows an uber driver (The Big Sick star Kumail Nanjiani) who must keep his high rating despite his passenger being a detective, played by Dave Bautista, on the hunt for a terrorist. Think Die Hard meets Collateral.
Need-to-know: Although being R-rated in the US, the film is distributed by Disney.
Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
9/23 The Dead Don’t Die
Bill Murray, Adam Driver, Chloë Sevigny and Selena Gomez lead this all-star ensemble comedy from acclaimed filmmaker Jim Jarmusch (Broken Flowers, Paterson).
Need-to-know: This isn’t the first zombie film Bill Murray will star in this year – in October, he’ll play himself (again) in the long-awaited sequel to 2009’s cult comedy Zombieland.
AP
10/23 Pavarotti
Using archive footage and family interviews, this new documentary delves into the life of legendary operatic tenor Luciano Pavarotti.
Need-to-know: This isn’t Ron Howard’s first music documentary. In 2016, he made documentary Eight Days a Week, which looked at the touring years of The Beatles.
HanWay Films
11/23 The Lion King
Disney is hoping to repeat its Jungle Book success with the Jon Favreau-directed Lion King, the latest in a long line of live-action remakes of the studio’s classics.
Need-to-know: Aside from concert film Homecoming, this marks the first big-screen credit since animated fantasy Epic in 2013.
Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
12/23 The Chambermaid
The debut film from Mexican director Lila Avilés follows a chambermaid names Eve as she goes about her daily routine in one of Mexico City’s most prestigious hotels.
Need-to-know: The film is one of the highest-rated films of 2019 on Rotten Tomatoes.
13/23 Animals
Holliday Grainger and Alia Shawkat are best friends who love drink. For most of the movie, in fact, they are intoxicated. However, that changes when one of them gets engaged.
Need-to-know: Director Sophie Hyde’s follow-up to 52 Tuesdays won rave reviews at Sundance earlier this year, with the two central performances being praised across the board.
14/23 Fast & Furious: Hobbs and Shaw
The Rock and Jason Statham return as their Fast & Furious characters Hobbs and Shaw in what will no doubt be a thunderous thrill-ride.
Need-to-know: Idris Elba plays the film’s villain, while Vanessa Kirby and Helen Mirren play Staham’s sister and mother, respectively. And if that’s not enough star power for you, Eddie Marsan, Keanu Reeves, Ryan Reynolds and Kevin Hart are all rumoured to have cameos in the film.
Universal Pictures
15/23 Artemis Fowl
Adapted from Eoin Colfer’s hugely popular novels, Artemis Fowl follows the eponymous child as he attempts to save his criminal father.
Need-to-know: Kenneth Branagh has directed the film, with the script written by Tony Award nominated playwright Conor McPherson. Harvey Weinstein was, at one time, a producer, but was removed following over 40 accusations of sexual harassment.
Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
16/23 Spies in Disguise
Will Smith voices the worlds smoothest super-spy. Whereas James Bond saves the world wearing a tuxedo, Smith’s Lance Sterling does so while disguised as a pigeon.
Need-to-know: Also voicing characters are Tom Holland, Rashida Jones, Karen Gillan, Ben Mendelsohn and Masi Oka. Oh, and DJ Khaled voices someone called Ears.
Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
17/23 Once Upon a Time In Hollywood
Leonardo Di Caprio plays a washed- up, alcoholic actor. Brad Pitt plays Di Caprio’s stunt double. The pair inadvertently get mixed up in the affairs of the Manson Family, with Margot Robbie playing victim Sharon Tate.
Need-to-know: Quentin Tarantino’s ninth film was the talk of Cannes. Not just because of the sheer star-power, but because the director’s story reportedly takes a controversial twist that split those people lucky enough to see the film.
Sony Pictures Releasing
18/23 Transit
Franz Rogowski (who appeared in the break-out one-shot film Victoria) plays Georg, a man on the run. While in Marseille, he assumes the identity of a famous author and, by chance, ends up meeting that writer’s wife and they fall in love.
Need-to-know: The German-language film has already been met with hugely positive reviews, scoring 96 per cent on the reviews aggregate website Rotten Tomatoes.
Curzon Artificial Eye
19/23 Pain & Glory
Antonio Banderas plays a declining Spanish director in Pedro Almodóvar’s Pain & Glory. Throughout the film, he recalls moments from the past, including past lovers, childhood experiences and the discovery of cinema.
Need-to-know: Pain & Glory competed for the Palme d’Or at Cannes and was widely recognised as one of the best films in the competition. Banderas ended up winning the award for Best Actor and his performance has already gained Oscar buzz.
Sony Pictures Releasing
20/23 Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark
A group of uncool teenagers find a book of scary stories that end up coming true. It’s pretty much that simple.
Need-to-know: While the premise may not exactly be groundbreaking, the behind-the-camera team is enough to excite any horror aficionado. Directed by André Øvredal (Trollhunter), Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark is produced by Oscar winner Guillermo del Toro (Blade 2, Hellboy) and J Miles Dale (who produced The Shape of Water).
Entertainment One
21/23 The Souvenir
Joanna Hogg made the jump from television dramas to feature films in 2008 with the critically acclaimed Unrelated, featuring a pre-Loki Tom Hiddleston. Her next film, The Souvenir, has been met with equal praise. Starring Tilda Swinton, Richard Ayoade and Tom Burke, the film focusses on England’s upper class in the 80s.
Need-to-know: Critics have poured adoration on The Souvenir, a sequel for which has already begun filming, with Robert Pattinson joining the cast.
Curzon Artificial Eye
22/23 It: Chapter Two
Pennywise the Clown returns for round two with The Losers Club. Only, this time, they’re not only ready, but 27 years older. Jessica Chastain, James McAvoy and Bill Hader play older versions of the club’s members.
Need-to-know: It: Chapter One was a box-office sensation, and Chapter Two looks to achieve the same. While the film may focus on the grown-ups, the teenagers from the first film all return in flashbacks.
Warner Bros Pictures
23/23 Downton Abbey
Taking place after the events of the television series, the Downton Abbey film centres on King George V and Queen Mary visiting the estate.
Need-to-know: Nearly all the regular cast members are returning from the main series. Additional faces include Imelda Staunton, Simon Jones and Tuppence Middleton.
Focus Features
Go to the cinema
Cynics may scoff, because yes, the cinema now has a reputation for ripping off many a film fanatic. But website Show Film First will keep you up to speed with how to get free cinema tickets to selected showings around the UK. It’s first come first served, so you’ll need to check regularly to see what’s on.
Sculpture trail
The Royal Forest of Dean has a sculpture trail near Cinderford, Gloustershire that features exquisite artworks set against a backdrop of beautiful woodland. It’s open from dawn until dusk each day – more info at forestofdean-sculpture.org.uk.
Notting Hill Carnival
The legendary event features 20 miles of brilliant costumes, dancers, performers and Caribbean food stalls. The children’s parade and Family Day both take place on 27 August from 9am to 8pm.
Visit Salford Quays
Home to the Imperial War Museum North, the Lowry and Ordsall Hall, the Quays have more than enough to keep you occupied for an entire day out with the family. There are also plenty of screenings and events going on at MediaCityUK’s Piazza – details at thequays.org.uk.
Brush up on your history
In Leeds you can visit the Royal Armouries Museum, which houses a whopping 8,500 medieval artefacts and live jousting sessions on selected dates. More info at royalarmouries.org/leeds.
The Robin Hood Festival
If you happen to be around Sherwood Forest between 5 – 11 August, the Robin Hood festival offers archery, story-telling, medieval music and traditional food. You can even watch a performance of the hero himself escaping the evil Sheriff. Learn more at www.visitsherwood.co.uk
Dreamland
The Margate amusement park has a Roller Coast festival that’s mainly free and takes place between 19 July to 1 September. There’s a different theme each week, from science to superheroes – for Carnival Week guests can learn how to make festival masks and dance the samba, while Street Fest offers BMX stunts. You can also explore the Margate Caves, which reopened this summer for the first time in 15 years.
Attend a regatta
Salcombe Regatta in Devon has a sandcastle competition, an ice-cream-eating contest and a firework display. It’s mostly free from 3-10 August.
Follow in JRR Tolkien’s footsteps (literally)
For the Lord of the Rings fans in your family – Birmingham’s Tolkien Trail leads you to the places and people who inspired both The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings. Maps are available from local tourist information centres, or you can find out more at visitbirmingham.com
Or if you prefer Jane Austen…
You can enjoy a similar day out in Jane’s favourite city, Bath, with a free audio tour that will guide you around this beautiful Georgian city. Learn more at visitbath.co.uk.
For Dylan Thomas fans
Dylan Thomas fell in love with the stunning estuary town of Laugharne, Camarthernshire, in 1934, and lived there on and off for almost two decades. There’s plenty to expliore, from Castle House on Market Street where Dylan and Caitlin McNamara first got together in 1936, and the Cross House Inn – one of three pubs frequented by Dylan when he first lived here, writing up ideas for new poems on Woodbine cigarette packets. Adults should try a glass of Penderyn whisky (sadly not free) after a stroll via The Boathouse, where you can peek into Dylan’s writing shed.
Edinburgh Fringe
Taking place from 1 – 25 August, Edinburgh’s famous festival also has a record-breaking 9237 free performances taking place across 402 shows this year. There’s also a children’s programme with special events scheduled for the summer holidays. Details at www.freefestival.co.uk
Explore a maze
In Larne, County Antrim, there are 191 hectares of mixed woodland and walking trails to enjoy at Carnfunnock Country Park. There’s also mini golf, and a maze in the shape of Northern Ireland. Some activities may require a fee. Visit carnfunnock.co.uk for more details.
Help prevent hay fever symptoms
While spring brings warmer weather it also marks the start of the hay fever season. If you’re one of the 18 million people affected in the UK, it makes sense to try to help prevent the symptoms of hay fever. A single dose of Pirinase Hayfever Relief For Adults 0.05% Nasal Spray in each nostril once a day could help relieve sneezing, a runny nose, nasal congestion, and itchy and watery eyes. Find out more here, or click here to buy online
For the relief of allergy symptoms. Pirinase Allergy 0.05% Nasal Spray contains fluticasone. Always read the label.
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