Great 'Free UK Museums & Galleries' Hunt

shortlee

Also in York, the Art Gallery is free and open daily. Fabulous Japanese textile exhibition on at present until 24th Jan 2010- don't miss it.Good coffee and buns too!

ellio100

Just thought I'd give a mention to the Museum of London. (Though I must also confess a vested interest).

It's currently partially closed for a major project, but at the moment it's displaying a couple of temporary exhibitions and the story of London from pre-historic times up to the Great Fire in 1666. Come Spring, the story should be complete all the way round to the present day and will make an amazing visit.

It's between the Barbican and St Paul's, but you could make a nice visit of going from Tate Modern (also free) and walking over the millenium bridge, around St Pauls and up to the Museum (or the other way around obv!).

google 'museumoflondon' and take a look...

anitainjune

Check out Kirklees .gov.uk for free museums. All are free to enter and have free activities and events. Red House at Gomersal will be having a Christmas exhibition soon and from the 16th Dec the house is trimmed up in fresh swags of greenery with a full program of seasonal activities. We have lots of fun and put Christmas in its traditional place. " All for free"

Ashmo_Carol

I would like to recommend the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford it is free and the selection is enormous. It is the oldest museum in the country but has just had a £61 million refurbishment, probably seen it in the press? There are artfacts from every era eg Guy Fawkes lantern, The Alfred jewel and great art works including Titan, Michaelangelo and !!!!aro. The largest collection of Raphael in the world and several Michaelangelo's available to view by appointment with the Print Room. New interactive displays and activities for children and families - ring the education department for details. A great day out for all ages!

Enilu

The Coventry Motor Museum is a great visit - and free admission too!

They have a website - Google "Coventry Motor Museum".

:money:

Lonestar_2

The National Media Museum in Bradford is excellent - free, fun and an enjoyable day out. They seem to have free family activities every weekend and holiday afternoon plus films and workshops if you have some money spare. Its a huge glass fronted building with real wow factor and children can appear in the Teletubbies or in Coronation Street in the tv gallery. Picnic areas mean you can take your own food and drink too - so a completely free day out possible. There's a cafe if you'd rather treat yourselves. There's a 5 min walk from Bradford Interchange Square station, or 10 mins from Bradford Foster Square station. Both these stations 10 mins on train from Leeds train station. Parking can be had for £3.50 for the day if you park on the Sharp Street car park the other side of the ring road behind the museum.

asheppard

Free admission, fantastic art work, interesting exhibitions. Glorious ladies loo !!! Cafe is really good too.
Childrens activites at small cost, I love the crafts and activites that are themed around an aspect of the museum, always changing. Look at the website for details.
The Explorer bags that cater for all ages are among the best in the country, especially the Museum detective one with light meters and uv lights. This is a museum that encourages all ages to enjoy the wonderful surroundings and marvel at the collections.

jacquij123

Haven't seen this mentioned but took my lot, ranging in age from 5 to 15 to this a couple of years ago and they still talk about it, planning on going again soon.

http://www.bankofengland.co.uk/education/museum/visiting/faq.htm

Loads of interactive activities to play with including the chance to lift a gold bar.

davidlizard

Another vote here for the Big Pit at Blaenavon, between Ebbw Vale and Pontypool.

muddie_2

Hastings Museum and Art Gallery is a gem of a place for old and young. It's not huge but can take a couple of hours to have a good browse. There are permanent displays relating to John Logie Baird (TV was invented in Hastings), Grey Owl (maybe you've seen the film with Pierce Brosnan and the cute beavers?), Smugglers, Dinosaurs and local history - lovely bits and pieces relating to Mods, Rockers, bundles on the seafront and the great British Family holiday. I think the best bit is the Durbar Hall - a huge carved wood room in the Indian style which full of collected curios from around the world. Have a look at their website at 3w hmag.org.uk.
There is also a small art gallery which has very good changing exhibitions. The basketry one earlier this year was amazing, currently there's some bits from the Sainsbury collection of Indian miniatures and a fantastic peacock made from drinks cans, and coming soon is a display by the Chapman Bros.
All good stuff ..... and free!