The Tarka Trail, Devon
Is it really free? Completely, and there's no extra charge for the breathtaking views!

One of Britain's finest long-distance paths, the Tarka Trail offers something for everyone, whether you're a serious rambler, looking for a gentle pub walk, or just somewhere the whole family can cycle together safely.
Named after the book Tarka the Otter by Henry Williamson, the route covers 180 miles across Devon. Many of the most popular stretches follow the route of disused railways so the trail is ideal for those who want to enjoy the Devonshire countryside without tackling any serious hills. Between Braunton and Meeth the trail is open to cyclists, and is a great place for kids to ride safely.
Wher to stay: Tarka Holiday Park, Braunton Rd, Ashford, Devon EX31 4AU

Tel: 01271 343691
Web: www.tarkaholidaypark.co.uk
 • Also see our Snail Trail, June 2007 issue.

Durham Cathedral
The College, Durham DH1 3EH.
Tel: 0191 3864266
Web: www.durhamcathedral.co.uk
Open Daily, although access may be restricted during services or special events. Visitors are advised to phone ahead to check.
Is it really free? Yes, but as the cathedral costs more than £50,000 a week to maintain, visitors are requested to make a donation.

Britain is blessed with many beautiful churches and cathedrals but Durham Cathedral has to be one of the finest. It's not just the architecture which impresses but the setting, perched high above the River Wear. In fact, the cathedral was voted the nation's favourite building in a BBC poll in 2001.
Work on Durham Cathedral began in 1093 and with its stunning Norman architecture and fascinating history it is no wonder that more than 600,000 people visit the site each year.
Where to stay: Grange Caravan Club Site,Meadow Lane, Durham DH1 1TL
Tel: 01913 844 778
Web: www.caravanclub.co.uk

National Railway Museum
Leeman Rd, York YO26 4XJ
Tel 08704 214001
Web www.nrm.org.uk
Open Daily (apart from 24-26 Dec) 10am-6pm.
Is it really free? Yes, although for certain special events, charges apply.

For the overgrown school kid in all of us, the National Railway Museum in York has to be the ultimate day out. The museum tells the story of rail travel from the early 19th century to the present day. There are more than 100 locomotives on display. Our favourite is the mighty Mallard, the world's fastest steam locomotive, which achieved a top speed of 126mph on 3 July, 1938. From the fastest to the first: Stephenson's Rocket is also on show, albeit in replica form, and you can also see a carriage built for Queen Victoria.
Where to stay Caravan Club Site, Terry Avenue, York YO23 1JQ
Tel 01904 658 997
Web: www.caravanclub.co.uk

The Burrell Collection
Pollok Country Park, 2060 Pollokshaws Road, Glasgow G43 1AT
Tel 0141 287 2550
Web www.glasgowmuseums.com
Open Monday to Thursday, and Saturday, 10am-5pm. Friday and Sunday, 11am-5pm.
Is it really free? Yes, really. In fact, The Burrell Collection is just part of the Glasgow Museums group, all of which offer free admission.

Glasgow owes Sir William Burrell and his wife, Lady Constance, a debt of thanks. When the couple gifted their collection of over 9000 works of art to the city, one of the world's largest private art collections was made available for everyone to enjoy for free.
Where to stay Luss Camping and Caravanning Club Site, Luss, Loch Lomond, Alexandria, Scotland G83 8NT
Tel 01436 860 658
Web www.thecampingandcaravanningclub.co.uk

Low Barns Nature Reserve and Visitor Centre
Witton-le-Wear, County Durham DL14 0AG
Tel 01388 488 728
Web www.durhamwildlifetrust.org.uk/lowbarns
Open Daily, 10am-5pm, April-October. Weekends, 10am-4pm, November-March.
Is it really free? Yes, and the fresh air is included.

The Low Barns Nature Reserve might not be one of the best-known free attractions but if you enjoy the open air and have a passion for wildlife, it has to be one of the best. There is a remarkable variety of habitats spread across Low Barns' 50 hectares, including grass, scrub and woodland and a big lake with islands. The wildlife these habitats attract is very varied, but the highlight is the elusive kingfisher. There is a picnic area, a covered observatory and, during the winter, a bird feeding station. It is the kind of place to which you will want to return.
Where to stay Bradley Mill Caravan Park, Wolsingham, Bishop Auckland, Co Durham DL13 3JH
Tel 01388 527285
Web www.bradleyburn.co.uk

The Imperial War Museum
Lambeth Rd, London SE1 6HZ
Tel 020 7416 5320
Web www.iwm.org.uk
Open Daily (except 24, 25 and 26 December).
Is it really free? Yes, although there may be a charge to enter certain, special exhibitions.

London may not be the most motorhome-friendly destination, but it's worth finding a site nearby so you can visit the War Museum. It's a fascinating day out if you have an interest in the military, or 20th-century history. The museum is not just about the men and women who fought on the front line. It also depicts how the wars of the 20th century made an impact on the lives of ordinary people as well as those in the armed forces.It is an important reminder of the sacrifices made by so many.
Where to stay Abbey Wood Caravan Club Site, Federation Rd, Abbey Wood, London SE2 0LS
Tel 020 8311 7708
Web www.caravanclub.co.uk

Tolpuddle Martyrs Museum
Tolpuddle, Dorchester, Dorset DT2 7EH
Tel 01305 848 237
Web www.tolpuddlemartyrs.org.uk
Open April-October: Tues-Sat, 10am-5pm; Sun 11am-5pm. Closed on Mondays (except Bank Holidays). November-March: Thurs-Sat, 10am-4pm; Sun 11am-4pm. Open bank holidays. Closed from 22 December-4 January.
Is it really free? Yes. And educational with it.

The Tolpuddle Martyrs Museum tells the harrowing story of the martyrs' arrest, trial and punishment. The events helped lead to the founding of the trade union movement. The martyrs were farm labourers. They were paid only nine shillings a week and lived in poverty. In a bid to give the labourers some bargaining power with the landowners their leader, George Loveless, decided to set up a union. However, Loveless and his supporters were taken to court and the harshness of the subsequent sentence provoked a public outcry.
Where to stay Home Farm Campsite, Rectory Lane, Puncknowle Nr Dorchester, Dorset DT2 9BW
Tel 01308 897 258

National Museum Cardiff
Cathays Park, Cardiff, South Glamorgan CF10 3NP
Tel 029 2039 7951
Web www.museumwales.ac.uk/en/cardiff
Open 10am-5pm, Tuesday-Sunday, and bank holiday Mondays.
Is it really free? Yes. There's free admission for all.

If you want to cram a lot into one day, try the National Museum in Cardiff. Here you'll find exhibitions of art, archaeology, natural history and geology. The art exhibits span 500 years and include one of Europe's best collections of Impressionist art. You'll also find sculptures, silver and ceramics from not only Wales but also worldwide. The Evolution of Wales exhibition starts with the ‘big bang' of 4600m years ago and continues with the age of the dinosaurs. The museum's archaeology section harks back to the time of Neanderthal man, while the natural history department examines how the Welsh landscape, from the shores to the mountains, has developed and evolved.
Where to stay Cardiff Caravan Park, Pontcanna Fields, Cardiff CF11 9LB
Tel 029 2039 8362

The RNLI Zetland Museum
The Esplanade, Redcar, Cleveland TS10 3AH
Tel 01642 494 311
Web Click Website Open Sunday-Saturday, May-October, noon-4pm. Closed on Mondays, except for bank holidays.
Is it really free? Yes, but donations are welcome.

The ‘Zetland' is a the oldest lifeboat still in existence. It was built in 1802 and was in service for more than 80 years. This double-ended rowing boat required a crew of 13-20 men, a task which was taken on by the sea pilots and fishermen of Redcar. Over the years the Zetland and her crews helped to save 500 lives. As well as the Zetland boat itself, the museum uses lifelike models to bring the story of sea rescues off the north-east coast to life. Upstairs there's a fascinating display of life-saving equipment, and a reconstruction of a fisherman's sitting room. In the Laurie Pickett Gallery you'll find postcards and photos of old Redcar and her lifeboat crews, giving a taste of life in the town spanning the years from Victorian times.
Where to stay Tocketts Mill Caravan Park, Skelton Road, Guisborough, North Yorkshire TS14 6QA
Tel 01287 610 182

Tenterden Vineyard
Smallhythe, Tenterden, Kent TN30 7NG
Tel 01580 766 111
Web www.englishwinesgroup.com/vineyards/tenterden.asp
Open Daily 10am-5pm
Is it really free? A visit to the vineyard is free, but if you want a guided tour you'll have to pay £6.50 each (adult).

There's nothing better than a cool glass of wine on a hot summer evening. Nowadays, UK wine isn't the joke it once was.Companies such as Chapel Down have been instrumental in changing the image of our wines. At the firm's 25-acre vineyard, in Kent, visitors are welcome to enjoy the sights and smells free of charge but if you want to take a guided tour of the winery, you'll have to pay a fee.
Where to stay Woodlands Park, Tenterden Road, Biddenden, Kent TN27 8BT
Tel 01580 291 216
Web www.campingsite.co.uk/index.html