If you’ve got a National Lottery ticket in your pocket, you might also be holding the key to free days out and big savings this March.
From March 7 to March 15, 2026, National Lottery Open Week is back, giving people across the UK access to hundreds of historic sites — either completely free or at heavily discounted prices. All you need to do is show a valid National Lottery ticket to unlock the perks.
In south east London alone, several popular spots are joining in, offering everything from free museum entry to 2-for-1 deals and special events.
Here’s what’s happening and where you can go:
🎟️ Places Offering Free Entry or Events
🏛️ The Brunel Museum
📍 Railway Avenue, SE16 4LF
🗓️ Free entry: March 14–March 15
Step 40 feet underground into history at the world’s first underwater tunnel. The museum tells the story of the groundbreaking Thames Tunnel built by Marc Brunel and his son Isambard Kingdom Brunel — a project that helped shape London’s future Tube network.
Good to know:
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Book in advance using code LOTTERY26
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Show a National Lottery ticket on arrival
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Under-16s go free (booking required)
🎨 Dulwich Picture Gallery
📍 Gallery Road, SE21 7AD
🗓️ Free collection entry: March 10–March 15
England’s first purpose-built public art gallery is opening its historic collection for free. You’ll find masterpieces by Rembrandt, Rubens and Poussin inside.
Highlights:
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One lottery ticket = free entry for a family group
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Under-18s already visit free
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Permanent collection open (temporary exhibition closed)
🌳 Crystal Palace Park
📍 SE19 2AY
🗓️ Free guided walk: March 7
Celebrate International Women’s Day with a special guided tour led by Nikky Catto. The walk explores the role of women and girls in the park’s history — from dinosaur myths to Girl Guiding’s global impact.
Details:
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One ticket covers up to six people
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Advance booking required
🎨 Greenwich Park
📍 St Mary’s Lodge, SE10 8PU
🗓️ Free Artist in Residence Open Studio: March 10
Meet artist Leah Clements during her residency and explore her studio space. Drop in, view works in progress, and even share your own stories about the park.
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No booking needed
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Lottery ticket required for entry
🏰 Eltham Palace
📍 Court Yard, SE9 5NP
🗓️ Free tours and talks: March 11–March 13
Run by English Heritage, this Art Deco palace is hosting expert-led tours focused on architects Seely and Paget and the palace’s 20th-century design.
Includes:
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Curator-led tours
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Talks on architecture and gardens
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One ticket covers one adult + two children
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Pre-booking essential
🎬 The Castle Cinema
📍 106 High Street, DA14 6DS
🗓️ Free screening: March 10
Enjoy a special evening showing of Amélie at 6pm ahead of its 25th anniversary re-release.
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Max two tickets per person
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Subject to availability
💸 Places Offering Discounted Entry
🐠 Horniman Museum and Gardens
📍 100 London Road, SE23 3PQ
🗓️ Half-price Aquarium entry: March 7–March 15
Explore everything from British ponds to Fijian coral reefs for just £3.25 (adult price).
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Tickets available onsite only
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Limited to 40 discounted entries per day
🚢 Cutty Sark
📍 King William Walk, SE10 9HT
🗓️ 2-for-1 entry: March 7–March 15
Walk beneath the ship’s iconic copper hull, explore the crew’s quarters, and even take the helm on one of the world’s most famous vessels.
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Advance booking required
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Dedicated booking system for lottery players
🔭 Royal Observatory Greenwich
📍 SE10 8XJ
🗓️ 2-for-1 entry: March 7–March 15
Stand on the Prime Meridian Line, discover the story of Greenwich Mean Time, and see the UK’s largest refracting telescope.
⭐ Why It’s Worth It
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Free museum visits
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2-for-1 historic attractions
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Special tours and film screenings
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One small lottery ticket unlocks it all
If you’re planning a day out between March 7 and March 15, 2026, this might be the perfect excuse to explore somewhere new — without stretching your budget.
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