To celebrate 30 years of The National Lottery and the £30 million raised for Good Causes every week by its players, National Lottery Open Week is back — and it’s bigger than ever.
From Saturday 15 until Sunday 23 March 2025, anyone with a valid online or retail National Lottery ticket, Scratchcard or Instant Win Game can enjoy a free or low-cost day out, thanks to special offers at over 750 National Lottery funded venues and attractions, whether you fancy hunting down family fun, craving a culture fix or delving into the past at historical houses, castles or museums.
Escape the everyday mundane and say yes to these venues taking part locally in Northern Ireland:
• Armagh Observatory and Planetarium - Half price entry
Budding astronomers can enjoy half price entry on dome shows at the Armagh Observatory and Planetarium from 15-23 March.
• Step on board the SS Nomadic in Belfast to discover the last remaining White Star Line vessel and one of the biggest Titanic artefacts in the world with free entry from 15-23 March!
• Minors Club at Strand Arts Centre / Cinema, Belfast - Free family films on Saturdays (15 & 22 March)
Bring the whole family to the Minors Club at the Strand on 15 and 22 March to enjoy the magic of cinema with free family-friendly films every Saturday afternoon. After each screening, children can take part in an interactive workshop inspired by the film, designed to spark creativity and curiosity.
• National Trust - Castle Coole, Crom, Florence Court, Giant's Causeway, Mount Stewart, Rowallane Garden - Free entry
Enjoy some time out and about with free entry at stunning National Trust sites across Northern Ireland. Stroll down the iconic basalt stones at Giant’s Causeway in County Antrim or head to the horticultural gem, Rowallane Garden in County Down – all sites with free entry from 15-23 March.
• The Linen Hall, Belfast - 10% off membership (17 - 21 March)
• Ulster Folk & Transport Museum - Free entry (22-23 March)
• Hillsborough Castle and Gardens - 50% off tickets
• Wander around the Historic Royal Palaces’ Hillsborough Castle and Gardens in County Down with half price entry from 15 – 23 March on days the site is open. Please check the Historic Royal Palace website for details.
• Take a trip to the Ulster Folk & Transport Museum and enjoy free entry from 22-23 March.
• Ahead of the film’s release in April, BFI Escapes are offering a special preview of The Penguin Lessons starring Steve Coogan on Monday 17 March at selected independent cinemas across Northern Ireland.
Find a full list of venues and events by tapping here.
Darren Henley, Chief Executive of Arts Council England and Chair of the National Lottery Forum said:
“We’re delighted to mark National Lottery Open Week 2025 and giving people a chance to say yes to the joyful things in life - to get outside and explore the UK’s rich history, stunning landscapes and vibrant culture through free and low-cost days out.
“This is our way of saying thank you to the players who raise an incredible £30million each week for Good Causes, supporting venues and projects across the arts, sports, community and heritage sectors.”
Use any retail or online National Lottery ticket, including Lotto, EuroMillions, Set 4 Life and Thunderball or National Lottery Scratchcard or Instant Win Games, for special offers at selected attractions between 15th and 23rd March 2025.
Terms and conditions and booking instructions across special offers will vary, check the individual offer listing for details.