From the Lyrid Meteor Shower to the London Marathon, here’s our pick of the best free events happening across the UK in April 2025
April is almost upon us, and if you’re looking to fill your calendar with fun things to do, then you’ve come to the right place. We’ve put together 25 of the best free events happening across the UK during the month, ranging from cherry blossom walks to historical talks, battle reenactments to book fairs.
Among the events listed are a number of fascinating online talks, open exclusively to Boundless members. Not yet a member? If you're working in or retired from the public sector or civil service, Boundless has two great membership options to choose from: Boundless and Boundless Plus. Boundless members enjoy unlimited access or discounted entry to many of the UK’s top attractions, as well as year-round deals on restaurants, holidays, shopping and much more.
Simply click on a link below to jump straight to:
- Free nationwide events
- Free events in London & the South East
- Free events in the South West & Wales
- Free events in the Midlands & East
- Free events in the North of England
- Free events in Scotland & Northern Ireland
- Free online events
Free nationwide events
Look out for the Lyrids. Credit: Getty Images
Stare into space
Lyrid Meteor Shower, 22 April
You don’t even need to leave your back garden to see a spectacular show this month. During the small hours, gaze skyward to witness the famed Lyrids, a succession of fast, bright meteors that occur each April – most prominently around the 22nd of the month. Just remember to rest your neck once in a while!
Record all creatures great and small
City Nature Challenge, 25-28 April
Live in an urban area and want to know what wildlife can be found there? Well, so do the organisers of the City Nature Challenge. For four days, people in 650+ locations will be encouraged to download the iNaturalist app and record any animals, birds or insects they see in their local community. These recordings will then help to inform the wildlife conservation work that’s carried out there in the future. Oodles of fun and super-valuable, it’s an activity that’ll benefit both you and the creatures themselves.
Free events in London & the South East
Watch and learn some Indian dance moves with Jham!. Credit: Nosa Malcolm/London Southbank Centre
Throw some shapes
Jham!, London, 19 April
Inject some vibrance and colour into your Saturday afternoon by attending the free Jham! event at London’s Southbank Centre. An energetic collaboration between Indian dancers and musicians, it’ll start with a performance, before people in the audience are encouraged to take part in a dance and beatbox workshop. Fun and family-friendly, it’ll help you to learn new skills and burn some calories!
Paint the town red (and white)
St George’s Day, London, 20 April
London’s iconic Trafalgar Square will become a sea of red and white today in celebration of St George’s Day. Whatever your nationality, head down there for a jubilant jamboree in honour of England’s patron saint. As well as a programme of live music, there will be traditional English food and the chance to take a selfie with London’s famous Pearly Kings and Queens.
Watch a world-famous race
London Marathon, London, 27 April
The world’s most famous running race returns to the streets of the capital – and even though it’s too late to enter, watching the action from the sidelines is terrific fun. The 26.2-mile route starts at Blackheath in Greenwich and finishes on The Mall in front of Buckingham Palace, and wherever you choose to stand, both the serious athletes and the costumed fun runners will be grateful for your support.
Enrich your soul
Blossom season, London, throughout April
People commonly refer to daffodils and bluebells as spring flowers, but the sakura – or cherry blossom – is also prominent at this time of year. Greenwich Park and Kensington Gardens are among the top locations to admire these gorgeous pink blooms – but arguably, the best place to enjoy them is Kew Gardens, which has a dedicated cherry walk lined with fragrant Japanese trees. It’s a multi-sensual delight.
Boundless members get unlimited free entry to the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew, Wakehurst and a whole range of other top attractions, along with year-round savings. Find out more about Boundless membership and how to join.
Free events in the South West & Wales
Discover the secrets of wireless operators during the war. Credit: Getty Images
Hear some fascinating war stories
Allied Wireless Operators’ Activities During WWII, Plympton, 11 April
Wireless operators played a vital – and perilous – role for the Allies during WWII, transmitting important messages while trying to avoid enemy detection. In tonight’s talk, hosted by the Boundless Tamar Group at Colebrook Community Centre in Plympton, you can hear all about their covert operations and the challenges they faced.
This event is open to all Boundless members, who also get free entry to top attractions, exclusive events, and year-round savings. Interested, but not yet a Boundless member? Find out more about Boundless membership and how to join.
Try your hand at designing
Fan-tastic Paper Fashion, Bath, 15 April
If you’ve ever fancied yourself as a fashion designer, then you (and accompanied children) will love this workshop at Bath’s Holburne Museum, in which you’ll learn how to make outrageous paper outfits inspired by the museum’s collection of fans. Anything you make during the session, you can take home with you.
Attend a three-day party
Tewkesbury Live, Tewkesbury, 25-27 April
If you’re looking for some peace and quiet, you’d better not head to Tewskesbury this weekend – the Gloucestershire town is putting on its annual live music festival. Every pub will be hosting free gigs across the three days, and there will also be lots for kids to do, including craft activities, music workshops and shows. A fun time is guaranteed!
Let off some steam
Trevithick Day, Camborne, 26 April
Once a year, the Cornish town of Camborne celebrates the life of Richard Trevithick, a locally born pioneer of steam-powered road and rail transport. It’s always a fun day out for the whole family, with steam engines, vintage vehicles, street entertainers, live music, a funfair and lots more happening throughout the afternoon. If you’re in the area, you won’t want to miss it.
Witness a historic spectacle
Barley Saturday, Cardigan, 26 April
In the 19th century, Barley Saturday was the day when local farmers would come to Cardigan to hire workers and inspect stallions that were being put out to stud. These days, it’s more of a spectator event, with hundreds lining the streets to enjoy a horse parade followed by an assortment of vintage cars, tractors, gypsy wagons and many more weird and wonderful vehicles.
Enjoy some live music
…around town, Cheltenham, 30 April
There’s been plenty of debate about the rising cost of concert tickets, but if you’re in Cheltenham today, you can enjoy some live music absolutely free. The ...around town event will see a programme of musical artists performing inside a marquee and on various other pop-up stages across the centre. With everything from big bands to jazz musicians on the itinerary, there should be something for most tastes.
Free events in the Midlands & the East
Relive the Viking invasion in Sheringham. Credit: Getty Images
Get ready for action
Sheringham Viking Festival, Norfolk, 5 April
Fierce and fearless, Vikings never fail to capture the imagination – and these Norse invaders are celebrated at the annual Sheringham Viking Festival. For one action-packed day, the Norfolk seaside town comes alive with battle reenactments, boat-burning ceremonies and much more. It’s sure to leave you breathless.
Find some exciting new reads
Coventry Book Extravaganza, Coventry, 19 April
Whether you like reading about crime or romance, gardening or history, you’ll find something to grab your attention at the Coventry Book Extravaganza. Held at the city’s Belgrave Theatre, this annual event brings together dealers, literary societies, local writers and, of course, people just like you for an afternoon of bookish fun. Prepare to be inspired.
Buy some unique gifts
Easter Market, Wolverhampton, 19 April
Easter Sunday falls on 20 April this year, so this market at The New Hampton pub in Wolverhampton arrives just in time for you to snap up some last-minute gifts. And the items on offer won’t be just any old gifts – expect a wide range of crafts, foodie items and other unique treats, many of which will have been handcrafted with love.
Free events in the North of England
Learn how to craft using wood. Credit: Getty Images
Carve your niche
Talk and wood carving demonstration, Chester, 2 April
If you’ve ever fancied trying your hand at woodworking, then you won’t want to miss tonight’s talk and demonstration by Neil from Ned’s Shed. Hosted by the Boundless Chester and Wirral Group at The 5 Villages Hall in Chester, it’ll see the experienced craftsman providing some crafty tips and even selling some unique gifts.
This event is open to all Boundless members, who also get free entry to top attractions, exclusive events, and year-round savings. Interested, but not yet a Boundless member? Find out more about Boundless membership and how to join.
Discover some royal history
The Lighter Side of Queen Victoria, Leeds, 23 April
Queen Victoria was often depicted as a moody monarch, but there was so much more to one of Britain’s longest-serving rulers – and in tonight’s talk by royal expert and writer Christina Croft, you can find out about the Queen’s more playful characteristics. Hosted by the Boundless Leeds Group at the city’s Holiday Inn hotel, it promises to be an enlightening evening.
This event is open to all Boundless members, who also get free entry to top attractions, exclusive events, and year-round savings. Interested, but not yet a Boundless member? Find out more about Boundless membership and how to join.
Get ready for teddies!
Teddy Bears with Janice Wright, York, 30 April
If you go down to York tonight… you can enjoy an entertaining evening dedicated to teddy bears! In an event hosted by the Boundless York Group at the city’s Mercure Hotel, expert Janice Wright will talk about the history of these cherished plushes, highlight some famous makers and show some prized items from her collection.
This event is open to all Boundless members, who also get free entry to top attractions, exclusive events, and year-round savings. Interested, but not yet a Boundless member? Find out more about Boundless membership and how to join.
Free events in Scotland & Northern Ireland
Enjoy an evening visit to one of Belfast's art galleries. Credit: Getty Images
Browse art after dark
Late Night Art, Belfast, 3 April
Love art but never get to see the latest exhibitions due to work commitments? Then Belfast’s Late Night Art initiative is for you – on the first Thursday of every month, the city’s galleries open their doors until 9pm, giving people the chance to browse the extraordinary paintings, sculptures and installations on display there. And entry to all of them is free.
Welcome in the spring
Loch Lomond Springfest, Balloch, 5 & 6 April
The glimmering waters of Loch Lomond provide a spectacular backdrop for this two-day food and drink festival. While it’ll obviously cost money to buy anything, you can enjoy cooking demonstrations, sample locally produced goods and boogie on down to live musicians without once putting your hand in your pocket.
Take a journey of remembrance
Visit to Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory, Edinburgh, 9 April
Each Remembrance Day, millions of us wear a poppy in memory of those who’ve lost their lives in service. But where do these accessories come from? Today, you have a chance to accompany the Boundless Edinburgh and Lothian Group on their visit to Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory in Edinburgh, which has been manufacturing them since 1926. You’ll get to see how they’re made, as well as hearing tales of their usage over the years.
This event is open to all Boundless members, who also get free entry to top attractions, exclusive events, and year-round savings. Interested, but not yet a Boundless member? Find out more about Boundless membership and how to join.
Listen to an Easter concert
Concert no. 18, Glasgow, 26 April
The latest in a series of free classical music concerts held at St Margaret’s Episcopal Church in Newlands, Glasgow, tonight’s performance is centred around Johann Sebastian Bach’s much-loved Easter Oratorio and Cantata 66. Expect trumpets, drums… and a generous dollop of Easter cheer!
Have a literary natter
Bullhouse Book Club, Belfast, 28 April
On the last Monday of each month, Alanna, founder of Northern Ireland’s Seaside Books, hosts a free book club at Belfast’s Bullhouse East venue. Open to all, it’ll give you the chance to meet like-minded people, discuss the latest books you’ve enjoyed, and pick up some tips on what to read next.
Interested in this event but not yet a Boundless member? Boundless membership gives you access to year-round savings, including free entry to top attractions and exclusive events. Find out more about Boundless membership and how to join.
Free online events
Hear Sarah Furness talk about her new book
Conquer your anxiety
Facing Your Fears: Flying Higher with Sarah Furness, 8 April
Plagued by self-doubt? Sarah Furness may be able to help. A former RAF helicopter pilot, she’s just written a book, Flying Higher, in which she shares her tried and trusted strategies on building resilience and self-confidence. And in tonight’s online talk, she’ll be discussing some of those, to help you overcome the obstacles in your own life.
This talk is open to all Boundless members, who also get free entry to top attractions, exclusive events, and year-round savings. Interested, but not yet a Boundless member? Find out more about Boundless membership and how to join.
Get set for solo adventures
Going It Alone!, 22 April
Whether by choice or otherwise, many of us are faced with the prospect of travelling alone in later life. The question is: are you prepared? You will be at the end of this online talk, in which travel writer Gordon Lethbridge will share tips on planning, safety, finances and even the senior discounts you can pick up along the way.
This talk is open to all Boundless members, who also get free entry to top attractions, exclusive events, and year-round savings. Interested, but not yet a Boundless member? Find out more about Boundless membership and how to join.
Do more with Boundless
If you're working in or retired from the public sector or civil service, Boundless has two great membership options to choose from: Boundless and Boundless Plus.
With Boundless, you get unlimited access or discounted entry to many of the UK’s top attractions including Kew Gardens and Wakehurst and WWT centres across the UK, as well as year-round deals on restaurants, holidays, shopping and much more. With Boundless Plus, you can enjoy additional benefits including unlimited access to Historic Royal Palaces sites, National Trust for Scotland places, access to the Ramblers' extensive group walks and routes, and peace of mind with roadside assistance and local recovery by LV= Britannia Rescue.
