25 fabulous free events to attend in March 2025

Now that spring is here, you’ll probably be looking to get out and about more – and happily, there are plenty of activities that you can enjoy without spending any money. From pancake races to ‘forest bathing’, we’ve rounded up some of the best free events to join across the UK in March.

Don’t fancy leaving your home? We’ve catered for you, too, rounding up the fascinating online talks that are taking place this month. Please note that these are exclusive 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

Go down to the woods

Forest bathing, any time

Been suffering from winter blues? Now that spring is upon us, head outdoors for some natural therapy. 

With International Day of Forests falling on 21 March, celebrate by partaking in some forest bathing – or ‘shinrin-yoku’ – an ancient Japanese practice that encourages you to use your senses to connect with nature. Potential benefits include stress relief and improved sleep – and with thousands of wooded areas dotted around the UK, you won’t have trouble finding a spot to do it. 

Spot some feathery friends

Bird watching, WWT centres, any time

Spring is a great season for UK bird watchers, with everything from swallows to sand martins, and cuckoos to kingfishers becoming active on these shores. For a close-up view of these winged wonders, head to one of the nine WWT centres located across the country. Be sure to take your binoculars for a more detailed view.

With a Boundless membership, you get free, unlimited access to all WWT centres for yourself and up to five children. You can also take an additional adult half-price. Find out more about how to join.

Enjoy some literary fun

World Book Day, 6 March

Books can entertain, educate, enlighten and enthral – and now you have the perfect excuse to pick one up, with this year’s World Book Day falling on 6 March. There are numerous free things you could do to celebrate this annual event, from hosting a book swap with friends to sharing some story time with your little ones. 

The Literacy Trust website is packed with ideas to inspire you, and will even host a free football-themed quiz on the day itself.

Boundless members read reviews, hear member recommendations and meet new people in our online book club The Reading Room, available to join on Facebook. Find out more about Boundless membership and how to join.

See where your Lotto money is going

National Lottery Open Week, various locations, 15-23 March

It’s not just people with a winning ticket who benefit from the National Lottery – the popular draw helps to fund many attractions across the UK, too. 

For one week each year, some of those venues open their doors to the public for free (or at a discounted rate). You can explore everything from museums to stately homes without dipping your hand in your pocket – to find out which attractions are taking part, visit the National Lottery Open Week website.  

Free events in London & the South East

Get hands-on with science

Science Bazaar, Oxford, 1 March

If you like discovering how things work, then a visit to Oxford Brookes University’s annual Science Bazaar will be right up your street. Suitable for the whole family, but aimed particularly at children aged 5-16, this free event offers a variety of hands-on experiences to stimulate curious minds. Whether you want to try your hand at surgery, immerse yourself in VR simulations or take part in LEGO challenges, you’ll find plenty to keep you occupied.

Have a flippin’ great time

Olney Pancake Race, Buckinghamshire, 4 March

Think pancake flipping is a frivolous activity? Well, they take it very seriously in Olney, Buckinghamshire – the town plays host to the world’s oldest pancake race, a Shrove Tuesday tradition that dates back to 1445. 

Starting from the town’s Market Place at 11.55am, this 415-yard dash always makes for a pan-tastic spectacle. While it’s open to adults only (specifically women), there are kids’ races beginning at 10am.

Have a chuckle

Saturday Sessions with Shelf, London, 8 March

Fancy a laugh? Then spend a couple of hours with award-winning comedy duo Sketch at London’s Southbank Centre. Aimed at children aged 5-11, their popular Saturday Sessions begin with a side-splitting performance, after which audience members are encouraged to take part in a sketch workshop and join in with a Ballroom Boogie. The fun starts at 1pm, though there’s also a more relaxed session at 10.30am.

Go on a journey of discovery

Science & Engineering Festival, Southampton, 15 March

Been wondering how you can celebrate British Science Week (7-16 March)? Well, the University of Southampton’s Science & Engineering Festival is the perfect solution, offering myriad hands-on exhibits for kids and adults to get to grips with. There will also be a programme of talks, workshops and shows – all of which will be geared towards stimulating your brain cells! 

Have the craic

St Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival, London, 16 March

You don’t have to be Irish to join in with the annual St Patrick’s Day celebrations in London – people from all walks of life line the streets from Hyde Park Corner to Whitehall to enjoy the boisterous parade of marching bands and performers, before gathering in Trafalgar Square to witness, and take part in, a wide range of themed activities. Think music, dancing, workshops… and, of course, plenty of Irish cheer. 

Go underground

Open Subway, Crystal Palace, 20 March

To celebrate the 160th anniversary of the Crystal Palace Subway, the local authority is re-opening this historic landmark to the public. 

The first of these ‘Open Subway’ events took place in February, but if you missed that one, here’s another chance to explore this unique underground space, which has served not only as a conduit to the nearby rail station but also as an air raid shelter and a location for illegal raves! Though you’ll have to make your own way around, guides will be on hand to provide facts and stories – and there will also be a free sketch and photography session. 

Free events in the South West & Wales

Celebrate Wales!

St David’s Day Parade, Cardiff, 1 March

Flags and costumes, pipers and bells… The annual St David’s Day Parade in Cardiff never fails to entertain. Starting at 12.30pm in King Edward VII Avenue, this colourful celebration of Welsh culture and heritage snakes through the centre of the city to St David’s Hall, where there should be an opportunity to have your photo taken with one or more of the authentically attired participants. Just remember to say diolch (thank you in Welsh). 

Scour for signs of spring

Walk with a Warden, Llanelli, 15 March

While nature and wildlife walks are always satisfying, you can gain much more insight into your surroundings by tagging along with an expert guide. One such opportunity is about to present itself, with WWT Llanelli offering a Walk with a Warden. During this gentle 90-minute stroll, you’ll look for early signs of spring, including pussy willow catkins, hawthorn blossom and maybe even some newborn amphibians. Who knows, you might even make some new friends.With a Boundless membership, you get free, unlimited access to all WWT centres for yourself and up to five children, and you can also take an additional adult half-price.

Experience a natural phenomenon

Catch the Tide, WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre, 29 & 30 March

The Severn Bore is one of the UK’s most spectacular natural wonders, a tidal wave that sweeps over the Severn estuary around 250 times a year. For an awesome vantage point, head to WWT Slimbridge, where you can enjoy panoramic views from the Estuary Tower Hide. While you’re up there, look out for waders and other birds that come into roost at this time of the year. There will be an expert guide on hand to help you identify what’s what.

With a Boundless membership, you get free, unlimited access to all WWT centres for yourself and up to five children, and you can also take an additional adult half price. Find out more about how to join.

Free events in the Midlands & East

Family roots

My Long Lost Family by Tony Friedlander, Ipswich, 12 March

Due to a series of unforeseen circumstances, Tony Friendlander was separated from his birth family as a small child. However, in later life, he was determined to reunite with them – and set about piecing together his own personal history. You can hear his fascinating tale by attending tonight’s talk at the Kesgrave Conference & Community Centre in Ipswich. Hosted by the local Boundless group, it’s a must for anyone interested in ancestry.  

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 how to join.

Engage your brain

Literary Leicester, 19-22 March

It’s not very often that you get a chance to attend a festival for free, and that’s why Literary Leicester has become so popular among bookish types. 

Presented by the School of Arts, Media & Communication and the Centre for New Writing – and taking place at various local venues as well as online – this four-day event offers a packed programme of talks, workshops and debates. With a wide range of topics covered, there’s something for everyone.

Admire some new art talents

Coventry Open, Warwickshire, 28 March - 8 June

No, not a tennis tournament – the Coventry Open is a fabulous annual showcase of work by talented young artists. Held at the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, this ten-week event features a diverse range of art forms, from paintings to prints, ceramics to sound installations. While the deadline has now passed for submitting work to the exhibition, enjoy browsing the creativity on display.  

Free events in the North of England

Get some fresh air

Festival of the Outdoors, Sheffield, throughout March

Sheffield is a vibrant place to visit at any time of the year, but it really comes into its own in March, when the Festival of the Outdoors descends on the city. Throughout the month, there are loads of events and activities happening – from art exhibitions to classical music recitals – and many of them are free to attend. To find out more about what’s on, visit the website. 

Pull some strings

Newcastle Puppetry Festival, Newcastle, 19-27 March

It doesn’t matter if you’re eight or 80, puppetry has the ability to transport you to a magical place. And some of the UK’s most talented puppeteers will be gathering in the North East for the Newcastle Puppetry Festival. Held across a multitude of venues, this annual event for adults and kids offers a busy programme of shows, films, talks and workshops. As Punch and Judy might say, that’s the way to do it!   

Do it with numbers

World Maths Day, Liverpool Museum, 23 March

Think maths is boring? You might change your mind after visiting the World Maths Day event at Liverpool Museum. Suitable for both children (11-plus) and adults, this fun event will delve into the colourful history of the subject, answering questions like ‘How old is maths?’, ‘Who invented equations?’ and ‘Did the ancient Egyptians count in the same way we do?’ And with the event being free for all, you won’t need to do any mental arithmetic at the door.

Free events in Scotland & Northern Ireland

Get your ration of fashion

Royal Style in the Making, Hillsborough Castle, 15 March 2025–4 January 2026

It’s hard not to be swept up in the glamour of royal fashions – but how much do you know about the making of these regal outfits? This exhibition at Hillsborough Castle will shed some light on the dresses and gowns worn by the women of the Royal Family. Discover the amazing toile used in the making of Queen Elizabeth and the Queen Mother’s coronation gowns in 1937, original design drawings by the likes of David Sassoon and Oliver Messel, along with many other eye-opening exhibits.  

Boundless Plus members get unlimited access to all six attractions in the Historic Royal Palaces portfolio, plus admission for one additional adult and two additional children per visit. Find out more about Boundless membership and how to join.

Spread some floral happiness

Plant Swap, Belfast, 22 March

You’ve heard of a book swap, but how about a plant swap? As the name suggests, this event at Belfast’s Golden Thread Gallery will see garden lovers gathering to share their shrubs with like-minded people. 

So, if you have an excess of chrysanths and you need some geraniums, you know where to go. You never know, you might pick up some green-fingered wisdom while you’re there.

Flock to a wildlife-themed festival

Goodbye to the geese, WWT Caerlaverock Wetland Centre, 28-30 March

Every year, the end of the cold season is celebrated in style at WWT Caerlaverock in Dumfries. Over three days, the wetland centre signals the start of spring with a programme of family-friendly events centred around the departure of its famous winter migrants. With everything from walks to talks to breakfasts in the boathouse on the agenda, there’s plenty to keep goose lovers honking.

With a Boundless membership, you get free, unlimited access for yourself and up to five children, and you can also take an additional adult half-price.

Free online events

Feel the girl power!

The Women That Changed the World – Celebrating International Women’s Day, 11 March

From writers to rioters, inventors to pirates, Philippa Gregory’s latest book, Normal Women, celebrates the ordinary yet extraordinary females who’ve helped shape the history of England. In tonight’s online talk – to celebrate International Women’s Day – the author (pictured above) shares some of the fascinating stories from the book, providing inspiration and enlightenment in equal measures. Attendees will also have a chance to win one of five free copies.

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.

Discover the secrets of great gardens

Improve your garden, Improve your wellbeing!, 18 March

Gardening doesn’t only make our outdoor space look lovely – it can improve our health, too. To discover more, listen to tonight’s online talk by award-winning garden designer Juliet Sargeant. A regular on Radio 4’s Gardeners’ Question Time, she’ll share horticultural tips and explain the connection between green-fingered activity and personal well-being. Oh, and she’ll also be giving away five copies of her book! 

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.

Celebrate happiness

The Science of Happiness – celebrating the International Day of Happiness, 25 March

There are lots of things that can make us happy, from hearing a baby’s laugh to seeing our favourite team score a goal. But what are the scientific reasons for these rushes of sheer joy? In tonight’s online talk, author and psychologist Bruce Hood will explore what happens in the human brain to give us a sense of contentment and help us improve our own wellbeing. He’ll also be giving away five copies of his new book!  

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.