Hundreds of participating National Lottery-funded visitor attractions across the UK are saying ‘thanks’ to people who have raised money for good causes by buying a lottery ticket, including a number of venues in the Cotswolds
Corinium Museum, Cirencester
When: December 3-9
During this week, National Lottery players can visit the Corinium Museum for free when they present a National Lottery ticket or scratchcard.
Thanks to money raised by National Lottery players, the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) has awarded funding of £676,900 to help the Corinium Museum turn their plans into a reality. The HLF has been a long-term supporter of the Museum, having previously funded a major project at the site in 2001. Now this National Lottery support can help revitalise these important galleries, creating many more opportunities for local people and visitors alike to see more fascinating objects that tell the story of the Cotswolds through the early periods in our history.
Click here for more information.
Westonbirt Arboretum, Tetbury
When: December 3-9
From Monday, December 3 – Sunday, December 9, Westonbirt Arboretum are opening their doors for free to visitors who can present one valid, in-date National Lottery ticket.
Over the past five years, the Heritage Lottery Fund has helped the Arboretum with many of their achievements including four new free on-site activities.
Click here for more information.
When: Friday, December 7 (various times through the day)
Gloucester Cathedral will be offering free Crypt and Tower tours (plus a free goodie bag for the first 100 people) as part of the National Lottery’s #ThanksToYou campaign. Bringing a National Lottery ticket or scratch card will allow visitors a free tour of the Tower and access to superb views over the county. Visitors can also use tickets to tour the Crypt, the oldest part of the Cathedral, dating back to 1089.
The Heritage Lottery Fund grant received by Gloucester Cathedral as part of Project Pilgrim Phase One has supported an ambitious programme of capital development, regeneration and community engagement. Improvements such as the conservation of the 15th c Lady Chapel, a newly landscaped Cathedral Green, and a new Welcome Area were all made possible by a £4.1 million grant.
Click here for more information.
Dyrham Park, near Bath
When: December 5-7
On December 5, 6 and 7, the National Trust will be offering free entry to many of their sites, including the stunning ancient deer park, 17th century house and landscape of Dyrham Park near Bath. To gain free entry guests must present a purchased National Lottery ticket or proof of play for National Lottery draw-based game or scratch cards.
Over the years National Lottery players have contributed more than £14million towards conservation projects for National Trust Managed sites.
Click here for more information.
When: 11am-12pm, Saturday December 8
As part of the National Lottery’s #ThanksToYou campaign, the Museum of Oxford have organised a free Town Hall tour. Bring along a valid National Lottery ticket to visit the Medieval Cellar, the Council’s Court Room and the Council Chamber, plus more.
When booking, select the #ThanksToYou ticket option on December 8. Book quick as there are limited spaces on the tour.
Click here for more information.
When: December 3-9
Between Monday, December 3 and Sunday, December 9, WWT are offering 2 for 1 entry on standard admission tickets to their wetland centres across the country, including their wetland centre in Slimbridge, to anyone with a National Lottery ticket or scratchcard.
Thanks to National Lottery players, WWT has received over £10 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund over the past 20 years, allowing members, supporters and volunteers to continue their incredible charity work.
Click here for more information.
Greystones Guided Tour at Greystones Nature Reserve, Bourton-on-the-Water
When: 10am-12pm, Sunday, December 9
The team at Greystones Nature Reserve are hosting a free guided walk for those who present a National Lottery ticket (free entry for a family of four).
The unique visitor centre at the wildlife-rich nature reserve received more than £750,000 of funding from the National Lottery’s Heritage Lottery Fund. The centre opened in July 2018 by Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust president and BBC’s Countryfile Live presenter Ellie Harrison.
Click here for more information.
Gloucester Archives at the Heritage Hub
When: From 10am, Friday, December 7
Gloucester Archives @ the Heritage Hub invite National Lottery players to a free ‘Lottery Pottery’ event making a coffee mug coaster out of mosaics between 10am-1pm on Friday, December 7. There will also be an arts & crafts talk at 11am on the same day. Visitors with a National Lottery ticket or scratchcard will receive free entry.
The events are to say thank you to National Lottery players as the Heritage Lottery Fund has helped raise funds for the Gloucester Archives over a number of years, including most recently, the For the Record Project.
Click here for more information.
National Waterways Museum, Gloucester
When: December 4-9
As part of the National Lottery #ThanksToYou campaign, the National Waterways Museum at Gloucester Docks will offer visitors with a lottery ticket to enjoy free hot drinks for two adults in Mrs Claus Tea Room and one goodie bag.
After receiving just over £70million from the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Canal & River Trust will also give away a VIP prize to every 70th ticket holder that walks through each of their museums’ doors.
Click here for more information.
Croome Court, Upton-upon-Severn
When: December 5-7
Historic Croome Court, and the beautiful surrounding landscape, will be open for free for visitors on presentation of a lottery ticket or scratchcard.
Over the years National Lottery players have contributed more than £14million towards conservation projects for National Trust Managed sites.
Click here for more information.
For more information, visit the National Lottery website here. This handy map shows all participating venues across the country and the details of their offers.
