WHILE January can often be a frugal time of year, visiting winter attractions doesn’t have to break the bank.
We’ve rounded up a handful of free events and attractions taking place across the UK in January.
From London to York – here’s everything you need to know.
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Battersea Power Station, London
Located on the south bank of the River Thames, Battersea Power Station is a decommissioned coal-fired power station.
Battersea Power Station is a maze of shops and restaurants, but there’s a free event returning to the iconic London landmark in 2024.
Running from January 25, 2024, to February 25, 2024, the Light Festival is a free event featuring seven installations.
In addition to the light displays, there will be soundscapes and other interactive elements.
The attraction will be on display outside Battersea Power Station, and it will be free for members of the public.
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Canary Wharf, London
If you can’t wait until the end of the month, then you’re in luck because London already has another light trail that’s already underway.
The Winter Lights at Canary Wharf has returned for another year, and this time it has 13 light installations.
This year, the light installations are themed around the contrast between nature and technology.
Winter Lights is free to visit, and people are encouraged to download a digital map so they can easily follow the trail.
The free event is running from January 17, 2024, to January 27, 2024, and it is open from 5pm to 10pm during those days.
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Canterbury Cathedral, Canterbury
It’s safe to say that Canterbury Cathedral dominates the Canterbury skyline, but more people will actually be able to explore inside the iconic landmark thanks to a new scheme.
The cathedral has announced a new free entry trial scheme, which will give visitors free access to sections of the landmark.
From January 29, 2024, tourists will be able to explore parts of the cathedral for free during a six-week trial scheme.
Canterbury Cathedral is one of the oldest and most well-known Christian structures in England.
The towering cathedral was founded by St Augustine in 597 AD and now forms part of a World Heritage Site.
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Free events throughout York
This year sees the return of the York Residents’ Festival from Saturday 27, 2024 to Sunday, January 28, 2024.
The two-day event lets York residents visit historical attractions without having to pay for entry.
There are plenty of attractions to pick from, including York Minster, JORVIK Viking Centre, Clifford’s Tower, Fairfax House, Barley Hall and Merchant Adventurers’ Hall.
Residents will also be able to take advantage of a free river cruise with City Cruises, free wizard golf at The Hole in Wand and the first 100 visitors can visit for free at York’s Chocolate Story.
This means York residents can become a tourist on their own doorstep.
Meanwhile, there are several other free events taking place in different parts of the UK throughout February.
For example, Southampton will be celebrating Chinese New Year with a string of free events and performances taking place on both February 3, 2024, and February 10, 2024.
Scotland’s Festival of Light will be returning to Aberdeen for the tenth time.
From February 8, 2024 to February 11, 2024 visitors will be able to enjoy the free displays, all of which are work from local artists.
Meanwhile, a huge UK attraction will let kids go free during half term in a boost to cash-strapped families.
Alton Towers has February half-term overnight stays from £48.50pp, with park entry, waterpark and a free breakfast.
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