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VisitBritain partners with The National Lottery in campaign to boost domestic tourism

From 3 July to 30 September, the UK-wide promotion will allow all National Lottery players who enter their National Lottery game reference number on the VisitBritain Shop to redeem a free voucher against entry tickets to hundreds of participating tourist attractions and experiences.

VisitBritain and The National Lottery have teamed up to launch a new promotion to encourage Brits to visit an attraction this summer, offering £25 toward trips to hundreds of top attractions across the UK.

From 3 July to 30 September, the UK-wide promotion will allow all National Lottery players who enter their National Lottery game reference number on the VisitBritain Shop at NationalLotteryDaysOut.com to redeem a free £25 voucher against entry tickets to hundreds of participating tourist attractions and experiences.

Tourism Minister John Whittingdale said: “ From castles to galleries, botanical gardens to museums, there is so much to do in the UK this summer. Thanks to the National Lottery Days Out Scheme, it is even easier to enjoy Britain’s historic destinations and incredible attractions for less. I encourage lottery players to take advantage of this opportunity to turn their ticket into an affordable day out over the holidays, supporting good causes and local tourism across the country.”

VisitBritain CEO Patricia Yates said: “VisitBritain is delighted to once again be supporting the National Lottery Days Out campaign. With the summer holidays fast approaching, this timely promotion will support more of us to get out and explore the wonderful visitor attractions and experiences here on our doorstep, enjoy a great day out with family and friends and boost local economies up and down the country.”

Adam Chataway , Head of Partnerships at The National Lottery said: “The National Lottery is thrilled to join forces with VisitBritain once again to offer our players the opportunity to see some amazing attractions across the UK this summer, either free or at a hugely discounted price. A huge number of major attractions and historical locations have been funded by The National Lottery over the years and the £25 vouchers are a great way to say a huge ‘thank you’ to our players for supporting culture and heritage across the UK.”

As the National Lottery Days Out campaign delivery partner VisitBritain also wants to support visitor attractions and experiences to drive future sales through its Tourism Exchange Great Britain (TXGB) platform and the VisitBritain Shop, reaching more domestic and international customers.

The campaign is also being supported across VisitBritain/VisitEngland’s channels including newsletters, social media and website content along with media and influencer activity.

Theodore Koumelis

Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.

• Theodore Koumelis https://www.traveldailynews.com/author/theodore-koumelis/ Anex Tour Poland expands presence at Katowice Airport
• Theodore Koumelis https://www.traveldailynews.com/author/theodore-koumelis/ Bob W to launch fourth Tallinn aparthotel in heart of Arter Quarter business hub
• Theodore Koumelis https://www.traveldailynews.com/author/theodore-koumelis/ H.E. Bin Touq and his Estonian counterpart explore potential avenues for expanding cooperation in tourism, aviation
• Theodore Koumelis https://www.traveldailynews.com/author/theodore-koumelis/ 2024 ASUTIL Conference programme announced

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National Lottery Days out with £25 off

Looking for cheap days out near you? We’ve got you covered. Use any National Lottery Ticket, Scratchcard or Instant Win Game (bought from 1 January this year) to get a £25 voucher to put towards a fun day out. From Hampton Court Palace to Peppa Pig World, check out our 25 top picks with £25 off, and then go to the VisitBritain Shop  to book your next day out.

Brewhouse and Kitchen Gin Tasting Masterclass

Chester, Cheshire

Hic, hic, hooray! Strictly one for the grow-ups, it’s time to get your gin knowledge in order with a guided tasting session of five delicious gins and learn about the origins and history of this now-loved (but also maligned in decades past) spirit.

British Music Experience

Liverpool, Merseyside

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Calling all music fans – this is the UK’s only museum dedicated to the phenomenon of British rock and pop music (Britpop, if you will). It’s stuffed to the rafters with exhibitions featuring memorabilia, stage outfits, instruments, famous images and archival footage. Within the historic Cunard Building on Liverpool’s Waterfront, experience the key moments in British music history that put this country on the cultural icon map.

City Cruises

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Summer is the perfect time to take to the water, but there’s no need to get your feet wet. Opt for a City Cruise  on London’s River Thames, see York’s historical landmarks from the River Ouse, or take in the sights of the Jurassic coastline out of Poole, Dorset. If you want something extra special, choose from afternoon teas, onboard parties, or a romantic floodlit cruise.

Dover Castle

Dover, Kent

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There’s more to Dover than just its cliffs. It’s also home to an iconic castle packed with a fascinating history dating back to 1066. Step back in time through the different eras of the castle, from the Norman Conquest to Dunkirk, or scurry through its eerie underground tunnels on an escape room experience. 

Dudley Zoo & Castle

Dudley, West Midlands

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Two attractions for the price of one! A zoo housing hundreds of animals sits beside the ruins of 11th-century Dudley Castle (). After visiting the animals, relax on the man-made beach this summer. If you fancy something a little extra, how about becoming a zookeeper for the day? Or take part in late-night ghost hunting in the castle…if you’re brave enough!

Hampton Court Palace

Kingston-upon-Thames, London

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Although it's undergone many changes since the Tudor period, Hampton Court Palace is still one of the best places to glimpse the dramatic life of King Henry VIII and, later, Queen Anne. See history being brought to life by costumed speakers and in the interactive exhibits. Don't forget to take on the palace's epically tricky maze too.

Kew Gardens

Richmond-upon-Thames, London

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Whisk yourself away to a world filled with fragrance and colour . With over 50,000 living plants, there's so much to see, from the larger-than-life arboretum to the exotic fancies of the tropical greenhouses. A new favourite of ours is The Hive . This 17-metre-high contemporary art piece pays tribute to the all-important honeybee. Be sure to check out the elegant Great Pagoda too, which you can climb to the top of once again following a major restoration project.

London By Night Open Top Bus Tour

Westminster, London

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Enjoy a different perspective of the London skyline with this 90-minute panoramic bus tour  of lit-up landmarks. Marvel at sights including the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey against the night sky, with a guide providing fun facts and history throughout. There’s also free Wi-Fi onboard, so you can instantly upload your scenic pics and videos and tag yourself at the different locations.

Manchester City Stadium Tour

Go behind the scenes at the home of Treble Winners Manchester City, on the Etihad Stadium Tour , and visit the areas not usually seen by fans. Using the latest technology, sit and interact with Pep Guardiola in the press room; walk in the footsteps of legends as you walk out of the glass players' tunnel; perch in the dug outs and soak up the views of the stadium from pitchside. 

Newcastle Castle

Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Northumberland

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The castle that gave the city its name, this imposing Norman-era fortress is a stark reminder of northern England’s turbulent past – and offers commanding views across the city and the River Tyne into Gateshead from atop the Castle Keep. Explore the many passageways and chambers, and soak up the history of centuries past.

Oxford Official Walking Tours

Oxford, Oxfordshire

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The city of the dreaming spires has plenty of themed walking tours to whet your appetite and boost your cultural cred. Explore the colleges of the world-famous university, follow in the footsteps of CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien or visit the filming locations for Phillip Pullman’s His Dark Materials trilogy and the classic ITV mystery series Inspector Morse —a must-see for literary and TV fans of all ages.

Peppa Pig World tour from London

Romsey, Hampshire

Jump onto a luxury coach with the kids from London to Hampshire’s New Forest for this delightful mini theme park inside Paulton’s Park, which has nine rides suitable for toddlers and young children, sorry grown-ups! However, big and little kids alike can meet Peppa Pig and George Pig to get that all-important photo. Mummy Pig, Daddy Pig, Zoe Zebra and Suzy Sheep also make seasonal appearances.

Port Sunlight Experience

Birkenhead, Wirral

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Considered one of the best surviving examples of early urban planning, this Wirral-based Grade II-listed village  is a must-see for fans of Peaky Blinders,  where it was partially filmed. There are over 900 buildings across 130 acres, including workers’ cottages, a museum, pubs, churches, craft workshops and gift shops. Experience a time long gone but not forgotten.

RHS Gardens

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With five gardens spread across England, the RHS Gardens showcase the best of British horticulture for green fingers and amateur gardeners alike. Choose from Harlow Carr (North Yorkshire), Hyde Hall (Essex), Rosemoor (Devon), Wisley (Surrey) and Bridgewater (Greater Manchester). Whether you stroll through the famed Flower Shows, enjoy food and live music or shop at the various craft fairs this summer, there’s always something different to enjoy.

Royal Liver Building 360

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Have you ever wondered what the view from atop Liverpool’s most famous building looks like? This city landmark offers a unique viewpoint and an immersive tour led by local guides. Learn about the history of the iconic building and its architecture before heading upwards to enjoy spectacular 360° skyline views from the 15th-floor viewing platform.

Old Royal Naval College & Painted Hall

Greenwich, London

A filming location for Thor, Pirates of the Caribbean and The Great, amongst others, the Painted Hall is an unmissable landmark for film and history buffs alike. Hailed as Britain’s version of The Sistine Chapel, the 17th century Painted Hall took 19 years to complete. Marvel in its grandeur and before peeking into the remains of Greenwich Palace, where Henry VIII, Elizabeth I and Mary I were born.

Thames Barrier Explorer's Voyage

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Zip up your lifejacket and prepare for a hair-raising, 80-minute Thames Rocket RIB boat ride . Zoom off from the London Eye all the way past St Paul’s, HMS Belfast, the Tower of London and ending at the Thames Barrier in the east. You’ll be treated to an entertaining commentary from the friendly guides, and when the speed increases to 35 mph – prepare for some high-octane tunes to get you in an adventurous mood. And what’s more – when you turn around at the Barrier, you can enjoy the fun again, all the way back.

The Bridgerton Bath Walking Tour

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Put your best foot forward on a tour of the filming locations of the alt-Regency-era drama series Bridgerton  in the beautiful Georgian city of Bath. While enjoying the architecture, listen as your tour guide gives an insight into the life and society of the early 19th-century aristocracy and gentry. From a visit to Madame Delacroix’s Modiste for a dress fitting to the home of the show’s grand dame, Lady Danbury, lose yourself in the surroundings of the ‘ton’. 

Tower Bridge

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Arguably London’s most defining landmark, did you know that you can visit the inside of Tower Bridge and tread on a glass walkway – if you’re brave enough! Discover the stories behind its engineering and the people who built it. Enjoy panoramic views from the high-level cross-river walkways, and take at London life beneath your feet. Before you leave, make sure you visit the magnificent Victorian Engine Rooms, located under the bascules of the towers; they appeared in the finale of the animated film Sherlock Gnomes .

Where The Wall -The Bristol Street Art Tour

Discover the home of Banksy and explore over 30 years of graffiti history in the UK’s capital of street art. This tour is popular with tourists from all over the world and covers cutting-edge urban art alongside Bristol’s history and culture. Learn the story of Bristol’s art scene from the 1980s to the current day, including the rise of Banksy as the world’s most famous graffiti artist.

Yorkshire Wildlife Park

Doncaster, South Yorkshire

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Explore your wild side at a conservation park teeming with 700 animals across 70 species. Spot Amur leopards, tigers, hunting dogs, black rhinos, the country’s only polar bears, and the internationally famous Lion Pride of Yorkshire. Stroll through lively walk-through areas, including Wallaby Walkabout and Lemur Woods, and learn about your favourite animals with talks and feeding times hosted throughout the day.

Whipsnade Zoo

Dunstable, Bedfordshire

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In the Chiltern Downs, around 2,500 amazing animals, including lions, tigers, rhinos, elephants, zebra, hippos, and giraffes, roam in their large outdoor enclosures – welcome to Whipsnade ! Don’t miss the rockhopper and African black-footed residents of the penguin pool, with epic views over the surrounding countryside. Discover new depths as you delve deeper into the fascinating underwater worlds of Whipsnade Zoo’s Aquarium, then bask in the tropical temperatures of the Butterfly House surrounded by hundreds of colourful butterflies.

Cadbury World

Bourneville, West Midlands

Explore the rich and tasty history of Cadbury at one of the UK’s most unique (and tastiest) attractions. Cadbury World takes you on a journey through time, starting with the very origins of chocolate and how it became a global phenomenon through to mass production in the heart of Birmingham. Featuring plenty of tasting opportunities, this magical tour through a former Cadbury factory should be on any Brum itinerary. 

Dinosaur World Live

Dinosaur World Live returns to Regent’s Park for another roar-some summer season this year. This “dino-mite” interactive show sees you follow an intrepid explorer across uncharted territories to discover a prehistoric world of astonishing - and remarkably life-like dinosaurs. Top tip: Be sure to stay after the show to get some epic photos in a ‘meat’ and greet with the dinosaurs themselves.

Silverstone Interactive Museum

Towcester, Northamptonshire

The home of the British Grand Prix invites you to an immersive visitor attraction which celebrates our motor racing heritage, beyond F1. Petrolheads, prepare to have your minds blown; there are more than 60 hands-on exhibits, iconic cars and bikes and a thrilling cinema show taking you on a virtual lap of the circuit.

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VisitBritain partners with The National Lottery in campaign to boost domestic tourism

Thursday, June 22, 2023 Favorite

VisitBritain and The National Lottery have teamed up to launch a new promotion to encourage Brits to visit an attraction this summer, offering £25 toward trips to hundreds of top attractions across the United Kingdom.

From 3 July to 30 September, the UK-wide promotion will allow all National Lottery players who enter their National Lottery game reference number on the VisitBritain Shop at NationalLotteryDaysOut.com to redeem a free £25 voucher against entry tickets to hundreds of participating tourist attractions and experiences.

Tourism Minister John Whittingdale said: “From castles to galleries, botanical gardens to museums, there is so much to do in the UK this summer. Thanks to the National Lottery Days Out Scheme, it is even easier to enjoy Britain’s historic destinations and incredible attractions for less. I encourage lottery players to take advantage of this opportunity to turn their ticket into an affordable day out over the holidays, supporting good causes and local tourism across the country.”

VisitBritain CEO Patricia Yates said: “VisitBritain is delighted to once again be supporting the National Lottery Days Out campaign. With the summer holidays fast approaching, this timely promotion will support more of us to get out and explore the wonderful visitor attractions and experiences here on our doorstep, enjoy a great day out with family and friends and boost local economies up and down the country.”

Adam Chataway, Head of Partnerships at The National Lottery said: “The National Lottery is thrilled to join forces with VisitBritain once again to offer our players the opportunity to see some amazing attractions across the UK this summer, either free or at a hugely discounted price. A huge number of major attractions and historical locations have been funded by The National Lottery over the years and the £25 vouchers are a great way to say a huge ‘thank you’ to our players for supporting culture and heritage across the UK.”

As the National Lottery Days Out campaign delivery partner VisitBritain also wants to support visitor attractions and experiences to drive future sales through its Tourism Exchange Great Britain (TXGB) platform and the VisitBritain Shop, reaching more domestic and international customers.

The campaign is also being supported across VisitBritain/VisitEngland’s channels including newsletters, social media and website content along with media and influencer activity.

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I can’t open the lottery app on my iphone

I cannot open the lottery app on my iphone , or access it through a web browser

iPhone 12, iOS 15

Posted on Dec 13, 2021 5:39 AM

Posted on Dec 14, 2021 6:45 AM

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If I could gtive this a minus 5 stars

If I could give this a minus 5 stars, it would really reflect on the performance of this outfit! I ordered and paid for a Visitor Oyster card on the understanding that delivery would be 8-9 days. I was notified that it was shipped and two weeks later still no card. I will be leaving in 2 days time and I tried to contact them two days ago with zero response. It is not the money in so much as the inconvenience as my understanding is that one cannot purchase a Visitor Oyster card in London itself, although I did ask them what I should do when I tried to contact. I feel absolutely ripped of and even before I start, it has left a blot on my trip.I wish that I had read the reviews before paying these shysters.

Date of experience : 09 March 2024

RIPPED!!!!! Ordered oystercards, paid, NO delivery!!!

We ordered 6 oystercards including £25 each card!!!!! We paid extra for track and trace delivery!!! NO CARDS WERE DELIVERED!!!!!!! Advice from Visit Britain website: buy new cards in London and if you get the delivery later on you get a REFUND!!!!! We have been RIPPED!!!!!

Date of experience : 29 December 2023

It’s safe to say…it’s not a scam! Amazing Lottery Discount for Alton Towers

Amazing Day out at Alton Towers Firework Event days for £14.99pp! I was informed of the National Lottery Days out promotion offering £25 off tickets. I claimed the promotion and was forwarded to the Visit Britain website to claim the discount voucher. They had the tickets for Alton Towers marked up at £39.99 - including the dates for their Fireworks events, which normally cost more (online closer to the dates we’re £59.99 on Alton towers website!). I entered the codes and purchased the tickets for £14.99. My tickets came nearly instantaneously with no issue. However, I was sceptical this was a scam, the tickets said they were valid on 05/11/23 time 00.00.00, and expired on 05/11/23 time 00.00.01. I panicked right up until visiting, especially after seeing the reviews! On arrival, the ticket barcodes did not scan. However, when the barcode was manually entered, the tickets went through without issue and we were granted access! We had a wonderful day and the fireworks at Alton Towers were nothing short of brilliant and would happily use again!

Date of experience : 05 November 2023

National Lottery Days Out worked for me

Further to my previous negative review, I was in a similar position this time with a £25 National Lottery Days Out voucher and I have to say that it worked... I was able to redeem it on the website. The price of the ticket was the same as from the venue direct... no mark-up... and when I got to the venue the voucher was accepted without any problem. So it might be hit and miss but it's certainly not a scam and I'll be looking out for these kinds of offers in the future.

Date of experience : 03 July 2023

Westminster Abbey visit with £20 voucher

I visited Westminster Abbey with the £20 off voucher for the newsletter signup. Voucher was delivered quickly and I was able to book with GoldenTours/Graylines and their ticket was emailed quickly as well. There are a lot of negative reviews on here, but my experience was great. Thanks VisitBritain!

Date of experience : 03 April 2023

Very disappointed.

Very disappointed. Booked tickets via the national lottery promotion, great we thought, go somewhere we probably wouldn't have gone otherwise. Couple of days later they've been cancelled, and we've been accused of fraud 🤣 Visit Britain? Nah, I'll pass!

Date of experience : 22 August 2023

DON'T WASTE YOUR MONEY

Ordered 2 Visitor Oyster Cards London on 9-12 for 79 pounds ($99 total). I never received the cards before our departure to Europe on Sept 27. They said cards would arrive in time. Their tracking showed the cards were delivered to the Sarasota FL post office on 9-27; however they were never delivered to our residence and in any regard we had left so they would do us no good. Still have not shown up 11-13-23. Visit Britain WILL NOT REFUND THE MONEY! They are not reputable. Don't waste your money. FYI you don't need these cards-your credit card works for all transportation. Great system

Date of experience : 25 September 2023

A shambles of an organisation

A shambles of an organisation. Booked a trip to RHS Wisley using the Lotto special offer scheme. Had to change dates (Wisley does not take bookings by dates anyway), but VisitBritain's phone system was broken and they could not take any calls. Sent an email for a response in 48 hours. No response. RHS Wisley accepted the tickets anyway. It's embarrassing that this organisation is representing Britain to tourists. What a shambles! It just confirms the current state of the nation.....

Date of experience : 13 July 2023

I could have read reviews before purchase...

My order for the Oyster Visitor Card, #000000520, placed on 30 Sep 2021, has not arrived yet. I visited London without it and used my debit card to pay for TfL tickets, which means I have spent twice as much. I have raised this with TfL, as I do not think, based on the reviews below and my own experience, VisitBritain is a great distributor... Two stars out of five for VisitBritain's reply to my email. I have contacted their customer service who offered a refund if I return the unused card to them after my trip. Unfortunately, my card has not turned up.

Date of experience : 18 October 2021

Avoid Avoid Avoid

I purchased tickets for a witch walk. Unfortunately I tested positive for Covid 50+ hours prior to the walk. I immediately contacted visit Britain via their online form. I received no reply for 48 hours and then a claim that I had left it too late. I had given more than 50 hours notice and their terms and conditions state 48 hours. They tried saying I made the claim 24 hours before at 6:55 am (I wasn’t even awake at this time) I sent my internet history as proof of when I went on the contact form and of the morning they said I contacted them. They claim this isn’t evidence. Terrible customer service. I don’t recommend booking with them.

Date of experience : 21 October 2023

Misleading prices

Visit Britain advertising 2 children and one adult at £50 for Adventure Valley. I used my national lottery days out ticket so only paid £25. Direct on the attraction website is only £30 for the same size group. VB are massively inflating prices and taking as range of the lottery vouchers. Awful service and too late to rectify

Date of experience : 05 July 2023

Tickets not scanning

Bought a ticket to go to Legoland and ticket didn't scan. Ticket didn't download, luckily had a screenshot of the barcode but it didn't scan. The ticket says entry 00:00 till 00:00:01 when legoland opens 10am till 5pm. Customer service is shocking and just go round in circles. Spoken to a few people that have had the same problem with tickets not scanning including a friend that went the same day but luckily she got to go in. I guess you risk it for £13 a ticket when it's £66 normally. Never buy another ticket and will be spreading the word as they are basically scamming people.

Date of experience : 17 September 2023

Like many others took advantage of a…

Like many others took advantage of a national lottery promotion to take my family to the zoo. Tickets bought in July, vouchers one per person and per email address but bought all tickets using one email address (not against terms) and they cancelled them! We've booked local accomodation and sorted travel. Awful

Date of experience : 23 August 2023

I would advise booking direct with your attraction

Sorry changing my original review. I can't fault the customer service response in terms of timeliness and politeness however they use other suppliers who do not have the same policies for rescheduling tickets as booking directly with the attraction (in this case the Tower of London). Our trains had been cancelled due to Storm Eunice which meant we could not visit the Tower.

Date of experience : 19 February 2022

Awful first time experience

Due to issues with your website and booking process I have now been left with only half of my family being able to attend the day out. We are unable to contact you via telephone as your telephone lines are “temporarily unavailable” and whilst you encourage people to send you emails, we have sent four emails over the past few weeks and have had zero responses. Would absolutely not recommend this website to anybody.

Date of experience : 19 July 2023

Dishonest and misleading

Their customer service is useless and they do not honour their own promotions. My friend and I signed up to a promotion (ending 31 March) where you get 20 pounds off for signing up to the newsletter. Our codes came days apart and when we tried to use them within the alloted time, they did not work. A message said the promotion had ended which went against their own terms and conditions.

Date of experience : 30 March 2023

Booked Edinburgh castle through the…

Booked Edinburgh castle through the website and received the QR codes no problem so added them to my apple wallet. On the day of visiting, the castle said the QR codes were not what they used to scan for entry and I should have received a second email with actual entry tickets from the castle. This I did not receive. We ended up having to be escorted to the ticket office inside so they could find our booking by name as the reference number was irrelevant and they could not have been more helpful. We had saved the castle for our final day and this ended up wasting time and nearly cost us a whole new batch of entry tickets - shame on you VB

Date of experience : 31 August 2023

Visitbritain Scamming Shop Avoid Them

Ordered 2 X visit London Oyster Visitor cards with £40 credit on each. They never arrived by stated date and still had not arrived by the time I departed on my trip. Bloody hopeless to deal with disgusting customer service, I just wanted a refund of monies they stole from me but got excuses. Now I've handed it over to Visa card protection and reported them as a fraudulent merchant.

Date of experience : 09 February 2023

Don’t even bother with them

Purchased a day travel card then became concerned that I’d been scammed after reading poor reviews however my card did turn up! Unfortunately there’s a scheduled train strike for the day my ticket is valid for. I’ve contacted the company with regards to my options as I wanted to just travel the following day instead. They responded with their terms and conditions stating that no refunds would be given due to rail strikes. I do understand it isn’t this companies fault that strikes occur and that they are running a business and that’s why they won’t offer refunds BUT I don’t want a refund I just wanted to use my ticket the following day, you should be given the opportunity to use the service that you’ve paid for especially if refunds aren’t being issued so now I’m £30 down.

Date of experience : 24 October 2022

Complete scam

Complete scam. Took my money for tickets to Hampton Court and promised to email me the tickets 48hrs before the date of entry. No tickets were sent and no response to emails. The telephone number conveniently isn't available right now. How is this company still operating? Really wish I'd read the reviews before buying.

Date of experience : 31 March 2022

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computer will not connect to the national lottery app.

I recently changed from talktalk to vodafone for broadband. My lap top will no longer allow me to connect to the national lottery site. I, get messages like 'hmmm... this page is not available', or , 'connection refused'. I had an extensive dialogue with the N/lottery who believe the problem lies with my broadband connection. The app was working perfectly before I changed broadband suppliers. Further, I cannot connect on my linked android phone.

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Hi Elise. Thank you for your input, you are perfectly correct and, my dilemma has been resolved. Don

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National Lottery outside of UK error

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Travel & Tourism

You can visit some of the UK’s best tourist attractions for the price of a scratch card this week

Here are the places around Greater Manchester taking part...

Some of the most popular tourist attractions in the UK will be opening up their doors with hugely reduced ticket prices this week, as part of the National Lottery Open Week.

Hundreds of country parks, museums, galleries, historic houses, National Trust parks and other visitor attractions will be granting entry free of charge – all you need to do is show a lottery ticket or scratch card.

The scheme, which runs between 18 and 26 March 2023, has been created to say thank you to National Lottery players for the ‘£30million raised for Good Causes every week’.

And it means that us up north can visit some of the country’s best tourist hotspots for the price of a scratch card.

Taking part around Greater Manchester are National Trust sites like Dunham Massey, Lyme Park, and Quarry Bank, famed for their historical buildings and their lush gardens, as well as the deer that roam around.

There’ll be free guided walks around Dovestone Reservoir thanks to the RSPB, where you can see mountain hares and even have a go at planting some new wildlife as part of the area’s conservation efforts.

Jodrell Bank, the UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s home to the mighty Lovell Telescope, is offering two-for-one entry, which includes access to the new £21.5 First Light Pavilion .

Head a bit further afield, and you can pop in to Biddulph Grange, the ‘horticultural Disneyland’ and unusual garden where you can see spaces inspired by ancient Egypt, Italy and China in a single stroll.

Loads of venues around the Lake District and Peak District will be offering half price or free entry all week too.

And if you’re really up for taking advantage of the National Lottery Open Week deals and are willing to travel, the list around England includes iconic landmarks like the Eden Project, the Tower of London, and the SS Great Britain.

Darren Henley OBE, Chief Executive of Arts Council England and Chair of the National Lottery Forum, said: “The National Lottery Open Week offers players a fantastic opportunity to enjoy a low-cost day out at venues across the UK – from castles to nature reserves, museums to sports venues.

• Biddulph Grange – the unusual garden where you can see ancient Egypt, China and Italy in one walk
• The Trinnacle – the lesser-known beauty spot above one of Greater Manchester’s most popular destinations
• Mancs share their photos of the Northern Lights after staggering display seen above the UK

“It’s our way of saying thank you to National Lottery players who raise an incredible £30million each week for Good Causes.

“That funding makes a huge difference to venues and projects across the arts, sports, community and heritage sectors, funding many iconic venues, historical landmarks and other amazing days out across the UK.”

You can see all the venues taking part and what offers are available, as well as how to claim your free/discounted entry, at lotterygoodcauses.org.uk/near-you/national-lottery-open-week .

Featured image:

Roaring fires, bubbling hot tubs, stunning views, and even pairs of skis strapped to the walls – but this isn’t the French alps… it’s Yorkshire. 

Olicana Park is a beautiful holiday park right on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales, just an hour’s drive from Greater Manchester.

Here, scattered around the banks of the River Wharfe, you’ll find a collection of luxury wooden cabins, traditional cottages, and classic static caravans.

But for us, it really is all about those cabins, which capture all the best bits of the apres-ski culture loved by snow-worshippers, all year round.

In winter, you can whack on your own log burger and cosy up on the sofas with a glass of red wine and a good book, while in summer you can throw open the bi-fold doors and sit out with a cocktail on your own gigantic roof terrace.

Each cabin has its own theme that plays in around the tasteful decor, which usually involves incredible wooden beams and stone floors.

The one our friends at The Hoot stayed in had an apres-ski theme, from the subtle (vintage wooden skis and piste markers used as wall art) to the clever (an old chair lift that had been turned into patio furniture).

There’s a huge hot tub perched on your own private decking too, where you can soak in the warm water while watching the river burble past at the end of your own driveway.

Upstairs in this particular cabin were two enormous double bedrooms with modern en suite bathrooms, one of which also had an enormous terrace attached with a view down to the river.

And then – wait for it – the cabin also came with its own sauna. Talk about luxury.

If you can’t tear yourself away from your own space, each cabin has a kitchen that’s perfectly kitted out with everything you need to whip up a tasty tea (or, if you’re like us, a cheese board for dinner).

But if you do venture out, there’s an on-site restaurant called Hamilton’s, where you can dig in to fresh salads, gyros, and burgers, and when you come back in the next morning you can feast on a menu of banging breakfasts and brunches.

Olicana Park actually used to be a traditional caravan park, but has been given some serious TLC since the new owners took over in 2016.

It was this team who decided to split the park into zones, with four cottages in one, five luxury cabins in another, and 29 static caravans in the third.

The cottages and cabins were all refurbished or constructed from scratch using British suppliers and local tradesmen.

It’s just a short stroll from Addingham village, and that’s only a short bus from the bustling town of Ilkley, which itself is only a short train ride from Leeds.

That means excellent pubs, restaurants and cafes within easy reach, as well as gorgeous countryside walks like a riverside amble to Bolton Abbey.

Surrounded by a plethora of long walks and country pubs, Olicana Park really is a perfect gateway to the Yorkshire Dales, and if you’re looking for something to kick off holiday season then we couldn’t recommend it more.

You can get 10% off your June holiday at Olicana Park with the code “THEHOOT”.

• One of Manchester’s largest hotels has reopened after an ‘extensive’ £33m renovation
• Whitworth Locke hotel review: This historic Manchester building is home to one of the city’s most beautiful hotels
• Blackpool Pleasure Beach announces closure of legendary ride after 64 years

Featured image: The Hoot Leeds

Set in a beautiful 19th Century building in Manchester’s civic quarter, Whitworth Locke aparthotel is right in the middle of all the action .

As someone who works in Manchester but lives over in Leeds, this hotel couldn’t be more ideal for me. Less than 10 minutes from both Piccadilly and Oxford road train stations and St Peter’s Square Metrolink station, the ease of getting to the hotel set off my stay to a flying start.

While the beauty of the building is astonishing, it’s almost one of those hidden gems you might miss if you weren’t looking.

Nestled in between the two sides of the building a stunning conservatory marks the main entrance with comfy seating outside I imagine to be an absolute sun trap when Manchester’s weather decides to be kind to us.

As you walk through the glass-roofed bar to get to reception you literally can’t help but be in awe. New York architects, Grzywinski+Pons, embraced the cotton mills’ original features and designed a space to show off bricks and pillars but softened them with pastel paints.

The bar area has an inside-outside feel, cobbled floors and covered in plants with light beaming in from all angles. Even if I wasn’t spending the night, I could see myself spending the afternoon enjoying some cocktails in this space.

I immediately had a cheery welcome as I approached the reception to check in, which I think really does make all the difference. I was asked about my day, if I needed any help finding my way around Manchester (actually incredibly useful for someone who gets lost as much as I do) and talked through all of the hotel amenities.

The hotel hosts a large gym, perfect for yoga, which is free to use over your stay but I opted out as I wouldn’t have the time. There’s also a lovely coffee shop, Foundation Coffee, serving breakfasts, toasties and of course a lovely cup of joe.

The main attraction though, in my eyes, is the free to use co-working space which takes up a huge part of the ground floor. Happily being used by throughout my visit, the Wi-Fi was great, the seats were comfy and although it was busy, it was nice and quiet.

Now let’s get onto the rooms, I had the privilege of trying out one of the suites and what a treat it was. Rooms are decorated with blush pink and pastel green with brass finishes, very chic and brings almost a holiday feeling even on a rainy day in Manchester.

• The Gilpin hotel review – What it’s like to stay at the Lake District spa hotel considered one of the UK’s best

Gary Neville lines up Michelin star chef for his Stock Exchange Hotel restaurant

• Manchester’s new ‘tourist tax’ has raised nearly £3 million in its first year

It’s not all about style though, there’s a fully-equipped kitchen with a huge fridge, lovely comfortable king-sized beds and loads of space to unpack your things. An added touch that really made me feel special was the hand written note hoping I enjoy my stay along with a bottle of red wine and chocolates. Safe to say, you know the way to my heart Whitworth Locke.

Overall, I woke up feeling very refreshed from a good night’s sleep and even more so after a long waterfall shower. It was really easy to check out, they even looked after my luggage for the day, and with the great location I was out and on a train to my first meeting of the day with pure ease.

The moment we’ve all been waiting for, let’s talk money. Double rooms are from £99 in low season, and from £199 in high. Competitively I think it is good value for money, the facilities and location matched with the service and cleanliness there isn’t really anything I could knock.

If you’re after a really central Manchester stay with a lovely team and a super cool aesthetic, you won’t go wrong with this one. Book your stay here.

Featured image: The Manc Group

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City Centre

One of Manchester’s largest hotels has reopened after an ‘extensive’ £33m renovation

Classical music will be played at Northern train stations to ‘deter anti-social behaviour’

Manchester United, GMP, and the Council is clamping down on ‘illegal’ matchday parking at Old Trafford

Medlock Canteen receives rave Guardian review from Jay Rayner just one month after opening

One of Manchester’s best restaurants is opening a ‘bread kitchen’ in Exhibition food hall

We go meatballs deep with Mira's traditional Neapolitan sandwiches

What a prickle…

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VisitEngland announces Awards for Excellence finalists for 2024

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Pete Chambers from Coventry Music Museum is VisitEngland’s 2024 Tourism Superstar

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11 million Brits plan a UK holiday trip for the Easter weekend, bringing a £3.2 billion economic boost

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Week-long celebration of England’s tourism industry fast approaching

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Rum Warehouse at The Titanic Hotel Liverpool to host VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2024 on 5 June

VisitEngland has today, Tuesday 5 March, announced that this year’s VisitEngland Awards for Excellence will be held at Rum Warehouse at The Titanic Hotel Liverpool on 5 June.

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Download the English Tourism Week 2024 toolkit

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Public voting now open to find VisitEngland’s Tourism Superstar 2024

VisitEngland’s Tourism Superstar 2024 competition has launched today, Monday 19 February, with the public urged to get involved and cast their vote.

VisitBritain explores ‘impact beyond the plenary’ at its first Association Conference in Edinburgh

VisitBritain, in partnership with MeetEngland, Meet in Wales, VisitScotland Business Events, and ABPCO (Association of British Professional Congress Organisers) explored the importance of ‘impact beyond the plenary’ at its first Association Conference at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC).

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Gift Card launched on the VisitBritain Shop

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VisitBritain CEO Patricia Yates speech at 'Showcase Britain'

Speech by our CEO Patricia Yates at our flagship 'Showcase Britain' event, held at the Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich, welcoming 120 travel buyers and media from 18 countries to promote Britain's outstanding tourism offer.

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VisitEngland announces Tourism Superstar 2024 finalists

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VisitBritain set to host more than 120 international travel trade on educational visits across Britain

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Save the date for English Tourism Week 2024

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VisitBritain and British Film Commission sign Memorandum of Understanding to boost screen tourism across the UK

At FOCUS London today (6 December 2023), the British Film Commission and VisitBritain signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the intention of boosting screen tourism throughout the UK’s nations and regions.

VisitBritain to host Business Events Association Conference 2024 in Edinburgh

VisitBritain has today announced its first ever Association Conference will take place at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre on 5 to 7 February 2024.

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VisitEngland launches new accessibility toolkit for tourism businesses

VisitEngland has today 30 November launched its new Accessible and Inclusive Toolkit for Tourism Businesses in England.

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Britain wins Silver for Best International Destination for business events

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Best of destination Britain on show as VisitBritain hosts trade mission to India

British travel trade and industry suppliers are set to show why Britain is the must-go-now destination to buyers from across India as VisitBritain hosts it first trade mission to the country in more than three years.

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Four new destinations gain Local Visitor Economy Partnerships

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VisitBritain gearing up to host its first trade mission to China since 2019, led by Chairman Nick de Bois CBE

Destination Britain China and North East Asia, taking place from 22 to 24 November in Shanghai, is bringing together 44 industry suppliers from across Britain with 69 top buyers from China, Hong Kong, Japan and South Korea to do business.

VisitBritain kicks off next phase of campaign in France, Germany and GCC countries to boost tourism to Britain

National tourism agency VisitBritain is kicking off the next stage of its marketing campaigns in France, Germany and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries to boost tourism access Britain's nations and regions with a focus on off-peak and shoulder season travel.

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Glencoe; Highland; Scotland

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We are delighted to welcome William Burton and Beth Knight to the BTA Board

William Burton and Beth Knight have been appointed by the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) to the BTA Board, announced on 17 October 2023.

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Our CEO Patricia Yates highlights our work to support industry and to rebuild visitor value during UKinbound conference in Belfast

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• National Lottery

Use Your National Lottery Ticket To Get Free Entry To UK Attractions

Last Updated: Tuesday 4th December 2018, 15:41

You will be able to use your National Lottery ticket to get into some visitor attractions for free this week as part of a special celebration to say ‘thank you’ to players. Hundreds of iconic venues and National Trust properties have signed up to give free entry or other offers, and you can take advantage from 3rd to 9th December.

What is #ThanksToYou?

Branded #ThanksToYou, this week’s promotion is the National Lottery’s way of showing its gratitude for all the money that is raised for Good Causes - around £30 million a week - from the sales of tickets. Every time you play Lotto, EuroMillions, Thunderball or any other National Lottery game, around 28p goes towards helping worthy projects throughout the country.

Any project that has received funding has now been invited to take part in #ThanksToYou, giving visitors the chance to experience the attraction for free or receive some sort of special offer that would not normally be available.

How Will It Work?

You will have to provide a National Lottery ticket (either paper or digital) to qualify for the promotion. The precise terms and conditions will vary from location to location, but the National Lottery has suggested that the date of the draw/purchase on your ticket should not be relevant.

A Spokesperson for the Heritage Lottery Fund said: “Without National Lottery players, the £7.9 billion of funding awarded to more than 43,000 heritage projects over the last 24 years would not have been possible. This is the second year HLF and the National Lottery have run a Christmas free offer campaign to say thank you to National Lottery players. In addition to heritage free offers, for the first time this year there will also be free offers at arts, sports and community venues – all recipients of National Lottery funding.”

The campaign was launched at the RAF Museum in London by philanthropist and TV presenter Katie Piper, who said: “I think people forget that when they’re buying a National Lottery ticket, they’re helping to support great causes all over the UK, and hundreds of these are right on their doorstep. The Thanks To You campaign is a brilliant opportunity for people to explore their local National Lottery-funded venues and have a wonderful day out, just as we always do at the RAF Museum.”

Which Attractions Are Taking Part?

Visitor attractions across the country will be taking part, from the Eden Project in Cornwall to the V&A Dundee. Among the participating locations are:

South East : Canterbury Cathedral, The D-Day Story, National Trust Polesden Lacey, National Trust Scotney Castle

London : RAF Museum, Natural History Museum, National Gallery, British Museum, London Zoo

North West : Museum of Liverpool, National Football Museum, Dove Cottage and the Wordsworth Museum

East of England : Time and Tide Museum, Creative Arts East, Norfolk Wildlife Trust Cley Marshes

West Midlands : Black Country Living Museum, Vivid Projects, Museum of Iron and Ingenuity, University of Birmingham Sport & Fitness

South West : Eden Project, Theatre Royal Plymouth, RHS Garden Rosemoor, Seaton Jurassic

Yorkshire and the Humber : National Railway Museum, Yorkshire Sculpture Park, National Trust Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal Water Gardens

East Midlands : Derby Arena, Nottingham Castle, Lincoln Cathedral, National Trust Belton House

North East : Beamish: The Living Museum of the North, National Trust Hadrian’s Wall & Housesteads Fort, Open Treasure at Durham Cathedral

Scotland : V&A Dundee, Scottish Maritime Museum, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum

Wales : National Museum Cardiff, National Waterfront Museum, National Slate Museum

Northern Ireland : Museum of Free Derry, Titanic Belfast, RSPB Belfast’s Window on Wildlife

For a full list of visitor attractions, click here . Check with individual locations to find out the nature of their specific offer.

Written by Chris Brown

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Tower of London Guide: Best National Lottery Days Out in Britain

This post contains product affiliate links. These are mainly on items/hotels/tours that I personally endorse & love. I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase, but at no extra cost to you.

Are you looking for the ultimate Tower of London guide? From the history of the Tower to how you can save £25 off your ticket, check out my guide now!

“What would you do if you won the lottery?”

We all dream of that big win, don’t we? Early retirement, the winter pad in southern Spain, finally working on that book idea. Hey, that’s what I would do if I won the lottery!

However, you don’t have to win the lottery to enjoy yourself. That’s what the National Lottery Days Out are all about.

In partnership with National Lottery, Visit Britain are offering £25 off days out across the country this winter until March. That means, even if you don’t win the lottery, you can still go out, have an amazing time with the family and save some money too.

All people need to do is enter their ticket number from their Lotto ticket to redeem a voucher code, so it’s a super easy way to save. Who knows, you might even win the lottery too!

For our National Lottery day out in London, we decided to visit the Tower of London. This is the second most visited paid attraction in London , and despite living in the city for 10 years, I’ve never been here before.

Everyone knows the Tower of London. It’s just one of the most iconic buildings in the world. Well, in this Tower of London guide I’m going to give you everything you need to know when planning your trip here.

From the best time to book to other top tips, I really hope you find my guide to the Tower of London useful!

A guide to the Tower of London

For those of you who don’t know, the Tower of London (officially known as Her Majesty’s Royal Palace and Fortress, the Tower of London) is one of the oldest and most important buildings in England.

With a bit of a gruesome history, a number of executions happened here over the centuries. It’s also home to the British Crown Jewels. This is the most complete collection of Royal regalia in the world, and the only set still in active use today.

The construction of the Tower of London dates all the way back to 1066 under the rule of William the Bastard (otherwise known as William the Conqueror or William the First!)

Initially, the building was a simple timber structure, but this was quickly replaced by an impressive fortress in 1078. This was built over Roman fortifications that were part of the old city walls.

Amazingly, this first building was the White Tower, a stone fortress that still stands the test of time today.

Obviously the rest of the Tower of London looks completely unrecognisable. Over the centuries it has undergone a number of changes with different structures and fortifications added to it for accommodation, holding prisoners, and for storing ammunition.

As you can imagine, there have been a number of key events at the Tower of London over 1,000 years of history. As the executioner’s tower, 112 people were executed here over a period of 400 years. These include Henry VIII’s wives, political prisoners, and even German spies during World War II.

It’s impossible talking about the whole history of the Tower in just a few paragraphs, but hopefully this gives you a good overview.

I promise you that going on a guide tour of the Tower of London is the best way of learning all about this astonishing site.

What to see at the Tower of London

For me, the best way of learning about the Tower of London is going on a tour with a Yeoman Warder. These guys are the traditional Beefeaters who are part of the Queen’s guard and have been protecting the Tower for centuries.

There are 33 Yeoman Warders in service, and they actually live in the Tower (not in the Tower itself, but in a row of cottages within the grounds).

As part of their duties, they run the tour groups. Obviously these guys know the history of the Tower better than anyone else, and they really bring all the horrible history to life.

We had Yeoman Warder Lawrence and he was brilliant. I learned more from him in an hour than anything I had researched beforehand.

These run every hour starting near the main entrance. The first tour is usually at 10am and the final tour is at 2.30pm.

The best bit is these Tower of London tours are included in your ticket, so they are free once you’re inside.

The White Tower

Right in the heart of the Tower of London is the White Tower. This is the oldest building in the grounds that dates back to 1078.

Even from looking at it, you can tell the White Tower was built to intimidate attackers – it just looks so solid (which is how it’s survived 1,000 years including being bombed during World War II).

Inside the White Tower is a vast exhibition housing armour, cannons, swords, and there’s even a small chapel in the tower too.  

Some of the highlights include King Henry VIII’s armour – he really was a big boy!  

The Bloody Tower

Originally known as the Garden Tower, it was renamed the Bloody Tower during the 16 th century.

The story goes that a 12-year-old Edward V and his younger brother Richard (both princes) were imprisoned in the tower in 1483.

As they both had a direct claim to the throne, they were a nuisance to their uncle Richard. Then, mysteriously, the boys disappeared, murdered under brutal circumstances.

Year’s later, the skeletons of two young boys were found in the basement of the Bloody Tower, hence the name.

Crown Jewels

Want a shocking fact about the Crown Jewels? They’re estimated to be worth between £3 to £5 BILLION. That’s staggering, isn’t it!?

The largest gem, the Cullinan I diamond, is found in the Sceptre with the Cross and is worth £400 million on its own. There are over 23,000 precious gems on display in crowns, swords, sceptres and rings.

Anyway, a highlight of visiting the Tower of London is seeing the Crown Jewels. This is the most complete collection of Royal regalia in the world, and the only set still in active use today. I’m not saying the Royal family invented bling, but considering there’s a 227kg solid gold punch bowl that can hold up to 144 bottles of wine, I’m going to say the Royals know how to enjoy themselves.

Mint Street

One area I found fascinating was Mint Street. I used to think the Tower of London was just castles and fortifications, but there are a couple of old-fashioned streets here too that wouldn’t look out of place anywhere in London. One of those is Mint Street.

The Tower Mint was first established in 1279, and for 500 years all the coins in circulation around the country were produced here.

Also, and this was one of my favourite facts about the Tower of London – Sir Issac Newton was once Master of the Mint and lived in Mint Street! How cool is that!?

One of the most famous sights at the Tower of London are the jet-black ravens squawking.

Charles II is thought to have been the first to insist that the ravens of the Tower be protected after he was warned that the crown and the Tower itself would fall if they left.

The myth has it that kingdom and the Tower of London will fall if the six resident ravens ever leave the fortress. Thankfully, their wings are clipped so they’re the resident birds who roam the grounds posing for photos.

Be careful though – they’re always on the lookout for food and their beaks are incredibly strong! You have been warned.

Getting to the Tower of London

Getting to the Tower of London is super easy. Here are all the best options:

Tube – This is the option I usually go for. The nearest tube station is Tower Hill , which is on the District (green) and Circle (yellow) lines. From this station, it is a five minute walk to the Tower.

Another good option is getting the tube to London Bridge. From there you can walk to City Hall, over Tower Bridge, and approach the Tower of London from that way. This is about a 15-minute walk but it’s a cool way of seeing the Tower before visiting.

Bus – Bus services 15, 42, 78, 100 and RVI all stop near the Tower of London. You can pay for the bus via your Oyster card or with a contactless card.

Hop on, hop off bus – Another bus option are all the London sightseeing busses. All of these stop off at the Tower of London. It’s also included on the London Pass

Boat – Not everyone realises you can get to the Tower of London by boat. The Thames River Boat service stops at Tower Pier. If you fancy a boat tour on the Thames, this is a great way of visiting the Tower.

Taxi – Obviously you can catch a taxi to the Tower, but I wouldn’t recommend it. Because of its central location and as one of the most popular places to visit, taxis can be slow and expensive.

Tower of London tickets (with a discount!)

The Tower of London might seem expensive, but I promise you it’s well worth the ticket price.

If you rock up on the day, a ticket costs:

• Adult – £29.90 peak, £28.90 off-peak
• Child (age 5-15) – £14.90 peak, £14.40 off-peak
• Concession (age 65+, 16-17, full time student, disabled visitors) – £24.00 peak, £23.20 off-peak
• Child under 5 years – Free

There are also family tickets available for the Tower of London as follows:

• Family saver 1 (1 adult and up to 3 children aged 5-15) – £52.20 peak, £50.50 off-peak
• Family saver 2 (2 adults and up to 3 children aged 5-15) – £82.10 peak, £79.40 off-peak

However, if you want to save some money, especially if you’re travelling as a family, then use the National Lottery day out and you can save £25 off your overall ticket price. Our tickets should’ve cost £57.80 but instead only cost £32.80 – how’s that for saving money on a fun day out!?

You can also save a bit of money off the Tower of London tickets when buying them online.

What does a Tower of London ticket include?

Your standard ticket includes all of the following:

• Entry into the White Tower, the Crown Jewels and the Chapel of St Peter
• Entry to the Bloody Tower, the Beauchamp Tower, the Medieval Palace, the Royal Mint Exhibition, and the Battlements too
• A tour of the Tower of London with a Yeoman Warder.

If you want, you can purchase an audio guide for £5 per person (£4 for children). These can be collected from the Tower of London shop before you go in.

Tower of London opening times

If you’re planning your day out in London, here are the Tower of London opening times.

Summer (1st March – 31st October)

• Sunday – Monday: 10am – 5.30pm
• Tuesday – Saturday: 9am – 5.30pm

Winter (1st November – 28th February)

• Sunday – Monday: 10am – 4.30pm
• Tuesday – Saturday: 9am – 4.30pm

The Tower is closed on December 24-26th and January 1st.

Last admission is usually between 1 hour before it closes.

However, I would really recommend 2 to 3 hours here, so make sure you factor that in. You really don’t want to be rushing through a place like the Tower of London!

It goes without saying, but if you want a quiet time with less people walking around, your best bet is visiting in the afternoon, early in the week, during winter.

I know this doesn’t seem like the best time to visit, but that’s when I went and by 4pm we genuinely had the place to ourselves!

Other National Lottery days out in Britain

Planning a trip to London? Then make sure you check out my guides to the best London adventures and to the best brewery tours in the city .

If you’re looking for something a bit different, here are a few of the other National Lottery days out in England you can do.

Tower Bridge

Next to the Tower of London is Tower Bridge. Again, this is one of the most iconic images of London.

Did you know you can climb up to the top of Tower Bridge though for some of the best views of London? I’ve done it before and it’s an amazing experience.

If you want to learn more about Tower Bridge, then check out this amazing guide packed full of information on what to do here.

This is without a doubt one of my favourite adventure activities in the UK. I went here a couple of years ago and it is such an adrenaline rush.

ZipWorld is home to the fastest zipline in the world hitting speeds of 125 miles per hour. Yes, you read that right. Crazy, right?

Located in Penrhyn Quarry in North Wales, the Velocity2 zipline takes you over a disused quarry with the slate hills all around you. This really is an amazing day out for the whole family.

To give you a good idea of what this is like, you can check out my North Wales vlog here.

If this isn’t on your Great British Bucket List , it should be. Stonehenge is one of the most visited attractions in England for a reason.

For the last 4000-5000 years, the prehistoric monument of Stonehenge has delighted people from all over the world.

To this day, people still don’t know why the giant monoliths were erected, which is part of its beauty and mystery. On a visit to Stonehenge you can see how builders worked and walk amongst the Neolithic houses to experience how they lived.

The Eden Project

The Eden Project in Cornwall is home to the world’s largest indoor rainforest. These tropical domes contain steamy jungles, waterfalls and even a canopy walkway that takes you above the treetops.

It’s a great place for all the family, and it really brings to life the importance of plants and nature in our environment. The Eden Project is also home to vast sculptures, beautiful outdoor gardens and a charming café too. There’s even a brand-new hotel there for your day out!

Silverstone Interactive Museum

Now this is something I would absolutely love to do. At the Silverstone Interactive Museum you can learn all about the history of British motorsport. There are over 60 interactive elements and you can experience the Ultimate Lap of Silverstone in a 360-degree cinema.

You can also learn how to pilot a WW2 plane and get behind the wheel of a replica grand prix car – this is as close as I’ll ever get to a F1 car! If you love Forumla 1 and want to learn all about Lewis Hamilton, Damon Hill, Jackie Stewart and Sir Stirling Moss (to name but a few British F1 legends), then this is the place to do it.

This post was in association with Visit England promoting National Lottery Days Out in Britain. As always, all views are entirely my own and without bias.

Planning on visiting Tower of London soon? If you have any questions at all, let me know in the comments below!

Another attraction I think everyone should do at least once is the Battle of Britain Memorial in Kent. This is all about the WWII battle of our skies and how the pilots protected our shores.

Like this blog post? Then Pin it for the future!

About the Author

Macca Sherifi is the founder of the multiple award-winning blogs An Adventurous World and the Great British Bucket List. Every month he inspires over 200,000 avid readers to travel the world.

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Last effort to find mystery Northumberland National Lottery winner yet to claim £1m prize

• National Lottery
• Northumberland
• Wednesday 24 April 2024 at 6:29pm

Julia Barthram has been in Northumberland to ask people if they could be the lucky winners and, if so, what they would do with the cash

The search is on to find the mystery millionaire lottery winner with just one week left to claim their prize.

While their numbers did not hit the EuroMillions jackpot, there was a UK Millionaire Maker code on the ticket which was one of ten in the country with a £1m prize.

The National Lottery have confirmed it was bought in Northumberland but the exact location within the county is not known.

To add to the mystery - it was purchased on 3 November last year. 

Andy Carter, the Senior Winners’ Advisor at The National Lottery, is recommending people search their "drawers, car glove-boxes" and "behind chairs and tables" to find the ticket.

“While there is still time there is still hope - we’ve received valid claims on major National Lottery unclaimed prizes right up to the very last minute before - but time is running out fast," he said.

“Our appeal is simple, take five minutes out of your day to dig out and check your EuroMillions tickets. Those five minutes could be the most profitable five minutes of your life."

The deadline to claim the missing ticket is Wednesday 1 May and the Millionaire Maker code was TDWJ 92983.

With all National Lottery draws, players have 180 days from the day of the draw to claim their prize if they have the winning ticket.

Anyone who has any queries or believes they have the winning ticket for any of the National Lottery draws within the 180-day deadline should call the National Lottery Line on 0333 234 5050.

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