to add an item to your Itinerary basket.
Plymouth is marking National Lottery Open Week 2026 with a mix of coastal adventures, cultural experiences and small “thank you” treats – all made possible thanks to National Lottery players.
What is National Lottery Open Week?
From Saturday 7 to Sunday 15 March 2026, anyone with a National Lottery ticket, Scratchcard or Instant Win Game can unlock free entry and special offers at National Lottery–funded venues across the UK. Plymouth is right at the heart of this celebration, with multiple venues taking part to say thank you to players.
Discover Mount Batten Tower and the National Marine Park
On Thursday 12 March 2026, National Lottery players get free entry to Mount Batten Tower from 10am to 2pm. Just show a valid National Lottery ticket, scratchcard or Instant Win Game on the door.
Inside, a relaxed memory booth hosted by a PhD researcher invites you to share your sea stories. Add your favourite places to a community map and help tell the story of Plymouth Sound.
From the top of the tower you’ll enjoy wide views over the Sound, Hoe and harbour. It’s ideal for photos, a short heritage stop or simply taking in the panorama.
At 2pm there’s a free guided wellbeing and sensory walk from the car park opposite the Mount Batten Centre. The route gently follows the breakwater and beach, with time to pause and notice the sights and sounds. The first stretch along the breakwater is suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. Places are free but need to be booked in advance, so it’s worth reserving early.
A warm welcome at The Box
On Saturday 7, Sunday 8 and Tuesday 10 to Sunday 15 March, show a National Lottery ticket, scratchcard or Instant Win Game at The Box. You’ll receive a free tea or Americano in The Box Kitchen & Bar between 10am and 4.30pm.
The offer is one drink per qualifying ticket, subject to availability. Pair it with a wander through the galleries for a great‑value culture stop.
Cinema and culture: Plymouth Arts Cinema
Plymouth Arts Cinema is joining Open Week with a free hot drink offer. National Lottery players can get a free hot drink at the cinema from Saturday 7 to Saturday 14 March.
Just show your National Lottery ticket at the box office or café counter to redeem the offer. With comfy seats and a reputation for excellent coffee (and some say the best hot chocolate in the city), it’s a cosy way to break up your day.
As part of BFI’s Escapes programme, there is also a free special preview screening of Amélie during Open Week, giving film fans a no‑cost cinema treat when they sign up in advance.
National Trust days out
Plymouth is well placed for some great National Trust properties within easy reach. During National Lottery Open Week (7–14 March, excluding Sunday 15 March), these places are free to visit for National Lottery players, with no advance booking needed. You can expect chances to uncover secret corners, quieter spaces and behind‑the‑scenes details that usually go unnoticed. Whether you prefer history, riverside walks or woodland, your visit helps care for these special places for the future.
Saltram
Saltram sits on Plymouth’s edge with a Georgian house, gardens and riverside parkland, and is easy to reach by bus, bike or car. It’s ideal for a half‑day escape before or after time in the city.
Cotehele
Cotehele, in the Tamar Valley, offers medieval buildings, river views and woodland and garden walks, giving a very different feel to the waterfront in Plymouth.
Buckland Abbey
Buckland Abbey, once home to Sir Francis Drake, combines atmospheric abbey buildings, a museum and outdoor trails through surrounding countryside.
Other nearby places
Within day‑trip range you’ll also find more National Trust sites on the South Devon coast, Dartmoor and across the wider Tamar Valley, some of which offer free entry for National Lottery ticket holders during Open Week.
Other ideas in and around Plymouth
Beyond these headline offers, National Lottery Open Week gives you a reason to explore heritage slightly further afield as well. Many National Trust and other National Lottery–supported sites in Devon and the wider region are offering free or discounted entry during 7–15 March 2026 when you show a National Lottery ticket.
One highlight within day‑trip distance is Greenway, Agatha Christie’s former holiday home on the River Dart, which is offering free entry to National Lottery players during Open Week (parking must still be booked in advance if travelling by car). You’ll need to show one valid National Lottery ticket or scratchcard per adult at reception; under‑18s can accompany ticket‑holding adults for free.
To uncover more options – from coastal nature reserves to historic houses and museums – you can visit the National Lottery Open Week site and filter for heritage, outdoors or family‑friendly days out. It’s worth checking individual listings for details, as some offers only run on selected days and may require pre‑booking.
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