25 fabulous free events to attend in March 2024

As winter finally loosens its grip and the days continue to stretch out, many of us find a spring in our step and a renewed desire to do more. But doing more doesn’t have to mean spending more. From observing nature’s spring awakening to exploring a brand-new museum, we’ve rounded up some of the brilliant free events happening across the UK this month.

Free nationwide events

Channel your inner birder

WWT sites, any time

Spring sees millions of winged visitors arrive in the UK, so why not flock to a WWT centre and give them a warm welcome? Free unlimited access to all of the WWT centres across the UK is included as part of Boundless membership, and this includes many events hosted by individual centres. For example, at WWT Castle Espie in County Down, you could join an expert guided birdwatch every last Wednesday of the month. 

Boundless membership includes free entry to top attractions and exclusive events, as well as year-round savings – including unlimited access to all 9 WWT sites throughout the UK. Find out more about Boundless membership and how to join.

Host a book swap

Any time

It’s World Book Day on 7 March, so why not mark the occasion by hosting your own book swap? Whether it’s reads you’ve completed, or unwanted gifts you’ve been given, you’ll be passing these books on to a trusted new home – freeing up valuable space on your bookshelf for exciting new additions.

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.

Get a dose of nature’s medicine

Forest bathing, any time

International Day of Forests on 21 March offers a reminder of the green havens right on our doorsteps. As wildflowers begin unfuring their vibrant carpets, we can’t imagine a better time to embrace the art of forest bathing, or ‘shinrin-yoku’. This ancient Japanese practice pursues mindfulness through immersion in the sights, sounds and scents of the forest – a wonderful tonic amidst the hustle and bustle of modern life.

Free events in London & the South East

Party the Irish way

St Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival, London, 17 March

Every year, thousands of revellers flock to central London for the capital’s St Patrick’s Day shindig, and in 2024 the festivities land on the big day itself. It all kicks off at noon with a parade of marching bands, dance troupes and pageantry winding its way from Hyde Park Corner to Whitehall. Then it’s off to Trafalgar Square for an afternoon of Irish music, dance and, of course, craic. 

Awaken your senses

Sounds of Blossom, London, 23 March–14 April

Immerse your senses in the new season’s delights at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, where you can meander along a flowering tree trail accompanied by a specially commissioned soundscape from the Royal College of Music. This synergy of harmonious tunes and beautiful blooms is sure to refresh the mind and spirit.

Boundless membership includes free entry to top attractions and exclusive events, as well as year-round savings – including unlimited access to the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Find out more about Boundless membership and how to join.

See the Easter story

The Passion of Jesus, London, 29 March

There’s plenty happening over the Easter holidays, but perhaps the most fitting event of all is Wintershall’s ‘The Passion of Jesus’ – a full-scale reenactment of the final days of Christ that’s been performed every Good Friday since 2010. This 90-minute performance takes over Trafalgar Square at midday, and again at 3:15pm. The play draws thousands of spectators, so you’ll need to arrive early to secure a good spot – although big screens mean you needn’t worry about missing a thing.

Cheer on some athletes

Gemini Boat Race, London, 30 March

Pitch up on the banks of the Thames between Putney and Mortlake to catch all the action from the world-famous Oxford-Cambridge University Boat Race. The best viewing spots are the bridges, but if you’d rather avoid the crowds, there’ll be big screens at Bishops Park in Fulham and Furnival Gardens in Hammersmith. The women’s race starts at 2:46pm, the men’s at 3:46pm. They’re over in a matter of minutes, so don’t be late!

Free events in the South West & Wales

Welcome newborn lambs

Lambing at Llwyn-yr-eos, near Cardiff and online, 1–22 March

What better way to celebrate the start of spring than by welcoming some adorable new lambs at Llwn yr Eos Farm? If you can’t make it in person, you can watch via #Lambcam, a live web feed running right from the lambing shed.

Spot early spring delights

Walk with a Warden, Llanelli, 16 March

As the long-awaited first day of spring draws closer, this guided walk at WWT Llanelli will search for signs of the new season, from delicate white clouds of blackthorn and hawthorn blossoms, to furry pussy willow catkins – and, if you’re lucky, amphibians! The walk will last around an hour and a half, but you’re welcome to dip in and out as you wish.

Boundless membership includes free entry to top attractions and exclusive events, as well as year-round savings – including unlimited access to all 9 WWT sites throughout the UK. Find out more about Boundless membership and how to join.

Get hands-on with science

My Science Fair, Bradford-on-Avon, 17 March

My Science Fair returns to Wiltshire Music Centre for its tenth year of science-fuelled family fun: will you create and programme your own LEGO robots, explore the solar system inside a planetarium, or learn all about the science of music and sound?

Discover an island paradise

Unique Wildlife of the Galápagos, Swindon, 21 March

For centuries, the Galápagos Islands have captivated explorers and scientists with their unique blend of natural beauty and unrivalled biodiversity. Wildlife and travel photographers Pam and Eddy Lane have captured it all, and are ready to take Boundless members on an exclusive photographic tour of this enchanting archipelago – the next best thing to actually going there. This event is hosted by Boundless’s Swindon Group at the town’s Holiday Inn.

Interested in this talk but not yet a Boundless member? Boundless membership includes free entry to top attractions and exclusive events, as well as year-round savings. Find out more about Boundless membership and how to join.

Free events in the Midlands & East

Learn how to trace your family roots

Family History and Tales of a Registrar, Shifnal, near Telford, 13 March

Have you always wanted to delve into your family history, but felt unsure where to start? If you’re in the Telford area, join retired registrar Marion Armstrong for this member-exclusive talk. Not only will she offer guidance on how to begin your ancestry journey, she’ll also share fascinating tales from her time recording significant life events. Hosted by Boundless’s Shropshire group at the Haughton Hall Hotel, Shifnal. 

Interested in this talk but not yet a Boundless member? Boundless membership includes free entry to top attractions and exclusive events, as well as year-round savings. Find out more about Boundless membership and how to join.

Discover the work of life-saving canines

Medical Detection Dogs talk, Norwich, 14 March

Dogs have the extraordinary ability to detect human diseases, and save lives on a daily basis – but just how do they do it? Norma Howell from the charity Medical Detection Dogs is back to deliver her fascinating talk to Boundless members, this time in Norwich. She’ll delve into the charity’s vital work, from their groundbreaking research to training dogs to support those with life-threatening conditions. Hosted by Boundless’s Norwich group at the city’s SugarBeat Eating House.

Interested in this talk but not yet a Boundless member? Boundless membership includes free entry to top attractions and exclusive events, as well as year-round savings. Find out more about Boundless membership and how to join.

Engage your brain

Literary Leicester, Leicester, 20–22 March

The University of Leicester’s annual literature festival brings together some of the country’s most exciting writers and thinkers for a series of thought-provoking talks across the city and online – all free to attend. This year’s line-up includes This is Going to Hurt author Adam Kay, comedian Russell Kane and space scientist Dame Maggie Aderin-Pocock.

Free events in the North of England

Immerse yourself in iconic locomotives

Railway Museum, York, any time

If you haven’t been to York’s National Railway Museum, this month is a brilliant time to do so. Following its centenary celebrations, legendary locomotive the Flying Scotsman has gone back on display until the summer, inviting visitors to get right up on its footplate. Showcasing the greatest ideas and achievements from across the rail industry, the Innovation Platform exhibition is being shaken up with a brand-new theme of ‘communities’, exploring how railways help to keep people connected. A brand-new temporary exhibition exploring disability and rail travel has also just opened.

Wave off winter visitors

SeaScapes: Coastal Bird Walks, County Durham & South Shields, throughout March

As millions of birds make their annual migration, why not join the SeaScapes Coastal Wildlife Group for the last of their guided shorebird winter walks along the Tyne to Tees coast. As you explore Hartlepool Headland (6 March), Trow Rocks (14 March), Blackhall Rocks (18 March) or North Gare (26 March), you’ll meet the coastal birds that have made themselves at home on our shores over winter – such as sanderlings, turnstones and dunlins. Birders of all levels are welcome. Don’t forget your binoculars!

Explore the Troubles

Northern Ireland: Living with the Troubles, Manchester, 22 March–29 September

The Troubles engulfed Northern Ireland for almost three decades, and, despite the Good Friday Agreement, many aspects of the conflict persist to this day. This exhibition at Imperial War Museum North invites visitors to deepen their understanding through the diverse perspectives of those who lived through it.

Enjoy a quiet museum

Culture Monday: Spring edition, Manchester Museum, 25 March

Manchester Museum reopened its doors last year, and if you haven’t dropped in yet, this might be your perfect moment. The museum isn’t usually open to the public on Mondays, but does occasionally open its doors for a special tour aimed at over-50s – a fantastic opportunity to explore the collections without the usual crowds. It’s also your last chance to catch the extraordinary ‘Golden Mummies of Egypt’ exhibition before it bids farewell on 14 April.

Indulge yourself

York Chocolate Festival, 27–31 March

What better way to get your Easter chocolate fix than with a trip to the country’s chocolate-making capital? This five-day festival of decadence celebrates York’s rich chocolate heritage, bringing together some of the region’s finest chocolatiers for a series of demonstrations and workshops. There will even be a chance to take home some sweet treats.=

Admire classic motors

Cumbria Easter Rally, Kirkby Stephen & Brough, 30 & 31 March

Head to the Cumbrian countryside for the UK's biggest free classic commercial vehicle rally. Lay your eyes on 350 vintage buses, lorries, commercial vehicles, cars and motorcycles. A road run on the Saturday kicks off at 4.30pm from Kirkby Stephen Railway Station.

Free events in Scotland & Northern Ireland

Explore Scotland’s story

Perth Museum, Perth, opening 30 March

This month, Perth’s City Hall is reimagined as a brand-new museum telling Scotland’s tale through the former capital’s perspective. At its heart lies the legendary Stone of Destiny, an ancient symbol used for centuries in the inauguration of Scottish – and, later, British – monarchs. Last dusted off for Charles’s coronation, the stone’s arrival marks its homecoming to Perthshire after seven centuries. Elsewhere, opening exhibition ‘Unicorn’ explores the cultural history of Scotland’s mythical national animal.

Discover world-changing science

Edinburgh Science Festival, Edinburgh, 30 March–14 April

The UK's biggest science festival is back with an exciting line-up centred around the theme of 'Shaping the Future'. Taking place over the Easter holidays, this festival offers a host of family-friendly events across Edinburgh, and around a third of them won’t cost you a thing.

Free online events

Discover an unsung hero

A Woman of No Importance: the untold story of Second World War spy Virginia Hall, 7 March

American-born Virginia Hall was one of the greatest spies of the Second World War, yet she remains largely unknown. From her role in undermining the Nazi occupation in France to her dramatic escape across the Pyrenees, Boundless members can discover her extraordinary story in this member-exclusive online talk. Bestselling author Sonia Purnell has written a book all about her, and will be joining to share her insights; plus, five lucky people will win a copy of the biography

Interested in this online talk but not yet a Boundless member? Boundless membership includes free entry to top attractions and exclusive events, as well as year-round savings. Find out more about Boundless membership and how to join.

Lift the lid on UFOs

The real-life X-Files with Nick Pope, 12 March

Former MoD investigator Nick Pope is one of the world’s leading authorities on unexplained phenomena, and has been dubbed by the media as the ‘real Fox Mulder’. In this member-exclusive online event, Nick will reveal why UFO research is at the top of government agenda amid our ongoing quest for extraterrestrial life.

Interested in this online talk but not yet a Boundless member? Boundless membership includes free entry to top attractions and exclusive events, as well as year-round savings. Find out more about Boundless membership and how to join.

Discover the prep for the next pandemic

Disease X with Kate Kelland, 28 March

The tidal wave of Covid-19 may have subsided (touch wood!), but experts think it’s only a matter of time before a new virus threatens to spiral into the next deadly pandemic, dubbed ‘Disease X’. The good news is that scientists have already devised a plan to stop it in its tracks. In this online talk – an exclusive for Boundless members – award-winning health writer Kate Kelland discusses her new book. DISEASE X – The 100 Days Mission to End Pandemics, and how the world can build a pandemic-free future.

Interested in this online talk but not yet a Boundless member? Boundless membership includes free entry to top attractions and exclusive events, as well as year-round savings. Find out more about Boundless membership and how to join.

Do more with Boundless

Boundless members get free entry to top attractions, discounts on restaurants and savings on high-street brands plus dozens of other deals on holidays, experiences and more! If you're working or retired from the public sector or civil service and not yet a member, discover more about Boundless membership here.