
Brighten up those dark winter days with our pick of February's free events, from dazzling light festivals to half-term family fun
February may be short on days, but it's packed with free events to lift your spirits. Whether you're after half-term adventures to keep the kids entertained, spectacular light festivals to illuminate dark evenings, or fascinating talks you can enjoy from the sofa, we've rounded up the very best free events happening this month.
Simply click on a link below to jump straight to:
- Free nationwide events
- Free events in London & the South East
- Free events in the South West & Wales
- Free events in the Midlands & East
- Free events in the North of England
- Free events in Scotland & Northern Ireland
- Free online events
Already a Boundless member? Simply log in to gain full access to all the offers and benefits included in your membership.
Not yet a member? If you're working in or retired from the public sector or civil service, Boundless has two great membership options to choose from: Boundless and Boundless Plus. Boundless members enjoy unlimited access or discounted entry to many of the UK’s top attractions, as well as year-round deals on restaurants, holidays, shopping and much more.
Free nationwide events
Kids will love getting stuck into muddy activities at WWT centres nationwide this half term. Credit: WWT
Create a wildlife haven
World Wetlands Day, 2 February
This World Wetlands Day, why not help boost biodiversity by transforming a corner of your garden into a thriving wildlife sanctuary? No need for huge spaces or even diggable ground – just pop an old sink, tub or other container under your drainpipe to create a mini pond that’s virtually maintenance free. Soon, you'll be hosting a cast of garden visitors, from dancing dragonflies to hopping frogs.
Start a kindness ripple
Random Acts of Kindness Week, 9–15 February
One small act of kindness can change someone’s whole day – and science shows it boosts your own wellbeing, too. This Random Acts of Kindness Week, why not try being intentionally thoughtful, whether it’s visiting a lonely neighbour, letting someone out at a busy junction, or sending a surprise note of appreciation? It may not sound like an event as such, but the positive benefits of your act could do you just as much good as a day out.
Embrace muddy mayhem
Mudfest, February half term
Finally – a chance for the kids to get as messy as they like! WWT's annual Mudfest turns the usual rules upside down, actively encouraging little ones to splash, splatter and squelch their way through half term. Tackle muddy obstacle courses, create messy masterpieces, and whip up gloriously grimy concoctions in special ‘mud’ kitchens. Most Mudfest activities are included with admission, which is free to Boundless members. Don’t forget your wellies!
Mudfest is taking place at Martin Mere, Slimbridge, Arundel, London and Welney Wetland Centres (15-23 February); Llanelli and Washington (22 February – 2 March); and Castle Espie (8-16 February). Find out more about activities happening near you.
The many benefits of Boundless membership include unlimited access to all nine WWT centres throughout the UK. Find out more about Boundless membership and how to join.
Free events in London & the South East
Kew’s annual Orchid Festival offers a delightful escape from the winter weather. Photo: RBG Kew / Jeff Eden.
Step into a Peruvian paradise
Kew’s Orchid Festival, London, 1 February–2 March
You needn’t fly halfway around the globe to escape the February cold – just head to Kew Gardens to be whisked away to a world of warmth and colour. This year, Kew’s annual Orchids celebrates the beaches, deserts, mountains, valleys and rainforests of Peru – one of the most biodiverse countries on Earth. There’s no extra charge for entry but you’ll just need to pick a time slot when you book your ticket.
Boundless members get access to year-round savings, including unlimited entry to Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and Wakehurst. Find out more about Boundless membership and how to join.
Discover science’s strangest side
Imperial Lates: Weird Science, London, 6 February
Who says science-fuelled fun is just for the kids? As part of Imperial College’s adults-only sessions, this evening event invites you to explore science’s weirdest, most surprising corners through workshops, talks and demos. From artificial skin to the oddest tech of tomorrow, there’s heaps of weird and wonderful stuff to get your head around.
Conquer a royal realm
The Magic Garden, London, from 15 February
Hampton Court Palace’s Magic Garden awakens for new adventures after its winter slumber. This enchanting children’s playground is inspired by the myths and legends of the Tudor Court, where little knights and princesses can explore the lairs of mythical beasts, storm the battlements and uncover the secret grotto.
The Magic Garden is currently closed for winter and will re-open during February half term week (15–23 February) and then open weekends-only until April, when it will be open daily. Check the website for the latest opening times.
Boundless Plus members get unlimited access to all Historic Royal Palaces sites. Find out more about Boundless membership and how to join.
See nature through a new lens
International Garden Photographer of the Year: Exhibition 18, London, 15 February–16 March
The prestigious garden and plant photography competition launches its latest exhibition tour at Kew Gardens, where Boundless members enjoy unlimited entry. These award-winning images showcase Earth's natural wonders from all kinds of perspectives in a stunning celebration of our planet's flora, fauna and fungi.
Boundless members get access to year-round savings, including unlimited entry to Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and Wakehurst. Find out more about Boundless membership and how to join.
If you’re feeling inspired to level up your snaps or get green-fingered, why not join fellow Boundless members in the online photography or gardening group?
Awaken their senses
Half term at the National Gallery, London, 18–20 February
This half term, art comes alive in unexpected ways at the National Gallery. In these free, drop-in sessions, you can listen for hidden sounds in paintings, follow a lute player on a musical adventure, or learn how to decode the secrets within pictures. Perfect for budding little artists and curious minds.
Inspire little imaginations
Imagine Children’s Festival, London, 18–23 February
If you’re keen to pry the kids away from screens this half term, look no further than the Southbank Centre’s annual family arts festival. This creativity-sparking programme includes a whole host of brilliant events featuring everything from live music and theatre to comedy and poetry – and around half of them are totally free.
Party on
Hastings Fat Tuesday Music Festival, Hastings, 28 February–4 March
A music festival? In February? You read right! Hastings erupts into the UK’s biggest Mardi Gras bash, a five-day feast of over 350 free gigs, gatherings, parties and parades. It’s a brilliant chance to catch artists from across the globe alongside top-notch local bands, playing everything from reggae to post-punk.
Free events in the South West & Wales
Light up the night
Bristol Light Festival, Bristol, 31 January–9 February
Bristol’s dazzling light festival sets familiar and hidden corners of the city aglow. This year, you can expect to be wowed by a disco-ball heart, an illuminated flock of flamingos and a cast of larger-than-life, luminous creatures.
Delight your inner scientist
Cardiff Science Festival, Cardiff, 22 February–2 March
Science has the ability to enrapture children and adults alike, and the whole family can get stuck into this year's Cardiff Science Festival. Join cutting-edge researchers across the city for hands-on experiments and fascinating talks that make science spring to life.
Free events in the Midlands & East
Catch a feathered frenzy
Swan feeds, WWT Welney, Norfolk, until 28 February
Watch a tranquil lagoon erupt into a hive of activity as swans and ducks squabble over their supper. The action kicks off every day at 3.30pm, or you can catch the chaos by floodlight during special Saturday evening sessions.
The many benefits of Boundless membership include unlimited entry to all nine WWT centres throughout the UK. Find out more about Boundless membership and how to join.
Take a trip down memory lane
Gizmos and Gadgets, Shropshire, 12 February
Remember those ‘must-have’ gadgets that promised to change your life, but have since faded into obscurity? Join Kath Reynolds for this nostalgic – and hilarious – evening as she unpacks the ridiculous contraptions we couldn't resist buying, from K-Tel's kitchen marvels to Ronco's revolutionary solutions. Hosted by Boundless’s Shropshire Group at the Haughton Hall Hotel, Shifnal. Family and friends are welcome, too.
This talk is exclusive to Boundless members, who also get unlimited entry to top attractions, exclusive events, and year-round savings. Interested, but not yet a Boundless member? Find out more about Boundless membership and how to join.
Spark scientific wonder
Norwich Science Festival, Norwich, 15–22 February
Norwich's city-wide celebration of science returns with a bang, and there are plenty of free events included to delight kids and grown-ups alike. Watch bottle rockets soar and propane bubbles burst outside The Forum, witness fascinating animal dissections with TV experts, or listen to mind-expanding talks.
See Brum in new light
Birmingham Light Festival, Birmingham, 19-22 February
The first-ever Birmingham Light Festival transforms the city centre into a magical after-dark playground of illuminated artworks, all within walking distance of one other. Better yet, some installations will stay put after the festival ends, bringing lasting sparkle to winter nights.
Free events in the North of England
Wakefield’s annual Rhubarb Festival offers a deliciously different way to explore the Yorkshire town. Credit: Getty Images
Marvel at the work of a legendary artist
JMW Turner: In Light and Shade, Manchester, 7 February – 2 November
In a rare treat marking the 250th anniversary of his birth, this exhibition at The Whitworth unveils JMW Turner's masterful 'Liber Studiorum' prints in full – unseen as a complete collection for over 100 years. This ambitious series of landscape engravings sits alongside watercolours that showcase the legendary artist's mastery.
Shake your tail feathers
Wild About Birds, Manchester, 15–23 February
This half term, you can fly into a week of feathery fun at Manchester Museum. Create your own colourful plumage before hitting the dance floor for a family-friendly bird-themed rave, or chill out with birdspotting trails and paper bird crafting sessions.
Have stalks of fun
Rhubarb Festival, Wakefield, 21–23 February
Wakefield honours its most famous vegetable (yes, vegetable!) in this annual pink-tinged weekend of fun. Watch top chefs work their magic, sample treats from rhubarb gin to artisan bakes, and enjoy street performances in this most quirky food and drink festival.
Free events in Scotland & Northern Ireland
At Robert Smail’s Printing Works in Innerleithen, Boundless Plus members can get hands-on with working Victorian printing presses. Credit: NTS
Entertain the kids
National Trust for Scotland places, various locations, anytime
Don't let the wet Scottish weather dampen half-term fun! On rainy days, National Trust for Scotland's indoor attractions offer treasure troves of hands-on history and culture, from stately homes and castles to visitor centres and interactive museums. And when sunshine breaks, adventure playgrounds and wildlife trails await.
These events are free for Boundless Plus members, who have unlimited access to all National Trust for Scotland places. Find out more about Boundless membership and how to join.
Ignite your curiosity
Northern Ireland Science Festival, 12–23 February
Hillsborough Castle and Gardens hosts a half term of scientific discovery as part of this year’s NI Science Festival.
Little ones will love building minibeast hotels or exploring the science of shadows by taking part in a Woodland Wonders or Outdoor Shadows workshop. Places are first-come, first-served and included in general admissions – Boundless Plus members can use their Palace Pass.
Grown-ups can discover the secrets of compost with the castle’s gardeners, or go behind the scenes of Hillsborough’s conservation. Prior booking is required to attend a workshop, and the Palace Pass is not eligible, so a ticket needs to be purchased separately.
Boundless Plus members get unlimited access to all Historic Royal Palaces sites. Please note that the Castle is closed to the public until April 2025. Find out more about Boundless membership and how to join.
Free online events
Make your own chocolates this Valentine’s with a member-exclusive truffle-making masterclass. Credit: Getty Images
Make some romantic treats
Boundless masterclass: Valentine’s truffle making with Jethro Carr, any time
Skip the supermarket chocolates this Valentine’s Day and craft your own with this on-demand truffle making masterclass, exclusive to Boundless members. Chef Jethro Carr will guide you through crafting your own handmade chocolates that beat any store-bought box. It’s the perfect (and tastiest) romantic gesture.
Boundless members can enjoy this masterclass for free. If you’re not yet a Boundless member and you’re interested in this masterclass, you can find out more about Boundless membership and how to join.
Step into an engineer’s world
Three Bridges with Roma Agrawal, 4 February
From sculptures to skyscrapers, structural engineer Roma Agrawal knows how to make the seemingly impossible stand up. In this online talk, Boundless members can join Roma for a fascinating journey through (well, over) three iconic bridges, discovering their innovative designs and engineering challenges along the way. What’s more, five lucky members will win a copy of Roma’s book, Built.
Boundless members can enjoy this talk for free. If you’re not yet a Boundless member and you’re interested in this talk, you can find out more about Boundless membership and how to join.
Plot your next railway escape
Amazing railway journeys across the UK and Europe, 11 February
Join travel writer Luke Waterson for a whistle-stop tour of Europe’s most unforgettable railway journeys, an exclusive for Boundless members. From scenic routes through spectacular Switzerland to the gems on our doorstep, Luke will share captivating stories alongside practical tips for your next railway adventure. For an extra boost of inspiration, we’ll also be giving away a copy of Lonely Planet’s book Amazing Train Journeys to five lucky Boundless members.
Boundless members can enjoy this talk for free. If you’re not yet a Boundless member and you’re interested in this talk, you can find out more about Boundless membership and how to join.
Soar back to the Second World War
Wings of history: the Second World War in aviation, 18 February
Following her spellbinding stories of WWI, wartime aviation expert Sally Ferrers is back with a thrilling adventure through the skies of WWII. In this member-exclusive online talk, she’ll explore legendary planes of Britain, Germany, and America, plus share heroic stories of those who commanded them.
Boundless members can enjoy this talk for free. If you’re not yet a Boundless member and you’re interested in this talk, you can find out more about Boundless membership and how to join.
Do more with Boundless
If you're working in or retired from the public sector or civil service, Boundless has two great membership options to choose from: Boundless and Boundless Plus.
With Boundless, you get unlimited access or discounted entry to many of the UK’s top attractions including Kew Gardens and Wakehurst and WWT centres across the UK, as well as year-round deals on restaurants, holidays, shopping and much more. With Boundless Plus, you can enjoy additional benefits including unlimited access to Historic Royal Palaces sites, National Trust for Scotland places, access to the Ramblers' extensive group walks and routes, and peace of mind with roadside assistance and local recovery by LV= Britannia Rescue.