25 fantastic free events to attend in July 2025

With the school holidays on the horizon and festival season well underway, July is a brilliant month for outdoor events. From lively music festivals and air shows to guided nature walks and dragonfly spotting, here we share our top picks of free or low-cost events taking place across the UK this month.

Note that some of the listed events are open exclusively to Boundless members. 

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. As well as getting access to exclusive events, Boundless members enjoy unlimited free or discounted entry to many of the UK’s top attractions, plus year-round deals on restaurants, holidays, shopping and much more.

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• 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

Free nationwide events

Credit: WWT

Discover the delights of the Dragonfly Festival

Nationwide, held at all nine WWT centres, throughout July until 22 September

Celebrate the wonder of dragonflies at the WWT Dragonfly Festival. Taking place at all nine WWT centres this summer, discover nature-inspired fun for all ages with activities and events, such as family pond dipping, adventure play, macro photography, and creative workshops. You can also take a guided walk to learn more about these fascinating wetland insects.

As a Boundless member, you and up to five children can enjoy unlimited access to all nine WWT centres, plus 50% off for one additional adult guest. Find out more about Boundless membership and how to join.

Join the Big Butterfly Count

Nationwide, 18 July – 10 August

Butterflies aren’t just beautiful – they play a crucial role in our ecosystems and are vital indicators of declining biodiversity. Sadly, many species are under threat, but the good news is that you can make a difference by joining Butterfly Conservation’s annual nationwide citizen science survey, the Big Butterfly Count. 

Simply spend 15 minutes observing in a sunny spot, such as your garden, balcony, or local park and count the butterflies and day-flying moths you see. There’s a free, easy-to-use downloadable ID chart to help identify different species – and even if you don’t spot anything, your observations provide valuable data to help conservation efforts.

Free events in London & the South East

Credit: Getty Images

Discover Kew Gardens summer highlights

London, daily until 31 July

Experience the delights of fragrant summer blooms in Kew’s Rose Garden and Great Broad Walk Borders on this expert-led guided tour of its stunning gardens. Tours run daily at 12:30pm from Victoria Gate Plaza and are included with entry.

Boundless members get unlimited annual access to Kew and Wakehurst. Members also get 50% off entry for an additional adult, free entry for up to five children and a 10% discount in the Kew shop, both online and in store.

Hat ons on and head to Winchester Hat Fair

Winchester, 5 July

The UK’s longest-running festival of street performance and outdoor arts, Winchester’s much-loved Hat Fair transforms the city into a stage for street theatre, circus, music, and dance.

Celebrating its 51st anniversary this year, this family-friendly festival is set to be as vibrant and spectacular as ever. Pack a picnic and come for the day!

Celebrate London Pride

London, 5 July

Each summer, London throws a huge party for Pride in London. This vibrant free festival celebrates the LGBTQIA+ community with a carnival of colour, featuring live music, eye-catching floats, and dancing through the streets. The main parade starts on Park Lane and will pass through Piccadilly Circus and Trafalgar Square.

Don't be late for Alice's Day

Oxford, 5 July

Venture down the rabbit hole into the immersive Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland festival. Oxford transforms into a Wonderland for the annual Alice’s Day, so why not dress up as your favourite character and join in the fun?

Visitors of all ages are encouraged to embark on a magical journey through areas of the city that inspired Lewis Carroll’s classic children’s tale. This year’s theme is Quests and Adventures, and there’s a vibrant programme of mostly free activities, including storytelling, trails, games, crafts, talks, and tours.

Enjoy sea views at the Beach Life Music Festival

Eastbourne, 12-13 July

This family-friendly festival brings a weekend of non-stop live music, entertainment, and street food to Eastbourne’s beautiful beachfront. While you’ll need to pay for fairground rides and tasty treats, enjoying the lively atmosphere and breathtaking sea views is completely free.

Free events in the South West & Wales

Credit: Getty Images

Browse stalls at the Frome Independent Market

Frome, Somerset, 6 July

Admire crafts made by local makers and hunt for vintage treasures at the vibrant Frome Independent Market. Taking place on the first Sunday of each month, this charming market town comes to life as hundreds of visitors arrive to explore the many stalls, flea market, live music, and of course, sample delicious local food and drink – don’t miss grabbing a pint of real Somerset cider!

See the red arrows at Wales Airshow

Swansea, 5-6 July

Watch the skies over Swansea Bay come alive during the Wales Airshow, with thrilling displays from some of the world’s top military and civilian aviation teams. Visible along the entire five-mile stretch of the bay, it’s a spectacle that’s impossible to miss. On the ground, enjoy a packed programme of attractions including an interactive military village, trade stands, children’s entertainment, a funfair, and much more.

Make a splash at Conwy River Festival

Conwy, 11-13 July

Celebrate Conwy’s rich maritime heritage by spectating smaller and larger boats racing at Conwy Bay and along the river as part of Conwy River Festival regatta weekend. Also worth catching is the famous LA-LA Rally to Caernarfon.

As part of the weekend, Quay Day hosts free nautical-themed games, activities, and entertainment for the whole family.

Head to the gert lush Bristol Harbour Festival

Bristol, 18-20 July

Make a splash at Bristol’s harbourside for Bristol Harbour Festival epic three-day summer celebration of music, dance, and the arts. Head to the amphitheatre to listen to performances from some of the city’s most exciting emerging artists, including Longest Johns, The Allergies, Bloco B, Eternal Taal and Gnawa Blues All Stars. Out on the water, don’t miss the high-energy jet ski stunts – and the brilliantly bonkers cardboard boat race!

Walk with a Warden

WWT Llanelli, 19 July

Llanelli’s Walk with a Warden monthly guided walk offers the chance to explore WWT wetlands with an expert and learn more about seasonal wildlife highlights. July’s walk will focus on the reserve’s reptiles and butterflies. This 90-minute walk is included with admission, and no advance booking is required – just check the start times and enjoy the experience. Visit WWT Llanelli website for the latest ticket prices.

As a Boundless member, you and up to five children can enjoy unlimited access to all nine WWT centres, plus 50% off for one additional adult guest. Find out more about Boundless membership and how to join.

Free events in the Midlands & East

Credit: Getty Images

Embark on a roarsome Jurassic Day Out

Cathedral Quarter, Derby, 12 July

Dinosaur lovers won’t want to miss this roarsome adventure in Derby’s Cathedral Quarter. Young explorers can roam with a lovable crew of prehistoric stars, including Zeus the T-Rex, Tank the Triceratops, and Corey the talking dino. Learn how to be a dino ranger, and even meet some cute newborns. Let the imagination run wild!

Discover some of the best dinosaur attractions and days out in the UK.

Cars in the Valley

Worcestershire, 24 July

Who says you have to wait for the weekend to have a great day out? Head to the monthly Cars in the Valley held at Shelsley Walsh Hill Climb for a mid-week motoring spectacular, where hundreds of classic cars, motorbikes, and scooters from across the country, and their proud owners, gather to showcase automotive history.

From a 1913 Model T Ford and 1916 Stanley Steamer to gleaming Rolls-Royces and sleek Maseratis, you’ll find plenty of classic vehicles to admire. Got a vintage vehicle of your own? Exhibiting is free if it was registered in 1930 or earlier. Entry costs just £5 for visitors.

If you’re passionate about classic vehicles and would like to take part in displays and events, then the Boundless Classic Vehicle Group is a great way to connect with other car enthusiasts.

Birmingham Jazz & Blues Festival

Birmingham, 18-27th July

Every summer since 1985, Birmingham has come alive with the soulful sounds of jazz and blues as the Birmingham Jazz & Blues Festival takes over the city.

Now celebrating its 41st year, the festival brings music to bars, shopping centres, parks, libraries, and even trains and trams! There’s over a hundred performances, talks, workshops, and film screenings to enjoy – most of which are free! It’s a true celebration of rhythm and community. With over a hundred performances, talks, workshops, and film screenings to enjoy, most of them free, it’s a true celebration of rhythm and community.

Free events in the North of England

Credit: Leeds Pride

Free guided tours of Arbeia Roman Fort

Arbeia, South Shields Roman Fort, 24 & 31 July

Join a guided tour of Arbeia Roman Fort and uncover the fascinating history behind this archaeological site of interest. Led by a knowledgeable guide, learn how this once-thriving military base played a vital role in Roman Britain and explore its well-preserved remains and reconstructions. Tours are free to attend; simply book your place via the website.

South Tyneside Festival

South Shields, throughout July & August

You don’t need to spend a penny to enjoy world-class live music this summer. As part of the ever-popular South Tyneside Festival, catch acts from big names like Nik Kershaw + Katrina (formerly of Katrina and the Waves) at Bents Park for a series of fantastic free open-air concerts. There’s also a colourful carnival parade and dancing over the weekend of 5 and 6 July.

Prefer something more classical? Proms in the Park offers a leisurely afternoon of orchestral performances. Plus, the Sandhaven Amphitheatre hosts brass bands every Sunday, while South Marine Park comes alive each Saturday with rising musical talent.

Manchester International Festival

Manchester, 3-20 July

Held every two years, the Manchester International Festival is a bold celebration of creativity, showcasing arts and culture from the North of England. Enjoy live music, theatre, dance and visual art from talented artists and performers. Some exhibitions and shows are ticketed, but many are free.

Celebrate Leeds Pride

Yorkshire, 20 July

A highlight of Yorkshire’s LGBTQIA+ calendar, Leeds Pride is one of the region’s largest celebrations and is an event not to be missed. Each year, the city comes alive with a diverse line-up of performances in Millennium Square and a colourful parade through the heart of Leeds. You’ll also find market stalls selling delicious food and drink, crafts and more from local traders, charities and community groups.

Interested in this event 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 Scotland & Northern Ireland

Credit: Getty Images

Loch Lomond Summer Fest

Balloch, 5-6 July

Food lovers from across Scotland come together on the scenic shores of Loch Lomond for this delicious two-day celebration of fresh local produce, family-friendly activities, and cooking demonstrations by top chefs. While the incredible variety of food is a highlight, the breathtaking lochside backdrop is the real draw.

Take a Seagull Trust Cruise from Ratho

Ratho, 15 July

Join the Edinburgh and Lothian Group for a much-loved favourite – a free, relaxing two-and-a-half-hour barge trip from Ratho. Enjoy the peaceful journey with complimentary tea, coffee, and biscuits on board. With two barges available, each seating up to twelve people, it's the perfect way to unwind and take in the scenic surroundings from the water.

This event is open to all Boundless members. 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. 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.

Pond-dipping at WWT Caerlaverock

Dumfriesshire, throughout July

Get up close and personal with fascinating aquatic wildlife that lives below the surface of ponds and wetlands by taking part in this fascinating pond dipping session at WWT Caerlaverock.

Pond dipping is not only fun to do, it also plays an important role in conservation by helping monitor pond biodiversity and the health of freshwater habitats.

Pond dipping is included with admission and takes place daily between 10am - 4pm, there’s no need to book and the session is suitable for all ages.

Check the WWT Caerlaverock website for the latest ticket and membership information.

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

Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival

Edinburgh, 11-20 July

Get ready for ten unforgettable days of rhythm and soul as the Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festivalbrings jazz and blues talent to the heart of the city. From classic bop and boogie-woogie to blues-rock, samba, swing, and soul, the festival showcases a rich mix of sounds from across the globe, all set against the stunning backdrop of Scotland’s capital.

Lucian Freud's Etchings: A Creative Collaboration at Titanic Belfast

Belfast, throughout July

This summer, Titanic Belfast teams up with the Victoria and Albert Museum to present Lucian Freud Etchings: A Creative Collaboration. This exciting free exhibition showcases the masterful etchings of one of Britain’s greatest artists, many of which have never been displayed publicly before.

Free online events

Credit: Getty Images

Boundless Summer Reading Book Club

Online, 8 July

Join the 2025 Boundless Summer Book Club, hosted by Kate and Laura from The Book Club Review podcast. This year’s line-up features four captivating reads from fiction, non-fiction, a beach favourite, and a timeless classic categories – all chosen to spark lively conversation. Plus, one lucky Boundless member has the chance to win the full collection during the event.

This event is open to all Boundless members. 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. 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.

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 Britannia Rescue.