The UK is home to myriad cultural gems, from countless castles to world-renowned museums and idyllic natural landmarks. Yet the tendency to remain indoors spans generations, as nearly one in five (16%) of the UK public do not do any outdoor activities like walking, gardening, or camping.

National Lottery Open Week runs from 9th to 17th March this year, encompassing Mother’s Day, making it an ideal time to get outside and plan something special, without breaking the bank.

UK adults’ hardwired habit to stay indoors
UK adults have been missing out on all this country has to offer, with 32% admitting the last time they went to theatre was over a year ago, while 34% say they haven’t seen a film live in the last 12 months. Additionally, 31% last went to a museum or cultural landmark over a year ago. With four in ten (41%) people admitting to spending most of their free time screen scrolling and watching TV, it comes as no surprise that 20% of the UK public feel they are uncultured.

However, there is a strong desire to change this, with 59% wanting to put down their smartphone and try something new. So, what better occasion to make this happen than Mother’s Day?

Dr Zoe Williams said : “Channelling some of the time you would have spent screen scrolling into other hobbies can be hugely beneficial – and National Lottery Open Week offers a great opportunity to get outside and spend your time in a different way. Creative hobbies can help reduce stress and anxiety, and even boost brain function, while physical activity brings myriad benefits. Limiting screen time needs a conscious commitment but by spending some of your free time on other hobbies, you will likely see an improvement in your physical and mental health.”

National Lottery Open Week sees National Lottery-funded venues offer free entry and discounts across the UK, as a way to say thank you to players who help to raise £30 million for Good Causes every week. With any National Lottery ticket, Scratchcard, or Instant Win Game, players can unlock an array of offers at hundreds of venues across the UK for the perfect Mother’s Day outing. Whether you dive headfirst into the country’s culture, its vast history, or breathtaking nature, there is something for everyone. For example:

Explore one-of-a-kind covered biomes at the Eden Project, featuring one of the world’s largest indoor rainforests, with free entry from 9 – 17 March. For a family of four (two adults and two children under the age of 16), this could mean a sizeable saving of £88.

Adventure through the solar system in the new 4K Planetarium at Birmingham Thinktank with 50% off tickets, costing a family just £18.75. Offer applicable on 9 – 10 and 13 – 17 March.

History buffs get free entry to Northern Ireland’s stunning Hillsborough Castle and Gardens (9-10 and 13-17 March) or the iconic Tower of London (9 -17 March) and other Historic Royal Palaces’ sites. This could be a saving of up to £33.60 for a family of four (two adults and two children).

Kids and adults alike will enjoy amazing hands-on exhibits and live science shows at Glasgow Science Centre, thanks to free entry for a child with every adult ticket purchase on 9 – 10 March and 13 – 17 March. This means a £22 discount off entry for a family of four.

RSPB Nature reserves across the UK including RSPB Ynys-hir and RSPB Belfast Window on Wildlife are offering free entry 9-11 and 13-17th of March, saving a family of four up to £10.

Discover all the participating venues by visiting: www.NationalLotteryOpenWeek.com.