National Lottery Open Week runs from Saturday 7th - Sunday 15th March 2026 and as a thank you to players, they are giving free entry, discounts and offers at some of our greatest historical houses, castles and museums.

Anyone who visits a participating National Lottery supported project and shows a National Lottery Ticket, Instant Win Game, or Scratchcard (physical or digital) during National Lottery Open Week is able to take up the special offer.

To see which venues in Dorset are participating, please see below.

BROWNSEA ISLAND

Offer: FREE ENTRY! (Ferry costs still apply)
Date: Saturday 14th March 2026
Address: Brownsea Island, Poole Harbour, Poole, Dorset

KINGSTON LACY

Offer: FREE ENTRY!
Dates: Saturday 7th – Saturday 14th March 2026
Address: Kingston Lacy, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 4EA

CORFE CASTLE

Offer: FREE ENTRY!
Dates: Saturday 7th – Saturday 14th March 2026
Address: Corfe Castle, The Square, Corfe Castle, Dorset

RUSSELL-COTES MUSEUM & ART GALLERY

Offer: FREE ENTRY!
Date: Wednesday 11th March 2026
Address: Russell-Cotes Museum & Art Gallery, West Cliff Promenade, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH1 3AA

HIGHCLIFFE CASTLE

Offer: 40% off Admission
Date: Saturday 7th – Sunday 15th March 2026
Address: Highcliffe Castle, Rothesay Drive, Highcliffe, Dorset, BH23 4LE

If you would like to venture out of Dorset then you’ll be pleased to know that the offer also includes NT Montpesson House, NT Mottisfont, NT Stourhead and Portsmouth Historic Dockyard.

For more information and to view all UK participating properties, please visit the National Lottery.

Do you enjoy visiting National Trust properties, or maybe you have never been to one before?  From now until Friday 6th March 2026 you can visit a National Trust site with the family for FREE!

You can use the pass at over 200 England, Wales and Northern Ireland locations which include gardens, castles and historic houses.  In Dorset we have Kingston Lacy where you can explore the stunning house, beautiful gardens, acres of parkland and 2 fun play areas, or visit Corfe Castle which was established by William the Conqueror and partially destroyed in the English Civil War.  Please note that Brownsea Island, Hardy’s Cottage, Max Gate and Cloud’s Hill are often included in the offer however all are closed for winter and will re-open after the offer expiry date.

This single-use pass allows FREE entry for two adults and up to three children, or one adult and up to four children, from the date of issue up until Friday 6th March 2026.  This pass does not include free parking at locations which charge a fee.

Some places may be busier at certain times and on certain days, weekdays are usually quieter than weekends.  Some properties may require booking in advance and it is advisable to check the webpage of the place you’d like to visit to see if you need to pre-book.

To check which locations are included the offer, please visit the National Trust.

To take advantage of this offer, pick up a copy of the Express, Daily Star or The Mirror from Saturday 10^th to Sunday 18^th January 2026. Inside, you will find your voucher to bring to a National Trust property of your choice.

Please note, passes may be limited and terms and conditions may apply.

Dorsetmums has made every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this site and does not accept liability for any errors or omission. Please also note that an offer or location may cancel or close at any time and you should consider contacting beforehand to check an event is running.