Free attractions in Wales and Iceland

CONSIDER ICELAND. WHY?

Problem
Iceland is a long way from the UK, but nearer than many places, with seasonal offers.

How much will my holiday cost after I add in the price of visiting attractions?

Reykjavík Art Museum is the largest visual art institution in Iceland and if you have three or four children, you will be pleased to learn that entrance is free for children under 18.

USA
In the USA you have to pay an entry fee for many of the large national parks when you drive in.


Worldwide major attractions cost money. Disney in the USA is expensive.

Cambodia
So are the temples in Cambodia. You want to see Ankor Wat? You have to buy a day pass. It's not the only temple. There are dozens.

What is free?

1 Before you travel, you could check out free attractions.

England's National Trust
National Trust
If you join the National Trust, your annual membership fee will include entry to many properties. Check whether car parks and exhibitions are extra.

Scotland's National trust
The National Trust for Scotland is separate. You might wish to join that instead of in addition.

Some UK National Trust properties have gardens which are free for visitors and you pay for car parking and / or entering the house. The shop and cafe have entrances from outside which are free.

Some places have free picnic areas. Check in advance.

Take your own selfies and photos outdoors. Avoid places which charge you for indoor photography.

Wales
In Wales, for example, the main museum in Cardiff is free. (Castles and stately homes make a charge.)

Iceland
In Iceland many of the outdoor attractions - scenery, are free to visit.
However, a guided tour or walking tour will make a charge for its services.

Worldwide
In many cities the guided tour or walking tour or hop on bus has several stops at attractions you must pay to visit. Check in advance which ones are free to enter so that you get off at the best stops.

All Inclusive Holidays
To avoid arguments with family over money, you may prefer resorts where all attractions are 'free', or rather, included in the price.

Some famous examples are:

Economy Holidays
Butlins and Pontins were famous all inclusive holiday resorts for families after WWII. Check out various waterpark holidays for the deals to see which entertainment is included and what is extra.
Some campsites have free playgrounds.

Most public free parks in cities and suburbs have free playgrounds for children, sometimes from sandpits, lakes where you can watch boating and see fish and geese and swans, and free outdoor gym equipment for adults.
Free books are available at some guest houses and railway stations. You are sometimes supposed to return the book when you have finished, leave another instead, or leave a donation for charity.

Mid To High Price All-Inclusive Holidays
Club Med.
Sandals.
Seabourn cruises (drinks and food included).
Other Cruises: On many cruises most of the entertainment and sports are free. Sometimes library books and videos are also free.

Useful Websites
https://www.ferdamalastofa.is/en/about-us/icelandic-tourist-board
http://www.visitwales.com/
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/days-out/regionwales/wales
https://www.clubmed.com.sg/ (When  I logged on from Singapore I got a website designed with my location in mind, and offers for year end deals up to April.)

Author
Angela Lansbury, travel writer and photographer.