National Lottery Open Week returns
Saturday 7 – Sunday 15 March 2026
Unlock free and discounted entry to hundreds of venues across the UK for National Lottery Open Week
With £32 million raised for good causes every week by players, hundreds of National Lottery-funded venues across the UK are gearing up to say thank you as part of National Lottery Open Week 2026. Returning for its ninth year, players will be offered tickets, tours, talks and exciting things to do in a week-long show of gratitude from national institutions to community champions.
From Saturday 7 – Sunday 15 March 2026, anyone with a National Lottery ticket, Scratchcard or Instant Win Game can unlock a special day out and the chance to explore some of the UK’s best-loved National Lottery-funded venues and attractions.
The National Lottery Open Week highlights in Northern Ireland include:
- Wander around the Historic Royal Palaces’ Hillsborough Castle and Gardens in County Down with half price entry from 7-8 and 11-13 March.
- BFI Escapes is offering exclusive previews of cinematic gem, Amelie, ahead of its 25th Anniversary re-release at selected independent cinemas across Northern Ireland on 9 and 10 March.
- Aspiring stargazers can see Armagh Observatory and Planetarium’s largest telescope up close on 10 March. Experience legendary Telescope Tours on 14 March and enjoy half-price tickets to immersive dome shows from 7-8 and 10-15 March.
- From dramatic coastlines to tranquil gardens, National Trust sites across Northern Ireland are opening their doors with free entry from 7–14 March. Discover the Giant’s Causeway’s famous basalt stones or brave the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge in County Antrim. Stroll the formal gardens of Mount Stewart or unwind among the blooms at Rowallane Garden in County Down, all with free entry from 7-14 March
- Discover the secrets of the silver screen with a behind-the-scenes tour of the projection box at Queen’s Film Theatre on 7 March and hear the story of cinema from celluloid film to the latest in high-tech digital projectors.
- Uncover the rich industrial heritage of Belfast’s Maritime Mile with a special tour from Belfast Maritime Trust on 12 March. Step on board SS Nomadic, head along Titanic Walkway to the Great Light and finish at the Drawing Offices where RMS Titanic was designed.
To view all venues and offers that are available throughout The National Lottery Open Week, visit www.nationallotteryopenweek.com
Terms and conditions and booking instructions across special offers will vary, check the individual offer listing for details.
