With the cost of living on the rise, many people are looking for great ways to entertain their kids without breaking the bank - and one Nottingham venue seems to be offering just that. Wollaton Hall and Deer Park attracts visitors from not only across Nottingham - but the UK wide.
Set on stunning grounds just three miles from the city centre, it's easy to see why it's become a must-go spot for those visiting Nottingham. But perhaps what makes the site even more appealing to families is that access to the park and hall is free.
In fact, Wollaton Hall is currently decked out in an educational and historic exhibition you can visit - without spending a penny. The Nottingham Post sent Jessie Price to Wollaton Hall for the day to see just how much fun she could have without getting out her wallet inside.
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Guests can currently enjoy the Natural History Museum free of charge. When Jessie visited during half term, the hall and park were both full of families enjoying a day out.
She noted how nice it was to see the site so packed with people exploring the hall and the outer grounds. Once inside, visitors can enjoy free of charge and without a ticket, the natural history collections, which include a bird and fish room in the Long Gallery, as well as The Great Hall and Salon.
Jessie spoke with a number of families who were enjoying the exhibition. Rachel and Chris, 33, took their kids out for the day at the park. They said: "We've been coming here all our lives, as it's great value for money.
"The kids have loved the history museum as it's got some interactive elements for them. Even if it wasn't free, we would still pay to see this."
While viewing the exhibitions is free of charge, those who decide to drive to Wollaton Hall will need to pay a parking charge. An all-day ticket costs £5, or visitors can pay £2 for two hours.
Kate and Phil Waghorn, both 67, took their granddaughter Lola, eight, out for the day during half term. They said: "It's got a good balance between games and education. The interactive elements at the museum are amazing - it's got everything.
"It's good all year round but the displayed now are better than before." Terri, 56, and Kevin, 52 added: "We think it's wonderful. We also think it's amazing that the history museum is free to access and explore."
The exhibition details fascinating stories of animal skeletons now for the public to see. One display tells the tale of a domestic horse that was purchased by the museum in the late 1800s and won first prize at the Bingham Horse Show in 1871.
This display explains how this is an example of domestication is of the many relationships between humans and animals. Other animals on display include at Asiatic (Indian) lion as well as zebras.
Between 11am and 2pm, visitors can also embark on a Hidden History tour, which details the tales and the characters of the Hall.. This event is free for kids but will set adults back £12 each.
Tickets must be booked for this event and can be purchased through the Wollaton Hall website. Jessie noted that people at the park appeared to be having a great day out, enjoying both the outdoors and indoors of the venue.
Wollaton Hall and Deer Park will also be introducing Walled Garden tours over the summer months for guests to enjoy on their visits.
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