Staffordshire attractions are throwing open their doors and offering free or discounted entry to visitors as part of National Lottery Open Week, starting tomorrow (7 March).
The initiative is a way for National Lottery-funded venues to say thank you by offering free entry, discounts and special offers to those presenting a National Lottery ticket or scratchcard.
Among those taking part is Middleport Pottery, in Stoke-on-Trent, which is offering free heritage trail entry this weekend (7 and 8 March). Visitors will also be able to browse Middleport Artisan Market.
Louise Bartley, marketing and communications manager for Middleport Pottery/Re-Form Heritage, said: “Middleport Pottery will be saying thank you to National Lottery players on 7 and 8 March for all their support with Free Heritage Trail access to everyone who can present a digital or paper lottery ticket or scratch card.
“Visitors will be able to explore the Victorian offices, mould store, bath house, steam engine, bottle oven and across the road in the Lodge Keeper’s 1950’s House on Harper Street. In addition to this the free Middleport Artisan Market is also on both days in our inside event rooms offering a range of locally crafted gifts which are ideal for Mother’s Day.”
Here is a Daily Focus round-up of other venues taking part:
Biddulph Grange Garden, operated by the National Trust, will be letting National Lottery players in for free and without the need to book between 7 and 14 March.
The landscaped garden in Biddulph was created by James Bateman and is described as a formal Victorian masterpiece featuring a maze of hedges, tunnels and stepping stones ideal for the whole family to enjoy.
Read more here.
The National Trust is also offering free entry to the Shugborough Estate, at Milford, near Stafford, over the same dates.
The historic estate, which features a Georgian house, formal gardens, and woodland and parkland
Check out the information here.
Also in Stafford, there’s a behind the scenes tour of Staffordshire History Centre on 12 March, where people can see the conservation studio and brand-new strongrooms.
More information and the link to book can be found here.
The Kingfishers Café at Staffordshire Wildlife Trust’s Wolseley Centre and Nature Reserve, near Stafford, will be offering a free hot drink with every home baked good between 9 and 13 March.
Click here for more information.
Tamworth Castle is offering two for one entry with the cheapest ticket free on 7-8 and 14-15 March.
Read more here.
And Lichfield Waterworks Trust will be opening Sandfields Pumping Station on 14 March to tie in with World Water Day. There will be creative art sessions, hands-on experiments discovering the principles that keep water clean today, and visitors can take pre-booked, guided tours of the Beam Engine House which once pumped water from Lichfield across the Black Country.
The archive team will also be on hand, there will be a selection of traditional fundraising games and a portable engine in action.
All proceeds will be divided equally between Lichfield Waterworks Trust and WaterAid.
Find out more here.
Darren Henley, chief executive of Arts Council England and chair of the National Lottery Forum, said: “We’re thrilled to bring back National Lottery Open Week 2026. This year, we’re inviting everyone to see a National Lottery ticket as more than just a chance to win. It’s a passport to discovery, unlocking joy, opportunity and possibility in communities across the UK.
“From the nation’s most-loved museums and heritage sites to grassroots projects and hidden local gems, every ticket helps create something extraordinary. National Lottery Open Week is our way of saying thank you to the players who make this possible. Because of you, an incredible £32 million is raised each week for good causes, which helps fund vital projects in arts, sport, heritage and communities nationwide.”
Anyone looking to take advantage of the offers should check the full terms for each venue.
- The full list of venues and offers is available here.
