7 things to do for free: Great Britain

Stingy staycationers rejoice – there’s plenty to do in the UK for free. Here’s our top pick…

1. Ogle opera

London’s Royal Opera House hosts free lunchtime recitals on Mondays, at noon (next season: 13 Sep-31 Jan). Reserve tickets online or ‘buy’ on the day, from 10am.

2. Play Pooh sticks

Chuck twigs in rivers at Pooh’s favourite spot, Ashdown Forest. Download free Winnie-related walks.

3. Walk with Jane Austen

Download a literary-themed MP3 audio tour of Bath for your iPod from www.visitbath.co.uk/janeausten/audio-tour, a 90-minute romp round Austen’s inspirations.

4. Watch classic movies

Derby’s cool new QUAD centre is home to BFI Mediatheque, a library of TV and film gems. Book a two-hour slot in one of the booths for nowt.

5. Go down t’ pit

Plunge 90m into a real mine at the Big Pit National Coal Museum in Torfaen. www.museumwales.ac.uk

6. Spot dolphins

The spit in Scotland’s Moray Firth is one of the best dolphin-watching spots in Europe: pods of 130 can be seen.

7. Yomp round York

Two-hour guided walking tours run by local volunteers leave from Exhibition Square daily at 10.15am.