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.
From Frommer’s 'Britain For Free' guide (£12.99), out now
