Cheap days out this summer!

by Rachel Robson on 04 August 2009  |  0 comments
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I'm really not sure what has happened to our summer this year, but if you want to get out and about there are plenty of ways to do so without having to eat into your savings.

I'm really not sure what has happened to our summer this year (or for the past three years for that matter). But if you want to get out and about and enjoy the tiny bit of sunshine you might be lucky enough to glimpse, there are plenty of ways to do so without having to eat into your savings.

Museums

If you live in, or near, a city, one of the most obvious ways to spend a few hours is in a museum or art gallery. Most cities have plenty to choose from - most of which you can browse around for free, or very cheaply.

A bit of culture

If you like visiting castles, palaces, stately homes and gardens on a regular basis it can be well worth joining the National Trust or English Heritage. Although this will initially set you back a bit, if you visit enough properties, you'll easily get your money back - and more.

Right now, if you sign up to the National Trust and pay by direct debit, you can get a year's membership for £35.63 for an individual (instead of the standard £47.50), or £59.63 for a joint membership (instead of £79.50). This will give you free entry and parking at more than 300 historic houses and gardens across the UK.

Or if you'd prefer to join the English Heritage, a year's membership will cost you £43 per adult, or £75 per couple. This will give you free entry to more than 400 historic properties up and down the country.

By becoming a member of either one, you'll have plenty of places to visit spontaneously when the sun comes out - and you won't have to worry about spending too much money!

However, if you'd prefer not to commit to anything, English Heritage will be opening up many of its properties for free between 10-13 September. And the National Trust's Fun for Free page lists the National Trust sites that are free to visit, plus dates when you can visit some of the other properties for free, too.

Pack a picnic

I love picnics! There's something extra special about sitting on a picnic blanket on the grass and laying on a spread of yummy food. And the great thing is, picnics don't have to cost much!

Just pop some sandwiches, crisps, summery cupcakes, fruit and juice into a basket/cool bag and off you go! And if you're feeling a little extravagant you can throw in some Pimms or sparkling wine for good measure!

Then head down to your local park or beach and wile away a few hours without spending a penny. Many National Trust properties will also allow you to picnic in the gardens, so if you're a member, this can be very handy!

Walk it

Walking can be highly enjoyable and relaxing and it won't cost you any money. So if you fancy a spot of exercise and fresh air, check out walking-routes.co.uk and walkscene.co.uk which are packed full of walks you can do in and around your area.

And my favourite part of this is that you can usually stop off at a country pub for a delicious lunch or bite to eat!

Travel expenses

If you're planning to travel by train this summer, don't forget to check with your local train operator for any special offers. Many operators run GroupSave deals - so if you're travelling as a group, you can make some serious savings.

For example, with South West Trains, Southern, First Great Western, and London Midland, when two adults buy off-peak tickets, one or two more can travel free. And up to four more children can travel for just £1 each when accompanying the group.

Don't forget...

If you're planning a big day out, don't forget to keep an eye out for money-saving vouchers. Good places to look are the Visit the Heart website as well as enjoyEngland.com. Both of these are packed with fabulous ideas for days out as well as great 2 for 1 deals and other money saving offers.

And remember to keep an eye out for any free festivals or events in your area!

Have a fun and frugal summer - what's left of it anyway!