10 cheap and free things to do this Easter

by Simon Ward on 30 March 2012  |  6 comments
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Easter is here, so if you’re looking for some bargain ideas and discount entry deals, look no further!

Easter is here, and if you’re wondering how you can keep yourself entertained over the holiday, I’ve come up with some top ideas and deals for Easter – so you can enjoy the break without breaking the bank!

1) Travel for less

If you’re hoping to get out and about over Easter, but you’re concerned about travel costs, make sure you check out these offers:

• This Easter, you can save up to 50% off travel on London Midland trains and 34% off advance tickets on the Southern rail network, althought be aware that there are some date restrictions.

• Meanwhile, National Express coaches is offering selected fares for just £7, so make sure you check out the website for further details.

If you fancy hopping on the train, don't forget that children under the age of five travel for free. And if you're travelling in and around London, your train ticket can open up a host of two-for-one offers via the Days Out Guide website.

2) Museums

A long weekend provides the perfect opportunity to check out the local museums – many of which should be free, so you won’t have to pay a penny!

If you’re based in London, make sure you check out the Natural History Museum and the Science Museum. Or why not pop along to the V&A Museum or Tate Modern?

Alternatively, check out the dofreestuff.com website which allows you to click on your area and find out which museums and attractions are free nearby. For example, if you live in the West Midlands, you can pay a visit to the Coventry Transport Museum or the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery.

Or if you’re in Somerset, you can check out the Frome Museum, or Somerset County Museum in Taunton - all of which are free of charge.

3) National Trust properties

A large number of National Trust properties have activities on over Easter, with many holding Easter egg hunts around their grounds. Even if you're not a member, you can still picnic in the grounds of many properties.

4) Free football and swimming for kids

If you have a budding David Beckham in the house, why not see if you can sign him (or her!) up for some free football coaching with the Tesco Holiday Skills Sessions?

If you live in Wales, children 16 and under can go to your local swimming pool for free during the school holidays - there's more details at the Sport Wales website. Some local councils in England and Scotland also offer free swimming - check your local council's website to see if it's one of them.

In fact, even if you're not up for a swim, it's a good idea to check out your local council’s website as many will be running reasonably priced half-term sports courses, particularly as it's Olympics year.

5) See a film

Most kids love films, but with some cinemas charging up to £9 per ticket it can be very expensive. Vue Cinemas have children's films showing on Saturdays and Sundays and every day in the school holidays for just £1.50 per child (one adult per child goes free, 3D films are £2.75). Odeon Kids shows films on Saturdays and Saturdays and many also run them in the school holidays from £2.50 (one adult per child goes free again). Meanwhile, Cineworld runs Movies For Juniors at many of its cinemas on Saturday and Sunday mornings (it hasn't extended this to school holidays), where adults and children pay £1 apiece.

If you want to entertain the kids at home, Blockbuster has children's films to rent for just 99p a pop.

Grown-ups who are Orange phone customers can take advantage of the two-for-one Orange Wednesdays promotion at most cinemas.

6) Theatre

Fancy a trip to the theatre? If you get in quick, Lastminute.com is offering tickets for just £10 to various theatre productions, including The Duchess of Malfi. You can also pick up tickets to Wicked from £22.50 and Shrek The Musical from £25.

7) Have a night or two away

If you’re planning to get away over the Easter break, and you’re after some inexpensive accommodation, Ibis Hotels are currently holding a 30% off sale. So you can enjoy a stay from as little as £40 per room per night when you stay between 1st April and 10th June (book by 16th April).

Alternatively, Premier Inns are offering rooms from just £29 a night for stays until 31st May. Or there may be some £29 Saver rooms at Travelodge (you need to book these at least seven days in advance).

8) Go to Cadbury World

If you don't think you'll receive enough Easter eggs to satisfy your chocolate cravings over the Easter break, pay a trip to Cadbury World, and kids can get in free with this voucher from Vouchercodes.co.uk.

This is valid until 30th December and each child must be accompanied by a full paying adult.

9) Eat out

If you fancy treating yourself to a meal out over the Easter break, it doesn’t have to damage your wallet. There are loads of discount vouchers around at the moment, although many are restricted over the long weekend itself. For a full list, head to our Frugal Food blog.

10) Go walking

For truly cheap activities, why not get out and about in the fresh air and go for a walk! In my opinion, you can’t beat a refreshing walk in the countryside, followed by a fabulous pub lunch to refuel! If you’re not sure where to go, check out websites such as nationaltrail.co.uk and walkingbritain.co.uk which have lots of free trails to try out.

You can also take a look at the Woodland Trust website which has more than 1,000 woodland sites which are free to visit across the country. The website includes a selection of downloadable woodland walks, and if you’re worried about the kids being bored, there are also free activity packs for kids.

STOP PRESS: Saturday 31st's edition of The Times contains two two-for-one vouchers valid at any Sea Life Centre.

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