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Summer is coming, and here’s hoping for some great weather to enjoy. But with rising prices all around, it can be difficult to think of things that you can enjoy this summer without spending a small fortune in the process. Whether you are on your own, have a partner, or have a larger family, going out and about always seems to cost more than you think.
So in this article we’ve compiled a list of ten things to do over summer that are not expensive. That will help you to have your best summer ever without spending a fortune.
You’ve just got to do this! Did you know that in the UK you are never more than 70 miles from a beach? Often considerably nearer. So if the sun is shining, why not get out there and enjoy it?
It’s a good idea to make an early start, to beat the traffic and grab a good parking space. But once you are there, the beach is completely free. Take chairs, rugs, towels and a picnic and you are set for the day. You can completely relax, apart from making the sandcastle of course!
We just mentioned a picnic at the beach, but of course that’s not the only place to have one. Whether you prefer a park, a country walk, or perhaps a quiet riverside spot in your favourite town or city, enjoy eating and drinking at your leisure.
If you live near a town or city, there may well be a museum there that you could visit, and most of them are free. If you’re lucky enough to live near London you are spoiled for choice, with the V&A Museum, Science Museum, Natural History Museum or British Museum just for starters. And the same also applies to many art galleries.
If you prefer something more open air then check out castles, stately homes and other historical properties run by organisations such as the National Trust and English Heritage. For many of these sites, it is free to enter the grounds: you only have to pay if you want to go into the buildings themselves. If in doubt, check before you go.
During summer there are a huge amount of local activities, many of which are free. So check your local press and social media sites to find out what’s on in your area. You are likely to find at least a few of the following:
To make it even more fun, it may be worth getting a group together to go and support a local event. As well as it being an enjoyable day or evening out, it could help you to get more involved in future events in your local community.
If there is a place you’ve always wanted to visit and it’s not too far away, how about treating yourself to a day trip? The most economical way to do this is probably to club together with others to take one car and share fuel costs. And if you take your own refreshments it can turn out to be a fun and good value day out.
Ideally do a bit of research in advance so you fit in the different things you want to see. If you are going to a town or city, there will probably be key areas you’ll be looking out for. But if it’s more of a road trip than a specific destination, there may be some really interesting places en route that it would be good to stop at if you get the chance.
Most people love a treasure hunt! So how about getting together with friends and family to organise one? You could either incorporate it into the kind of day trip we’ve just been looking at, or do something closer to home. For example if you have a local park or other open space, you could either prepare clues and hide them beforehand or organise a nature walk with a list of things to spot en route.
It’s good to have prizes but these do not need to be expensive: sweets usually go down well!
If we get the warm nights again this summer, then why not make the most of it and sleep outside for a night? If you have a garden, this is relatively easy to do. If not, then you need to convince someone who has one that it’s a great idea!
It could be a really fun night, starting off with a few drinks and a BBQ then later on – either as you’re settled in your sleeping bags or gathered round a fire pit or chiminea – sharing a few songs or spooky tales. Perhaps even agree to turn off all devices so that you really do get back to basics.
It’ll feel like you’ve been on holiday even though you haven’t!
Whether you love cocktails, mocktails, ice cream or cupcakes, why not get creative and try something new? You could even make a night of it with like-minded friends. Think of a summer cocktail competition, an ice cream experiment, or your own version of bake off.
And if you are not particularly a domestic god or goddess then you could always opt for a wine tasting evening instead. Everyone just bring one bottle and share them between you.
You may think that gardening is not your thing – and perhaps the state of your garden reflects this! But gardening can be fun and if you have a bit of time this summer it’s a good time to get started. Even just clearing your garden of weeds and rubbish can make a big difference.
You may then want to add a coat of paint to fences, sheds and/or garden furniture then perhaps even get planting. Check out local social media sites for gardening groups as you may be able to get help and advice, and perhaps even some free plants or cuttings.
Also consider growing your own vegetables or herbs, just in pots to start off with, but this can be easy to do and is a great way of becoming more self-sufficient and providing your own food.
If you have a little bit of time on your hands this summer, why not put it to good use to help someone else? This can be incredibly rewarding, and you don’t need to spend anything.
If you are happy to give up a day or two, or even make a regular commitment, then look for volunteering opportunities with local charities or community groups. Whether this is helping at a food bank, visiting elderly people, or looking after animals at a local rescue centre, your help will be much appreciated.
If you’d like to help others but don’t want to get too involved publicly, be on the lookout for random acts of kindness that you can do anonymously. For example:
You can find more ideas and inspiration on the Random Acts of Kindness website. They can all help to spread the joy of summer without too much commitment or expense from you.
We hope that the above ideas help you to enjoy the summer and do some fun, worthwhile and interesting things without spending a fortune in the process. If you do need extra money at any stage, remember that Loans 2 Go offer short term loans that may be able to help.
For more lifestyle and financial tips check back here with us soon at Loans 2 Go.
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