In need of an entertaining bank holiday without splashing the cash? We know the feeling. With pay day a marathon of a week away and this being the final bank holiday before Christmas, you’d be forgiven for saving the pennies, whilst simultaneously fighting your inner thrill-seeker. But it doesn’t have to be all bells and whistles when it comes to having fun; there are simple ways to save and celebrate that extra lie-in.
We’ve come up with a few ideas – most of them are free or super cheap.
Al fresco dining
Keep calm and picnic on
A simple and low-cost way of getting the family together, picnics and BBQs are always popular with bank accounts. And if you’re still strapped for cash, ask your guests to make something – suggest a cooking competition with a prize for the best dish.
Much loved picnic picks:
- Devil’s Dyke – West Sussex
- Primrose Hill – London
- Dyffryn Gardens – Cardiff
Go for a walk
A walk a day keeps the vet away
Even if you’re not a dedicated rambler, there’s still fun to be had in the great outdoors. It’s a fun and easy way of keeping fit – not to mention the fresh air benefits and the sense of adventure. First, research your route if you’re testing your trekking skills, or head to your local park for a light stroll and be sure to invite a furry friend along. Don’t forget your pedometer, comfortable footwear and a bottle of water.
Here are few of our favourite walking spots:
- Tatton Park – Cheshire
- The Phoenix Trail – Buckinghamshire/Oxfordshire
- Hampstead Heath – London
Drinks with a view
Panoramic views
Over-indulgence is expected – no – a necessity of bank holidays. Plus, there’s a little extra time to recover from those late nights and heavy heads. “But what about saving money?”, we hear you say – well, luckily you can. Booking a table often helps, especially if you’re going with a large group and bars often offer a free fruity drink, so make sure you bag the best deal.
Recommended cheap(er) roof-top bars:
- Culpeper Roof Garden – London
- Goodness Gracious – Liverpool
- The Apple – Bristol
Grab a book
A little reading is all the therapy someone needs sometimes.
Since life can often absorb your free time, take a moment for yourself this bank holiday to sit back, relax and read. Other than being a major stress reducer, reading increases your vocabulary and knowledge and improves your memory. However, if you want a more authentic feel, take a trip to the book store and get lost inside for an hour or so.
Suggestions for book worms:
- ‘This is Going to Hurt: Secret Diaries of a Junior Doctor’ – Adam Kay
- ‘The Guilty Feminist’ – Deborah Frances-White
- ‘Bedtime Stories for Stressed Out Adults’ – Lucy Mangan