The days are getting longer and the weather is getting warmer, which can only mean one thing: Summer is nearly here! Whilst summer is typically the season to embark on far flung holidays to exotic lands, some of us have plans to forego a holiday abroad and save a bit of money. If you find yourself in this category, then check out this list of great things to do this summer that are totally free!
Explore the countryside
UK residents often forget that millions of visitors from all around the world travel here to explore our beautiful countryside. Regardless of where you are in the UK, there’s bound to be an excellent walking trail nearby. Take advantage of the gorgeous summer weather (when it finally arrives) and head outdoors to explore the beauty of the countryside. Bring along a companion and perhaps a homemade picnic lunch to further enhance the experience.
Get fit
Saving up for a beachside holiday at the end of summer? Then use this time to get into beachwear shape. There are countless free running clubs operating all over the UK to suit everyone from serious runners to beginners. Summer is also a great time to test out new fitness activities. Many gyms, boot camps and fitness classes offer free trials that will not only get your heart pumping, but will also introduce you to a new type of exercise.
Volunteer
Believe it or not, volunteering can act as your ticket to some of the UK’s best summer events. Outdoor concerts, festivals and other events are always looking for volunteers. It’s possible to volunteer for everything from Glastonbury to the Great British Beer Festival, but it’s best to enquire early to top events and spaces tend to fill quickly. Check out places like Oxfam and RockCorps for the best summer volunteering opportunities.
Watch ballets and operas at your local park
Sound too good to be true? It isn’t! Each year the Royal Opera House together with BP Big Screens relays performances of celebrated operas and ballets to local parks across the UK, including Swansea, Leeds, Manchester, Birmingham and Swindon. On the docket this year is MacMillan’s Mayerling, Puccini’s La Rondine and Tosca. Check the Royal Opera House’s website for details on screen locations and times.
Head to a carnival
While entry into the UK’s top summer festivals can be pricey, there are numerous summertime carnivals that are free of charge. Carnivals offer an exciting atmosphere, loads of live music and entertainment and some of the best people watching you’ll ever encounter. Popular options include the Notting Hill Carnival in London, Brighton Carnival, Bournemouth Carnival and Birmingham Carnival.
Visit Museums
Many of the UK’s best museums are free of charge and are fascinating places to visit. The British Museum in London, for instance, is one of the most renowned museums worldwide and you can simply walk in without a ticket. Inside you’ll find archaeological treasures like the Rosetta Stone and countless artifacts from ancient civilisations. Other excellent free museums include the Victoria & Albert Museum, Imperial War Museum and Tate Museums.
With this list it’s possible to pack your summer with loads of exciting and entertaining activities that won’t cost a thing. By doing so, you’ll be able find ways to save money without having to sacrifice fun this summer. There are, of course, dozens of other free and low cost options all around the UK depending on your location that include heading out for a day on the beach, visiting expertly curated botanical gardens, and so much more.
This article was brought to you by Jane, a blogger and events organiser who specialses in finding ways to save money when organising an event.
