It’s the holiday season, but not everyone can afford to go travelling to places far and wide. With tightening budgets, many of us are opting for a staycation instead.
In today’s blog post, I want to share five budget-friendly activities for a Staycation.
1. Swimming
When I was a child, our summer days were spent swimming; chlorine in my hair was like perfume to me. (Patti Davis)
Swimming offers numerous physical and mental benefits, making it an excellent form of exercise for people of all ages and fitness levels. As a low-impact activity, it improves cardiovascular health, builds muscle strength and endurance, enhances flexibility, and supports weight management. Beyond the physical advantages, swimming can also boost mood, reduce stress, and improve sleep quality.
Most parts of the UK are not far from a stretch of natural water, whether it be a river, a lake, or the ocean. In my mind, there is nothing more glorious than spending a few hours in the water or sitting near it with a book and a good picnic. Failing this, the UK has some fabulous lidos dotted across the country, of note are Jubilee Pool in Cornwall, Tinside Lido in Plymouth and for a bit of chic, Bristol Lido, Bristol.
2. Park/Walking
‘In Every Walk with nature, he receives far more than he seeks’ (John Muir)
Walking is a simple yet highly effective activity that provides numerous physical and mental health benefits. Engaging in regular walks can support heart health, aid in weight management, reduce the risk of chronic illnesses, boost mood, and improve brain function. As a low-impact form of exercise, it’s accessible to most people, making it an excellent choice for individuals of all ages and fitness levels.
Walking is also a great way to explore your local park, environment and get in tune with nature. You might even learn a thing or two about birds and plants.
I recently did a Nordic Walking course in West London. My teacher admitted that despite living in Stanmore for over 20 years, she had been entirely unaware of Stanmore Country Park. Many people are in the same boat; they don’t know what lies beyond their front door. Check your borough’s website or study Google Maps to find your nearest green space.
10 gentle walks for all abilities
3. Day Trip
‘Life was meant for good friends and great adventures.’ (The Tinny Buddha)
Day trips around the UK offer a vast array of experiences—whether you’re interested in historical landmarks, coastal scenery, countryside walks, or charming towns. From most larger UK cities, you are never more than a couple of hours’ train journey away from a fabulous day out. Invest in a family railcard and book your trains in advance to secure the best deal. If you really want to save money, prepare snacks and a flask to save on overpriced station food.
If you live in London, why not visit Oxford – the medieval university town or Windsor to say hello to the king. Or maybe museums, Georgian Architecture, and tea are more your thing; in that case, go to Bath.
From Manchester, why not visit York with its Minster and city wall or Liverpool for a bit of Beatles rock’n’ Roll. If cities aren’t your thing, try the Peak District.
From Edinburgh, St Andrews or Stirling, these are fabulous locations for a day trip.
There are many more locations around the UK; enter your hometown and search for ‘Google day trips’.
4. Outdoor Theatre
Open-air theatres in the UK are a celebrated part of the country’s rich theatrical tradition, offering performances in scenic outdoor settings, particularly during the warmer months (May to September). They blend the natural beauty of the landscape with live drama, music, or comedy. Well-known Open-Air Theatres in the UK include Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre in London, which opened in 1932 and has a capacity of 1,200 seats.
Minack Theatre – Cornwall, which was built in the 1930s and has a capacity of 750 seats.
5. Museum
As the summer holidays approach, why not visit one of the many museums to learn something new about history or art?
The National Museums, also known as the major ones, offer free entry to their permanent displays. (You will have to pay for temporary exhibitions and one-off events such as talks.)
Furthermore, many local authority museums are also free and offer a fun way to learn more about your area. You can even save on travel costs by walking to your destination.
There are over 150 museums in London alone, but choosing one can be daunting. Below are some of my favourites:
Bruce Castle, Horniman Museum. Imperial War Museum, National Portrait Gallery, Science Museum, Science+Industry Museum, Brighton Museum & Art Gallery and more.
Furthermore, many museums offer free workshops and talks for young and old.
Are there any other things you can think of doing while staying at home for your holidays? Let me know in the comments below.