Planning a Summer Break Without Spending a Fortune

With the school holidays just around the corner, many families are looking for ways to keep children entertained without blowing the household budget. Fortunately, the North West is packed with affordable days out, beautiful outdoor spaces and free events throughout the summer.

One of the best things about living in the North West is having easy access to some incredible countryside. A family walk in the Peak District, a visit to Lyme Park, a stroll around Etherow Country Park or a trip to the beaches of Formby and Crosby can provide a full day of entertainment for little more than the cost of travel and a packed lunch.

Don’t forget to download the ‘too good to go’ app, you can get discounted bags of food from food businesses to get some little treats for the day.  

Looking to spend a few days away?, there are plenty of ways to keep costs down. Before booking accommodation, compare prices across several websites and check whether booking directly with the provider offers any discounts or extras. Midweek stays can often be significantly cheaper than weekends.

Camping can provide a fun family adventure at a fraction of the cost of a hotel. Many campsites offer excellent facilities and are located near beaches, lakes and walking routes. You can sometimes pick up second-hand tents and equipment from local social media marketplaces or websites such as eBay and Vinted, helping to keep costs even lower.

A little planning can save a lot

Check whether your destination offers family tickets or attraction passes. Pack snacks and drinks for journeys and days out, and make a list before shopping for holiday essentials to avoid impulse purchases.

If travelling by train, check whether a Railcard could save you money. Families can often make significant savings over the course of the summer. You may also find offers through your bank, supermarket loyalty scheme or rewards programme. For example, Tesco Clubcard and Royal Bank of Scotland Rewards customers may be able to use points towards the cost of a Railcard. Depending on the type of Railcard, this could save up to one-third off adult fares and up to 60% off child fares. Always check the latest terms and conditions before purchasing.

Keep children entertained at home. Not every day of the holidays needs to involve spending money. Create a simple holiday activity calendar with a mixture of free and low-cost activities.

Ideas include:

• Nature walks and scavenger hunts
• Library events and reading challenges
• Garden picnics
• Bike rides
• Outdoor games in local parks
• Movie afternoons at home

Children often remember the time spent together far more than how much money was spent.

If your budget allows, consider investing in something the whole family can enjoy throughout the holidays. A family board game, garden games such as Giant Jenga or Giant Connect 4, or a classic football goal or badminton set can provide weeks of entertainment and often cost less than a single day out.