14 free things to do this summer

Ellie Hilborne on 7 July 2016
dog on a deck chair

Have fun this summer without spending a penny.

Make the most of all the spare time you have this holiday! We've put together a list of all the free things you can do in the summer.

Chill in the park

Parks are the ideal place to have a super relaxing day. Take a picnic, go for a walk, listen to a podcast, read a book, feed the ducks or even learn yoga (because, why not?).

Go on a bike ride

Bike rides are a fantastic way to get outdoors and keep fit. If you don’t want to put too much of a sweat on, remember you don’t have to go far - your nearest pub is always a good goal as you can reward yourself with a drink when you get there (but don't go overboard - cycling home could be difficult!).

Drunk man on a bike

Head to the beach

If you are lucky enough to live near a beach take full advantage of it! Sunbathe, swim in the sea (if you’re brave enough) and play a game of frisbee or rounders. Such fun.

Get cooking

The summer months are the perfect time to cook up a storm. Experiment and try out some new recipes. Invite your friends round for a summer feast, if anything it’s a good excuse to eat lots. If you need some inspiration, take a look at these delicious summer recipes from Jamie Oliver *drools*.

Go to a free festival

Not all festivals in the UK will cost you lots of money. Local events including carnivals and fetes are more likely to be free - find one near you here.

Workout

Exercise is one of the easiest activities to do for free. Here are some suggestions:

  • Parkrun: Parkrun organise over 300 5k races every Saturday morning in parks across the UK. It’s free to take part, all you need to do is register and print out a barcode. Bring it along with you on the day to ensure your time is recorded. Don’t worry if you’ve never run before, the events are mixed ability and a lot of people do walk.
  • YouTube: There are tonnes of guided workout videos on YouTube from HIIT (high-intensity interval training) to yoga, so it’s easy to find what you’re looking for. Working out in the comfort of your own home means you don’t have to worry about other people around you or trek to the gym. Be sure to check out Fitness Blender, Blogilates, BeFit, Tone It Up, Yoga with Adriene and The Daily HIIT.

working out

Visit relatives

Now you’re home for the summer there’s no excuse. Make the most of being at home by catching up with the whole family.

Host a BBQ

BBQs are a great way of socialising with friends and family without even leaving the house! Save money by getting everyone to bring some food and drink to contribute. Admittedly the Great British weather may have put any BBQ plans on hold recently, but don't let that stop you...

Polar bears having a BBQ

Visit a museum or gallery

There are lots of free museums and art galleries in the UK. Search online to find one near where you live, you may be surprised at what’s around. Some of the most popular free museums in London include The Natural History Museum, The Victoria & Albert Museum, The British Museum and The Tate Modern.

Fly a kite

And pretend you’re in Mary Poppins.

 

People watch

It’s not creepy, honest…

Have a water fight

Water fights are not just for kids. Depending on the size of your garden you could even make your own slip and slide! Release your inner child for some guaranteed fun.

Summer slip and slide

Play board games

Dust off the board games and pack of cards that have been buried in the back of a cupboard since Christmas and invite your friends round for a games night.

Go camping

You don’t have to be Bear Grylls to go camping. Whether it’s in your back garden or a campsite (the cost split between a group will be very little) camping in the great outdoors provides a welcome escape from technology and the stress of everyday life. If you don’t have a tent ask around, a friend or family member is bound to have one that you can borrow.

camping

What are your plans for the summer? Join the Student Hut Community and let us know in our paid opinion panel.

Ellie Hilborne
Ellie Hilborne on 7 July 2016