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Frugal Family Days Out

Written by Clare P

Clare is a Boom Buddy and a stay-at-home mum who loves gardening, cooking and going on family adventures.


As a stay-at-home mum, I always try to find cheap or free days out for when it’s me and my toddler in the week, but also when we go out as a family at weekends.This can be trickier to do during the winter months when the weather is cold and wet; many of our go-to places are shut or have reduced opening times in the ‘off season’. But if you’re anything like our family, being able to get out and about is definitely still needed!


After visiting light trails, Christmas markets, festively- dressed stately homes and even meeting Father Christmas himself last month, it can be easy to forget all the free or nearly free places that perhaps don’t pop up on your social media pages.Therefore, I’ve compiled a list of walks and trails that are suitable for families, parks and play areas, and indoor and outdoor places to visit. Most are local, some are a little further afield and the majority are free, or you may just have to pay for parking.


It sounds simple, but a great tip for saving money on days out is to take a packed lunch with you, including a flask of hot tea. It helps to be prepared and taking this with you means you’re less likely to buy a drink out and then also get tempted by the delicious looking cake/scone/baked goodies!


As a couple, we love going for long walks but our requirements have changed now that we have a toddler.We mostly need flat, short walks that she can join in with too. Gone are the days of a pub stop (unless it’s actually for food) and now it’s a bonus if there’s a play park or some ducks to feed.


I always keep a small bag of oats in our changing bag for whenever an opportunity to feed the ducks arises. Oats are much better for the birds then bread, won’t go mouldy if forgotten

about and, if it’s something you already have in the house anyway like we do, it’s a win-win. I just try to remember to top it up again as soon as it’s empty.


In 2024, we managed to visit five National Trust properties over the year.You might think we mustbe members, but we’re not.


You might think it must have cost us a fortune, but it didn’t: they were all free! There seems to be a trend by lots of tabloid newspapers (Daily Star, Daily Mirror, etc.) and an online site called InYourArea.co.uk where they offer free NT family passes, usually valid for a month or so after issue, every couple of months at the moment. Last year we got one that could even be used across the school summer holidays.You do have to be quick, though, because they only have a limited amount of passes to claim. I always share on my Instagram account when I see they are available so follow along @mrsp_picks to be the first to find out and save ££s.



A final tip from me is every April, with the physical copy of The Gardener's World magazine, they have a 2 for 1 entry card included which is valid for 1 year. This can be used at hundreds of gardens across the country, multiple times. Local places it can be used include Haddon Hall, Thornbridge Estate Gardens, Melbourne Hall Gardens and Clumber Park. When you buy the magazine, there's also a little book detailing all of places you can use the card and if there are any restrictions. It's worth noting some places, like at Thornbridge, only let you use the 2 for 1 card on certain days of the week. They have a list online too so if it's something you'll think you might get good use out of, check it out first (although I can't guarantee the same places will be on the list again next year so just use it as a guide). We have definitely saved ££s this year visiting places up and down the country and every little helps! 


I hope you can rediscover some old favourites or even find some new places to explore with the family in 2025 without it costing too much.



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