Fun (and free!) ways to enjoy your summer

Although average rental growth in the UK has slowed recently, rents are still 21% higher than they were three years ago, compared to house prices, which have only grown by 4% over the same time.

So, if you're renting and you can’t afford to take a holiday - or maybe you’re trying to save for a deposit to buy your own place - here are some suggestions for different things you can do to perk up your summer that won’t cost you anything.

Get active outdoors

Taking a walk with friends, having a picnic and exercising outdoors are all free ways to enjoy the fresh air. And research shows that people who are more connected with nature are usually happier and feel better about themselves, so just stepping out into a green space should make you feel more relaxed and boost your mood.

Do some walking tours

Most towns and cities offer free walking tours that show you hidden corners and reveal local folklore, scandals and fun facts. Learn more about what’s on your doorstep, or head off with some friends to explore a new city.

Go fruit picking

Fruit farms usually give you free entry and then you just pay for what you pick – which can be cheaper than the supermarket – and some places allow you to snack as you go!

Grow your own food

Not only could you save money by growing your own fruit, vegetables and salad, it’s also likely to improve your diet. Households that grow their own produce consume around 40% more fruit and veg a day than those who don’t – plus, the activity itself has been shown to promote better sleep and positive energy.

If you have a garden, ask your landlord whether they would be happy for you to create a ‘kitchen garden’, where you can grow a whole range of food. And if you’re short on outside space, you can still use pots and window boxes to grow salad, herbs and even vegetables like potatoes, courgettes and beans. Micro-herbs, tomatoes and lettuce should also grow well inside. You can find plenty of advice online, including this from the RHS.

Check local ‘What’s On’ Guides for free events

There are all kinds of free events across the country throughout the year, including:

• Street fayres and food festivals
• Music festivals and concerts
• Talks and panel discussions
• Networking events where you can socialise and maybe make some valuable future work contacts at the same time
• Sporting events you can either participate in or watch
• Agricultural shows
• Art and history exhibitions
• Craft sessions

…and the number of free outdoor events obviously ramps up in the summer. There are plenty of area and council -specific websites, and local community Facebook pages are another good resource. 

Take up wild swimming

Wild swimming is taking a dip in open water – rivers, lakes and seas. It’s exhilarating, great for your mental and physical health, and you can discover beautiful new spots. Of course, safety is paramount, and the good news is that most areas now have an ‘open water swimming’ or ‘wild swimming’ society or organisation that will curate tried and tested locations, so search online for one of those near you. For general information, advice and resources, check out the Outdoor Swimming Society.

Volunteer

There are bound to be organisations and charities in your area that welcome volunteers, so if you have a particular interest, why not enquire about helping out? You can do some good while having fun - for instance, if you’re an animal lover, try local animal shelters and pet rescue centres, or if history and culture is your thing, see if there are any tour guide opportunities at local attractions.