Free and low-cost activities for the bank holiday weekend

Another bank holiday weekend is fast approaching! Three precious days stretching ahead, with potential for adventure, relaxation, and making memories. But often, the excitement is tinged with a familiar question: How can we make the most of this break without breaking the bank?

We've scoured the UK to find the best free, budget friendly, and low-cost activities. Whether searching for ideas for families, romantic inspiration for couples, or suggestions for getaways, this guide includes actionable tips and real-life examples to enjoy the long weekend on a budget.

A memorable long weekend doesn't require a hefty price tag. Sometimes, the best experiences cost very little, or even nothing at all. With a little savvy planning, an amazing weekend exploring UK things to do on a long weekend is absolutely within reach. Let's dive into it.

Discounts and offers to utilise for the long weekend

Before getting into what to do, let's explore how to do it more affordably. Being savvy about loyalty schemes and special discounts can unlock incredible value, stretching that bank holiday budget further than imagined. This is where smart planning transforms possibilities into reality.

Loyalty schemes to boost your savings

Using supermarket loyalty schemes can turn everyday shopping into weekend adventures. The key lies in strategic redemption, turning points earned on groceries and fuel into tangible rewards for leisure activities.

Tesco Clubcard

Points earned on shopping (£1 = 1 point) convert into vouchers (£1.50 voucher for 150 points), typically issued quarterly. While vouchers can be spent in store, their value can often be doubled when exchanged for codes to use with Tesco's Reward Partners.

Partners frequently include days out perfect for a bank holiday, such as Thorpe Park Resort, restaurant chains like PizzaExpress, and even streaming services like Disney+. A particularly valuable tip concerns expiring vouchers (which have a two-year validity). Millions of pounds worth expire each period, often at the end of May. However, by making a small purchase (even just 50p) with a Reward Partner using a voucher nearing its expiry date, the remaining balance is returned as points. These can then be turned back into vouchers with a fresh two-year lifespan. This simple action prevents losing hard-earned rewards.

Nectar Points

Collect points at Sainsbury's, Argos, Esso, and eBay, among others. Points can be spent directly at Sainsbury's, Vue Cinemas (where 500 points = £2.50 ), and Argos, or redeemed online via nectar.com for experiences like holidays and hotel stays.

Keep an eye on the Nectar app or website for personalised bonus point offers and special promotions. Past promotions have included significant boosts, like earning 10 times the usual points, and high-value transfer opportunities. Signing up for Nectar Canvass even allows earning points just by completing surveys.

These schemes effectively allow routine expenditure to subsidise long weekend ideas.

Make the most of your existing subscriptions 

1. Mobile phone contracts

Some providers offer perks for being a long-term customer, such as discounts on new devices, extra data, or access to exclusive offers which may extend to things like entertainment. For example, EE customers can get discounted cinema tickets every ‘EE Tuesday’! Check your provider's website or app for loyalty programs.

Some phone contracts like Vodafone also include subscriptions to streaming services (like Netflix, Disney+, or Amazon Prime Video) or music apps. You might be paying for these separately when they're already part of your phone plan.

2. Bank accounts

Some current accounts offer rewards like cashback on spending, discounts at certain retailers, or travel insurance. For example, if you are a Monzo user you can personalise cashback rewards by picking eligible retailers yourself, and receiving your cashback reward straight to your account. These retailers change regularly so it’s worth checking these to see if you could gain any reward on something you may be planning to book or purchase for the bank holiday.  Review the benefits associated with your account to find out if your bank offers similar deals.

3. Credit cards

If you’re planning a bank holiday getaway, looking into your credit card perks may be useful. Many credit card providers offer travel insurance (covering medical emergencies, lost luggage, etc.) and other travel-related perks like airport lounge access or discounts on hotels and car rentals. As well as this, you might also be eligible for rewards points and cashback on your spending that you're not redeeming. Check your credit card statements or online account.

Unlock discounts with cardholder perks from Blue Light, TOTUM, and more

Holding specific cards related to profession or student status can unlock a wealth of discounts, making many activities significantly more affordable.

1. Blue Light Card

Available to those in the emergency services, NHS, social care sector, armed forces, and teaching community for a fee of £4.99 for two years. This card offers discounts across a huge range of categories. For bank holiday planning, key savings include cinemas (Cineworld, Odeon, Vue), Merlin attractions (like Alton Towers, LEGOLAND Windsor Resort, SEA LIFE Centres, Warwick Castle), various zoos (e.g., London Zoo, West Midlands Safari Park, Chessington World of Adventures), indoor activity centres, theatre tickets, and even 20% off English Heritage Membership. Specific Member Day deals can offer significant savings, like Warwick Castle entry for £16.50 per person or Twycross Zoo for £20 adult/£15 child.

2. Student Discounts

TOTUM is the main student discount card (formerly NUS Extra), with a basic digital version often free and paid options (like TOTUM+ for £14.99/year) offering more perks. It provides access to hundreds of offers, including potential savings on days out. Examples include up to 49% off at Alton Towers, up to 46% off Blackpool Pleasure Beach, and up to 52% off at Chessington World of Adventures Resort. Cinema discounts (like 25% off Odeon student tickets Mon–Thurs) and deals at restaurants such as PizzaExpress (30% off Sun–Thurs) and Domino's (25% off online) are also common. Specific attractions like the London Eye also offer student discounts (from £17) via other student discount platforms like Student Beans or UNiDAYS.

3. Senior Discounts

While less standardised, many UK attractions offer discounted entry for seniors (often defined as over 60 or 65). Examples include Longleat Safari Park (discounted annual pass £90), The Tower of London, and Tower Bridge. Independent sites like Alnwick Castle also offer concessions. It's always worthwhile asking about senior concessions, as they may not always be prominently advertised.

These targeted cards can make previously expensive ideas for long weekend getaways much more accessible for eligible individuals and families, broadening the scope of possibilities.

Entertainment ideas on a budget

How to get cheaper cinema tickets this bank holiday

A trip to the cinema is a classic bank holiday treat, and there are numerous ways to cut the cost without needing premium memberships:

• Odeon: Joining the free myODEON membership scheme unlocks access to saver tickets, potentially starting from £5 on certain days/times. Look out for ODEON Kids screenings, offering reduced prices (e.g., from £2.75) for family films during weekend mornings and school holidays. Family ticket bundles are also available.
• Vue: Offers often include student discounts (e.g., 15%) and partner deals like 2 tickets for £9 via O2 Priority. Vue's Mighty Mornings (formerly Mini Mornings) provide cheaper tickets (from £2.49 online) for kids' films, and Big Shorts screenings for younger children start from £3.99 online. They also participate in the CEA Card scheme, allowing a companion accompanying a disabled guest to go free.
• Cineworld: The Cineworld Family Ticket allows adults to pay children's prices (for groups of 1 adult + 3 children or 2 adults + 2 children, up to age 14). Their Movies for Juniors screenings offer tickets from around £3.99 for children's films. Cineseniors provides discounted tickets (e.g., £4.50) for weekly screenings for over 60s, often including complimentary refreshments.
• Meerkat Movies: A major source of savings across many chains (including Odeon, Vue, and Cineworld) is the Meerkat Movies 2-for-1 offer, available on Tuesdays or Wednesdays for those with many qualifying Compare the Market products. If you have previously used Compare the Market you may be eligible for this so this is another great one to check!

Always check the cinema's own website for the most current bank holiday promotions and consider booking online, which can sometimes offer additional savings or guarantee seats.

Theme park deals for your long weekend getaway

Theme parks can be a spectacular highlight, but gate prices can be steep. Discounts are readily available with planning, and booking online in advance is almost always the most effective way to save significantly compared to paying on the day.

• Alton Towers: Purchasing day passes online in advance offers substantial savings, with prices starting from £29 online versus a walk-up price of £68. Short breaks can start from £42 per person, including accommodation. Check for Blue Light Card or TOTUM discounts.
• Thorpe Park: Booking day tickets online can yield prices from £29, a potential saving of up to 55% compared to gate prices. Check for the "2nd Day Free" offer on short breaks, which often includes May half-term. Consider using Tesco Clubcard vouchers or TOTUM discounts.
• Legoland Windsor: Booking tickets online in advance is key, with prices starting from £29 on off-peak days. Discount codes offering significant savings (e.g., 55%) may sometimes be found via deal websites. Blue Light Card and TOTUM could provide additional savings avenues. Children under 90cm go free.
• Drayton Manor: Search for promotional codes online. Advance online booking often provides savings, with tickets from £27.50 (vs £45 on the gate). Look for multi-buy offers (e.g., 4 tickets for £90) or specific deals like the Blue Light Card £17 ticket offer. Adult & Toddler tickets are £29.50.
• Paultons Park (Home of Peppa Pig World): Booking an official short break package often includes a "2nd Park Day FREE," adding significant value. Booking standard day tickets online in advance can save up to 25% compared to gate prices. Children under 1 metre tall enter free.
• Flamingo Land: Look for special deals like the "Half Price Mega-Deal for 4 people" (£116) offered via voucher partners. Booking standard admission online in advance starts from around £45 (vs £58 on the day).

Beyond direct discounts, short break packages offered by parks can sometimes offer good value by bundling accommodation and entry, especially with perks like a free second day. However, always compare the package price against booking elements separately.

Free things to do on the long weekend for everyone

• Museums: Many museums offer free entry and are designed with families in mind.
• Castles & historical buildings: Many castles and historical buildings offer free entry on bank holidays, providing a fantastic opportunity to explore the past without any cost.
• Outdoor activities: National Parks are giant free adventure playgrounds dotted around the UK and you can pack a picnic for an almost entirely free day out. Explore local ancient woodlands, local farm parks (check entry fees) or wildlife centres. Coastal areas also offer free wildlife spotting opportunities like rockpooling or seal-spotting depending on the location.
• Affordable Thrills: Utilise family tickets or kids-go-free offers at theme parks (e.g., Paultons Park kids under 1m free, Flamingo Land under 3s free) and cinemas (Odeon Kids from £2.75, Vue Mighty Mornings from £2.49, Cineworld Movies for Juniors from £3.99). Always book theme park tickets online in advance for the best prices (e.g., Alton Towers/Thorpe Park/Legoland from £29).
• Community events: Check local listings for free council-run events or free festivals that often have family zones. Libraries and museums sometimes run free craft workshops.
• Geocaching: Geocaching is a real-world treasure hunt using GPS coordinates to find hidden containers ("geocaches") in various locations. Participants navigate to coordinates, use clues to locate the cache, sign the logbook (sometimes swapping trinkets), and share their experience online.
• Local festivals: Seek out free unique local festivals or community events. Visiting local markets offers a free glimpse into regional produce and crafts.

How to find last-minute local activities

Sometimes the best long weekend ideas aren't planned weeks in advance. If finding yourself with free time, here’s how to uncover spontaneous, affordable fun:

• Check local councils & news: Many free community events, fairs, markets, and festivals are organised by local councils and advertised on their websites or through local news outlets and blogs shortly before the bank holiday. Examples include council-run May Fests or Garden Parties.
• Use event platforms: Websites and apps like Eventbrite, clickSkiddle, and Meetup are invaluable for finding events happening nearby, often filterable by price (including free).
• Explore local social media: Local Facebook groups or Instagram pages are often hubs for community information, including free events, workshops, and gatherings. Search for groups related to your town or neighbourhood.
• Leverage deal apps: Apps like Olio not only help reduce food waste by connecting users with free surplus food from neighbours and businesses but also feature sections for discovering local deals and community events. Fever is another app focused on discovering and booking tickets for local experiences, sometimes with deals.
• Tickets for Good: For those eligible (NHS, education, charity sector, cost of living support recipients), Tickets for Good is an excellent resource for last-minute free or heavily discounted tickets to gigs, theatre, sports, and other events.

A significant number of the most charming and affordable bank holiday activities are hyper-local and may only pop up close to the date. Keeping an eye on these digital resources is key to uncovering spontaneous UK things to do on a long weekend.

Enjoy your bank holiday!

The bank holiday weekend is a fantastic opportunity to recharge, explore, and connect with loved ones. As this guide demonstrates, creating memorable long weekend ideas doesn't have to strain the finances. By focusing on free attractions, leveraging discounts like loyalty points or Blue Light/TOTUM cards, uncovering free local events, and exploring the UK's stunning natural landscapes, a wealth of free and low-cost activities are available across the country.

Whether planning long weekend ideas for families, seeking romantic long weekend ideas for couples, or embarking on adventurous ideas for long weekend getaways, the key is savvy planning and focusing on budget-friendly options. By utilising the tips and resources outlined here – checking local listings for free events, booking tickets online in advance for the best prices, and taking advantage of available discounts – an exciting and affordable bank holiday exploring UK things to do on a long weekend is well within reach.