Giving free time a whole new meaning

Making the most of weekends and holidays does not have to cost a fortune. Likewise, living on a strict budget does not have to spell the end of your leisure time enjoyment. Some of the best days out and leisure activities can cost little more than the price of the petrol, bus or train fare used to get there.

Getting There

For long journeys, plan well ahead to take advantage of lower ticket prices. Many rail operators schedule train timetables up to 12 weeks in advance, providing early bird bookers with the chance to grab bargain tickets. Check-out www.nationalrail.co.uk for train times and prices. Major rail operators such as Virgin Trains also offer discount tickets during peak holiday times, which often need to be booked several weeks before the departure date.

Coach travel company National Express (www.nationalexpress.com) offers a range of low priced travel tickets to destinations across the UK. In addition, they sometimes offer further discounts on tickets booked 7 or 14 days in advance.

When visiting local attractions such as parks, cut all travel costs by walking. Weather permitting, you can even enjoy the walk and make it part of your day out.

Free days out

Villages, towns and cities across the country are home to a wide variety of free-of-charge attractions. Places such as local parks and National Parks are great places for picnics, enjoying leisurely strolls and learning more about wildlife.

Many art galleries, museums and local libraries do not charge entrance fees (if they do, they are usually quite cheap) and cater for a range of tastes and ages. Visiting places such as these has the added bonus of combining education and enjoyment.

Check your local press for entertainment listings as many places host local festivals, fairs and shows, which are free to attend and enjoy.

Paying Less

If you do decide to visit attractions such as theme parks that usually charge high entry fees, do plenty of research to try and avoid paying full price. Check the press, libraries, museums and tourist information centres for leaflets offering reduced prices and special admission deals. It is also worth searching the internet as many companies are now starting to produce special online vouchers. Take a look at www.daysoutuk.com - it offers discount vouchers for top tourist attractions across the UK. Also consider using your Tesco Clubcard or Nectar points - a £7 Tesco voucher can buy you £7 worth of food or an Alton Towers voucher usually retailing at £30.

The Silver Screen

Many cinemas offer 'early bird' deals or hold designated special-offer nights when watching a film can cost anywhere between a third to half the usual price. Contact your local cinema for film listings and further information on family tickets, 2-4-1 offers, monthly passes or early bird tickets.

DIY Snacks

One of the most effective ways to minimise the cost of a good day out is to avoid spending money on 'extras'. Drinks, snacks, sweets and novelty toys are often sold for highly inflated prices in venues such as theme parks and zoos. Taking your own food and drink will not only reduce the strain on your wallet, but prove much tastier and healthier.

The Theatre

Still a pricey evening out unless you do a bit of research prior to booking your tickets. Always ask the venue if they sell last minute tickets - some theatres will offer huge discounts for matinees and evening shows if you turn up at the last minute and purchase late availability seats. Offers are also to be had in London with two for one theatre tickets with a valid train ticket for the day of the show. You do need a valid train ticket but these can be purchased for as little as £2 and the savings would far exceed that, for more information go to www.daysoutguide.co.uk

Eat for Cheap

Finally, save money on dining out by finding offers online at www.5pm.co.uk and www.toptable.co.uk. If you eat out more than once every fortnight, it is worth subscribing to a longer term initiative such as the Hi-Life Diners Club, which offers two for one on main courses among its discounts at eateries all over the UK.