As the warmer months arrive, many are looking forward to enjoying a refreshing drink in a bustling beer garden or sharing an alfresco lunch with friends. However, with the persistent cost-of-living crisis, such social outings can feel like an unaffordable luxury, often pushing people towards quieter evenings at home rather than expensive nights out.
Yet, connecting with friends and family doesn't have to strain your finances. Kara Gammell, a personal finance expert at MoneySuperMarket, advises: "Staying social doesn’t mean saying yes to every expensive plan – often, it’s about suggesting the idea first and choosing something that puts connection before cost."
Holly Mackay, founder and CEO of the consumer finance website Boring Money, echoes this sentiment, noting: "The cost of living is really biting, but a bit of forward planning can save money, as those last-minute days out can get expensive."
Here are several inventive ways to enjoy summer socialising without breaking the bank:
Embrace the Great Outdoors with a Picnic
Mackay and Gammell suggest gathering friends for a picnic in a local park, beach, or any open green space. This allows everyone to enjoy the sunshine and company without the expense of eating out. "Everyone can bring a couple of dishes or packs of food to share, rather than having to splurge on eating out, or just one person having to bear the whole cost of hosting," Mackay explains, recommending a WhatsApp group to coordinate contributions from salads to desserts.
Gammell adds: "Picnics in the park are the perfect day out with friends or family. Pooling together for supermarket bits and sharing the cost means everyone contributes, and you still get to enjoy some fresh air and good company without it turning into an expensive day out."
Opt for a Daytime Coffee Catch-up
Meeting for coffee offers a simple way to stay connected without the pressure of continuous spending. Gammell highlights: "Unlike a night at the pub, coffee catch-ups often have a natural endpoint, which makes it easier to stick to one drink rather than several."
She also points out that "small changes to when and how you socialise can quickly bring the cost down – meeting earlier in the day or choosing midweek plans can mean lower prices." Always check for set menus, loyalty schemes, or early-bird deals beforehand.
Discover Nature on a Long Hike
Explore local routes or new trails with friends, armed with basic supplies like water. Mackay suggests: "Depending on where you live, membership of the National Trust can open up lots of days out at no additional cost once you’ve paid the initial membership fee."
Gammell notes: "The UK is full of free outdoor spaces that make great social plans. From coastal paths to countryside walks, a long walk with friends can offer the same quality time as a paid activity, with the added benefit of fresh air and movement."
Exercise Together for Free
Forget expensive gym memberships. Mackay advises checking online for cheap or free introductory offers at local gyms, providing a chance to try new activities. "And you can grab a coffee with friends afterwards," she adds.
She is also a strong advocate for outdoor swimming: "I’m a huge advocate of swimming all-year round outdoors – it’s mostly free, makes you feel fantastic and is a really bonding experience with the other brave souls you do it with."
Undertake a Charity Shop Challenge
For a sustainable and budget-friendly shopping experience, Gammell suggests heading to charity shops. "Fun ways to shop with friends can be to set a challenge of trying to find something you need in a certain theme and seeing who can find the closest item to it," she says.
Setting a budget of £10-15 beforehand ensures responsible spending.
Immerse Yourself in Culture at Museums and Art Galleries
Many museums and art galleries offer free entry, though donations are encouraged. Mackay notes that numerous galleries also host free after-hours events, ranging from DJ sets and panel talks to drag shows and workshops.
Gammell adds: "They can provide a culturally rich experience, allowing you to learn about a variety of different subjects based on what you or your friends are interested in."
Enjoy Seasonal Strawberry Picking
June and July are prime months for strawberry picking, with many farms offering pick-your-own experiences.
Gammell suggests making a day of it with friends, perhaps enjoying a small strawberry picnic afterwards. "Paying a small entry fee or for exactly what you harvest, you’re getting locally sourced strawberries, a fun way to spend time and could make a saving on supermarket prices," she points out.
Host a Social Car Boot Sale
Instead of selling unwanted items alone, invite friends to join you at a car boot sale. Gammell explains: "A car boot sale is a great way to get rid of any unwanted items and give your finances a boost this summer." She concludes: "Doing it with friends adds a social element to clearing out your wardrobe, and makes it feel like more of a day out."
