With a lengthy four weeks of summer holidays still to come, and the cost of days out skyrocketing, families are attempting to find new ways to go on budget-friendly yet enjoyable outings.
Days out as a singleton can see you spending up to £100 but can a family of five take a short break away to the beach without spending over £20?
A reporter from Yorkshire Live, Tom Kershaw, revealed that his children have been pleading for a beach trip for weeks, and so decided to take on this massive challenge.
On a Sunday morning, they headed to a popular UK seaside town in hopes of not breaking the bank and sticking to their £20 budget.
After much deliberation, they chose Bridlington South Beach, Tom shared his reasoning and said: “We headed for South Beach; for two reasons. One, we much prefer the beach and the sand round at South Beach.
“But, more importantly, we wanted to stay away from the amusements and the fair. A day out at the seaside soon adds up when you venture over to North Beach and the kids see all the rides.”
Arriving at 10.30 am, Tom opted for an all-day parking ticket (valid until 6pm) for £8. Considering that up to three hours was £6, spending £2 more was a wise choice as they planned to stay longer.
An added bonus was the parking’s prime location along the seafront – just a short walk down some steps (or a ramp) and you’re on the promenade and, more importantly, at the beach. This was a major plus as with three kids in tow, they never travel light, particularly when embarking on a beach day.
The promenade features public toilets, a baby change facility, a cafe, an ice cream shop, and a store selling beach toys. Additionally, there’s a paddling pool and numerous charming chalets and beach huts.
However, with £8 already spent on parking before they even set foot on the sand, their planned £20 day out suddenly seemed like it might be more of a financial stretch.
Fortunately, the family had brought all of their own beach toys, bats, balls, buckets and spades from home, saving from spending extra on them. Continuing to be budget savvy they also packed their own snacks, drinks and food for the day.
Tom shared: “One of the best hacks I’ve seen for days out is to get the tinned hot dog sausages, put boiling water and the sausages in a flask, to then take out with you. Take some pre-cut rolls and your own condiments, and you have hotdogs.”
After settling down on the beach, the kids could have happily played there all day. They dug holes, made tracks to run on, played with the bat and ball, splashed in the sea, and built sandcastles… not once did they complain of boredom or ask when were they going home. “It was such a delight,” Tom remarked.
Their last pennies were spent on two iced lattes and an ice cream. It would have just been the coffees, but Tom’s little boy who accompanied him, swindled the dad into buying an ice cream.
The total came to £12.60, so, frustratingly, they went 60p over our £20 budget.
However, the father of three revealed that his family could have likely made it through the entire day without spending a penny, and could have saved for parking. He quipped: “Next time, we’ll bring our own iced coffee as well.”
After over five hours, they headed back home following a splendidly enjoyable day with three exhausted – and very sandy – children who declared they had the best day out ever.