Days Out on a Budget

There is no escaping the fact that prices are rising everywhere at the moment. And with inflation comes the need to make decisions over how you spend the cash that you do have. Sadly, days out with the family could become the first victim of a cost-cutting exercise, as you can end up spending a fortune. However, there are many places in Yorkshire and Lancashire that you can still visit and enjoy, even if you are operating on a shoestring. You needn’t shell out too much to have a good time at any of these places.

The National Coal Mining Museum near Wakefield is a great day out. It explores the history of the industry in the area, as well as how people lived at the time when the Yorkshire pits were thriving. There are exhibits to browse, pit ponies to pet, a train to ride and an opportunity to go down 140 metres underground into the mine to explore what life was like for the workers. They even have former miners run the tours too to share their expertise. One of the most amazing things about the museum is that you can enjoy it for free. There is no entry charge and, although you need to pay a £5 per person deposit for the underground trip, you can claim that back afterwards. Obviously, it would be great to be able to make a donation to help the museum continue its work, but for those who genuinely cannot afford to spend that money, the option is there. It is a full day’s entertainment for the family and it won’t break the bank. Perfect!

There are few better free days out for families than a trip to the seaside. In the north, we are spoiled with the fantastic resorts along both coastlines, but let’s plump for Morecambe for the purposes of this article. You get a huge expanse of sand on which to play and run around to your children’s hearts’ content. Then there are the views across the bay and, once you have enjoyed all the sand castle building and kite flying you can handle, there are bracing walks around the bay to keep you entertained too. You have the promenade as well, with no trip to Morecambe being complete without taking your photo with the statue of comedic legend Eric Morecambe. All in all, a great free day out.

Staying at the coast, but out of the sea, Blackpool has its own autumnal treat for those who think it might be a little too parky for a paddle. This year this annual display of electrical excitement will run from early September to January 2023, providing an awe-inspiring free excursion for families across the north of England and beyond. Blackpool council promises “six miles of traditional festoons, tableaux and interactive features along the Promenade” and refer to it as the “greatest free light show on Earth.” The season used to be restricted to just a few weeks, but since the pandemic, it has been extended into the new year to provide town centre businesses a chance to earn back some of the cash they lost during the lockdowns. This year you will find the largest 3D display ever witnessed at Blackpool Illuminations opposite the iconic Blackpool Tower. This is in addition to a massive range of other attractions that won’t cost you a penny. There is also the Lightpool Festival between the 14th and 29th October where there will be a host of free events, trails and installations to enjoy.

Just as Yorkshire has the Dales, Lancashire boasts its own area of outstanding natural beauty, the Forest of Bowland. Within that, there are 500 listed buildings and 18 important monuments so there is plenty to keep you entertained. Add to that the natural resources too and you can enjoy this stunning part of the country for free. From climbing Pendle Hill to exploring Whalley Abbey and even visiting what many people argue is the centre of Great Britain at Dunsop Bridge, the Forest of Bowland is a treasure trove of cost of living conscious fun. The fact that it is so close to where we live is a real blessing for those looking to cut costs but still enjoy family time out and about this year.

Aside from the man made attractions dotted around the north of England, there is also plenty of nature to explore too. The Yorkshire Dales sit right in the centre of our patch and provide opportunities for exploration, adventure and knackering out children so they sleep soundly after a visit. Of course, you have to get there and petrol can be costly. However, there are trains that head to places such as Settle, Horton-in-Ribblesdale and Ribblehead to start your adventure, and some bus companies run services into the Dales on a daily basis. And when you are there, you can find all the mountains, hills, rivers, gorges and other natural phenomena to keep you busy for a full day. It is a stunning place to be and we are lucky to have this natural playground on our doorstep.

The National Railway Museum in York is a treasure trove of locomotive joy and it won’t cost you a bean. It is another museum that welcomes donations, but for those who cannot afford to pay, you can enjoy the huge ranges of exhibits for nothing at all. There are additional, paid activities, such as riding on the miniature railway, and the main car park will cost you a few quid, but it is possible to visit for free if you plan ahead. And the sheer amount of stuff on show for free is almost staggering! There are also spaces for you to sit amongst the engines and devour your pack up so you can create your own feast to re-energise you for more train fun in the afternoon.

NorthernLife Sept/Oct 22