Do you often wish you could go out more, but everywhere is so expensive? You may be surprised to find that with a little bit of planning, a good time can be had by all!
I have thought of 7 activities, one for each week of the month or maybe 7 days per month, the choice is up to you and of course is dependent on the amount of income available.
Silver Screen Odeon Cinema for over 55's
The Odeon cinema shows screenings of films in the morning or early afternoon. (Sometimes both). Check out the website for your area. A cup of tea or coffee and a biscuit are included in the £3 admission cost. If you enjoy films, you could spend a few hours out of the house and in the meantime socialise with like minded people in the café before the films! By doing this, the heating costs for your home can be reduced during the colder periods of the year.
2 for 1 Meals
This has been popular for a few years now and many pub chains take part. Wetherspoons, Greene King and Marstons offer these 'deals' where I live in Herefordshire.
Other pub and restaurant chains in the country offering discounts include:-
Hungry Horse which offers a Golden Years menu for over 60's,
McDonalds Some branches offer over 55's discounts on beverages.
Nando's offer discounts but you need to check with your local branch.
Train and Bus Journeys
Travelling by train can be costly if you do not have a railcard. I have heard that ticket splitting can make your journey cheaper, but I haven't tried it. The Split Train Ticketing website is quite informative so do take a look if you are making a journey to see friends or family who live away. National Express coaches often work out cheaper than trains so it's worth checking their website if you live in an area that operates these services.
Coffee Mornings
If you have friends who live in the same area and you enjoy going out for coffee and chat, why not have them in your own homes instead? If you organise a rota system, then it is something to look forward to and if they live in walking distance, you will also save on bus fares etc..
Libraries
If you are lucky enough to have a local library, they are so much more than just book lending buildings these days. You can make use of the free computers, free daily newspapers, sitting areas set aside for reading books to your children, local author talks, a café, toilets and more.
Go for a walk!
If you are able bodied and like walking, it's a great way to stay fit and walking with friends always makes the walk more enjoyable. You notice sights and sounds more and in the late summer/autumn for example, blackberries can be picked from the hedgerows in the towns and cities parks as well as in the countryside. If you live by the coast, what can be better than walking along the beach, taking deep breaths of sea air and eating a picnic on the sand. Providing it isn't windy, nothing worse than a sand sandwich!!! All you need is a stout pair of comfortable shoes, a waterproof coat, a bottle of water and just walking without any food involved is completely FREE!
Join a Choir
If like me, you enjoy singing, a choir is a great way to socialise and also de stress at the same time. I belong to a local choir and have written about it here. The cost for two hours is £7 per session, or works out cheaper if you pay monthly or annually.
If you have any ideas of your own, please post a comment!
