Once we get through this overwhelming last week or so of school admin, we then have six (or more) weeks of them home. No school run. No packed lunches. No morning shouting about socks. But also… so many weeks to fill.
If you’re already mentally rehearsing the “I’m bored” chorus, you’re not alone. I’m right there with you. So I’ve pulled together the things that actually get me through — the cheap-eats, the cheap days out, and a small reminder that you’re allowed a bit of time to yourself too.
Bookmark it, screenshot it, send it on the group chat. Whatever works.
🍔 Kids Eat Free (or cheap)
After making what feels like ten meals a day at home, letting them make a mess at someone else’s table is definitely restorative. Deals change, so always double-check before you go:
Save this to your favourites 🤍
🍦 Money-Saving Memberships
Following on from my summer savings post last week, a few more bits worth a look:
🍽️ Tastecard — money off meals at thousands of restaurants, cinemas and days out too.
🎟️ Kids Pass — discounts on attractions, cinemas, restaurants, soft play, bowling, the lot. If you’ve got a few days out planned, it pays for itself pretty quickly.
🦁 Zoo memberships — ZSL (London Zoo and Whipsnade) do a family membership that gets you into both as many times as you want. Worth doing the maths as two visits and you’re basically even.
🌳 National Trust and English Heritage — around £13.25 and £11 a month respectively for family membership. Hundreds of places between them, and most have a decent café and a patch of grass to run off some energy.
🐐 And check what’s local — a lot of climbing walls, trampoline parks, and activity farms do unlimited summer passes for a set price. Not always shouted about, but worth a Google.
The thing I love about memberships is that they take the pressure off. You can rock up for two hours, feed the goats, and go home. No guilt, no stress, just an easier yes when someone asks what we’re doing today.
🏖️ Costa Del UK
With this current weather, the UK seaside is looking more attractive than ever. Honestly, some of our beaches are the best in Europe. Add a bit of sun and you’re not really missing anywhere.
A few of my favourites:
- Wells-next-the-Sea, Norfolk — the pastel beach huts, pine woods behind, miles of sand at low tide.
- Camber Sands, East Sussex — dunes, shallow water, easy day from London.
- Christchurch and Bournemouth, Dorset — seven miles of sandy beach, gentle water, and crabbing galore. Hard to beat for a family day.
- Woolacombe, Devon — three miles of golden sand, gentle rollers, and rock pools at either end. A proper all-day beach.
- Rhossili Bay, Gower — the view alone. Windswept in the best way.
- Bamburgh, Northumberland — castle-on-the-beach territory, wildly underrated.
- Daymer Bay, Cornwall — kid-friendly, gentle, warm rock pools for hours of fun.
And if the weather is genuinely playing ball, it’s worth thinking about a few nights away. A holiday park or an place near the coast can be surprisingly doable, even booked last-minute.
A few worth a look that you may not have come across yet:
🏖️ Hoburne Summer Sale — up to 25% off selected 2026 breaks. Family-run, quiet parks, easy pace, everything you need on-site including kids entertainment. Coast, countryside, caravans or lodges, take your pick.
🌳 National Trust cottages — 25% off last-minute stays with code LASTMINUTE. Everything from fishermen’s cottages in Cornwall to a lodge at Attingham Park. Worth a browse!
⭐ Canopy & Stars — treehouses, cabins, shepherd’s huts, the lot. Every place personally inspected, and you can book with a 25% deposit. Lovely for a mini reset in nature.
✈️ If You’re Travelling…
A quick reminder of the bits I always pack. Inflatable foot pillows so smaller ones can sleep flat on the plane. Hanging seat-back bags so toys aren’t buried in the bottom of the tote. Bento boxes to keep the snacks lasting as long as possible!
And if you are off very soon, here is my list of last-minute essentials, packing cubes are a must.
🧘♀️ Don’t Forget You
Six weeks is long. You’re allowed to want thirty minutes to yourself. You’re allowed to book the thing. You’re allowed to close the bathroom door.
Don’t forget the value of those around you too, a couple of hours at friends house, or a visit to the grandparents can provide that attachment respite we all need.
💛 Small Business Shout Out
Meet The Wellbeing Collection — a lovely little business in South London run by Lisa, a single mum of two who gets the need for some time to relax. She specialises in waxing and Indian head massage, and she also offers hair play therapy which sounds like heaven!
Her whole thing is that self-care doesn’t need to be a full day at a spa. Thirty minutes counts. Just make sure you fit some relaxation in for you.
The summer holidays aren’t a project to be optimised. There’s no gold star at the end. Some days you’ll nail it, some days will end in Bluey and beans on toast, and both count.
As they say, you only get 18 summers with them. So try and take in the good bits!
Louise x
*Affiliated links used for some products and brand partnerships.