Enjoy the August bank holiday for less

The August bank holiday is nearly here - the last one before Christmas. So how can you make the most of the three-day weekend without spending more than you can afford?

Check out free events in your area

Events that are free to attend will be taking place all over the country this weekend, such as:

• festivals
• walking groups
• community fairs
• outdoor theatre
• live music
• sports days

Visit your local council’s website to see what’s happening in your area.

Enjoy cheaper days out with a Kids Pass

A Kids Pass gives you discounts and deals on attractions like cinemas, zoos and theme parks, as well as family meals out.

You can try for just £1 for 30 days and then £3.99 a month and cancel at any time.

Take advantage of free bus travel

As part of the Great British Summer Savings initiative, children in England can travel by bus free of charge during August.

So if your child is aged from five to 15, they’ll get unlimited journeys on participating local buses without having to register or pay a fare.

Enjoy the great outdoors

Take a stroll through your local park, a nearby countryside trail or along the beach if you live by the coast.

Or maybe see if there are any free-entry National Trust sites nearby.

You could really make a day of it if you make a picnic from whatever you have left in the kitchen or go cycling if you already have wheels at home.

If you don’t own a bike, find your nearest bike hiring service.

Go camping

A three-day weekend is a great opportunity to pitch a tent, roast marshmallows and sleep under the stars.

Whether you’re with friends, your partner or your kids, it’s a memorable and surprisingly affordable experience.

Use a site like Campsites.co.uk to find your closest campsite.

Have movie nights at home

Instead of paying a fortune for a trip to the cinema, bring the big screen to your living room instead.

Subscribing to a streaming service for a month costs far less - and you can head to the supermarket for classic cinema treats like popcorn.

Just remember to cancel the subscription afterwards if you don't think you'll use it afterwards.

Join a parkrun

A 5k parkrun is free and open to all ages and abilities.

So whether you’re an experienced runner or simply want to walk or jog, it’s a great way to start the weekend and meet new people.

You can find your nearest one on the parkrun website, but don’t forget to register, so you can get your official time.

Make a fakeaway

Instead of eating out or ordering in, treat your family to a delicious homemade fakeaway.

You can make plenty of tasty treats on a budget, such as:

• pizza
• chips
• curry with all the trimmings

You could even get the kids involved in making the meal, perhaps by making a selection of pizza toppings and letting them pick their favourites.

Host a bring-and-share meal

Invite friends round and ask each person to bring a dish or a drink with them.

So you can all enjoy each other’s company, with everyone making a fair contribution.

You don't have to spend a fortune

When money’s tight, it’s easy to feel under pressure to spend over the bank holiday weekend.

But you’ll be surprised just how much you can do without spending any money at all.