As the weather warms up, many people will be thinking of enjoying a drink with friends in a beer garden or perhaps eating an alfresco lunch with pals.
But with the cost of living so high, socialising can be an expensive luxury, forcing people to forego nights out with friends in favour of a cheap night in front of the telly at home.
However, there are plenty of ways to socialise without splashing the cash. Kara Gammell, personal finance expert at MoneySuperMarket, says: “Staying social doesn’t mean saying yes to every expensive plan – often, it’s about suggesting the idea first and choosing something that puts connection before cost.”
And Holly Mackay, founder and CEO of the consumer finance website Boring Money, says: “The cost of living is really biting, but a bit of forward planning can save money, as those last-minute days out can get expensive.”
Here are their suggestions for summer socialising on a budget…
1. Arrange a picnic in the park with friends
Enjoy the sunshine at the park, beach, or the nearest open green space with a group of friends, Mackay and Gammell suggest.
“Everyone can bring a couple of dishes or packs of food to share, rather than having to splurge on eating out, or just one person having to bear the whole cost of hosting,” says Mackay, who advises picnickers to set up a WhatsApp group and let everyone pick something to bring along, from salads to dessert.
And Gammell adds: “Picnics in the park are the perfect day out with friends or family. Pooling together for supermarket bits and sharing the cost means everyone contributes, and you still get to enjoy some fresh air and good company without it turning into an expensive day out.”
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2. Go for a daytime coffeeMeeting friends for a coffee can be a simple way to stay connected without the pressure to keep spending, says Gammell.
“Unlike a night at the pub, coffee catch‑ups often have a natural endpoint, which makes it easier to stick to one drink rather than several,” she points out.
“Small changes to when and how you socialise can quickly bring the cost down – meeting earlier in the day or choosing midweek plans can mean lower prices.”
And she suggests it’s always worth checking for set menus, loyalty schemes or early‑bird deals before you go.
3. Go for a long hike together
Go for a long walk with friends on one of your – or their – favourite local routes, or explore somewhere you’ve never been before, armed with cheap supplies (or at least a bottle of water).
“Depending on where you live,” says Mackay, “membership of the National Trust can open up lots of days out at no additional cost once you’ve paid the initial membership fee.”
And Gammell adds: “The UK is full of free outdoor spaces that make great social plans. From coastal paths to countryside walks, a long walk with friends can offer the same quality time as a paid activity, with the added benefit of fresh air and movement.”
4. Exercise for free with friends
You shouldn’t need to sign up for an expensive gym membership to do this – Mackay suggests checking online to see if a gym has a cheap, or even free, introductory offer.
She says: “It’ll give you a chance to visit a new place and potentially try a new form of exercise that you might enjoy and keep going with. And you can grab a coffee with friends afterwards.
“I’m a huge advocate of swimming outdoors all-year round – it’s mostly free, makes you feel fantastic and is a really bonding experience with the other brave souls you do it with.”
5. Set a charity shop challengeCharity shops can offer a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly way to shop, and are usually much cheaper than buying clothes first-hand, Gammell points out.
So if there’s some summer gear you and your mates need, head for the charity shops en masse.
“Fun ways to shop with friends can be to set a challenge of trying to find something you need in a certain theme and seeing who can find the closest item to it,” Gammell suggests.
“Setting yourself a budget of £10-15 before you go out is a good way to make sure you don’t go over your budget and can shop responsibly.”
6. Visit museums and art galleries
Museums and art galleries are usually free to enter (although a donation is encouraged), says Mackay, who points out that many galleries also host regular, free after-hours events. “You can get involved in anything from DJ sets, panel talks, drag shows, tours and workshops,” she says.
And Gammell adds: “They can provide a culturally rich experience, allowing you to learn about a variety of different subjects based on what you or your friends are interested in.”
7. Go strawberry picking
June and July are the peak months for strawberry picking, so many farms offer people the chance to pick their own strawberries, and sometimes other fruits too, says Gammell.
So why not go with your mates, and have a little strawberry picnic together afterwards?
“Paying a small entry fee or for exactly what you harvest, you’re getting locally sourced strawberries, a fun way to spend time and could make a saving on supermarket prices,” she points out.
8. Enjoy a social car boot sale
You don’t have to stand alone by your car boot trying to offload your unwanted gear – take your mates with you!
Gammell says: “A car boot sale is a great way to get rid of any unwanted items and give your finances a boost this summer.
“Doing it with friends adds a social element to clearing out your wardrobe, and makes it feel like more of a day out.”