7 cheap or free things to do in June

It’s time to get out and have some fun this month, whatever your budget. In the true spirit of ‘things to do in Britain – even if you’re broke’ here are seven free or cheap things to do in June.

Let’s pack a picnic and get out and about, starting with some lovely walks and wanders.

Get out for a walk in the fresh air

Yes, the Great British Weather is often a little unpredictable to say the least, but it’s a good time of year to get out for a short stroll or longer walk. Need some inspo? The Go Jauntly app has hundreds of different walking routes on it, and all the main features are free. It’s available for iPhone and via Google Play.

Of particular interest, they list lots of green and unpolluted walks, options for scenic routes and all kinds of challenges. You can upload your own photos and notes onto it as a diary, or join up with friends and other walkers for a more sociable experience.

There’s also a Step-Free Adventures category suitable for prams, toddlers and wheelchair users, and a dog-friendly Paw-fest Paths section.

Book a sweet theatre deal (but make it quick)

London Theatre Kids Week bookings are now open, where kids under 18 go free with a paying adult. I’m not sure why they call it a ‘week’ though because the scope is far wider than that! There are also plenty of extra activities included with some of the performances, such as post-show Q&As, singalongs and workshops.

The actual Kids Week performances run from Monday 21 July – Sunday 31 August, but get in there and book this week if you want the widest selection of shows and seats because it’s always very popular.

Prices vary depending on seat location, and I’d also recommend double checking the TheatreMonkey website for specific venue plans and advice, to make sure you have the best view and enough leg room.

Find a free fair, concert or festival

June is a great month for finding free events all over the UK, so have a look at your local listings for something near you from street fairs to free music. There’s also a reminder of annual events in Britain here if you’d like a quick reminder, and keep a close eye out for the free or low cost ones.

I’m based in London and this month includes West End Live free (but ticketed) musical numbers in Trafalgar Square, the Greenwich and Docklands International Festival, and Summer by the River free outdoor events at London Bridge all month.

The annual Meltdown Festival on South Bank’s being curated by Little Simz this year, including all the usual paid music and DJs, but there are also lots of supporting free activities from dance lessons to spoken word, even making clay models. Places are limited so grab one of the free tickets soon if you want to attend.

Go to a car boot sale

Fancy a wander around all kinds of bric-a-brac, maybe finding a bargain? It’s a good month for car boot sales all around the UK and Ireland, especially if the weather’s pleasant.

Check local listings near you, or try FindCarBoot for information about what’s on in your region. There’s also the option to list your own garage sale if you’re trying to shift some items of your own.

Free workshops at your local Apple store

I’m all for finding a freebie, and that includes free lessons, talks and workshops. Have a look at what your nearest Apple store is hosting, with options ranging from making the most of your laptop to taking the best photos using your iPhone camera.

Recipe of the month: Grilled peach & mozzarella salad

There is some truly delicious seasonal food available this month (have a peek at my guide to British seasonal food in June), and I’ve been craving a seasonal salad. Lettuce, rocket and herbs are in season, and there are some nice imported French peaches around too.

This Rick Stein recipe on the Beeb uses honey-grilled peaches, thyme, mozzarella and plenty of salad leaves. I have half a pack of THIS veggie bacon in the freezer that I’m going to sub in for the ham, and I might make some hot honey as well to give it more of a kick.

Cocktail of the month: Strawberry Campari Spritz

Beau mentioned to me that Ocado have recently updated their app and website, and there’s a better-organised recipe section on it amongst other features. Also, we’re swamped with home grown strawberries here, so let’s make a batch of their Strawberry Campari Spritz cocktail, he says.

Looks good, right? I’m going to add a huge handful of pureed strawberries to the mix too, put through a sieve to get the pips out, for a fuller flavour. Go big or go home, even if you are at home, I reckon.

[You could also make a nice non-alcoholic version by leaving out the Campari and Martini Rosso, and adding in a couple of shots of Martini Vibrante, £10 per bottle, instead.]

Penny’s Personal Projects

Okay, bonus feature time. I said seven things, but here are a few of my own little extras too, in case you’d like to try one yourself. Time for Penny’s Personal Projects…

As you may already know, I always try to do a few personal projects each month, often with a theme such as getting fit, or doing some decorating or whatever. This month I’m trying to get my home and myself ready for summer relaxing and entertaining.

I’m up to date with my June kitchen garden to-do list, but this month I’m putting some more flowers into our back yard to make it a prettier place to hang out in. Plus the bees love it. Pictures if it happens. No, when it happens. It’s happening.

Summer wardrobe fix: Another quick personal project is to alter a pair of shorts that I bought on Vinted so the waistband is a better fit. The seller had let the waist out on them, but naughtily hadn’t warned the buyers, grrr.

Anyway, they were only a quid so no real harm done. I can fix the shorts in front of the telly one evening, and have something nice to wear when it’s sunny. *pins coming out klaxon*

My final summer prep idea is putting a tray together for stylish, or lazy, outdoor living. It’ll live on the counter near the back door and include cute citronella candles to scare off the mozzies, snack bowls, coasters, serviettes, a covered drinks pitcher and some matching outdoor glasses. She’s fancy.

I hope you enjoyed this inspiration for all kinds of free and cheap things to do in June.

What are you going to get up to this month?