Now that the Summer is here, on and off anyway, you’ll want to make the most of those days when the sun does peek through.

When the sun shines I feel there must be something I can do to make the most of it without spending a fortune, or resorting to just spending the afternoon in the pub beer garden, but it’s often hard to think of exciting options that won’t break the bank.

So here I have 4 relatively cheap and easy ways to spend your days in the sunshine and 1 way to pretend it isn’t raining.

• Get some history and culture

Join the National Trust and you’ll get free entry to over 300 National Trust maintained properties nationwide. This means when the sun comes out you can drop everything and pop off for a day out  in one of their beautiful gardens without worrying about the cost.

National Trust membership costs from £16.13 for under 25’s £35.63 for an individual or joint membership from £59.63.

• Go Glamping

Camping doesn’t have to mean blue canvas and muddy late night trips to the toilet block. Check out goglamping.net for more luxury camping options in your area. The site features, yurts, tipis, VW vans and a restored Gypsy caravan, all designed to make camping a little bit more pleasant.

Alternatively try Featherdown Farm for a unique camping experience where you sleep in real beds in tents that contain an actual flushing toilet.

These aren’t always cheap, but they often sleep several people. Blackdown Yurts, for instance, cost £180 for a 2 night weekend break, but it sleeps 6, making it just £30 per person.

• Check for Freebies

Many local councils run free, or nearly free events over the Summer. Check out your local council website for events and entertainments. To find your local council website check out Directgov.

My local area, for instance, has a free open air festival in the park, free open air theatre and open air film screenings, all for free or very little money.

• Go for a walk

Go for a nice long walk in the country. Break out your sensible shoes, a nice big hat and head off for a walk. Check out Walking-routes.co.uk to find a recommended route near you. These often pass by lovely little Country pubs for a little light summer refreshment on the way. Why not organise a pub hike with your friends?

And when it rains?

• Carpet Picnic

Stock up on Summery goodies like Pimms, strawberries and cream, tiny little cucumber sandwiches and cupcakes, throw on your summeriest dress and chuck a blanket on your living room floor. Refuse to admit to the lack of Sunshine and spend the afternoon in the company of some retro Summer viewing.

Retro Chick recommends:
Summer Holiday (Sing-along) [1963] [DVD]

Grease [DVD] [1978]

Dirty Dancing: The Ultimate Girls’ Night In Collector’s Edition [1987] [DVD]

Roman Holiday [DVD] [1953]

Photo by Frida Borjeson