Who doesn’t love a bank holiday? An extra lie in, no Monday morning fear, more time to travel, shop, see friends and eat out – ideal. Checking your bank account the next day and realising you can barely afford to eat for the rest of the month though, not so much. Here are 5 things to do this bank holiday that won’t cost you a penny.

1. Netflix binge

Grab a blanket, a never-ending supply of snacks and get to watching. Bar the monthly subscription that I’m 90% sure you already pay, it’s a bank balance friendly way to spend the long weekend and catch up on some much-needed downtime while you’re at it.

2. Sight see

If a lazy few days isn’t your idea of fun, there are attractions up and down the country that are free to go to throughout the year. Wollaton Hall in Nottingham, The National History Museum in London, the Tate Modern in Liverpool and The Whitworth Art Gallery in Manchester are just a few.

3. Go window shopping

Browse your favourite shop windows (and the rails inside if you’re brave enough) and make a wish list of things to treat yourself to once pay day comes around. Granted, this one might cost you at some point down the line but technically not THIS bank holiday.

4. Get some fresh air

If, by some miracle, the bank holiday weekend coincides with three consecutive days without rain, make the most of it and get outdoors. A family bike ride, a walk in the park and an al fresco workout are all cheap and cheerful ways to pass the time.

5. A low budget dinner party

Sticking to a budget doesn’t mean you have to put your social life on hold until next month. Turn whatever’s left in the fridge into a makeshift meal and convince some friends to join you for a catch up without the ‘out for cocktails’ price tag.