Budget-Friendly August Bank Holiday Ideas for Students
Sunny weather, endless pints, and no looming end-of-year exams to revise for — anyone who says the August bank holiday isn’t the best one is lying. Especially if you’re a university student enjoying a longer-than-normal summer break.
If you’re thinking of ways to spend your four-day break, our student budget bank holiday ideas will ensure you have fun this August, without totally overspending your loan. After all, you’ll need to save some for fresher’s week!
Make The Most Of The Festival Circuit
There are tons of festivals happening on the August Bank Holiday. For music buffs, it’s worth seeing if there are any Creamfields or Reading/Leeds resale tickets available. If you fancy a boogie, get down to London for Notting Hill Carnival. Alternatively, Manchester Pride is a great way to celebrate the city’s LGBTQ+ community and show that love always wins.
Enjoy a (quick) Euro Summer…
Even if you’re not working weekdays this summer, it’s always more fun to visit a new destination over the weekend. So, make the most of your August bank holiday and go abroad for a quick European getaway. With last-minute deals and tips from our broke students guide to travelling, you can easily see the world for less this summer.
… Or Go Somewhere New In The UK
If you don’t want to get on a plane, why not jump on a train and explore a different part of the UK? From the beautiful Scottish Isles to the Cornish coast, there is plenty to do with pals. And if the thought of camping fills you with fear, splitting an Airbnb or staying in a hostel is an easy way to conquer a new city without burning a hole in your pocket.
Go Hiking
For free things to do this August Bank Holiday, hiking is your best bet. Visit one of the 15 national parks in the UK and spend your long weekend switching off. If your friends aren’t keen hikers, suggest a bike ride, gentle stroll or impromptu nature photography session. If you’re heading further afield, it’s also worth staying in an Airbnb or hotel in the area.
Get Sandy at the Seaside
You don’t have to go to Spain to sunbathe on the sand — there is lots of beautiful coastline in the country worth exploring. A trip to the beach is also a great way to make your student loan go further, especially if all you need to pack is a book, some headphones and a swimming costume!
Here are some of our favourite beach spots worth a visit:
- Bournemouth Beach
- Durdle Door (Dorset)
- Brighton Beach
- Crosby Beach
- Fistral Beach
- Woolacombe Beach
- Rhossili Bay (Wales)
- Camber Sands (East Sussex)
Go To The Museum
If you’re stressed thinking about what you’re doing with your future, delve into the past and hit up one of the many British museums. From weird and wonderful museums to London’s museum gems, there are plenty of exhibitions that’ll fit into your quota of a student budget bank holiday. Student Art Pass and TOTUM also offer free or reduced-price entry to museums, galleries, and historic houses in the UK.
Visit Your Friends In Their Hometown
Ah, there’s nothing like seeing your university friend being awkward with their hometown ex. This bank holiday, go back to where your new pals came from and see where they grew up before they met you. From countryside cottages to city centre flats, this is an easy way to stay somewhere new this bank holiday weekend — with your very own tour guide!
Host a BBQ
The best way to enjoy the summer sun is with a BBQ. If your pals have already moved into next year’s student home, this is an affordable way to christen the new digs. Otherwise, check if you’re allowed to have a BBQ in your local park. Split the shopping list and don’t forget to bring the barby!
You’ll need:
- Variety of meats like burgers, sausages, chicken and ribs
- Vegetarian options, such as halloumi and veggie burgers
- Sides, like potato salad, coleslaw and corn on the cob
- Condiments, including ketchup, mayonnaise and BBQ sauce
- Napkins
- Plastic cutlery
- Paper cups
- Drinks of choice
Indulge in Self-Care
Bank holidays are the perfect time for a spot of self-care, especially if you’re still getting over some serious study burnout. There are plenty of ways to relax and check in with yourself, whether that’s visiting a spa for the long weekend, taking yourself on a solo trip to detox, or just putting your feet up at home with a big slice of cake. An extra day means 24 more hours of me-time!
Where To Find Student August Bank Holiday Deals
It’s easy to get a great bank holiday deal if you know where to look… here’s where we think you should begin:
- Student Beans has discounts including National Express, easyjet and Trip.com
- Unidays has offers including Holiday Extras, Greyhound Australia and Last Minute.com.
- Save the Student has cheap holiday packages for students (all for under £150!)
- Student Discount offers deals on Trainpal, Europcar, and Moose e-scooters.
However you’re spending your August bank holiday, have a good one!
