Cheap Day at the Beach: Money-Saving Tips for Families

June 23, 2026

Cheap Day at the Beach: Money-Saving Tips for Families

This post may contain Affiliate Links

Heading to the beach sounds like a cheap day out, right? It’s free, the kids are happy playing in the sand and paddling in the sea, and there’s rock pooling, beach games and plenty of fresh air.

However, it’s not always as thrifty as it might seem. For a start, there’s the cost of getting there. Fuel and parking costs need to be taken into account, or the cost of public transport such as buses and trains.

And even if you’re sticking to a budget, you might still want to stretch to an ice cream, a portion of chips or a quick trip to the arcade.

When it comes to a day at the beach, I think there are two main ways to do it, and both have their pros and cons when it comes to saving cash.

1. Head to a Secluded Beach

The biggest advantage here is that there are usually no (or very few) shops, arcades or expensive distractions, just sand, sea and hopefully some toilets nearby (I’m honestly worse than my children for needing a toilet close by on a day out!)

You’ll also be away from things like trampolines, donkey rides and other paid attractions that are found at larger, more traditional seaside resorts.

Also, there are often fewer people around, giving the kids loads of room to run, play rounders, fly kites and burn off some energy.

Taking a picnic and packing plenty of activities such as bodyboards, footballs, kites and fishing nets for rock pooling can help keep costs down even further.

The downside is that these types of beaches aren’t always well served by public transport, so you may need to drive.

You might also miss having somewhere nearby to grab a hot drink or pick up the suncream you forgot to pack.

There’s often not much else to do nearby either.

While my two kids do love a beach day, they do sometimes get bored after a few hours and because of that, we often choose beaches that have a park nearby so we can break the day up a bit if needed.

2. Head to a Busier Beach

Heading to a seaside resort beach might seem counterintuitive if you’re trying to save money, as there are opportunities to spend cash everywhere you look.

However, that isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

More popular beaches are often much better served by public transport.

Many areas of the UK also offer free travel for children during the summer holidays, making a day trip even more affordable when you factor in parking and fuel costs.

Rather than buying ice creams from a van on the seafront, pop into a nearby supermarket and pick up a multipack of own-brand Magnums or Cornettos instead.

Forgotten your bucket and spade?

Keep an eye out for beach toy libraries where you can borrow various beach toys for the day – just don’t forget to return them when you’re done.

They’re a brilliant idea and help reduce plastic waste too – many large resorts inlcuding Exmouth, Dawlish, Swansea, and Clacton-on-Sea (assuming Mr. Farage hasn’t removed it since he isn’t keen on anything eco-friendly)

Being close to amenities such as parks can also help break up the day, or provide some much-needed shade if the weather is hotter than expected.

And while arcades can quickly become expensive, my two are usually quite happy with a couple of pounds on the 2p machines, which can keep them entertained for a while between doing other things.

If you’re travelling light, a supermarket meal deal or a Greggs lunch can be a cheap and easy alternative to buying food on the seafront.

Save Money on Your Trip to the Beach

Pack food, drinks and extras from home. A picnic, refillable water bottles, ketchup and other condiments can save a fair amount compared to buying everything at the seafront on the day.

Plan ahead for beach gear – Shops such as Home Bargains and B&M are usually much cheaper for buckets, spades, bodyboards and beach toys than seafront sellers – you could always plan a stop there on your way to the beach.

Freeze drinks overnight. They’ll help keep your picnic cool and provide cold drinks throughout the day.

Check travel and parking costs before you go. Compare parking charges, look for park-and-ride options and check whether public transport could work out cheaper.

Take advantage of membership schemes and discounts – For example, if you’re a National Trust member, check whether there are any National Trust beaches nearby, as members can often park for free. Examples include Brean in Somerset and Kynance Cove in Cornwall.

Look out for travel deals – If you travel by train regularly, a Railcard could save you money, and many areas offer free travel for children during the summer holidays.

Check tide times before setting off – Arriving at the right time for rock pooling, paddling and exploring can help you get more out of your day.

Pack a few extras – A change of clothes, a bin bag for wet items and a windbreak can make the day more comfortable and help you avoid unnecessary purchases.

Beach Day Check List

I’ve put together a quick checklist of everything you might need for a cheap day out at the beach.

Picnic & snacks
Refillable water bottles
Ketchup/sauces
Suncream
Buckets and spades
Swimwear & Towels
Change of clothes
Bin bag (for wet clothes and towels at the end of the day)
Beach games
Fishing nets
Windbreak
Aqua Shoes

Whether you’re looking to reduce your food bill, save money on clothes or cut your household expenses, you’ll find plenty more ideas in my Money Saving Hub.

Final Tip – Plan Ahead

While impromptu beach trips can be great fun, if you know you’ll be heading to the beach a few times over the summer it’s worth picking up essentials in advance if you can.

Vinted is a great place to pick up second-hand swimwear, wetsuits, aqua shoes and beach toys for a fraction of their new price. I’ve found some fantastic bargains over the years.

If you’re new to buying second-hand, have a look at my Vinted Hub, where I’ve shared lots more tips for finding the best deals.

Save Money on Family Days Out & Activities

Fiona Hawkes