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Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Daily Mirror
UK households urged to do one thing before splashing out cash on garden
MoneyMagpie Editor and financial expert Vicky Parry shares tips on making your outside space feel like a sanctuary – no matter how big or small your budget We're spending a lot more time outside as the heatwaves roll in, but do you love your outdoor space or could it do with some TLC? You don't need to be green-fingered or have loads of space to turn an outdoor area into a summer sanctuary. Just a few little savvy changes and you'll want to spend all evening outside! Find free garden items first It's easy to get carried away in the garden centre or home goods shops, so before you start buying things to spruce up your outdoor area, pause and consider what you really need. Think about what you already have and could use. Are there old items of furniture taking up space inside, that you wouldn't mind exposing to the elements for a last hurrah? Perhaps your Christmas outdoor fairy lights could lend themselves to a year-round evening twinkle. You can even use old boots, boxes, and vases as plant pots! Get creative and save a lot of cash. Check out local Facebook groups, Gumtree, and Freecycle for free items that could transform your garden without spending a penny. Under £50 garden updates Check out Online Home Shop (OHS) for affordable home and garden furniture and accessories. Something as simple as an outdoor rug, with prices starting from £3 in the summer sale, can brighten your patio or balcony and make it feel summery and comfortable. They also have a wide range of cushions and all-weather décor to make your outdoor space feel like an extension of your home. You can't ever go wrong with a Woodwick candle for the sound of crackling fires (without the heat!), too. Outdoor dining is some of the fun in the summer. It's easy to pick up some affordable, fun, plastic or bamboo plates, bowls, and cups and pitchers from shops like The Range, Wilco, or your local garden centre. You can even find some gems at your local Poundland for 'cheap and cheerful' garden items that will bring you joy when you see them. £100 or under garden ideas British weather is unpredictable, so a weighted parasol that offers both shade in the sunshine and protection against showery spells will help you enjoy your garden all summer long. A large parasol with a heavy weighted base is ideal; B&M have some from £40, while Argos has a range from £12 plus a weighted base for £12. If your budget stretches a bit further, consider a parasol heater to keep the chills away, too. Comfortable seating is important if you want to spend a lot of time outside. Consider picnic benches for family areas, folding chairs for versatile spaces, or even something like the OHS Macrame Swing Chair for a cosy nook on your patio or balcony. Add a Night Lark outdoor duvet to keep on hand to stay warm if the breeze picks up. Lighting can completely revolutionise an outdoor space, taking it from functional to feeling luxe. Julian Page, Head of Design at BHS, says: 'Outdoor rechargeable table lamps are the perfect solution for garden party lighting; these can be scattered across your seating area and garden to create fun and ambient spots of light for your guests. Driveway lights and spike lights are also the perfect fit for garden pathways to create an illuminated pathway that is guaranteed to wow any visitors to your home'. Invest in some solar-powered garden lights to put in flowerbeds or line pathways for a subtle look, or consider a luxury outdoor lamp like the Pagazzi LED Lantern if you want a flexible option to light different areas depending on your mood. £250 to spruce up your space A £250 budget is ideal for adding a few smaller items, like an outdoor rug, an inexpensive patio bistro set, and a parasol. You could even invest in something like a drinks trolley for your cocktails, and a BRITA Glass jug to have filtered water on hand all sunny afternoon. But with this kind of budget, you can also look at adding greenery. Even if you live in a rented property or only have a balcony, plants are possible! Pots are fantastic, as you can move things around and change up the scenery, while balconies often have space for a hanging trough or basket. If you don't know your sunflower from your gerbera, try ordering from a specialist like Tree2MyDoor. It's easy to pick something without being overwhelmed by your senses at the garden centre, and you can spend time choosing the perfect plants. Do you like to sit around a fire and chat long into the night? An Eco Fuego Firepit is just the answer, the world 's first wax fire pit for a smokeless, odourless, low carbon fire. There are two sizes, one being a camping or smaller version of the original – making them ideal for almost any size space. £500 garden spend This is an ideal budget if you need to upgrade your garden furniture or landscape some new raised flowerbeds. A new six-seater dining set with a parasol can take up the full £500 budget, but should last a long time. You can even install a more permanent garden bar or seating, especially if you're a bit handy at crafts and carpentry. Pick up old pallets for cheap wood that can be easily transformed into benches, tables, and even a plant shelf or vertical garden. Look for fabric sales to pick up some bargain metres of curtain fabric, and turn them into cushion covers, quilts, or even a whimsical table cloth. Definitely consider your plants and greenery with this kind of budget, too. You can either get more, smaller plants with this budget or invest in established plants that fill space as soon as they go in the soil. You might even want to look at installing a solar powered water fountain or similar focal point, especially if you want your garden space to be a calming sanctuary after busy days. If you like to relax in your yard with some music, or want to relax listening to an audiobook as the sun goes down, investing in a reliable Bluetooth speaker can make a world of difference to bringing your home comforts into your outside space. While budget options like those from JML provide a broad sound, they can be a little 'tinny', so if your budget can stretch consider a Bose Soundlink Max Portable, designed to be used outdoors and on the go. £500+ splurges for a year-round garden investment If you've got a £500+ budget, you've got a choice of a few things to do. You can either invest in more, cheaper items from above to turn a bland space into an outdoor living room you want to stay outside in all the time. Or: blow the budget on something you feel is a true investment for your home and family. A gas-fired BBQ will be useful all year around – yes, really! This is especially true if you have the budget to build an outdoor kitchen area, with a cover for your chef to avoid the rain. They are instant to heat, and offer top-notch cooking with an even burn, which is far more predictable than cooking on coal. Look for BBQs that will last a long time with regular use, such as the Genesis E-315W triple burner with handy side tables – it's compact, but big enough to entertain a family and friends. For those who enjoy a movie night in with friends and family, transform your garden into a home cinema. Invest in bean bags, comfy chairs, and a table filled with snacks. You could even splash out on a popcorn machine and let people pick their own toppings! And it wouldn't be film night without high-quality viewing: the Dangbei MP1 Max has superior quality image even in daylight. While you can pin up a bedsheet or find a wall to project onto, regular outdoor movie nights would benefit from your own portable projection screen for a truly luxe experience. If your budget is higher, a few thousand pounds can truly transform your space. Install a patio or decking, create new flowerbeds, build an outdoor kitchen – the options are endless. Even small spaces can become something you use for most of the year, with some savvy design with overhead cover, heating options, and furniture.
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Daily Mirror
Free and cheap things to do with the kids this summer including theme parks
MoneyMagpie Editor and financial expert Vicky Parry shares the best way to keep the family entertained throughout the school holidays without breaking the bank Summer is a great time to spend with the kids and family members, but that also means expensive days out! The good news is there are lots of ways to stay entertained on a budget, thanks to free events, workshops, and activities. Money-savvy parents can save this summer with some forward planning – try these activities and tips to save money without saving on fun! Visit the library There's a reason this is always on the free activities list! Libraries aren't about dusty old books these days. They offer computer access and printing, as well as run lots of free workshops and events from storytime to crafting and more, for a wide range of ages. You can often also borrow DVDs, computer games, and board games. You don't need to visit the library either, if there isn't one near you. Register for a free library card online and you can borrow ebooks and audiobooks for free! If your kids are impatient and don't want to wait for a book on hold, try free two-month trials of Kindle Unlimited, Readly, and BookBeat to get them access to books, magazines, and audiobooks for free this summer. Free holiday clubs If your child is entitled to free school meals during term-time, the Holiday Activities and Food Programme means you could claim some free childcare, meals, and activities for your child in the holidays. Eligibility varies between local authorities, and some children who aren't eligible for free school meals but have a low income could still be eligible, so make sure you check your local authority website for details. Free National Express coach travel Getting to and from activities can be expensive when you're going with a family. If you haven't already picked up a Family and Friends Railcard look into it, as it could save you hundreds across the course of a year with regular rail travel. But if you don't want to travel by rail to your family activities this summer, consider the coach instead. National Express is offering for up to three under-15s to travel free with every paying adult until September 30th – just book tickets online and use the code KIDSFREE to claim the free tickets. Kids eat free or cheap deals Feeding a family gets a lot more expensive in the holidays – but it doesn't have to. There are lots of restaurant and café chains that run special offers in the summer to help families with their food bill. Some, like Bill's Restaurants, have holiday-specific deals. Others, like TGI Fridays, IKEA, Morrisons and Asda cafes, and Brewers Fayre venues run year-round deals to keep costs low for families throughout the year. Check out your local restaurants and cafes to find out where kids eat free or cheap to feed the family on a budget! Save up to 45% on theme parks The summer means lots of deals available for theme park entry, saving huge amounts on your entrance fees. If you're a Lidl customer with the Lidl Plus app, scroll to the Partner Offers tab to find and claim a free thirty-day Day Out With The Kids pass to claim up to 45% off entry fees at theme parks like Drayton Manor, Flamingoland, DiggerLand, Crearly Theme Park, Blackpool Pleasure Beach and more. Or, check out National Rail if you're planning to get the train to a theme park. You can claim up to 33% off Merlin attractions and more by booking your voucher through their Days Out Guide and showing your train ticket on entry. Finally, check out Kellogg's cereals and snacks for up to 25% off at major attractions – visit their website for more details. Have a Garden Cinema Night Gather friends and family together for a cinema night – in the garden. It's easy to set up a space with a white bedsheet and a projector. Dangbei offer a range of projectors, from the Freedo to the new MP1 Max, depending on your budget and needs. If you want to set up a cinema room at home, or replace your TV in the living room, it's definitely worth investing in a higher-end projector for the best experience. Get everyone to bring their favourite cinema snack, or set up a popcorn station where you make your own and add toppings you prefer. A drinks station – with one for the adults if you want cocktails! – adds to the fun and gives kids independence to choose what they want. Pick some family-friendly films, drag the sofa cushions and throws outside (or use outdoor blankets like those from Night Lark in case the drizzle starts), and enjoy movie night with friends as the sun goes down. Game of rounders in the park Every summer should include a competitive game of rounders! Gather up your friends and family for an afternoon in the park. Take a picnic, brush up on the (very simple) rules, and create a tournament for a whole afternoon of fun. Check the rules of your local park regarding ball games and gatherings first, of course. Free mindful jogging community If you love to exercise with your kids, consider joining the free Joy Runs community. With a theme each week, such as trees or water, you can jog together while contemplating the theme to stay mindful as well as get those endorphins going. If you're more competitive, check out free Park Runs each weekend in your area – and see if you can encourage your kids to improve on their time between the start and end of the summer holidays! Cricket and music combined The Hundred is a sporting event that makes the most of everything cricket has to offer. Global cricket stars combined with headline music acts make it a fun event of sport and music combined. The tournament starts on 5th August, with eight matches taking place at Lord's and the Kia Oval throughout the month. It culminates in The Eliminator on Saturday 30th August and The Final on 31st August – with a family-friendly fun-filled weekend. Tickets are £21 an adult, £5 for junior and under threes go free! Cheap cinema tickets Take your family to see a film from just £1 a ticket this summer. Cineworld is running family friendly screenings with £1 tickets, and films such as The Minecraft Movie and Disney's Snow White. If you don't have a Cineworld near you, check out the cinema deals available in your area. It could be £6 showings with O2 Priority, or adults paying kids prices at Vue, or Odeon Member Mondays for a fiver. There will be all kinds of deals at your nearest cinema, so make sure to check them out for a cheap afternoon out with the kids. Quick tips for a cheap summer Whenever you're planning cheap summer activities, keep these things in mind to keep the cost down. Book tickets in advance for cheaper prices and special offers or discounts Enter freebie contests and giveaways to try new activities Shop via cashback websites to get some money back on your spending Take picnics instead of buying food at venues Invest in reusable water bottles for all the family to keep hydrated without spending lots of money on drinks Get together with friends to take advantage of group discounts Finally, having children around for six weeks can increase your household bills a lot! Keep the cost of groceries down by shopping at the cheapest supermarket in your area and making the most of loyalty card price cuts and offers.
Daily Mirror
20-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Warning issued to anyone thinking of getting a puppy or cat this summer
MoneyMagpie Editor and financial expert Vicky Parry shares some seasonal money-saving hacks to keep pets healthy without a huge bill Our pets are part of the family – but they are an added expense to the household budget. From pet insurance to vet bills and even day-to-day food and treats, the cost of owning a pet can be a financial pressure. The good news is there are plenty of ways to reduce the costs of owning a pet this summer. Don't be fooled by summer living The sun makes everything seem better – and that includes the idea of getting a (or another) puppy to add to your family. If you haven't thought through getting a puppy, but your summer routine of being outside more, walking, and going on beach trips tempts you to consider a new puppy: think twice! It's easy to think life will be really easy with a new puppy. But the summer can be misleading: it makes it easy to forget about the rainy days and long nights of autumn and winter, which will arrive just in time for a summer puppy's most crazy time: adolescence. If you've been thinking of getting a puppy and have made plans, by all means go for it. But don't get one on a whim while you're inspired by outdoor living in the few months of the year it's possible to do in the UK. Think about how you'll cope with a young dog when bad weather, long nights, and no-annual-leave-left-til-Christmas hits. Use monthly flea and tick subscriptions Keep your pet healthy with monthly flea and tick medication. It's far cheaper to prevent fleas or tick-related disease than treat it. Your vet is likely to run a monthly payment scheme that includes monthly flea, tick, and wormer medication, as well as extras such as annual vaccination boosters, discounts on dental treatment and discounts on prescription food. However, it can run quite expensive to use these plans, especially if you don't intend on using the other benefits such as nail clipping appointments or physio discounts. There are mail-order subscriptions that can reduce the cost of monthly flea and tick medication, sent to you each month so you don't forget to renew. Check the terms and conditions, as some might lock you into an annual plan in the fine print! However, these plans often work out much cheaper than the vet's scheme if you only want the regular medication and not the extras. Pets at Home and VetBox are examples of these schemes. ItchFlea for Cats and Dogs starts from £7.95 a month with the first month free. Get the best deals and tips from Mirror Money Get a tick remover Ticks carry disease that might not show in your dog immediately – and can be very expensive to sort out. When you've taken your dog for a walk in long grass or in areas where deer are known to roam, always check them over for ticks after the walk. You don't need to go to the vet to remove one. A tick remover tool costs less than £4 and fits in any pocket to take wherever you go. Keep an eye on any bites once removed in case a ring 'bullseye' rash appears – if this happens, take your dog to the vet. Use vet-approved over the counter medications Your vet is only legally allowed to recommend animal-specific medications. However, there are often human over-the-counter alternatives that are more affordable and safe to use. Don't be scared to ask your vet for the alternatives – they're used to the question and will know what they can recommend. Never give an animal human medications without talking to your vet first. Keep your pet cool to avoid emergencies With two heatwaves already gone this summer, it's likely we're going to see more of them over the coming months. Overheated pets can be a medical emergency, racking up a huge vet bill that you may not have planned for. Some pet insurance may also not cover treatment for what could be argued as a preventable problem, too. It's vital to be prepared to keep your pets cool. This might mean running a fan for them near to their bed, or investing in a cooling mat. Ensure they always have access to water – lots of people like to pop ice cubes in the bowl to keep it nice and cold, too. If you have an outside space, splash pads or kids' paddling pools offer cheap and effective cooling. Choose ice and cooling toys, too. You can freeze some chicken broth in an ice cube tray for a salty delicious cool treat, or get a reusable freezable toy to keep them cool while they chew. You may also wish to consider investing in a portable air conditioning unit to keep your bedroom cool at night. This will ensure your pet stays cool too, and that means a better night's sleep, which is good for everyone's health. While it's an investment, if you look for one with a dehumidifier function, like the S1 Pro Personal Air Conditioner by Morphy Richards, it'll be useful all year around as the dehumidifier can help reduce damp in the winter time, making the investment more valuable. Never, ever leave your pet in a locked car in the summer, even for a few minutes. Heat exhaustion can strike much faster than you think! Take your pet on holiday If you're going away in the UK, consider taking your pet with you. Not only will you be able to create some wonderful family memories together, it can save a lot on kennel boarding or pet sitting costs. While some accommodation options will include a pet fee, this will be cheaper than other options like kennels. But if you've already booked non-pet approved accommodation, or you're heading abroad, look at alternative options to expensive boarding kennels. House sitters can look after your home and pet at the same time, and many people will do it for free (and expenses) because it gives them a small holiday from home, too. TrustedHouseSitters is a reputable site to find someone to look after your pet without extortionate costs. Some of the brands and websites we mention may be, or may have been, a partner of However, we only ever mention brands we believe in and trust, so it never influences who we prioritise and link to.
Daily Mirror
20-07-2025
- Daily Mirror
'I saved £300 with little-known train perk that many people don't know about'
MoneyMagpie Editor and financial expert Vicky Parry explains how interrailing can be a cheap way to see Europe – if you know some savvy hacks The European rail networks are brilliant, connecting countries and making it easy to get around the continent. If you've never thought about travelling by train for a holiday (probably put off by your experiences in the UK!) then think again. Rail travel can be one of the most cost-effective ways to see a lot of Europe even in a short space of time. You just need to know a few tips to get started! What is interrailing? The rail networks in Europe offer a pass-type ticket that covers all trains, across all countries (check the website for limitations or restrictions). This means you can travel all around Europe on a single rail ticket, which is much, much cheaper than UK rail travel! Many people go Interrailing because it is a fantastic way to see lots of countries in a short space of time. You can even upgrade for special trains, like the panoramic Glacier Express, to take in amazing landscapes. You can buy tickets for a number of days or weeks. Choose from a continuous pass, which starts from the first date you use it, or a flexi pass, which counts only the dates you travel. Travel off season Travel in winter, spring, and autumn to avoid the highest prices overall. However, while tickets might be cheaper in these seasons, make sure you check accommodation too – some areas will have different peak seasons! That is, the mountainous regions which offer brilliant skiing during colder months, will have a higher demand for accommodation. This pushes up prices – so make sure you do the maths well in advance to check if it will be cheaper for your planned trip. Wait for an interrail sale While Interrail tickets offer amazing value for money at full price, there are frequent deals and sales that can significantly reduce the price. Planning your trip several months in advance will mean you can pick up a discounted ticket when one of these sales rolls around. Top tip: often, the sale means a first class ticket isn't much more than a standard, but gives you access to much better cabins and seat options. Book seat reservations off-peak You don't need a seat reservation for every train. You will need them for the high-speed trains and also if you're on a nightsleeper or overnight train. Make sure you plan these particular trips and book in advance to take advantage of cheaper reservation fees. Maximise night trains When you're travelling on a train overnight, that's a night's accommodation you've saved on! Not all trains offer night services, but they can be useful for the longer parts of your trip – especially if you're not bothered about missing some of the scenery. For example, you might have gone one way during the daytime and been able to see amazing landscapes, but then don't want to see the same on the return leg to your next journey. Check if your interrail ticket covers UK travel This doesn't apply to all trains, but some UK trains will be covered by the Interrail ticket. This can save you a lot of cash getting to and from your initial European destination – even if you are going by air to begin or return from your trip. For example, one of the MoneyMagpie team recently took an Interrail trip and found that their LNER train to and from Kings Cross and York came under the Interrail ticket. This saved them about £300 in UK rail travel – which was almost the entire cost of their first class, two-week Interrail ticket! Research the route well in advance to see if you can take advantage of these opportunities and save a lot of money getting to and from Europe to start and finish your trip. Travel light While there aren't luggage restrictions on trains in the same way as flights, travelling light will save you money when it comes to getting taxis (you won't need a large one), or being able to hop on a flight for your journey home without luggage fees. Travelling light also means you won't need to pay expensive luggage storage fees if you decide to hop off the train for a day's wander around a new city or area. Having a large wheeled suitcase isn't ideal for going around tourist areas, hiking trails, or monuments, so you'd need to store it at a luggage locker. Doing this several times across a couple of weeks quickly racks up the price. Assume you'll need to carry your bag everywhere, all the time. Include a small handbag or foldable backpack for day trips when you've got a couple of days in a hotel between rail trips, too. Download TooGoodToGo This brilliant food waste prevention app is available in so many places across Europe, and it's a great way to pick up food from shops and restaurants that they can't sell but is still good to eat. Book accommodation with cooking facilities – many people opt for hostels, as they are cheapest – or take some basic equipment with you. A travel kettle, foldable bowl, and cutlery will ensure you can make a wide range of things on the go like noodles and porridge, or even instant meals like Huel or cup-a-pasta type sachets.
Daily Mirror
19-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
All the freebies parents can claim during summer holidays including swim lessons
MoneyMagpie Editor and financial expert Vicky Parry warns parents to act now to prepare for the September school term by claiming these free things The summer holidays are a lot of fun… and expense. And then there's the back-to-school costs to consider on top of that! To make sure you save money during the summer holidays and stick to your budget for September prep, check this round-up of free things you can claim as a parent this summer. Free coach travel all summer If you're going out and about with the kids this summer, try going by coach. National Express is offering free travel for up to three children aged 15 and under until September 30, 2025. All you need to do is book your tickets online, including one paying adult, and use the code KIDSFREE at checkout to claim the free tickets. Kids eat for free and cheap Make sure you're not over-spending on the entertainment budget this summer by planning your trips to venues and restaurants with great free kids meals options. There are loads of places where kids eat free this summer, such as Yo! Sushi and Bill's restaurants. But make sure you know where you can take the family to eat free or cheap in the term-time, too. TGI Fridays, Hungry Horse, Brewers Fayre, and even Travelodge have some great deals that can keep family feeding costs down all year round. Claim benefits for parents You might think you aren't eligible to claim state support (aka free money) – but when did you last check? The rules change quite frequently, and that could mean you're missing out on things like free childcare. Check your eligibility for benefits using the Turn2Us calculator to find out if you could be entitled to support. Remember that being eligible for some, such as Universal Credit, may also entitle you to further support like free school meals. Children in reception, Year One and Year Two all automatically get free school meals, but if you think you're eligible beyond those years make sure you claim with your school before term begins. Free school uniform Uniform Exchange is open to every family in the UK. They provide good condition second-hand school uniform items to anyone that needs them. You can help support them by washing and sending in your child's old school uniform that they've grown out of, too. Visit the Uniform Exchange website to find out more and request free uniform. Your local authority may also be able to help with funding for some or all of your child's school uniform. They will usually identify parents in need and contact them directly, but if you are on means-tested benefits and a low income and think you might qualify, get in touch with them. Your school may also offer an exchange or bursary scheme for those in need. Free books and audiobooks Whether you want to help your kids get into reading during the summer holidays, or help them access study materials during term-time without breaking the bank, your local library is the place to go. Libraries offer so much free stuff! From free books, e-books, and magazines to free DVD and computer or board game rental, it's easy to get a library card online to get started with borrowing straight away. With e-book and audiobook borrowing, this can be done as soon as you have your card and download the Libby, Hoopla and/or Borrowbox app (depending on which your library uses). The library can also offer a safe and quiet place during term time for older children with study needs, or to go on the weekend to participate in workshops or events. As well as a library card, try some free trials during the summer, too. Bookbeat is a streaming service for audiobooks, meaning you can listen immediately without needing to go on the borrow list for popular titles at the library. If you use the code TRY75 when signing up, you can try for 75 days (40 hours) of free listening before you decide if it's a service you want to pay for. Free swimming lessons Most local authorities and some privately-run leisure centres offer free swimming lessons for children. These may run for a short time during the summer holiday, or be a weekly term-time activity. Look for information on your local council's website and make sure to check out your leisure centres too, as they might run similar programmes for other sports such as football and tennis, too. Free school stationery and supplies Sign up to deals and discounts newsletters now, to stay alert of upcoming offers. It's a good idea to create a separate email address to avoid your main email being filled with offers every day! As August rolls around, keep an eye out for these emails with free school supplies, stationery, even backpacks and lunchboxes. You'll be amazed at how much free stuff you can get – just make sure to act fast, as numbers are often limited.
