If you have been reading my blog for a long time you will know that we love Wales! We have been staying at a particular small holding near to Machynlleth for many years. We are off again next week and I cannot wait. But will it be possible to achieve any frugal things whilst on holiday?
Of course it will! Watching the pennies throughout the year is what enables us to go away as often as we do. Old habits die hard. Our holidays aren’t usually in luxury resorts, we don’t eat at fancy restaurants every night. We don’t spend a small fortune on theme parks and attractions and we won’t come back with expensive souvenirs. However, we always have a lovely time, make the best of the beautiful locations we choose and return relaxed and refreshed.
Five frugal things we plan for the week
Walking
With so much stunning scenery in Wales, we will be planning some interesting walks. We both feel a bit unfit at the moment, so walking on hilly ground will be good for us. I love being outdoors in quiet, green spaces. It is better than a spa for my peace of mind. Although we occasionally have to pay for parking, walking is free!
Taking coffee and lunches
We almost always pack a flask and a picnic for our days out. Having said that, it is imperative at times to stop at a pretty little teashop for a piece of barabrith or a scone and jam. The odd treat is allowed of course, but mostly we enjoy some home-made salads and sandwiches. There are some breath-taking picnic spots in Wales!
Perusing the charity shops
I find it almost impossible to pass a charity shop without going in. Mr S is very tolerant! There are some really good charity shops in both Machynlleth and Aberystwyth, so we will definitely be doing a tour at some point.
We usually come home with more than we took when we stay in the UK. At least we don’t have to worry about our baggage allowance….
A magical cinema
The Magic Lantern Cinema in Twyn is a great little community cinema. We usually try to go when we are there. It has such charm and character and, best of all, only costs only £6 a ticket. They have a well-stocked bar and I usually have a glass of Prosecco with the film! There are no noisy teens with their feet on the seats either…
Eating local
As I said, we don’t eat in fancy restaurants every night, as some folk seem to on holiday. But we do like to explore local produce. Machynlleth has a great little market on a Wednesday, as well as an independent butcher. Mr S loves a bit of local lamb. We will also get some seafood in Aberystwyth. We generally take it back to our little bolthole and eat in, with our view of the mountains and the sound of the stream next to us.
No doubt we will find a good restaurant. I rather like the Quarry Café in Machynlleth, which is vegetarian. Even confirmed carnivore Mr S enjoyed it last time we visited. It’s great value too.
I hope you have a great week, whatever you are doing. In the meantime, please feel free to share your frugal things.
As ever, I am linking up with Cass , Emma and Becky in this week’s Five Frugal Things I have done this Week linky.
Have a lovely holiday, Jane and Mr Shoestring! Yes, it’s being somewhere different that counts, not how much you spend on fancy meals, isn’t it? We no longer go away, or rather we seldom go away these days, but we would still do as you are doing, searching out nice walks, taking packed lunches, visiting markets if there are any and charity shops, seeking out parks and gardens, and any Gardens Open Today under the National Gardens’ Scheme.
Don’t forget your sun cream!
Margaret P
When my children were young we used to often stay in Aberdovey in October half term week, always visiting Machynlleth and the Corris Craft Centre which wasn’t far away. If you turn left out of Corris and left again soon after there is a lovely drive alongside the lake. You probably already know this! Have a fab time; hopefully the weather will be as wonderful as it is at the moment.
We love Aberdovey! That and Barmouth beach are our favourites
I have stayed in that area at Youth hostels and it is beautiful so lots of free walking. Yes little treats are important and enjoyed much more when they are not an everyday thing.
It is so pretty. I am so excited to be heading back!
Have just come back from my childhood “half-home” in Cornwall, and did All The Walking – mostly uphill or up steps – over 115 miles in total! Such breath-taking scenery. 😀
We also visited 5 National Trust properties and 4 English Heritage properties, for free using our memberships, and, as we had the 2 for 1 Open Gardens card from the Gardener’s World magazine, we visited 5 of them (including the Eden Project) saving ourselves almost £55!!
Then coming home we found free rapid charging points so the 262 mile journey only cost us in time! 😀 😀
I love Wales for a holiday in the UK! A picnic is a great way to save money and you can still pack a few treats
Kate xx
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Oh that sounds such a lovely holiday! #5frugalthings
It’s just nice to be away. I find I can actually relax rather than feeling I “should” be doing something useful. I’m not sure is this is a mental illness thing or if everyone feels like this!
Anyway enjoy your holidays, I hope the weather stays nice for you.
Tx
I think we all feel like that, Tree!
I live a few miles from Machynlleth, I go to the market every Wednesday and get some good bargains, the quarry shop cafe is brilliant, if you can get a seat, brilliant in winter no one about, lee the Dyfi whole foods shop (use to be quarry shop foods)
Have a really good tome