Affordable Ways to Spend a Bank Holiday
Planning your next long weekend? Whether you're after fun things to do on Bank Holiday Monday or simply want to relax with the kids, we’ve got you covered. From crafting to baking, picnicking to family movie nights, these bank holiday activities won’t break the bank - especially when you shop with Poundland.
Here’s how to enjoy the best of the Bank Holiday with wallet-friendly ideas and top picks to match.
Picnic in the Park
Nothing beats a laid-back picnic in the sun. Gather your favourite sandwiches, fresh fruit, crisps and homemade bakes, and find your nearest park, common or back garden to roll out a blanket.
To make your spread extra special, Poundland’s Summer Serving Plate is lightweight, reusable, and ideal for displaying your sandwiches, sausage rolls or fruit. Pair it with colourful Summer Cups with Swirly Straws – available in orange, leaves or jungle prints – which are perfect for little ones and spill-proof, too. Food Storage Containers keep your lunch fresh and your backpack crumb-free, making your picnic setup a breeze. With everything you need for under a fiver, it’s one of the easiest bank holiday activities for kids and adults alike.
Looking for more picnic tips? Head over to our guide on how to pack for the perfect summer picnic for extra ideas and food inspiration.
Get Crafty Indoors
If the weather takes a turn (and let’s be honest, it often does), an indoor craft session is the perfect way to keep kids entertained. Set up a table with everything from glue to felt pens and let their imaginations run wild.
The Paw Patrol Dough Pot makes for a brilliant hands-on activity, especially for kids who love to create. For colourful creativity, grab a pack of washable Felt Pens or brighten things up with BIC Kids Colouring Pencils in 12 vivid shades. And for sensory fun, the Little Tikes Kinetic Sand Farm set includes a mini tractor and farm-themed moulds, offering plenty of tactile playtime. With a little mess and a lot of imagination, crafting at home is a guaranteed hit.
Host a Garden Games Day
Why not turn your outdoor space into a mini festival of fun? A garden games day is a brilliant way to enjoy the fresh air and burn off some energy.
Get the kids (and grown-ups) involved with Water Balloons – guaranteed laughter, especially on warm afternoons. Bubble Wands are another easy win, creating giant bubbles that are always a crowd-pleaser. If your little ones fancy some target practice, the Archery Set with soft foam darts brings a safe and exciting challenge. Whether it’s a family relay, tug of war or just running around barefoot, garden games are one of the easiest ways to make Bank Holiday memories.
Bake Something Sweet
Transform your kitchen into your very own Bake-Off tent with a few handy accessories and a recipe or two. Baking is a lovely way to bond, especially when everyone gets involved.
The Silicone Spatula is great for stirring and scraping bowls, while the Silicone Cake Mould offers a reusable and easy-to-clean way to bake sponge cakes or brownies. Once the goodies are out of the oven, the Cake Decorating Set adds that extra special finishing touch with icing nozzles and creative flair. A Victoria sponge topped with seasonal strawberries never goes amiss, and it’s a great excuse to enjoy something homemade together.
If you're after dinner inspiration to go alongside dessert, explore our easy summer dinner recipes for simple, tasty ideas to make the most of your day off.
Movie Night at Home
After a full-on day of fun, there’s nothing better than a cosy movie night. All you need is a comfy set-up, a great family film and a few sweet treats to finish the day on a high.
Grab a few bags of Haribo Tangfastics – think fizzy cola bottles, sour cherries and crocodiles – or share a pack of Cadbury Dairy Milk Mega Buttons for a chocolatey treat. Create a home cinema vibe with LED Lights around the sofa and make the evening feel extra special with handmade tickets and a film schedule curated by the kids.
For the full guide to a brilliant movie night, check out our blog on everything you need for a fun movie night at home.
Explore the Great Outdoors
Sometimes the best Bank Holiday memories are made with simple outdoor adventures. You don’t need to travel far – your local woods, park, beach or trail can offer hours of fun.
For stress-free exploring, pack Reusable Water Bottles to stay hydrated and avoid pricey café stops. Kids will love having their own Camping Chair for breaks, snacks or storytelling around a campfire. And if those British clouds roll in, a lightweight Raincoat can save the day. Whether you’re hunting for bugs, skimming stones or building sandcastles, a walk in nature can be just the thing to reset and recharge.
Whatever your plans, Poundland makes Bank Holiday fun, simple and affordable. Whether you're packing up for a family day trip or keeping things low-key at home, our ranges of picnicware, crafts, garden toys and treats offer everything you need for under a tenner.
So why wait? Pop into your local Poundland to grab everything you need to make your long weekend brilliant – without blowing the budget.
