Between rising energy bills and the cost of living, we're all feeling the pinch right now. Yet finding ways to have fun, relax and connect with others should still be a priority. 

How do we strike a balance between saving and spending, whilst still wanting to enjoy our weekends?

A lot of the time you don't need to spend a penny to have a wholesome day out. Whether you're on the beach or in a museum, there's a free day out to be had for everyone.

Even better, many free activities are fully accessible and open to all ages and abilities. This means that you can get out and about on your mobility scooter, regardless of budgets.  

Read on for some of our favourite activities that you can do for free, with your mobility scooter in tow. 

6 Ways to Have Fun For Free

1.    Nene Park, Peterborough

Entry to all of Nene Park’s locations is free of charge and open to everyone, all year around. The many activities to enjoy at Neme include wildlife spotting, adventure trails and a spot of fishing. 

If you choose to visit Nene with your mobility scooter, you can expect a changing terrain of tarmac, grass, mud and gravel. In general, paths and walkways are level, firm and relatively smooth. 

If you have an all-terrain mobility scooter, you'll enjoy conquering the ever changing terrain. This scooter will also be perfectly primed for a lakeside walk. 

A car boot scooter is the ideal companion if you choose to take advantage of the on-site BBQ’s. Use your scooter’s swivel seat to join one of Nene’s picnic tables for a purse-friendly feast.

Each of the six locations at Nene Park has varying levels of facilities, so plan your visit accordingly. Some key features include:

●    Free mobility scooter hire 
●    Free all-terrain Mountain Trike hire (limited) 
●    Accessible parking 
●    Accessible toilets 
●    Accessible changing facilities 
●    Low level counters in cafes 
●    Free tickets for carers/companions during events 

For a helpful breakdown of accessibility across the park and its six locations, see here.

2.    Whitworth, Manchester

The Whitworth gallery in Manchester houses over 55,000 sculptures, textiles and works of art. The gallery also has plenty of learning spaces, study rooms and communal gardens. 

This standout museum completed a £15million renovation a few years ago. As you would expect from a state-of-the-art venue, Whitworth has top notch accessibility features. Even better, entry to the gallery is free of charge and open to all.

Though the museum is in woodland, the surrounding terrain is smooth and flat. This makes it just as easy to explore Whitworth with a car boot or 4mph scooter, as it would an all-terrain model. 

Accessible parking can be found just outside of the museum and is free for Blue Badge holders. Other accessible features include: 

●    Sloped entrance
●    Wide, electronically operated doors
●    Large, spacious galleries
●    High spec accessible toilets throughout 
●    Wheelchair hire
●    Multiple seating areas 

Read here for more on accessibility at Whitworth. 

3.    Welcome Museum, London

Welcome is a museum, library and cafe in London. The space has a rotating calendar of events and exhibitions exploring medicine, science, art and life. 

The library’s working space is mobility scooter friendly. There are fully adjustable tables and chairs for a bespoke study set up. Study, read and learn with minimal distractions.

Entry to the gallery and its exhibitions is completely free, all year round. The museum has fantastic public transport links and staff can even meet you at the nearest station if you'd prefer an escort. 

Take advantage of this service if you find it a little overwhelming to navigate London with your mobility scooter. If you plan to use public transport with your moblity scooter, read our guide first. See here.

Other accessibility features at the Welcome Museum include: 

●    Step free access throughout  
●    Accessible toilets on every level 
●    Changing Places facility 
●    Wide doors and corridors 
●    Wheelchair hire (call ahead)
●    Accessible parking spaces (call ahead)

Read more about accessibility at the Welcome Museum here.

4.    Redwings Horse Sanctuary, Caldecott

Enjoy a delightful day out for all the family at the UKs largest horse sanctuary, Redwings.

The Redwings charity cares for over 1500 horses, ponies, donkeys and mules. The largest of the charity’s visitor centres is in Caldecott, which is home to 120 rescue animals. 

The centre has many accessible features to accommodate all types of mobility scooters. Pathways are wide and flat throughout. Paddocks have wide spaced slats that allow all guests to easily observe the animals. 

In between paddocks there are plenty of seating areas to enjoy a short rest. You'll also find a fully accessible cafe serving up hot drinks and sweet treats. 

Other accessible features at Redwings include:

●    Disabled parking
●    Fully accessible visitor centre
●    Wide accessible pathways
●    Low level sanitisers throughout
●    Wheelchair hire (call ahead) 
●    Wheelchair friendly picnic tables

Entry is free at Redwings, but charity donations are always greatly appreciated. Read more about the centre and book your free tickets here.

5.    RAF Museum, Cosford

Enjoy an inspirational, educational day out at the RAF museum. Admission is free for all and bookable online. 

Over 75 aircraft, memorabilia and interactive displays can be experienced at RAF Midlands. Learn about the history of the RAF, first-hand from those who served in it.

The museum is home to a fascinating catalogue of both home and enemy aircrafts. Discover everything from aircrafts to tanks, surveillance vehicles to torpedoes. 

These incredible artefacts are spread across three levelled, spacious wartime hangars. Here you will also find a fascinating exhibition exploring the Cold War. 

Other accessible features at the RAF museum include: 

●    Wide, level pedestrianised walkways 
●    Lifts between exhibition levels 
●    Accessible parking spaces
●    Accessible toilets 
●    Accessible visitor centre
●    Seating areas throughout 
●    Fully equipped Changing Places facilities
●    Free wheelchair & mobility scooter hire

To read more about accessibility at RAF Museum Midlands, see here. 

6.    Southport Pier, Merseyside

Southport is home to one of the oldest iron piers in the UK. This Grade II listed pier has been standing strong for over 150 years. It's also the second longest pier, stretching a huge 3,650 ft.

There are many ways to conquer the great lengths of Southport Pier. If you have an 8mph mobility scooter, or an all-terrain model, then your larger batteries should have enough power to carry you all the way. 

If you're keen to preserve battery power, or have a smaller mobility scooter, help is at hand. A charming road train departs every half hour from the pier and has space for mobility scooters. 

Once you're on the pier you can enjoy a scenic journey along smooth, level ground. As you reach the end of the pier, you'll be greeted by the recently refurbished Pier Pavilion. 

Spacious parking is situated close to Southport Pier. Admission is free and open to all. 

Want some more inspiration for getting out and about on your mobility scooter, without spending a penny? 

Parks are a fantastic way to explore the great outdoors and spend time with loved ones. See our round up of mobility scooter friendly trails here. 

A day at the seaside is another great way to entertain the family for free. See our guide on the UK’s best accessible beaches here.