Cheap tricks
Save money
If you’re on a further
education or A2/AS level
course your school or college
should give you a National
Union of Students (NUS) card. Otherwise, you can buy an
International Youth Travel Card
(IYIC). Both of these cards
entitle you to discounts on
tickets, eating out, shopping
and travel.
Full-time students
over 16 and young people on
benefits may qualify for
discounts at council sports
centres in Oxford City, South
Oxfordshire and Witney. Just
ask at the centre.
Fun for free
In Oxfordshire in general, and especially in Oxford, lots of public events, museums and galleries are absolutely free. Keep an eye out on local entertainment websites and in free papers for details.
Look below for suggestions from local young people about things to do on the cheap or for free, as well as some ways to treat yourself.
Absolutely Free
- Sight-seeing and tourist stuff in Oxford - Sophie, 16, Oxford
- Flying kites on the White Horse Hill - Tim, 17, East Hagbourne
- Making cakes at home - Ben, 17, Abingdon
- University Parks & Christ Church Meadow and other parks - Henrietta, 18, Oxford
- Have blogs with friends - Ben, 17, Abingdon
- Complain about having nothing to do –
anywhere - Kate & Chris, 16, Oxford
- Dancing to random street musicians – Oxford City
Centre - Calli, 15, Abingdon
- Picnic, music, frisbees at "The
Wreck" (common land) - Hannah, 16, Thame
- Pitt Rivers Museum, Oxford - Calli, 15, Abingdon
Cheap and discounted
- Skating and leisure centres in Oxford, cheaper with a slice card - Kate & Chris, 16, Oxford
- Swimming in Woodstock open air pool (or Chippy Lido) - Sophie, 16, Oxford
- Ice skating on Oxpens Road - Kate & Chris, 16, Oxford
- Brown’s Café – excellent greasy spoon in
Oxford's Covered Market - Henrietta, 18, Oxford
- The Mish Pub – non-alcholic "pub" for
under 18s on St Clements - Kate & Chris, 16, Oxford
- Games Workshop – New Inn Hall Street, Oxford - Calli, 15, Abingdon
- Swimming at Spiceball Park - Caroline, 16, Banbury
- Fishing – Dorchester Lake - Calli, 15, Abingdon
- Pool & Snooker at Rileys in Cowley Centre - Nathan, 17, Cowley
Treat Yourself
- Golfing at Drayton Golf Course - Ben, 17, Abingdon
- See local bands at the (former) Zodiac on Cowley Road (many gigs are 14+) - Henrietta, 18, Oxford
- Rowing from the boathouse at Magdalen Bridge - Kate & Chris, 16, Oxford
- Going to festivals – watch for posters - Kate & Chris, 16, Oxford
- Laser Quest – Gloucester Green, Oxford - Calli, 15, Abingdon
- Swimming – Didcot Wave - Calli, 15, Abingdon
- Clubbing for under 18s Oxford Town Hall - Natalie & Amy, 14, Oxford
Tell us more!
One of the places above no good? Got your own ideas for fun on the cheap or free? Email and let me know!
Good websites for finding out about Free Time and Leisure