Being short of “disposable cash”* doesn’t mean you have to sit at home sipping cold water, wondering where it all went wrong. With a bit of creativity and maybe a bicycle, you can get out there in the beautiful November sunshine and make the most of life for little or no money. Packed lunches are recommended.
*No, I don’t know what that is either, all my cash is indispensable. Well, it would be if I had any.
Land of Oak and Iron
This brilliant organisation runs a great range of either free or really good value outdoor and craft activities and volunteer projects around the Derwent Valley. Get out in the fresh air, meet your neighbours and gossip about all the lazyboneses that didn’t turn up, and do something worthwhile to forget about your worries. Have a look at their calendar of upcoming activities here.
The Glass and Art Gallery
Open Monday to Saturday, 9.30am – 4.30pm, this is a nice little venue to look at some beautiful things and take your mind off your everyday concerns through the magic of art! They have a unique collection of all sorts of different styles, and you don’t have to spend anything to feast your eyes on it all.
Bell Ringing Practice at Consett Christ Church
On the first Tuesday of every month, from 7.30 to 9pm, you can delight the entire town with your bell-ringing skills. You can get in touch with Paul Smith, the organiser, by email at
Visit National Parks, Now Featuring: Water!
People who say “seen one waterside park, seen ’em all” can suit themselves. Within an hour’s drive (or up to 3 or 4 hours on a bike) from Consett are some serious AONB’s (Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty), where you can walk, fish, picnic, observe wildlife, let the kids loose in play areas and, in some places, get a cosy pint or cuppa with a great view from your pub armchair at the end. Dust off your wellies and have a look at these waterside park options on offer.
Terris Novalis Monument
We’ve all driven past it plenty of times, but have you actually been up to look at the sculptures up close and see their feet? No? Well now you have a mission to fulfil, and you are the only man, woman, or cabbage for the job. Those steel feet aren’t going to admire themselves, you know.
An essential destination for a stroll or cycle ride, with limited parking not too far away.
Supa Snooker Pool and Billiards Hall
Open 7 days a week until 23.30, Supa Snooker is a friendly place to get out of the baking winter sun and cool off with a few games of pool, billiards or darts.
Have you got some other ideas for things to do around Consett on a shoestring budget? Let us know in the comments below.
Cover photo by Angelo Pantazis
