Solihull is a great market town with various shops for those who like exploring the area. However, if you have a low budget or want to relax at home, there are plenty of options. Check out our article to learn a few low-cost night-in ideas when you’re in Solihull.
Game Night
Remember that old box of Monopoly or Scrabble that sits under the bed? Invite a few friends or get the family together and start playing. Board games usually cost around £20 but offer infinite replayability and can take hours per session.
That makes them one of the best things to do at home in Solihull. While most people play Monopoly, there are other popular board games like:
- The Game of Life
- Catan
- Risk
- Candy Land
Board games offer a decent variety of themes and rule sets, similar to the games where you can pay with Neosurf. The Game of Life is all about simulating a person’s life, while aiming to get as much money as possible by the time the character retires. Meanwhile, Catan is an intricate game about building settlements and trading resources.
Movie Marathon
Movie buffs can enjoy a budget-friendly marathon at home. It’s a great chance to rewatch old favourites or go through a new series that’s been gaining popularity. Some people even use this as an excuse to do a watch party, invite friends and rewatch old favourites. Most recommendations for movie marathons include:
- Harry Potter
- Star Wars
- Lord of the Rings
- Mad Max
- James Bond
With streaming services like Netflix, finding all the movies in a series is a lot easier. Alternatively, you can also watch documentaries on YouTube through channels like BBC Earth. They often feature live streams with David Attenborough nature documentaries, which can make for a very relaxing night for those who want to rest after a long day.
Book Reading
Those who want a quieter night with a warm cup of tea can spend the time reading books. Books are just as varied as movies and games, with popular fantasy series like Discworld or dystopian drama like 1984. Since you can get books from local libraries, this is one of the best low-cost night-in ideas. Solihull has 14 libraries you can check out, like:
- The Core Library
- Shirley Library
- Knowle Library
- Marston Green Library
- Hobs Moat Library
When visiting any of the libraries, it’s a good idea to check the working hours as they’re usually closed on Sundays or may open later during the week. The Core also hosts various events and has a café, so visitors can grab a bite to eat before heading home. Alternatively, bookstores can be a good place to find entire collections or newer titles.
Learn a Recipe
Cooking is also one of the more popular things to do at home in Solihull. As a market town, there are plenty of stores with fresh ingredients, so it’s a good place to learn new recipes or improve old ones. Beginners can try with simpler recipes as a starting point, such as:
- Pasta
- Grilled cheese sandwich
- Roasted chicken
The cost of learning a new recipe can depend on the tools and ingredients you buy. That’s why shopping is a key part of cooking, and we recommend carefully checking the shops. Aside from being one of the best low-cost night-in ideas, it can also be a great way to save money on restaurants.
Play Video Games
Video games are another good source of budget-friendly entertainment in Solihull. There are many free titles available, and sites like Steam will often have sales, so players can get popular titles at a discount. Many multiplayer titles can be played with friends online or in person, with some of the more popular ones being:
- Super Smash Bros
- Mario Kart
- Helldivers
Many people organise game nights, but with video games instead of board games. Many games offer split-screen multiplayer or online connectivity, allowing people to play even when they’re far apart. While Solihull may have some of the best places to live according to the Sunday Times, spending time at home and relaxing with friends can be equally entertaining.
Practice a Skill
Those who want more productive things to do at home in Solihull can improve a skill. Some people will opt to catch up on chores, like cleaning their house, or to cook for the week. However, they can also practice a new skill or improve an old one. Thanks to the internet, many online tools can teach people:
- A new language
- How to paint
- How to play an instrument
Most online tools are free, so costs are low, though some skills may require specialised equipment. New skills can also lead people to online forums, where they can interact with others and get extra help while learning. Remember to plan your study sessions for effective learning.
Conclusion: Mixing Nights In with Local Options
Spending the night at home can be fun, but sometimes it’s best to go outside and explore the city, even for those who have lived in it for years. It’s considered one of the best places to live in and has plenty of weekend activities you can try, like:
- Taking a walk along the Green Man Trail
- Have a picnic and play football at Green Lane Park
- Exploring the National Motorcycle Museum
Going outside can also help you find tools for hobbies or new low-cost night-in ideas. As a market town, Solihull also has plenty of shops for those who prefer shopping trips. Whether it’s relaxing at home or trekking through town, Solihull has many great entertainment opportunities.
Article written by Luke Gatlin
