Where can I save money on family days out this summer?

The cost of a family day out will be lower this summer thanks to a temporary VAT cut. So what can you expect to save and where can you take full advantage of the offer?

What’s the deal?

As part of the Great British Summer Savings scheme, VAT will be reduced from 20% to 5% on eligible family activities between now and 1 September.

This includes children’s meals in restaurants, cinema and theatre tickets, and entry to attractions such as theme parks, zoos, museums, soft play centres and aquariums.

What does this mean in pounds and pence?

Money Wellness research shows that more than half (54%) of families are worried about being able to afford summer family activities.

Meanwhile, nearly three-quarters (72%) of families expect days out and family activities to be less affordable this summer than last year.

But the VAT cut means families could save £12.50 for every £100 spent on eligible attractions, admissions and children’s meals, assuming the reduction is passed on in full.

That could make a big difference at what’s often an expensive time of year for family and many household budgets are already under strain.

Even if the discount on some individual items is relatively small, the savings add up if you pay for multiple attraction tickets, meals and family outings over the summer.

So where can I get some tasty discounts?

Many major attractions and places to eat and drink have already promised to pass on the VAT cut to customers to help them save money, such as:

Alton Towers

A one-day pass at Alton Towers usually costs £34 per person, but thanks to the VAT cut, it’s now just £29.75 per person.

That’s a saving of £4.25.

London Eye

A standard or fast-track ticket on the London Eye costs £29 per adult, but that’s down to £25.38 this summer - a reduction of £3.62.

National Trust 

Admissions to National Trust properties, children’s meals in cafés and eligible Explorer Passes will be included in the reduction.

Prices vary depending on where you go, but if the admission charge is £10, you’ll instead pay £8.75.

And if it’s £20, you’ll pay £17.50.

Gulliver’s World

A day ticket at this well-loved theme park typically costs £26, but the charge has been cut by £3.25 to £22.75.

Nando’s 

A cheeky Nando’s is always a hit with the family and now you can enjoy as much hot sauce as you like for less.

Usually, a classic butterfly chicken at Nando’s costs with two sides costs £19.45. 

With the VAT cut, it goes down to £17.02 - a reduction of £2.43.

Greene King pubs

The pub chain is applying the VAT cut to children’s meals and drinks.

So if you pay £4.95 for kids’ fish and chips, it’ll be reduced to £4.33.

That’s a saving of 62p.

Who else is offering savings?

Loads of other places have also committed to passing on these savings, such as McDonald's, KFC, Burger King, Wetherspoons and Shepherd Neame, as well as Picturehouse, Everyman Cinemas, Vue and Butlin’s.

So there's loads of options for families looking an affordable day out this summer - and if you get the bus, your trip can be even cheaper. 

Kids to get free bus travel in August

The Great British Summer Savings scheme also means children in England can travel by bus free of charge during August.

If your child is aged from five to 15, they’ll get unlimited journeys on participating local buses without having to register or pay a fare.

That should make it even cheaper for families to get out and about and enjoy precious shared experiences.