Families across the UK can look forward to cut-price trips to theme parks, cinemas, and restaurants this summer, as the government launches its Great British Summer Savings scheme. From June 25 to September 1, VAT on selected family-friendly activities will be temporarily reduced from 20% to 5%, with businesses encouraged to pass on the savings.
What's on offer? The discount applies to children's and family tickets for cinemas, theatres, concerts, shows, and exhibitions. Admission to attractions like amusement parks, zoos, soft play centres, nature reserves, and wildlife parks is also covered for both children and adults. Additionally, children's meals eaten in restaurants qualify.
If businesses pass on the full VAT cut, a family of four could save up to £20 on a theme park outing, £17 on a wildlife park visit, £1.50 on children's cinema tickets, and £2 on kids' meals.
Participating venues Major attractions like Peppa Pig World, Alton Towers, and Legoland have already updated prices. Merlin Entertainments, which owns 20 venues including Alton Towers and Legoland, now offers advance tickets from £29.75, down from £34. Longleat Safari Park in Wiltshire has also slashed prices; a family of four can now visit for £122.30, saving £17.50.
Cinema chains Odeon, Vue, and Cineworld are taking part. Odeon says a family ticket (two adults and two children) will drop from £32 to £28.50 during the scheme.
Dining deals Greene King, McDonald's, Wetherspoons, and Nando's are among those passing on the tax saving for children's meals. Nando's Nandino meals fall from £6.95 to £6.08, while a Wetherspoons children's meal drops from £5.75 to £5.03. McDonald's is slashing a typical Happy Meal by 27% to £2.99.
However, the discount only applies to meals eaten in-restaurant (or café), not takeaways. McDonald's has extended the Happy Meal discount to drive-thru and app orders, excluding home delivery.
Important details Season tickets, like Merlin passes starting at £139, are not included. The reduced rate for cinema and theatre applies only to children's tickets unless part of a family package. For attractions and soft play, the discount applies to all tickets.
Refunds for existing bookings are at businesses' discretion. Longleat is offering automatic refunds for the difference, but Hever Castle has said the offer is not retrospective.
Extra savings Children aged 5-15 can travel free on local bus services in England throughout August (excluding London and devolved nations). This could save a family with two children making a weekly return trip £27 over the month.
Look for other money-saving tips like cereal packet offers or National Rail's "2 for 1" Days Out Guide when traveling by train. Merlin Entertainments also has a "two parks for the price of one" offer.
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