Helping families enjoy more for less
As we approach the summer holidays, many families are thinking about how to keep children entertained while managing household budgets.
To help make days out more affordable, the government has launched the Great British Summer Savings scheme for a range of family-friendly activities.
From 25 June to 1 September 2026, VAT has been temporarily reduced from 20% to 5% on eligible:
- Children's meals in restaurants
- Family and children's tickets for cinemas, theatres, concerts and exhibitions
- Admission to participating attractions.
Families may also benefit from free bus travel throughout August 2026 for children aged 5 to 15 in England, making it cheaper to get out-and-about during the school holidays.
How to access
To make it easier to find participating venues, the government has launched an online Summer Savings attraction finder. Simply enter your postcode to discover local attractions and offers available in your area.
If you're looking for affordable ways to make the most of the school holidays, it's worth checking whether attractions, venues and restaurants near you are taking part and seeing how much you could save this summer.
