Families across London can look forward to cheaper summer days out thanks to the government's Great British Summer Savings Scheme. Running from June 25 to September 1, the £300 million initiative will reduce VAT from 20 percent to 5 percent on children's meals, cinema and theatre tickets, and attraction admissions. Theme parks, soft play centres, adventure parks, and museums are all included in the discount.
Free Bus Travel for Children
Children aged five to 15 will also enjoy free bus travel throughout August in England. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: "This summer we're cutting the cost of a day out together - free bus travel for children aged five to 15 in England, and VAT slashed on a wide range of kids' attractions - so families can afford more time together."
What's Covered
The scheme covers children's meals from dedicated menus eaten on premises, plus children's and family tickets for entertainment venues. Adult attraction tickets are also included in the discount. Sports facilities are excluded from the scheme, and season tickets only qualify under specific conditions.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves said the savings will "support families with the little treats in life while boosting business across the UK." The initiative comes as the government aims to ease cost-of-living pressures on households during the summer holidays.
Potential Savings
If businesses pass on the full VAT benefit to customers, families could save:
- £20 off the family’s tickets to a theme park
- £2 off entry to soft play
- £6 off the family’s tickets to a farm attraction
- £17 off the family’s tickets to a wildlife park
- £1.50 off the children’s tickets to the cinema
- £9 off the family’s tickets to the circus
- £2 off the children’s meals on a lunch out
- £11 off the family’s tickets to the aquarium
For more details, read the full story on how to get discounted kids meals, cinema, and theme park tickets this summer.
