Families could slash summer day out costs with £100s in savings

London Northwestern Railway (LNR) has revealed how parents can cut the cost of summer adventures, with savings available on everything from theme parks and museums to cinema trips, meals out and family travel.

The biggest potential wins include:

• Up to almost £9 saved on a family ticket to Cadbury World

• Nearly £6 off a child ticket for Warner Bros. Studio Tour – The Making of Harry Potter

• More than £3 off child entry to attractions including Madame Tussauds and SEA LIFE London Aquarium

• Extra savings through rail discounts, family fares and “Kids Eat Free” deals

With the school holidays set to put pressure on family budgets, the guide reveals the best-value days out across the UK and how parents can make their money go further while still creating summer memories.

What savings are available?

The government’s “Great British Summer Savings” package runs for 69 days, from 25th June to 1st September 2026, covering the full school holiday period and targeting some of the most common family spending - including attractions, eating out, and travel.

VAT has been reduced from 20% to 5% on selected family-focused activities, including children’s meals in restaurants and cafés, and admission tickets for attractions such as zoos, museums, cinemas, theatres, soft play centres, and amusement parks.

At the same time, regulated rail fares have been frozen until March 2027, marking the first freeze in 30 years, and helping to keep the cost of travel stable during the peak summer season.

Top family days out destinations this summer holiday

• ODEON Cinemas (nationwide)

Looking for a calm afternoon activity? ODEON cinemas have plenty on for the kids this summer, including must-see movies like Toy Story 5, Minions & Monsters, and Moana’s live action film.

Average summer saving: Child tickets typically start from around £6, reduced to approximately £5.25 (saving around £0.75 per child). And, on selected viewings, children can secure tickets from just £1!

• Madame Tussauds, London

One of London’s most iconic attractions, Madame Tussauds, brings visitors face to face with lifelike wax figures of global stars, sports legends, and historical icons. With immersive themed zones and plenty of photo opportunities, it offers a high-octane family day out in the centre of the capital.

Average summer saving: Child tickets from around £26, reduced to approximately £22.75 (saving around £3.25 per child)

• Warner Bros. Studio Tour – The Making of Harry Potter, Watford

A must-visit for Harry Potter fans, this immersive studio tour takes visitors behind the scenes of the iconic film series, from the Great Hall to Diagon Alley, featuring original sets, props and costumes. It continues to be one of the UK’s most popular family attractions, offering a full-day experience just outside of London.

Average summer saving: Child tickets from around £47, reduced to approximately £41.13 (saving around £5.87 per child)

• Cadbury World, Birmingham

A favourite with families, Cadbury World offers an interactive journey through the story of chocolate, including live demonstrations, storytelling experiences and plenty of sweet samples along the way. It combines entertainment with hands-on activities, making it a popular Midlands day out.

Average summer saving: Family tickets typically start from around £68, reduced to approximately £59.50 (saving around £8.50 per family)

• Royal Liver Building 360 Tour, Liverpool

If you’re looking for an educational day out, one of Liverpool’s most iconic landmarks, the Royal Liver Building 360 Tour, offers a unique chance to explore the Grade I listed building’s famous clock tower and take in panoramic views across the city and River Mersey. With immersive storytelling throughout, the experience delivers a memorable day out for families looking for something a little different from a traditional attraction.

Average summer saving: Child tickets from £13, reduced to approximately £11.38 (saving around £1.62 per child)

• SEA LIFE London Aquarium, London

Located on the South Bank, SEA LIFE London Aquarium offers an underwater journey featuring sharks, rays, penguins, and thousands of marine creatures. With interactive exhibits and walk-through tunnels, it’s a popular family choice for an educational and entertaining day out in the city.

Average summer saving: Child tickets from around £27.90, reduced to approximately £24.41 (saving around £3.49 per child)

How to save even more on family days out this summer

Alongside the Government measures, LNR is encouraging families to make use of additional savings this summer, including extra discounts on days out, travel offers, and seasonal deals such as the extremely popular “Kids Eat Free” promotions.

• Kids eat free: Many restaurants, pubs, and cafés across the UK offer ‘Kids Eat Free’ or ‘Kids Eat for £1’ deals, particularly during school holidays. These typically allow children to eat for free or at a reduced price when an adult purchases a main meal or meets a minimum spend, helping families reduce the cost of eating out.

• Discounts on days out: When you travel by train, LNR offers discounts of up to 50% across several attractions in London, Liverpool, and Birmingham. From 2FOR1 tickets to tour the London stadium, to 15% off at GoApe, travelling by train unlocks even more money off your next day out.

• Family travel offers: Travelling together can unlock even more value on top of the rail fare freeze, with LNR’s family ticket*. Its new £22 Advance Family Fare applies to travel between Birmingham and London for a family group (up to 2 adults and 4 children).

For more information on London Northwestern Railway, visit here.