Great British Summer Savings: Family Discounts 2026

The UK government has launched the Great British Summer Savings scheme to ease the cost of living for families. It runs from 25 June to 1 September, covering key family-friendly activities.

What’s on Offer?

The scheme reduces VAT from 20% to 5% on selected services. This cut applies to:

Children’s and family cinema tickets
Admission to attractions like zoos, theme parks and soft play centres
Children’s meals in restaurants and cafes

Businesses can choose to pass on the savings. The government estimates a family of two adults and two children could save up to £20 on a theme park visit.

Key Attractions and Retail Partners

Major venues are participating, including:

Legoland Windsor and Alton Towers (owned by Merlin Entertainments)
Peppa Pig World and other wildlife parks
Odeon, Vue and Cineworld cinema chains
Greene King, McDonald’s, Wetherspoons and Nando’s for children’s meals

For example, a family of four at Longleat safari park sees their advance ticket price drop to £122.30 — a saving of £17.50.

At Odeon, a family ticket (two adults, two children) drops from £32 to £28.50. Nando’s reduces its Nandino meal from £6.95 to £6.08. McDonald’s cuts its Happy Meal to £2.99 — a 27% drop — and applies it to drive-thru and app orders, though not home delivery.

Eligibility and Conditions

For children’s meals, two conditions must be met:

The dish must be advertised and priced as a child’s meal
It must be eaten in a restaurant or cafe

Meals with alcoholic drinks or marketed as lower-calorie options do not qualify. A single inclusive meal (e.g., with drink) qualifies if priced as a child’s meal. Takeaway meals are excluded unless ordered via app with delivery.

Season Tickets and Other Offers

Season passes — such as Merlin’s popular passes starting at £139 — are not included. The scheme only applies to single-entry tickets or short-term visits.

Family cinema tickets only apply to children’s tickets. Adults are only included in family packages.

Refunds for Existing Bookings

Some businesses offer refunds for pre-booked visits. The government says it expects refunds for overpaid VAT.

Longleat automatically refunds the difference for bookings made during the scheme. However, Hever Castle says the offer is not retrospective. Existing bookings cannot be rebooked or refunded.

Paul Kelly, chief executive of the British Association of Leisure Parks Piers and Attractions, notes that refunds may be logistically difficult and financially burdensome for some businesses.

Additional Family Support

During August, children aged 5–15 in England can travel for free on local bus services. This could save a family with two children £27 on weekly trips.

Free travel does not apply in London, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland — where local policies already provide such support.

Why It Matters

The scheme is designed to support families with everyday spending. It targets small, routine expenses that add up over time.

By reducing VAT on family activities, the government aims to make leisure more accessible. It reflects a focus on ‘little treats’ in daily life, as described by Chancellor Rachel Reeves.