13 Ways To Save Money This Summer (And Still Afford That Family Holiday)
Bank balance feeling a little light at the moment? Don’t panic! Britain is bursting with things for families to do and trust us, plenty of them are free – or close to it. Check out these fun and thrifty activities and days out, plus get clued up on all the savvy ways you can save money this summer without putting a dent in your holiday budget.
Bring history to life
At £87, an English Heritage membership for two adults may seem pretty steep but it gives you entry to over 400 historical properties – and allows your children to go free. Alternatively, you can buy your membership with your Nectar points through the Nectar website, meaning that you don’t need to pay a thing. Lots of the EH’s venues host brilliant and interactive exhibits, shows and events all summer long – check out the website regularly to see what’s on. [Corbis]
Travel for less
Trains can work out a lot cheaper than driving – and they’re way more fun for your little ones. Megatrain is brilliant for family travel as you can very cheap advance tickets and each adult can take any two children under the age of five for free. If you’re planning lots of days out using the train, you may want to invest in a National Rail ‘two together’ railcard. It costs £30 but lasts a year and allows you both you and your partner to have a third off your ticket costs every time you travel together. Visit nationalrail.co.uk for more information. [Corbis]
Go sightseeing
Planning a family day out in London but slightly put off by the entry prices to some of the main attractions? If you travel into the capital by train then you and your partner can find offers with various trainlines, and a lot of the sights let kids in free. [Alamy]
Use your Clubcard points
Increase the value of your Tesco Clubcard points by three or four times by converting them to Clubcard Rewards. These can then be redeemed at these super family-loved parks: Lightwater Valley, M&Ds theme park, Oakwood theme park, Diggerland and Longleat. [Alamy]
Free family festivals
If you were pinning your hopes on Glastonbury but couldn’t quite justify the ticket cost, pitch your tend at one of the many free family-friendly festivals going on this summer. Notting Hill Carnival (LINK) is a popular one – full of colourful costumes and delish Caribbean food – as is South Tyneside Summer Festival, which boasts brass bands, parades and open-air concerts. If you live in Wales, don’t miss out on Cardiff Festival and Bristol residents should definitely make a note of the Balloon Fiesta. Take a look at more free UK festivals here. [Corbis]
Eat out for free
Plenty of restaurants and cafes offer children’s food deals, letting you treat your tot without worrying about how much you’re spending. Visit Slug and Lettuce on Sundays, and your kids can eat for £1 or pause for a bite to eat after your Morrisons shop and your tot can eat completely free. [Corbis]
Enjoy money-off movies
Perfect for rainy days, Cineworld boasts £1 tickets for both you and your little one on selected weekend films. Odeon also offers £1 screenings for adults and children and Vue charges £1.75 on selected weekend mornings and throughout the school holidays. [Corbis]
Watch West End shows
Lots of top London shows are taking part in Kids Week this year – offering children the chance to watch musicals such as Charlie & The Chocolate Factory, Wicked and Billy Elliot The Musical completely free. [Alamy]
Use up those Nectar points
Racked up a load of Nectar points from your Sainsburys shops? Now’s the time to put them to good use and get a free (or almost free) family day out. Your points are worth double at Chessington World of Adventures, Thorpe Park and Legoland, so 500 points are equal to £5. Simply hand over your Nectar card at the ticket office when paying. [Corbis]
Jet off to Disneyland
With every adult package booked for Disneyland Paris, your tot can go free. You’ll both get hotel accommodation, breakfast and entrance to both Disney Parks. Hellooooo Mickey Mouse. [Alamy]
No frills = spend thrills
Travelodge is a brilliant affordable stay. You can get family rooms for as little as £19 a night and kids eat free at the breakfast buffet. [Corbis]
Have fun at home
You don’t have to go out for summer fun – there are lots of activities that you can do at home as family. Get inspired with these brilliant ideas. [Corbis]
