The government has launched Great British Summer Savings, a temporary scheme to cut the cost of family days out over the summer of 2026. It pairs a VAT cut on children's activities with free August bus travel for children in England. Here is exactly what is covered, when it starts, and which businesses are taking part.
| Quick answerGreat British Summer Savings cuts VAT from 20 percent to 5 percent on children's restaurant meals, children's tickets for cinemas, theatres, concerts and exhibitions, and admission to many attractions such as soft play, amusement parks and museums. It runs from 25 June 2026, applies UK-wide, and prices are reduced automatically at the till. Separately, children aged 5 to 15 in England can travel free on local bus services throughout August. The bus offer does not apply in London, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland. |
What is Great British Summer Savings?
It is a temporary cost-of-living measure from HM Treasury, announced on 17 June 2026, designed to make family days out more affordable over the summer holidays. The headline element is a VAT cut on children's activities, with the saving applied at the point of sale rather than claimed back later.
| Detail | What it means |
|---|---|
| VAT cut | From 20 percent to 5 percent |
| Start date | 25 June 2026 |
| Coverage | UK-wide |
| How you get it | Applied automatically at the till |
| Free bus travel | Children aged 5 to 15 in England, local buses, throughout August |
What the VAT cut covers
The reduced 5 percent rate applies to children's restaurant meals, children's tickets for cinemas, theatres, concerts and exhibitions, and admission to many attractions including soft play, amusement parks and museums. Lower prices appear automatically at the till, so there is no voucher or claim to make. The government has said full eligibility details and a list of participating venues will be published shortly.
Which businesses are taking part
Businesses that have committed to passing on the savings include Merlin Entertainments (whose sites include Alton Towers, LEGOLAND and the London Eye), Cineworld, Greene King-managed pubs, Nando's, Paultons Park, Gulliver's Theme Park Resorts, Haven, Crealy, Camel Creek Family Adventure Park and Barleylands Farm Park. Some are going further: Merlin is offering two theme parks for the price of one alongside the VAT cut, and Adventure Attractions in Bournemouth is removing its historic pier toll. The list is expected to grow as the scheme goes live.
Free bus travel for children in August
Separately, children aged 5 to 15 in England can travel free on local bus services throughout August, making days out, family visits and getting around cheaper. This applies to local bus services in England only. It does not apply in London, where children's free travel already runs through Transport for London, nor in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, where travel support is devolved.
Other cost-of-living support this summer
The government lists Great British Summer Savings alongside wider support, including 150 pounds off bills through the Warm Home Discount, frozen fuel duty, a 3 pounds bus fare cap extended to April 2027, and a 4 percent rise in the National Living Wage.
This article is for general information only and reflects figures published by HM Treasury and the government's Cost of Living Help campaign as at June 2026. Full eligibility and participating venues were still to be confirmed at the time of writing. Check the official scheme page for the latest detail.
Frequently asked questions
When does Great British Summer Savings start?
The scheme goes live on 25 June 2026.
How much is the VAT cut?
VAT on eligible children's activities is cut from 20 percent to 5 percent, with the saving applied automatically at the till.
What is covered?
Children's restaurant meals, children's tickets for cinemas, theatres, concerts and exhibitions, and admission to many attractions such as soft play, amusement parks and museums.
Do I need to do anything to get the discount?
No. Participating businesses apply the lower price automatically at the point of sale.
Is the free bus travel available everywhere?
No. Free August bus travel for children aged 5 to 15 applies to local bus services in England only, not London, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
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