If you’re not planning a summer holiday but are still looking to make the most of your time off, days out are a great alternative.
But even the best day trip can quickly add up - especially when there are kids to consider!
Save on summer days out (whatever the weather!) with our top tips to cut costs without sacrificing the opportunity for fun!
National Trust or English Heritage membership
From country houses and stunning gardens to beautiful stretches of wild coastline, make memories to last a lifetime and save on visits to hundreds of locations across the country including Stonehenge, Dover Castle and Hadrian’s Wall.
With annual memberships starting from £53 a year (though you can get free entry for up to six children under 18), becoming an annual member is a little more expensive than a day ticket but can save you tonnes long-term.
Jeni, a social care worker from Norfolk, told us, “We're considering getting a National Trust pass. I used to think that it's super expensive, but it turns out that it's not, and we'd only have to visit about 5-6 places to get our money's worth”.
Save on places you’d visit often with a Merlin Annual Pass
Merlin Annual Passes give access to theme parks and attractions across the UK so, if you’re a family of thrill-seekers and can see yourself going regularly, it’s well worth the initial investment! Plus, with Blue Light Card, you can save on the expense too – making it even cheaper to have fun.
Merlin attractions include theme parks such as Alton Towers and Thorpe Park, as well as attractions including Warwick Castle, London Dungeons and even the London Eye!
Find free days out and activities
Whether it’s a trip to your local garden centre, visiting a local museum or park or checking out free council-funded initiatives for the kids, you’d be surprised at how many free options there are available when you know where to look.
If your budget is tight at the moment, Facebook groups, council websites and local parish updates or newsletters can be a great way to keep up to date on ways to have fun without the added cost of a ticket.
Molly-Mae, an NHS employee from Northamptonshire, said, “We look for places that are free to go and that have play equipment. We take some outdoor games with us, and we always take a cool bag with a picnic in it. Sometimes I'll search for areas that have animals in them like cows, sheep and horses for the children to see to save on a day at the farm or zoo. Otherwise they would have me paying every day!”
Take advantage of offers and discount groups
Not yet a Blue Light Card member? We’re here for those who are here for all of us, so save every time you shop – whether it's on a new pair of shoes to a new car – by signing up today and purchasing your Blue Light Card – costing just £4.99 for 2 years!
Save on snacks and pack a picnic!
Let’s face it, kids are always hungry, and when a basic meal for a family of four can cost £30 or more, it’s a no-brainer to consider packing some snacks. It’s easy to grab crisps and chocolate but if you’re not a fan of crumbs or melted chocolate fingerprints, a Tupperware of blueberries or sharing bag of (air-popped) popcorn can be a super healthy alternative!
If you are looking to grab lunch while out and about however, try to plan ahead and take advantage of 2-for-1 options, free salad bars or restaurants where kids eat free. You could even check your Blue Light Card app to find a cheeky saving on restaurants and cafés near you using our handy map feature!
Download it for free in the App Store or Google Play Store.
Refillable bottles
Skip spending a fortune on single-use bottles of water or endless fizzy drinks! Save money and the planet by investing in a refillable bottle of water or two – it’s an easy solution!
Save on travel
With traffic jams and rising petrol prices, not to mention the cost of parking, it’d be silly to skip saving on getting out and about wherever possible. From Park and Ride options to investing in a railcard or even saving 20% on ticket prices (including online Funfares) with National Express, there are plenty of ways to cut down the cost of getting where you need to be.
