Families can enjoy discounted meals out, bus travel and entry to attractions this summer, with a special scheme aimed at alleviating the cost of living funded by the UK Government. The Great British Summer Savings scheme lets those with children enjoy a day out for less, with VAT cuts on restaurant meals and the entry price for certain attractions, as well as free bus travel to help the journey.
From 25 June to 1 September, VAT will be cut on eligible activities in a bid to reduce the cost of days out for families, whilst also supporting businesses by increasing footfall. It will see families paying less for children’s meals in restaurants, kid’s tickets to cinemas and theatres, and entry to a wide range of attractions. Bus travel will also be free for ages 5-15 during August (under fives already travel for free).
See the Government website for full details and all the background information on its scheme.
Please note, some charities, museums, and historical sites cannot offer the Great British Summer Savings reduction because they are already VAT-exempt, meaning their tickets do not include tax to reduce.
Who is getting involved in Portsmouth?
A whole host of local businesses have pledged to get involved in the Great British Summer Savings campaign, to offer even greater discounts for family visitors this summer. They include:
Stagecoach, First Solent and Pompey Link
Every local bus service in Portsmouth will be offering free travel for those aged 5-15 during August on the majority of their routes. What's more, as under 5s already travel for free on Portsmouth buses, it means nearly all travel on Stagecoach, First Solent and Pompey Link will be totally free for those aged 15 and under until 31 August (though please note, a very small number of routes are not included - see the full list of participating services here).
All this will help make it easier and more affordable to reach the great many free and low-cost activities running across the city this summer - many of which are organised by Portsmouth City Council. Whether you want to complete the Stomp for Stamps challenge, tick off as many sculptures as you can on the Pride of Portsmouth lions trail, or just explore the peaceful Hilsea Lines area, bus travel deals will make it much more cost-effective to get where you need to go.
Spinnaker Tower
This summer you have the chance to enjoy the cheapest entry to Spinnaker Tower ever! As well as the discount offered from the Great British Summer Savings, Spinnaker Tower has added its own seasonal offer on top - making this summer's prices the lowest they have ever been.
If that wasn't enough, the Tower is also running a competition to win a cash prize!
There's no need to do anything - this deal is automatically applied. You can find out more on the Spinnaker Tower website.
Clarence Pier
Clarence Pier is going above and beyond, offering over 25% off family days out this summer. Building on the government's initiative, the pier has introduced a brand-new Summer Savings Family Package, offering a discount of over 25% compared with standard gate admission prices.
Available exclusively online until 27 September, the package includes four Day Rider Wristbands (for unlimited rides between 11am & 5pm) and four entries to The Putt Hutt’s 18-hole indoor adventure golf course, all for just £120. This saves families a whopping £40.50.
That's not all, as the free-to-enter attraction has also lined up a range of other exclusive offers designed to make family days out even better value. These include:
- 15% off individual Unlimited Day Rider Wristbands when booked online as part of the Government's Great British Summer Savings initiative (until September 1st).
- 50% extra ride tokens with the popular Super Saver Token Bag, giving visitors 60 tokens for just £30 perfect for families to share.
- 15% off Wimpy Kids' Meals, helping families enjoy lunch for less during their visit (until 1 September).
For all the details head to the Clarence Pier website.
Blue Reef Aquarium Portsmouth
Make a splash this summer with up to 40% off tickets to Blue Reef Aquarium Portsmouth when you book online.
Discover fascinating marine life, get closer to incredible underwater creatures and enjoy a fantastic family day out for less. Simply book your tickets online and complete your purchase to claim the discount.
All promotional tickets must be used by 1 September 2026.
Port Solent
With many great restaurants to enjoy, as well as a multiplex cinema, there are many places to take advantage of slashed prices at Port Solent.
The centre's Odeon Cinema will be offering reduced-price child and family tickets, making it more affordable to see some of this summer's blockbusters - including Moana, Toy Story 5, Minions & Monsters, and Spider-Man: Brand New Day.
On the food front, both Zizzi and Wetherspoons are reducing the price of all meals on their Children's Menus, Harvester is offering Kids Eat for £1 throughout the school holidays, and Wildwood has a Kid's Menu for £6.95, which is VAT-reduced.
The Port Solent website has more information on all the restaurants available, as well as a host of free activities running across the school holidays.
Victorious Festival
Families can enjoy discounted festival entry when booking at least one child ticket (ages 5-12 or Under 5s) alongside standard admission tickets for Victorious 2026.
The headliners this year include Scissor Sisters, Richard Ashcroft, The Black Keys, Kelis, Kasabian and Bastille. The Kids Arena at Victorious Festival is packed with family-friendly fun, offering everything from live entertainment, interactive workshops and music performances to arts and crafts, games and activities for all ages.
To receive the discount simply select the required tickets through the Victorious Festival website and complete your booking, the saving will be automatically applied at checkout.
Children aged 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult aged 21 or over for the duration of their visit. Family Saving offers apply to festival entry tickets only and are subject to the festival’s terms and conditions.
Hovertravel
Hovertravel is providing families with even greater value this summer, with free travel for children on its HoverBus service throughout August
The HoverBus is included within in the Great British Summer Savings scheme, meaning families can make the most of summer holiday days out whilst still keeping travel costs down.
Until 31 August, children aged 5 to 15 can travel free of charge on the HoverBus, which is operated by First Bus on behalf of Hovertravel. The service provides a convenient connection between Portsmouth city centre, Portsmouth & Southsea railway station, The Hard Interchange, Gunwharf Quays and Hovertravel's Southsea terminal - making it easy for passengers to connect with the world's only year-round passenger hovercraft service.
The HoverBus webpage has full timetables and all the journey information you need to start planning your trip.
