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.
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
All of the operators of local bus services in Portsmouth will be offering free travel for those aged 5-15 during August. What's more, as under 5s already travel for free on Portsmouth buses, it means all travel on Stagecoach, First Solent and Pompey Link within the Portsmouth boundary will be totally free for those aged 15 and under, from 1 to 31 August.
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.
Portsmouth Guildhall
The VAT element has been reduced on child tickets for the Royal Marines School of Music performance at Portsmouth Guildhall has been reduced to 5%. This makes it more affordable now to see some of the best young military musicians performing live - at a very special show to mark 30 years since the Royal Marines School of Music moved to Portsmouth from Deal in Kent.
There will be fanfares, marches and the unforgettable Corps of Drums, with spectacular performances from the concert band, the Big Band, soloists and singers. Finally, the ground will shake with the unmissable sounds and spectacle of the world-famous Ceremony of Beating the Retreat.
Tickets are available on the Portsmouth Guildhall website.
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.
