This summer, families can enjoy more affordable outings and dining experiences thanks to a new savings initiative. The “Great British Summer Savings” program has introduced a temporary VAT reduction to assist families with their living expenses during this season.
Merlin Entertainments, the company behind 20 popular venues such as Alton Towers and Legoland, has adjusted ticket prices to reflect the applied “summer VAT savings.” Advance ticket prices for both parks now start at £29.75, reduced from £34.
Longleat, a safari park in Wiltshire, has also lowered the price of advance tickets for a family of four from £139.80 to £122.30.
Cinema chains like Odeon, Vue, and Cineworld are participating in the initiative as well. Odeon has announced that the price of a family ticket for two adults and two children will decrease from £32 to £28.50 this summer.
In the realm of dining, popular restaurant chains including Greene King, McDonald’s, Wetherspoons, and Nando’s are cutting prices on children’s meals. For instance, Nando’s has reduced the cost of its “Nandino” meals from £6.95 to £6.08, while a children’s meal at Wetherspoons now costs £5.03, down from £5.75.
McDonald’s is also joining in by decreasing the price of a typical Happy Meal by 27% to £2.99.
Businesses are not legally obligated to participate in the scheme, which is applicable across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland until September 1.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized the importance of making family experiences more affordable, stating that slashing VAT on family outings this summer allows families to enjoy special moments together. Rachel Reeves echoed this sentiment, highlighting the initiative’s role in easing financial burdens on families during the summer holidays and supporting businesses nationwide.