If you’re planning days out with your children this summer, there’s a new Government scheme you may not have heard about.
It’s called Great British Summer Savings, and it could help reduce the cost of family activities during the school holidays.
For many SEND families, the summer holidays can be particularly expensive. Finding places your child enjoys, planning around sensory needs, and managing additional costs all add up.
Here’s everything you need to know.
What Is Great British Summer Savings?
The Government has introduced a temporary reduction in VAT from 20% to 5% on a range of family-friendly activities.
The scheme runs from:
25 June 2026 until 1 September 2026
The aim is to make family days out more affordable during the school holidays.
What Is Included?
The scheme covers many types of attractions, including:
- Theme parks
- Zoos
- Wildlife parks
- Safari parks
- Soft play centres
- Adventure parks
- Aquariums
- Museums (where eligible)
- Nature reserves
- Children’s cinema tickets
- Family cinema tickets
- Children’s theatre tickets
- Children’s meals at participating restaurants (usually when eaten on-site).
Attractions Already Taking Part
Many well-known attractions have confirmed they are passing on the VAT saving, including:
- Alton Towers
- LEGOLAND Windsor
- Chessington World of Adventures
- Thorpe Park
- Warwick Castle
- Longleat
- Peppa Pig World
- SEA LIFE attractions
- London Eye (Merlin attractions)
- Cadbury World
- Odeon Cinemas
- Vue Cinemas
- Cineworld.
Restaurants Taking Part
Several major restaurant chains have also confirmed they are reducing the price of children’s meals, including:
- McDonald’s (including drive-thru and app orders, excluding delivery)
- Nando’s
- Wetherspoons
- Greene King pubs.
Is Every Attraction Included?
No.
This is the part many people miss.
While the Government has introduced the VAT reduction, individual businesses decide whether and how they pass the saving on to customers.
Some are offering the full reduction.
Some may only offer part of it.
Others may choose not to participate at all.
What If I’ve Already Booked?
Some attractions, such as Longleat, have said they will automatically refund the difference if you booked before the scheme started.
Others have said existing bookings won’t be adjusted.
It’s worth checking directly with the attraction before assuming your booking qualifies.
How Do I Find Out If Somewhere Is Participating?
Before booking, simply ask.
You could email, call or message the attraction and ask:
“Hi, I just wondered whether you’re taking part in the Government’s Great British Summer Savings scheme and whether the temporary VAT reduction has been applied to your ticket prices or children’s meals?”
Most businesses will be able to tell you straight away.
You can also:
- Check the attraction’s website.
- Look at their social media pages.
- Search for “Great British Summer Savings” alongside the attraction’s name.
Why This Matters for SEND Families
Many SEND families spend considerably more on school holiday activities than they would like.
Finding autism-friendly days out, quieter sessions or places your child genuinely enjoys isn’t always easy—and when you find somewhere that works, you often return again and again.
Even a small saving can make a real difference.
If this scheme helps your family enjoy one extra day out this summer, it’s worth knowing about.
Final Tip
Before you book any attraction this summer, take two minutes to ask whether they’re taking part in Great British Summer Savings.
A quick email or phone call could save you money.
And if you discover a great attraction that is participating, let other families know.
The more we share information like this, the more families can benefit.
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