Thirty-one restaurants, supermarkets, and hotels have been confirmed where children can eat for free during the summer holidays, offering significant savings for families amid the ongoing cost of living squeeze. The initiative, called Great British Summer Savings, is designed to help families enjoy days out and treats while also generating additional footfall for businesses during the summer period.
Scheme Details and Government Support
The Great British Summer Savings scheme is a temporary measure that reduces the cost of children's meals in restaurants, children's tickets for theatres and cinemas, and entry tickets for attractions such as soft play centres, adventure centres, and theme parks. All families are eligible, making it easier to plan affordable outings and create lasting memories.
Labour Party Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said: “I want families to be able to enjoy the little treats this summer. Great British Summer Savings will help families enjoy time making memories together while boosting business across the UK. This comes on top of support we’ve already put in place including freezing fuel duty, taking off £117 off energy bills, and freezing prescriptions and rail fares – all to help families with the cost of living.”
Industry Leaders Welcome the Initiative
Richard Mancey, Managing Director at Paultons Park, said: “Family days out are incredibly important, creating shared moments and memories that last a lifetime. The Great British Summer Savings scheme is a welcome boost for families this summer, giving extra confidence to enjoy experiences together. As an independent, family-owned business, Paultons Park understands how much value matters when families are planning a day out. That’s why we’re proud to be supporting the scheme by reducing prices, helping families make the most of the summer holidays and create special memories together. As the UK’s best rated theme park, we know anything that helps families enjoy quality time together is hugely positive.”
Graham Hayes, Park Director at Camel Creek Family Adventure Park, said: “Cornwall is one of the UK’s most beloved holiday destinations, welcoming millions of families every year and powering the local economy. At Camel Creek Adventure Park, we’re part of that story and wholeheartedly behind the Government’s VAT Summer Savers initiative. We know that for many families right now, every pound counts. That’s why we’re supporting VAT Summer Savers and passing those savings directly on to our visitors. For some families, this saving could be the difference between a day out happening or not and we’re delighted to support it.”
Fiona Eastwood, Chief Executive Officer of Merlin Entertainments, said: “It’s encouraging to see the sector come together to help families save more this summer. By reducing VAT on days out, the Great British Summer Savings initiative will give people more opportunities to get out, explore and turn everyday moments into memorable experiences. At Merlin, we’re proud to be passing on the savings while enhancing our own offers to deliver even better value across our attractions. Bringing families together through play is at the heart of what we do, and this scheme will help welcome more guests to our attractions and support a strong summer for the wider visitor economy.”
Full List of 31 Venues Where Kids Eat Free
The following 31 restaurants, supermarkets, and hotels are participating in the scheme, offering free kids' meals during the summer holidays:
- Angus Steakhouse
- Ask Italian
- Bella Italia
- Beefeater & Brewers Fayre
- Bills
- Brewdog
- Cafe Rouge
- Chiquito
- Coconut Tree
- Côte Brasserie
- Farmhouse Inns
- Franco Manca
- Frankie & Bennys
- Future Inns
- Gordon Ramsey Restaurants
- Las Iguanas
- Marco Pierre White
- Morrisons
- Pausa Cafe @ Dunelm
- Pizza Hut
- Premier Inn
- Preto
- Purezza
- Table Table
- TGI Fridays
- The Real Greek
- Turtle Bay
- Village Hotels
- Whitbread Inns
- Yo!
- Zizzi
The scheme is expected to provide a much-needed boost for families and businesses alike, with the government encouraging families to take advantage of the offers throughout the summer break.
