Greetings, money-savvy readers! We all know that family fun often comes with a hefty price tag. With 2024 here, it’s crucial to spend some time researching to save money. This financial guide has been created to give you the tips and tricks to save money on activities across the UK.
Whether you’re exploring museums in London, enjoying theme parks in Derbyshire, or embarking on outdoor adventures in Bedfordshire, we bring you the ultimate guide to cost-cutting without compromising the joy of family bonding. The aim of the guide is to bring you some tips that will make your money go further on family trips.
Compare Prices with Precision
Our first tip in this guide is to compare prices to the activity or event before booking tickets. Various websites specialize in comparing prices for family activities, helping you make informed decisions without breaking the bank. Top websites include Seat Compare for football tickets, GoCompare, and MoneySuperMarket for attractions. These websites provide a comprehensive overview of prices for major UK attractions which will help you save money. Tip: Check the official price on the official website first before comparison.
Embrace Discount Websites
Our next tip is to use discount websites to your advantage. Websites such as Groupon specialise in deals that can help you as a family. Any discount on entry fees, dining options, and even hotel stays means more cash for your trip. Subscribe to family specific categories and monitor any deals that you and your family would enjoy. Attractions in London can be expensive if you purchase tickets on the day, save money and look for these deals.
Plan Ahead for UK Theme Parks
The UK has many theme parks including Gullivers World and Alton Towers that are all fantastic experiences. However, they can be expensive so we do recommend planning in advance. are synonymous with family fun, but the expenses can quickly add up. To mitigate costs, plan your visit well in advance. Many theme parks such as LegoLand and Thorpe Park offer fantastic discounts on tickets when booked online in advance. The summer holidays in the UK is the best period to go as a family but we recommend trying to book tickets at least 6 months ahead of time to get the best deal.
Pay for Annual Memberships
For families that plan on visiting certain attractions multiple times per year, we recommend checking the price of an annual membership. For some attractions, visitors can recuperate their investment by simply visiting the attraction twice in one year. Museums, wildlife parks such as Chester Zoo, and historical sites including York Castle often offer membership options that grant unlimited access throughout the year.
Explore Free Events and Activities
Whilst most attractions do have price for entry, there are many places that are free around the UK.
Contrary to popular belief, family fun doesn’t always require a hefty admission fee. From outdoor concerts in Hyde Park and local family festivals, you will be surprised by what is available when you research. VisitBritain is a great website that can help in discovering, allowing your family to enjoy memorable experiences without costing a small fortune.
Save on Eating Out – Pack a Lunch
Aside from the entry fee into places, the biggest expense for families is eating out during these trips. Instead of paying £50 for a meal for 5, pack a picnic lunch with your family’s favorite snacks and meals for less than half the price. Many parks and attractions have designated picnic areas, providing the perfect backdrop for a budget-friendly family meal.
Conclusion
For families looking to save money this year, there are countless opportunities to create lasting memories without damaging your bank balance. Spend some time researching websites, discount platforms, and strategic planning, this will help you make the most of your family outings.
The key is to be savvy, plan ahead, and explore the multitude of affordable options available to families across the United Kingdom.
Enjoy the new year and plan your next family adventure without the financial stress and save money.
