The UK Government has launched a new postcode search tool as part of its Great British Summer Savings scheme, designed to help families cut the cost of days out during the school summer holidays. Parents are being urged to use the online tool to find nearby restaurants, cinemas and attractions offering lower prices through a temporary VAT reduction.
Families simply enter their postcode to see participating venues in their local area, making it easier to plan cheaper trips. The scheme runs until September 1 and temporarily reduces VAT from 20 per cent to 5 per cent on eligible children's restaurant meals, children's tickets for cinemas, theatres, concerts and exhibitions, as well as admission tickets for everyone visiting participating attractions including soft play centres, amusement parks, theme parks, museums and adventure centres.
How the Postcode Checker Works
According to the UK Government, the reduction is automatically applied at participating venues, meaning families do not need to claim a voucher or enter a discount code to benefit from the lower prices. Instead, they can use the new postcode checker to find businesses that have signed up to the scheme before booking a meal out or planning a family day trip.
The UK Government says the initiative has been introduced to help families manage the extra costs that often come with the summer holidays while also encouraging more visitors to hospitality, leisure and cultural attractions. Thousands of businesses across the UK are eligible to take part, with more expected to register throughout the summer. The postcode finder is updated as new venues join, meaning families may want to check back regularly before making plans.
Potential Savings and Free Options
The Treasury has previously estimated that families could make noticeable savings where participating businesses pass on the full VAT reduction. This could include lower prices on children's meals, cinema tickets, visits to museums and theme parks, as well as other family-friendly attractions.
Alongside the discounted activities, the UK Government is also highlighting a range of free options for families over the summer, including museums and galleries with free admission, the Summer Reading Challenge available through local libraries, and outdoor spaces such as parks and nature reserves hosting seasonal activities. Some of these additional programmes are only available in England, so families in Scotland should check with their local council, attractions and community organisations to see what free or discounted activities are available closer to home.
Encouragement to Use the Tool
The UK Government is encouraging families to use the postcode finder before heading out to make sure nearby venues are taking part in the scheme, which is due to end on September 1. Businesses that have not yet joined the scheme can still register, meaning the number of participating restaurants and attractions is expected to continue growing throughout the summer holidays. You can pop your postcode to find discounts near you on the GOV.UK website.
