Lynn Beattie, a single mother of three and personal finance expert known as Mrs Mummypenny, has outlined how she saves money on days out and never pays full price for attractions. The Hertfordshire-based money-saving specialist, who has appeared on BBC, Sky News and Channel 5, shared her tips exclusively with the Daily Express as families continue to feel the cost of living squeeze.
According to research commissioned by members club Boundless and conducted by Censuswide, 43% of Brits are actively searching for more discounts and deals on attractions and days out compared to last year. The survey of 2,000 Brits also found that 41% now consider value for money their biggest consideration when planning a day out, 35% plan more UK day trips than last summer, and 18% say rising overseas holiday costs are pushing them towards UK-based outings.
Parents Becoming More Selective
Lynn Beattie said parents are changing how they spend this summer, with value the main factor when choosing a family day out. "The good news is you don't have to spend hundreds of pounds to create brilliant summer memories. With a little planning, families can cut the cost of a day out dramatically without compromising on the experience," she stated.
Darren Milton from Boundless added: "Families are clearly looking for ways to make their cash go further this summer, with value for money now the top consideration when choosing a day out and more people actively searching for discounts than a year ago. What's encouraging is that people aren't cutting back on experiences altogether. Instead, they're looking for smarter ways to enjoy quality time together, whether that's visiting destinations closer to home or making the most of offers and membership benefits."
Five Tips to Save on Days Out
Below, Mrs Mummypenny explains her five tips to save on days out this summer.
1. Choose Free Days Out First
The best family days out don't always come with an entrance fee. Beaches, parks, woodland trails, nature reserves and many museums offer a brilliant day out for little or no cost. Check your local council website or community Facebook groups too – you'll often find free family events, festivals and outdoor activities happening throughout the summer holidays and might be surprised at the hidden gems on your doorstep.
2. Cut the Cost of Getting There
Travel can easily become one of the biggest expenses of a day out. Book train tickets in advance where possible and use railcards such as the Friends & Family Railcard to save a third on family rail travel. If you're driving, consider car sharing with relatives or friends to split the cost of fuel and parking, while making the journey part of the fun.
3. Never Pay Full Price for Attractions
Before booking a day out, spend five minutes looking for discounts. Booking online in advance is often cheaper than paying on the gate, while supermarket reward schemes, cashback sites and loyalty programmes can all help reduce the cost. It's surprising how often families pay more, simply because they don't check first.
4. Make the Most of Memberships
If you regularly visit attractions, a membership can quickly pay for itself. Schemes can offer discounts on attractions, restaurants and cinema tickets, plus reduced or free entry to museums, galleries and heritage sites. Even one or two family days out could cover the annual cost.
5. Pack Your Own Picnic
Food and drinks can easily double the cost of a family day out. Preparing a picnic beforehand keeps spending under control and often gives you healthier options too. Freeze drinks overnight so they keep everything cool and pack a few homemade treats to make lunch feel special.
