Great Western Railway has launched a new fixed-price Family Day Out ticket, allowing up to six people to travel round-trip from £49. The move comes after a significant rise in bookings to city, coastal, and countryside destinations.
Rising demand for UK rail travel
Oxford saw the biggest jump in bookings, up 131% compared to last year. Bath Spa bookings rose by 93%, Cardiff Central and Bristol Temple Meads by 76% and 72% respectively, and Plymouth by 50%. GWR attributed this to higher fuel prices and the rising cost of living affecting travel choices.
Ticket details and savings
The Family Day Out ticket allows up to two adults and four children to travel round-trip on the same day for either £49 or £59, depending on the route. Passengers with a Friends and Family Railcard can save an extra £10 on eligible trips. The ticket is valid for weekday travel until Friday, September 4, covering destinations across the GWR network, including South Wales, Somerset, Devon, and the English Riviera.
Amanda Burns, GWR Commercial and Marketing Director, said: "More families are choosing to explore the UK by rail this summer, whether that means discovering one of our historic cities, enjoying a day beside the sea or escaping to South Wales or the West Country. Our new Family Day Out ticket responds directly to that growing demand, making it simpler and more affordable for families to enjoy a 'railcation' together."
Government initiatives
The launch follows the UK Government's rail fare freeze for 2026/27, expected to save passengers £600 million. Additionally, a temporary VAT cut from 20% to 5% on some summer attractions, such as theme parks, zoos, museums, and children's cinema tickets, is in place during school holidays. The Great British Summer Savings scheme also reduces costs, with many attractions in Wales and England participating, including some National Trust and Cadw properties and castles.
Dining chains such as Odeon, Cineworld, Greene King, McDonald's, Wetherspoons, and Nando's are passing on the tax reduction for children's meals. Nando's confirmed its "Nandino" options will drop from £6.95 to £6.08, Wetherspoons is reducing a children's meal from £5.75 to £5.03, and McDonald's is slashing the price of a typical Happy Meal by 27% to £2.99.
