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Between childcare, meals out, train travel and fun-packed day trips, the summer holidays can be an expensive time for parents. But we have good news. A new government scheme helps take some of the pressure off.
Kids aged five to 15 can travel on most local services across England this month as part of an initiative to help with the cost of living. So, while you try to keep the little ones entertained in the final weeks of the summer hols, there’s one less expense to worry about.
Many of the participating bus services take you directly to some of England’s greatest attractions. There’s Stagecoach 218, which stops at Chatsworth House, and Arriva Northumbria X18, which can drop you off at Bamburgh Castle.
The Great British Summer Savings scheme also gives discounts on kids’ meals at restaurants like Nando’s and Banana Tree, theatre and cinema tickets and theme parks like Camel Creek Family Adventure Park in Cornwall and Alton Towers. You can browse all of the offers here.
Local transport minister Simon Lightwood said: ‘We know how hard it can be for families to enjoy their time together as they face persistent cost of living pressures. That’s why this summer, we're giving families room to breathe as children can hop on the bus for free as part of our Great British Summer Savings scheme, which is also giving money off attractions and restaurants, as well as cheaper train fares.
‘From beaches to iconic historical sights, there's loads of beautiful attractions kids can get to for free. We want everyone to enjoy their summer holidays, and by taking action, we hope no one misses out on the small plans that make life more fun.’
The scheme runs until August 31. You can see all the bus companies taking part in the scheme here. If you want to make the most of the sun while you still can and show your kids some of England’s most scenic sights, here are 16 that they can get to from free on the bus this month.
The most scenic attractions kids can travel to for free this summer (and which buses to get)
North East
- Hadrian’s Wall: Go North East AD122
- Bamburgh Castle: Arriva Northumbria X18
- Northumberland Coast: Arriva Northumbria X18
North West
- Lake District (Windermere, Ambleside, Grasmere): Stagecoach Cumbria & Lancashire 555, 599
- Peak District (via Buxton): High Peak 58, 199
East Midlands
- Chatsworth House: Stagecoach 218 (from Bakewell & Sheffield)
- Peak District National Park (Bakewell/Castleton area): High Peak 199, 272
West Midlands
- West Midlands Safari Park: Diamond 292, Diamond 125
- Warwick Castle: Stagecoach 15, X17, X18
- Stratford-upon-Avon: Stagecoach X18
South East
- Seven Sisters Country Park: Brighton & Hove buses 12, 12A, 12X
- New Forest National Park: morebus X3, X6
- Eastbourne - Coaster 12
South West
- Land’s End – Go Cornwall bus 1A
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