MoneySave money'Great British Summer Savings' has seen a temporary VAT cut introduced to help families with the cost of living this summer11:21, 25 Jun 2026Families will get cheaper days out and restaurant meals this summer as a new savings scheme comes into effect.The “Great British Summer Savings” initiative has seen a temporary VAT cut introduced to help families with the cost of living this summer.Merlin Entertainments, which owns 20 venues including Alton Towers and Legoland, has updated ticket prices to show “summer VAT savings applied”.The price of advance tickets for both parks now start at £29.75, down from £34.Wiltshire safari park Longleat has also reduced the price of advance tickets for a family of four down to £139.80 to £122.30.Article continues belowOdeon, Vue and Cineworld cinema chains are also taking part. Odeon says the price of a family ticket for two adults and two children will come down from £32 to £28.50 this summer.In terms of food, restaurant chains including Greene King, McDonald’s, Wetherspoons and Nando’s are lowering the price of children’s meals.Nando’s has cut the price of its “Nandino” meals from £6.95 to £6.08 while a children’s meal at Wetherspoon drops from £5.75 to £5.03.McDonald’s is cutting the price of a typical Happy Meal by 27% to £2.99.There is no legal requirement for businesses to take part in the scheme, which is running across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland until September 1.Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “The cost of living isn’t just about paying the bills, it’s about being able to afford the moments that matter with your family.“Whether it’s a trip to the cinema, a day out together or family meal, too many parents have had to hold back because of pressure on household budgets – that’s why we’re slashing VAT on family days out this summer.”Rachel Reeves said: “I know the cost of living is a number one concern for families, and it can be even harder over the summer holidays when kids want to do things and money is tight.“So we’re making it that bit easier for families to make memories together and enjoy the little treats – while giving a boost to businesses across the UK.”Article continues belowList of places taking part in Great British Summer SavingsPeppa Pig WorldAlton TowersLegolandChessington World of AdventuresLongleatOdeonVueCineworldHaven HolidaysGreene KingHungry HorseMcDonald’sWetherspoonsNando’sChoose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌Greene KingLegolandMerlinFoodTheme parksSave money