08/06/2026
From 25 June to 1 September 2026, VAT will be slashed on eligible activities, to help families enjoy the weekend treats, the days out, the small plans that make life enjoyable during the cost of living squeeze while supporting the businesses that depend on summer footfall.
Great British Summer Savings will be a targeted and temporary scheme to reduce the costs of children’s meals in restaurants, children’s tickets for theatres and cinemas and tickets for everyone for attractions like soft play, adventure centres, and theme parks, helping families enjoy a day out for less.
The scheme is estimated to cost about £300m.
The VAT rate on eligible activities will be cut from 20% to 5% and applies across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
The reduced rate will apply to:
▶ Children’s menu meals served in restaurants for consumption on the premises
▶ Children’s and family tickets for cinemas, theatres, concerts, shows and exhibitions
▶ Admission tickets, for both children and adults, to a range of attractions, including: amusement parks, fairs, museums, zoos, soft play centres, circuses, adventure parks, nature reserves, wildlife parks and observation attractions.
