The price is right: Top tips for savings on summer days out

The summer holidays are fast approaching, which means one thing for parents: panicking about what to do with the kids for the next six weeks.

Right now, cost is a major factor as we head into the summer season, with parents and consumers alike looking for budget-friendly ways to enjoy the long summer days and weekends especially as the price of fuel continues to rise.

To help, Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) – the train operator for Southern, Thameslink, Great Northern and Gatwick Express – is offering five top tips and money saving tricks for activities across the rail network this summer that won’t break the bank.

So, no matter if you are a family of four or a group of friends, there is a cheaper way to embrace the British summer, without spending a fortune on petrol, and all while having a fantastic time.

1.  Seaside trips for the price of an ice-cream

Take the children to the seaside for just a few pounds. With every adult Off-Peak or Super Off-Peak ticket, you can bring up to four children aged 5-15 for just £2 each. Pack up the picnic and head out for the day to the seaside, exploring all the UK coast has to offer this summer for a cost-conscious but fun day out.

2.  Flex your destination and bag a bargain

‘Flex travel’ is the summer holiday trend for 2022, and this doesn’t just apply to flights. Seize the opportunity for adventure and pick your destination based on the best deals at your time of booking. Take advantage of Southern’s advance fares by booking ahead and being open minded about where you go to make the most of the deals. For example, you can get from London Victoria to Eastbourne for a seaside trip for as little as £5.50 if you book in advance. For the very best deals, you can book up to 12 weeks in advance – one to put in the diary for the October half-term too!

3.  Get on board for a group getaway, with change to spare

Upcoming hen weekend, friend’s birthday or summer wedding to get to? Take advantage of GTR’s group travel package. When you travel in a group of three to nine adults, GroupSave tickets can offer a third off the cost. Remember to book your tickets in advance to maximise on this offer.

For example, eight people travelling from London to Cambridge can get there and back for £12.85 each, or London to Portsmouth for £22.70 each and no need to fight over who will be the designated driver – it's a win-win!

4.  Rainy day activities

Rainy days are every parent’s nightmare. Stuck inside for hours, there is only so much painting and baking one can do. For those who live outside London, a trip to the big smoke can seem expensive but it is a great way to amuse children with some fantastic indoor activities without having to spend a fortune. Why not take a trip and visit Dippy the dinosaur at the Natural History Museum, which has free entry, or head to the London Transport Museum where children enter for free. For a wallet-saving rail journey, take advantage of £2 travel tickets for children aged 5 to 15.

5.  Double up your train ticket with a top attraction

When booking directly through Southern, Great Northern and Thameslink, make sure to double up on top attractions using GTR’s 2FOR1 entry when you travel by train. Some favourite attractions included in the offer are the London Eye, Oxford Castle and Prison, and The Bluebell Railway.

The 2FOR1 tickets must be booked online in advance. Visit Thameslink, Southern and Great Northern sites to find out more.

Angie Doll, Chief Operating Officer, GTR said: “The summertime is fantastic for getting out and about with family or friends, but it can be expensive too. We have some brilliant destinations available across our rail network from Brighton beach to the South Downs for country walks and cities like Cambridge for history and a spot of shopping. What’s not as well-known, though, is some of the ways you can travel by rail for less and make the most of offers and discounts that make those special summer days out even better.”

For more information on GTR’s ticket pricing visit Southern, Thameslink or Great Northern sites.

-ENDS-

For any further information please contact Spider PR on: GTR@wearespider.comor 0207 403 6900