Family Days Out on a Budget

Sometimes we all need to watch the pennies, yet we still want a good family day out. In South East England, we have some wonderful money saving ideas that will ensure that new experiences mean enjoyment rather than expense.

Image of four children

For example, children go free at family race days at Ascot in Berkshire.  Under 16s can join the Colts and Fillies Club.  It’s free to join and membership has benefits such as a chance to meet a jockey, a behind the scenes tour, picnics and magic shows. There are a number of activities including fairground rides, balloon modelling and circus workshops.

Image of a family beside the River Thames

The River Thames is perfect for families.  It’s so good to get out in the fresh air for which - of course - there’s no charge.  You’ll soon find there’s nothing as nice as messing about on the river.  The Thames Path is well marked, take a gentle stroll or a full scale trek with a map and compass.  Or take your bikes and see just how far you can go. 

Pack a picnic and find a nice spot on the river bank to watch the world sail by.  Keep a look out for the herons, kingfishers and otters that have made their homes here.

Image of a Wightlink ferry

Get the Wightlink ferry across the Isle of Wight.  They often have special offers such as two for one tickets for foot passengers and great prices for cars with admission to some of the Isle of Wight attractions.  The Isle of Wight is wonderful for a day out.  There are many walks to follow, some follow the tracks of old railway lines and are good for pushchairs and bikes.

Image of a Four Pillars hotel

The Four Pillars hotel group have 3 and 4 star hotels in Oxford and the Thames Valley.  The hotels have good leisure facilities and often have some great deals for short breaks and special weekend breaks.  At times your children might even be able to stay for free - as long as you have dinner and breakfast in the hotel.

Image of a boy and ship

The Historic Dockyard Chatham in Kent is offering a new 12 month family ticket that allows you to visit as many times as you like.  And there’s certainly a lot to see.  Some great ships of course, HMS Cavalier from 1944, the 1962 submarine HMS Ocelot and HMS Gannett, a 1878 sail and steam ship.  Then there’s a whole bunch of historic buildings to see too.

Image of a family running

Some of the National Trust properties have added value extras on the admittance fee. For example, entrance to Basildon Park, Berkshire includes free talks and guides throughout the day.  Hughenden Manor, Buckinghamshire, was home to statesman Benjamin Disraeli, there are free family tracker packs for exploring the grounds. Opening times for individual National Trust properties and gardens in the South East vary – please check National Trust website for opening times.

Find out more about attractions & family holidays in England’s south east here