SUMMER KIDZ: Summer holiday savings start now with free buses for kids

Families wanting to visit museums, beaches and national parks can enjoy days out for less as free bus travel for kids comes into force today.

Throughout August 2026, under 16s will be able to travel on most local buses in England for free, giving families a helping hand with the cost of living over the school holidays.

Families will be able to enjoy days out for less as part of the government’s Great British Summer Savings scheme, which is also cutting costs on children’s menu meals at restaurants, children’s tickets for theatres and cinemas and tickets for everyone at attractions like adventure centres, theme parks and soft play.

There are thousands of brilliant attractions families can save money on this summer, such as theme parks, castles and hidden gems like wildlife watching in the Lakes.

Europe’s longest bus route is included in the offer, meaning families can make the most of every minute of their journeys. The 11 service covers a 43km route and has been running around the outer circle of Birmingham for a hundred years. It connects to one of the world’s largest chocolate factories, the Cadbury World in Bournville, where families can get discounted entry this summer.

Families will be able to save on thousands of routes across England on operators such as First Bus, Stagecoach and Go-Ahead.

This support comes just days after the government announced it would cap bus fares at £2 from January – meaning millions of people will save a third on bus travel, helping people with the cost of living and giving people the breathing space they need.

Mayor of the East Midlands Claire Ward said: “Free bus travel for children this summer will make a real difference to families across the East Midlands, easing the cost of days out and helping more people enjoy what our region has to offer, whether that is a trip to a country park, a visit to a town centre, time at a museum or leisure centre, or simply getting out and about together during the school holidays. Buses connect people to jobs, education, services, friends and family.

“Making travel simpler and more affordable gives families more choice during the summer break and supports the high streets, visitor attractions and cultural venues that make Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire such brilliant places to live, visit and explore. In the East Midlands, we are also extending support to 16 to 18-year-olds so more young people can travel affordably to work, training, education and summer opportunities this August.”

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: “We’re giving families room to breathe from the cost of living squeeze. With free bus travel for 5-15 year olds and discounts on kids’ meals at restaurants, cinema tickets and theme parks, we’re helping people make the most of the time they have together for the school holidays.

“Not only are we lowering costs for the summer, the £2 bus fare cap will help all passengers get to where they need to for less.”

James Murray, Financial Secretary to the Treasury and Paymaster General, said: “From soft play and theatres to fish and chip shops and cafes, England has thousands of world-class attractions and eateries that families shouldn’t have to miss out on this summer because of the cost-of-living squeeze.

“To provide families with some breathing space, getting the kids there by bus will be completely free from today for the rest of the month, and we’ve cut VAT on kids’ meals in restaurants and tickets to attractions, so this summer holiday is one to remember.”

Rob Parkinson, Chief Executive of the Family Holiday Charity, said: “A family holiday or day out doesn’t start when we arrive at our destination, it begins with the journey. Travel should be filled with anticipation, but for many families the cost of getting out and about can make quality time together feel less accessible.

“We welcome the commitment that wherever possible children will travel for free on public transport this summer – and look forward to hearing how the Great British Summer Savings initiative has unlocked new experiences for families throughout the UK.”

VisitEngland Director, Andrew Stokes, said: “It’s fantastic to see free bus travel for children as the summer holidays get underway, supporting families to get out and explore the outstanding attractions and destinations across England in a stress-free and environmentally friendly way.

“Whether enjoying a trip to our stunning seaside destinations, beautiful countryside or our vibrant city attractions, there is so much to discover during the summer across England. I know our tourism and hospitality businesses will be very pleased to see you.”

To help families navigate the thousands of offers as part of Great British Summer Savings, the government has created a new interactive tool showing the best deals in your postcode, allowing families to easily see the restaurants, theatres, museums and other attractions offering discounts over the summer.

Child fares typically cost between £1 and £2; however, this summer 5-15 year olds will be able to travel for free on most local buses.

This builds on existing work to make buses better, with the Bus Services Act giving local leaders more control over their services, including protecting key routes from being axed, and £3 billion investment over the next three years improving services across the country.