Cheap Family Days Out in the UK: 8 Cheap Family Activities

Making memories with your family doesn't have to break the bank; here are some of the best, cheap family days out in the UK...

Written byHolly Barrow
Published on
Read time7 min read

In a country brimming with history, natural beauty and cultural experiences, finding affordable family days out in the UK is easier than you might think.

From exploring ancient castles to picnicking in lush green parks, there's something for every family to enjoy without breaking the bank.

Here are 5 fantastic and low cost family days out to enjoy in the UK - and best of all, you can enjoy some of these days out for even less with your TOTUM membership.

TOTUM isn't just for students - as a professional, you can enjoy hundreds of discounts with TOTUM Professionals, helping you to save on everything from family days out to tech, fashion and more!

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1. Free outdoor activities

Embrace your sense of adventure and try your hand at outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling or kayaking for free! Finding the perfect hiking route suitable for different age ranges is simple enough with the likes of Komoot and AllTrails and this can quite easily be turned into a full weekend activity, with camping included!

Stock up on essential hiking gear and make huge savings with TOTUM discount from the likes of Regatta, Go Outdoors, Craghoppers, Blacks, Winfields and more.

Wondering where to visit? Depending on where you're located, here are some of the best places to hike and kayak in the UK:

  • Yorkshire Dales

  • Peak District National Park

  • Scottish Highlands

  • Brecon Beacons

  • Lake District

  • Tollymore Forest Park

  • Cornish coast

  • Windermere

  • Pembrokeshire coast

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2. Adventure days

Looking for fun-filled family adventure days to embark on without spending a fortune? If you're a family of thrill seekers looking for your next adrenaline rush or want to experience the ultimate escapism in your favourite fictional worlds, check out the following adventure days that you can experience for even less with TOTUM:

The Bear Grylls Adventure, Birmingham

The Bear Grylls Adventure brings together eleven epic experiences, all of which offer their own challenges and encourage you to push your limits and achieve the remarkable. Memories are waiting to be made throughout the attraction, from the indoor climbing walls to the archery range, iFLY wind tunnel to the escape rooms. Book your visit online now and save up to 45% off with TOTUM and The Bear Grylls Adventure.

Shrek's Adventure!, London

Shrek's Adventure! is a tourist attraction located in the County Hall building, London and is suitable for all ages, making this the perfect cheap family day out for fans of the iconic DreamWorks franchise. From a 4D flying bus to Farquaad's dungeon, you can fully immerse yourself in the world of Shrek with this fantastic experience. Get tickets from £20 when you book online with Shrek's Adventure and TOTUM.

Gripped, London

Choose from six incredible adrenaline activities, including high ropes, zip lines, bag jumps and more! If aerial adventures sounds like your idea of fun, Gripped will no doubt be the perfect cheap day out for the family.

Save 30% on all inclusive passes with TOTUM!

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3. Theme parks

Who doesn't love a family day out to a theme park?

You may be thinking that 'theme parks' and 'cheap days out' don't necessarily belong in the same sentence, but with TOTUM you can make savings on family days out to the likes of Alton Towers and Thorpe Park - and there are some other simple ways you can keep costs low.

If you can visit during off-peak times and book in advance, you'll usually find tickets are cheaper than during peak periods such as the school summer holidays.

With TOTUM, you can get a Kids Pass trial for just £1, which gives you massive discounts on plenty of family days out and holidays, including up to 56% off theme parks!

Or you can also get specific discounts from Alton Towers, Thorpe Park, Legoland and Chessington Resort - get Alton Towers tickets from just £21, tickets for Thorpe Park from £20, tickets for Legoland from £29 or tickets for Chessington Resort from £20.

4. Explore national parks

The UK boasts 15 stunning national parks, offering endless opportunities for outdoor adventures. From the rugged landscapes of Snowdonia to the tranquil beauty of the Lake District, these parks provide the perfect backdrop for family hikes, picnics and wildlife spotting. Best of all, most national parks offer free entry, making it an affordable option for families looking to reconnect with nature.

Richmond Park London Student Guide

5. Historic castles and towers

Step back in time and explore the rich history of the UK by visiting one of its many historic castles or towers. From the iconic Edinburgh Castle to the majestic Warwick Castle, these architectural marvels offer a glimpse into the past through guided tours, interactive exhibits, and breathtaking views.

And did you know, with TOTUM you can explore the grounds of Warwick Castle from as little as £22?! Many castles offer discounted family tickets, making it a budget-friendly option for a day of family fun.

You can also get discount on tickets to visit Blackpool Tower, with prices from just £13 as a TOTUM member!

6. Zoos and wildlife parks

For another fun-filled, cheap day out with the kids, why not get up close and personal with exotic animals from around the world at one of the UK's many zoos and wildlife parks? From lions to meerkats, these attractions provide educational and entertaining experiences for animal lovers of all ages. Look out for discounted family tickets and special feeding sessions to make the most of your visit - get 20% off Virgin Experience Days where you can find discounted entry to zoos such as London Zoo, Edinburgh Zoo, Fife Zoo and more!

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7. Stadium tours

Embarking on a stadium tour is another great family friendly day out! Whether you're die-hard sports fans or simply curious about the inner workings of iconic venues, stadium tours provide a unique opportunity to explore behind the scenes of some of the world's most renowned sporting arenas.

From walking in the footsteps of sporting legends to learning about the history and architecture of the stadium, these tours offer fascinating insights and photo opportunities.

Kids and adults alike will be captivated by the chance to visit locker rooms, player tunnels, and even step onto the hallowed pitch or court. It's a chance to bond as a family while immersing yourselves in the excitement and atmosphere of the sporting world, creating cherished memories that will last a lifetime.

And once again, your TOTUM membership can help you to make this an even cheaper family day out - save 20% on all Wembley Stadium tours with TOTUM!

8. Theatre trips

A trip to the theatre offers an enriching and memorable experience that will be enjoyed by all! Many theatres offer discounted tickets for family-friendly shows - from classic plays and lively musicals to interactive children's performances, there's a wide range of productions to suit every age and interest.

Kick back and enjoy being transported to fantastical worlds as captivating stories unfold before your eyes. Looking for ways to keep your theatre trip as cheap as possible? Check out our top tips for getting cheap theatre tickets here.

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And make sure to take advantage of the following discounts with TOTUM:

Cheap family days out in the UK are out there waiting to be explored, with a wide range of activities and attractions to suit every interest and budget. Whether you're exploring historic landmarks, seeking a thrill or immersing yourself in nature, there's no shortage of memorable adventures waiting to be discovered.

Looking for more ways to save on the things you love? Check out our other guides on TOTUM Talks or jump straight to the following...

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