Days Out Deals; Key Dates To Take Note Of For May Half Term

Look out for the dates coming up on a range of deals to help you start planning ahead including May half term & the school summer holidays;

1. Gardeners’ World Magazine; 2 for 1 Discount Card, (14 May)

There’s still time to pick up a Gardeners’ World Magazine that comes with a 2 for 1 discount card. Valid until March 2027, here’s a chance to make substantial savings throughout the year including May half term. With 360+ gardens participating in this offer, this 2 for 1 discount card allows 2 adults to enjoy access to hundreds of UK gardens for the price of one.  The good news is that you can use your card as many times as you wish during the year, (some restrictions on use).

Participating attractions include Leeds Castle, Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Brodie Castle, Dyffryn Gardens & Arboretum, English Heritage’s Osborne & a number of National Trust settings. The magazine remains available in store until 14 May 2026.

More information available over at Gardeners’ World Magazine 2 for 1 Discount Card.

Leeds Castle Maze

2. Horizon 22; Free Views of London, (11 May)

Billed as the highest viewing platform in London, Horizon 22 offers spectacular views over London. Overlooking many of London’s top sights including the London Eye, Houses of Parliament, the Tower of London & St Paul’s Cathedral and entry is free of charge. Tickets are released at 10am every Monday, for visits taking place 14 days in advance. The key date for ticket releases during May half term will be the 11 May.  Demand is likely to be fierce so you’ll need to act quickly to bag yourself free tickets.

More information available within our Guide to Horizon 22 Viewing Platform.

3. English Heritage FREE Pass, (collect 9 – 17 May)

Look out for this English Heritage FREE entry pass that you can now collect from a range of publications. Valid for use until 14 June 2026, this single-use pass can be used at participating English Heritage settings including Tintagel Castle & Osbourne. Each pass secures free entry for to up to 2 adults & 3 children or 1 adult & 4 children.

Find out how you can pick up your free pass over at English Heritage FREE Pass Offer.

St Mawes Castle

4. The National Theatre; Friday £10 Rush Tickets, (22 May)

Here’s a chance to pick up £10 tickets at the National Theatre in this Friday Rush promotion over May half term.  With £10 theatre tickets available on selected performances, this is a great way to enjoy a budget trip to the theatre. Participating productions vary and bookings are limited to 2 Friday Rush tickets for each production. The key date for ticket releases relating to performances taking place over May half term is 22 May 2026.

Each Friday afternoon, between 12.30pm & 1pm, a Friday Rush link appears on the National Theatre’s website site offering up available tickets for the following week from just £10pp.  Simply click on the link to join the queue for tickets where a random queue number will be assigned for everyone trying to book. This promotion is subject to availability, so whilst there is no guarantee of cheap tickets being available, we would suggest being ready to go as the booking link opens.

For more information go to National Theatre Friday Rush Tickets.

5. Blue Peter Badges, (apply for a badge)

Did you know that valid Blue Peter Badgeholders can gain free entry to a huge range of attractions including Edinburgh Zoo, Trentham Gardens, London Zoo, HMS Belfast, Twycross Zoo & National Botanic Garden of Wales.  Dig out your badge or encourage your young person to apply. Look out for restrictions on dates with this offer at specific attractions with more information available at Free Entry for Blue Peter Badgeholders.

RHS Gardens, (photo; Phil Loach)