Deals & Discounts For Days Out; Key Dates

Strictly 2026 Tickets, (2 August)

The ticket ballot is now open to apply for the Strictly 2026 Launch Show or Professional Dancers Pre-Record sessions. Taking place at Elstree Studios on selected dates during August & September, here’s a chance to get your first glimpse of Strictly 2026. Good to know that if you are successful in receiving tickets for the Launch Show or Professional Dancers Pre-Records, it will not preclude you for entering the ballot for the main live shows. The ticket ballot remains open until 10pm on 2 August 2026. More information available over at Strictly 2026 Tickets.

Tower of London; Ceremony of the Keys, (3 August)

Here’s a chance to be involved in the traditional locking up of the Tower of London that has been running every night for 700 years. This is a great way to enjoy a quieter experience, witness an historic event and pick up a bargain to boot. There is an element of pre-planning with this option as you need to apply for ticket months in advance to be part of this tradition. The ballot opens on Monday 3 August at 1pm for visits taking place during the month of September. More information available at Ceremony of the Keys.

Ceremony of the Keys, (photo ©Martin Usborne)

Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre £5 Rush Tickets, (7 August)

Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre in London runs a popular £5 rush ticket offer. Each Friday at 11am, The Globe releases a number of £5 standing tickets for performances taking place the following week.  Tickets are allocated on a first-come-first-served basis. Whilst the standing area does have one of the best views of the theatre, it does mean you will need to stand throughout the performance.  Worth noting that performances can last 2.5 to 3 hours including an interval. Tickets released on 7 August for performances taking place week commencing 10 August 2026.

More details available at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre Rush Tickets.

10 Downing Street Ballot, (17 August)

The ticket ballot is now open to be in with a chance to visit 10 Downing Street on a FREE guided tour. Running on 13 September 2026, successful applicants will receive up to 2 tickets for a 90 minute whistle-stop tour of one of the most well-known houses in London. Simply log in or create an account before applying to enter the ticket ballot. The ballots remain open until 12pm on Monday 17 August where successful applicants will be notified via email.

More information available over at 10 Downing Street Ballot.

10 Downing Street

Alton Towers; Kids Swim FREE Promotion, (17 August)

Take advantage of this Kids Swim FREE promotion running on short breaks over the summer holidays. Available for new bookings taking place between 20 July & 1 September 2026, theme park packages are available from £87pp. Your short break includes overnight accommodation & breakfast, 1-day theme park entry, FREE kids waterpark entry for kids, FREE 9-holes of Extraordinary Golf & FREE parking. Free Waterpark entry is for up to 3 children, (o-15 years) when added to your booking alongside at least 1 paying adult. Book by 17 August 2026 to take advantage of this offer & look out for the adult/child ratios in place.

TO BOOK GO TO Alton Towers Short Break; Accommodation, Breakfast & 1-day Theme Park Entry plus Kids Swim FREE.

Open House Festival, (open for bookings 19 August)

Open House Festival 2026 offers you a free chance to explore government buildings, museums & historic houses within London. Previously the programme has included City Hall, Fulham Palace, Embassy of the Republic of Poland & Van Gogh House London to name but a few.  Running from 12 – 20 September 2026, a number of these settings operate on a first-come-first-served basis, whilst the more popular require booking in advance. Worth noting that the full programme is open for bookings from 19 August 2026.

More information over at Open House Festival 2026.

Alton Towers Waterpark

National Trust Free Entry Voucher, (valid until 28 August)

For those that managed to pick up a National Trust Free Entry Voucher then remember it remains valid for use until 28 August 2026. This single use voucher offers free entry at participating National Trust settings for 2 adults & 3 children or 1 adult & 4 children.

FREE Child Tickets to London Shows, (31 August)

Take advantage of a FREE child ticket to top London shows this summer including Disney’s The Lion King,  Mama Mia, Les Misérables & The Devil Wears Prada The Musical.  You can pick up a free child ticket for those age 17 years and under when you purchase a full price adult ticket under this summer promotion.  Booking is now open with more information over at Kids Week 2026; Free Child Theatre Tickets.

London Zoo Penguin Beach, (photo; Phil Loach)

Whipsnade/London Zoo Tickets; FREE Return Visit, (2 September)

Book online with Whipsnade or London Zoo this summer and you can enjoy a FREE return visit. Simply book general admission tickets with Whipsnade/London Zoo on or before 2 September 2026 and claim a complimentary free visit that keeps the savings coming during the summer. Return visits work on a like-for-like-basis and must be taken by 16 October 26. The good news is the family ticket offer is included with this offer but excludes other third party promotions, (t&c’s apply).

TO BOOK GO To Whipsnade Zoo or London Zoo.

National Art Pass, (30 September)

If you managed to pick up a 3 Month National Art Pass for £20 when this promotion was running, you can secure FREE entry to hundreds of museums, galleries & art venues. You can also take advantage of half price entry to many more including Chatsworth, Kensington Palace, Bletchley Park, The Cutty Sark & Dumfries House in Scotland. Passes remain valid until 30 September 2026.