Deals & Discounts For Days Out; Key Dates

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.

BT Tower

Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre £5 Rush Tickets, (21 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 21 August for performances taking place week commencing 24 August 2026.

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

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.

BT Tower

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.

English Heritage Membership; Save 25%, (31 August)

New members can secure a 25% discount of English Heritage membership prices when they pay via annual direct debit. Simply use the promo code EHSUM26 before 31 Aug 2026 to pick up savings of 25% off standard membership prices. Remember you can always cancel membership before your renewal date if it’s not for you.

Membership gives you unlimited access to 400+ historic settings including Stonehenge, Tintagel Castle, Kenwood, Hadrian’s Wall & Osbourne. There are a range of membership options available including Individual, Joint, Family & Senior.  Worth noting that family membership includes up to 6 accompanying children under 19 years & senior membership is available for those age 65+.

TO JOIN GO TO English Heritage Membership – save 25% off with promo code EHSUM26.

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.

Alton Towers Short Break; Second Day FREE Promotion, (14 September)

Take advantage of this Second Day FREE promotion running on short breaks including popular Scarefest dates. Your short break includes overnight accommodation & breakfast, TWO-day theme park entry, FREE 9-holes of Extraordinary Golf & FREE parking. Running on selected dates up to 22 October 26, your 2nd day free ticket is valid on the day out check-out as part of your package. Prices start from £79pp for new bookings made up to 14 September 2026.

TO BOOK GO TO Alton Towers Short Break; Second Day FREE Promotion.

Alton Towers Scarefest

Kew Gardens; Late Entry Ticket, (30 September)

Enjoy discounted entry to Kew Gardens this summer from just £10pp. Running through until 30 September 26, you can gain late entry from 4pm to secure this cheap ticket price. As closing time ranges between 7pm & 8pm,  this potentially offers you 3 or 4  hours access for those that arrive at the earliest entry point.  Whilst tickets are slightly cheaper when booked in advance, you can hedge your bets against the weather and pay at the gate. More information available over at Kew Gardens.

St Paul’s Cathedral; Dome Only Tickets, (25 October)

For those more interested in climbing the dome rather than exploring the Cathedral itself, look out for this summer promotion. Enjoy a discounted Dome Only ticket, available every Sunday during the summer, between 12:30pm & 2pm. This reduced price ticket offers access to the Whispering Gallery, Stone Gallery & the Golden Gallery but not the rest of the cathedral.  Tickets must be booked in advance and are priced at £13.50 an adult/£5.25 a child, (6-15 years) with further concessionary rates available.

More information available over at Dome Sundays Open.

St Paul’s Cathedral, (photo; Phil Loach)

Tower of London; Ceremony of the Keys, (now taken place)

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.

Big Ben Ticket Release, (12 August)

Having recently completed a £80m refurbishment, Big Ben is now open to the public for guided tours up to the top. Here’s your chance to  climb the 334 spiral steps & experience the clock tower and belfry as the bell chimes in the hour.  Always a popular option, tickets will be released 3 months in advance, at 10am on Wednesday 12 August.

More information available over within our Guide To Big Ben Tours – climb 334 stairs to the top!