My fiance is a teacher and is looking forward to half term, perhaps even more than the children she teaches!
For her it’s a chance to catch up on lesson planning but for families with children, half term is often a whirlwind of activity, and costs can really add up.
Travelling by train can be a great way to visit places in half term, but train fares can be a budget-buster.
I used to use my 16-25 rail card all the time for a third off the ticket price but alas I’m too old for it now!
Thankfully there there lots of different railcards available which save a third off most adult rail fares and 60% off kids’ fare including:
- 16-25
- Family & Friends
- Two Together
- Senior
- Disabled Persons Railcards
- Network Railcard
With slashed price train tickets available you can make room in your budget for more fun. Here are some ideas!
Forests
Want to relax and enjoy the crackling of red and gold leaves rustling beneath your feet? The UK has a wealth of forests and woodlands. Just an hour and a half from London the New Forest is a fantastic family friendly option that won’t break the bank.
Travel
Off-Peak Return tickets from London (Waterloo) to Ashurst New Forest, for a family of four with a Family & Friends Railcard – £72.30
Usually: £105.40
Total Saving: £33.10
Theatre
From the best of Disney to Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Phantom of the Opera, the West End offers something for everyone. It’s a step up from your local theatre, offering faultless timing in dance moves and incredible voices – a perfect way to spend a chilly autumn evening. You can even get up to 60% off theatre tickets with your Railcard.
Travel: Off-Peak Return from Birmingham – London (Euston) for a family of four with a Family & Friends Railcard – £88.70
Usually: £156.60
Saving: £67.90
Hit the slopes
Start the ski season early by heading to one of the UK’s indoor slopes. From family ski sessions to sledging and snowboarding there’s loads on offer for families of all ages. Based in Hemel Hempstead, The Snow Centre is Britain’s newest indoor ski centre and caters for kids as young as four.
Travel: Off-Peak Return tickets from London (Euston) – Hemel Hempstead for a family of four with a Family & Friends Railcard – £23.30
Usually: £34.00
Total Saving: £10.70
Museums
When the autumn weather offers blustery winds and rainy skies, why not spend the day exploring a museum. Liverpool’s World Museum is one that will excite both the kids and adults with rocket rides through space and journey’s to the bottom of the sea.
Travel: Off-Peak Return tickets from Manchester – Liverpool for a family of four with a Family & Friends Railcard – £21.10
Usually: £37.20
Total Saving: £16.10
Blackpool Illuminations
Stuck with what to do with your weekend? Plan a day trip to Blackpool and watch the flamboyant Blackpool Illuminations dazzle and light up the entire promenade. Switch on from early September until November for spectacular views, which the whole family can enjoy.
Travel: Direct Anytime Return tickets from Leeds – Blackpool for a family of four with a Family & Friends Railcard – £46.10
Usually: £81.30
Total Saving: £74.70
On average, Railcard users save £130 annually, making it worth over four times as much as it costs. Plus, in addition to saving on travel costs, the Family & Friends Railcard offers discounts on theatre tickets and days out.
For more information visit www.familyandfriends-railcard.co.uk
Rail fares listed correct at the time of posting
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