Summer Savings Scheme | Cheaper Family Days Out in West Sussex

The VAT cut is only in place until 1 September 2026, after which prices on children's meals, cinema and theatre tickets, and attraction admissions will return to the standard rate. So kake the most of cheaper days out near Chichester and across West Sussex before the scheme ends. If you've got a family day out on your list this summer, now's the time to book it in and take advantage of the savings while they last.

Not sure where to start? The easiest way to find out which attractions and restaurants are offering the VAT savings is to use the official Summer Savings website. Simply enter your postcode to see a list of participating days out and places to eat near you, from local attractions to family-friendly restaurants offering discounted children's meals. It's a quick way to check what's on offer in West Sussex and around Chichester before you head out, so you know exactly where your money goes further this summer.

Across West Sussex, plenty of family favourites are taking part in the Great British Summer Savings scheme. For food, you'll find discounted children's meals at Ask Italian, Nando's, Smith & Western, Boston Tea Party and Bill's Restaurant, making family meals out that little bit more affordable.

If you fancy a trip to the cinema or a game of bowling, Cineworld and Tenpin are also offering savings on tickets. And for a great day out, Fishbourne Roman Palace, Arundel Museum, Parham House & Gardens and Petworth House & Park (National Trust) are among the West Sussex attractions offering discounted entry this summer.

Whether you're after a family meal, a rainy-day activity or a classic day out near Chichester, there's plenty on offer to help your money go further.

Families can save even more this summer thanks to free bus travel for kids, running alongside the wider Great British Summer Savings scheme. Throughout August 2026, children aged 5 to 15 can travel free on participating local bus services across England, giving families one less cost to worry about when planning days out. Under-5s already travel free year-round, so this extends the saving to older children too.

There's no need to book ahead or apply for a special pass. Simply board the bus as normal and ask the driver for a free child ticket. If a child looks like they might be 16 or over, drivers may ask for proof of age, such as a school ID or student pass, so it's worth keeping one handy just in case.

The offer runs for the whole of August 2026 and applies to eligible local bus routes in England, making it easy to combine with a day out near Chichester or further afield across West Sussex. A few services are excluded, including dedicated school routes and some long-distance coach services, so it's worth checking with your local bus operator to confirm which routes qualify. Many regional operators are taking part, alongside larger providers, so there's a good chance your usual local route is included.

Bus Companies in West Sussex and Chichester District:

Stagecoach

Compass Travel

Routes to explore

🚌 Route 54 from Chichester into Hampshire passing Harting Down and Kingley Vale - stop offs with unbeatable views

🚌 Route 60 from Midhurst to Chichester passing West Dean Gardens (where children under 16 go free) and Weald & Downland Living Museum (present your bus ticket for a discount on adult and senior admission), or hop off at the village of Cocking for the South Downs Way.

🚌 Route 99 (Compass) from Chichester to Petworth takes you to Petworth House & Park National Trust 

🚌 Route 85/85A (Compass) from Chichester to Arundel for Arundel Museum and Arundel Castle

🚌 Route 700 connects Chichester with Fishbourne for Fishbourne Roman Palace