The school summer break has finally arrived and residents throughout the area will be searching for ways to occupy young ones, keep them amused and crucially, steer them clear of mischief.
However, preventing youngsters from growing bored can prove costly, especially given the ongoing squeeze on household finances, so any opportunities to reduce expenditure ought to be welcomed enthusiastically.
We have compiled a selection of nearby venues that can be explored during the vacation while taking advantage of special offers.
Several locations will be more affordable following last month’s announcement that the UK government would be launching a Great British Summer Savings initiative. This will temporarily lower VAT on qualifying family activities from the moment pupils finish for summer until they return to lessons in September.
Coventry Music Museum on Walsgrave Road represents an excellent overlooked treasure for anything musical in the city, offering a wonderful day out with children admitted without charge throughout the holiday period.
The British Motor Museum located in Gaydon, South Warwickshire is prepared to host families this summer, charging just £1 for child tickets for visits between 25 June and 1 September.
Anglican Chapel at London Road Cemetery offers complimentary entry from 24 July to 28 August. Admittedly, a pleasurable excursion to a burial ground might seem unusual, but London Road cemetery proves remarkably absorbing and serves as a virtual encyclopedia of Coventry’s past. Furthermore, guided tours, events and activities are available.
Kenilworth Castle is providing a 12.5 percent discount on entry fees.
Warwick Castle features reduced-price bundle tickets granting access to the castle alongside one or two additional nearby venues, such as the Sea Life Centre and Cadbury’s World, depending on which package is selected.
Families travelling to Warwick can take advantage of free admission for under-12s at the Lord Leycester between 18 July and 30 August when accompanied by a paying adult. As well as discovering one of Britain’s most intact medieval buildings, children can participate in Fairies in the Garden, complete with a fairy trail, arts and crafts, outdoor pursuits and family-oriented experiences inspired by the renowned Cottingley Fairies.
West Midlands Safari Park is lowering ticket prices throughout the summer break, with admission from £17.40 per person between 25 June and 1 September. Families can experience a complete day of wildlife encounters and entertainment, while a special midweek ticket for one adult and one preschooler enables one adult and one child under five to visit from £17.10.
Compton Verney is pairing discounted adult admission with complimentary entry for everyone aged 18 and under between 25 June and 31 August. Alongside discovering the galleries, sculpture park and 120 acres of grounds, families can join in a schedule of free activities featuring rocket car launches, printmaking workshops, collaborative art projects and oversized block construction sessions.
FarGo Village’s Youth Takeover event on 1 August (10am to 4pm) provides children aged seven to 14 with a full day of creative, physical and wellness activities for £15. Led by qualified instructors, the programme encompasses skateboarding, contemporary dance, yoga, mindfulness, guided art and meditation sessions, offering young people the opportunity to experiment with fresh activities, acquire new abilities and forge new friendships within a secure and encouraging environment.
The Great British Summer Savings initiative also extends to cinemas and eateries, with details of local establishments participating available online.
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