Spend less this summer!

Summer has a way of putting pressure on your plans, and your wallet. New activities, new kit, more days (and hours in the day) to fill. But here’s the good news: you don’t need to spend big to have a brilliant time. With a mix of free local events, clever deals and a bit of creativity at home, you can keep the whole family entertained without watching your budget disappear.

1. VAT reduced on attractions

Theme parks, zoos and museums can be some of the most memorable summer days out, but they’re often the ones that hit your budget hardest. Over the summer, you may also see temporary price reductions or promotions across attractions and family tickets, thanks to a new government initiative to reduce VAT on these sites. It’s always worth checking what’s actually changed before you book, as businesses can choose whether to pass the savings on to customers. A few simple swaps can also bring the price of a big day out back down:

• Look out for 2-for-1 vouchers: brands like Kellogg’s regularly run promotions on cereal boxes and online.

• Check supermarket reward schemes: loyalty points can often be exchanged for discounted attraction tickets.

• Book in advance: online prices are usually cheaper than paying on the gate.

• Go off-peak where possible: quieter days can mean lower prices (and shorter queues).

VAT reduction will also apply to children's meals served in restaurants, with pub chains Wetherspoons and Greene King, as well as Nando's among those who say they will pass on tax savings to customers in the form of cheaper meals.

2. Try new sports (without buying everything first)

Thinking about taking up tennis? Paddleboarding? Cycling? Jogging? Try it first. It’s the easiest way to avoid spending money on something that might not stick.

• Parkrun and Junior Parkrun: free weekly runs for all ages. Plenty of locals take part without the Garmin watches and fancy running kit, all you need to do is enjoy yourself, whether running or walking.

• Free tennis sessions: nationwide open days and community coaching, through organisation like the LTA.

• Swimming sessions: check if your local council is offering free or cheaper holiday slots

• Cycle routes and events: ideal for family-friendly days out, British Cycling is a great starting point

If you love it, then it’s worth investing in more kit or equipment.

3. Cut the cost of cinema trips

A trip to the cinema is good fun. But after tickets, snacks, parking, the final bill can be a shock. The trick is knowing where to save:

• Family screenings from around £2.50 at chains like Vue, Cineworld and Odeon.

• Morning showings during the holidays are often the cheapest option.

• Some deals even let adults pay child prices, making family trips far more affordable.

• Sign up for cinema memberships or newsletters as they often unlock exclusive discounts or early access deals.

• Check supermarket or phone provider perks as some loyalty schemes include discounted tickets as a reward.

• Skip the snack stand (or plan ahead) and bring your own treats (where allowed) sometimes that’s almost as much as the ticket itself.

• Keep an eye out for outdoor cinemas and pop-up events in your community, often at local attractions.

4. Make eating out more affordable

Eating out can quietly become one of the biggest summer expenses. Especially with kids. But seasonal deals can make a big difference. Look out for “kids eat free” or discounted meals at supermarkets, pubs, garden centres and hotel chains.

Just check the terms before you go, as offers can vary by location and time, or by the number of adults and children that qualify.

5. Bring back old-school summer fun

Not everything needs a ticket, a booking or a plan. There is something to be said for the simple pleasures in life. Get outdoors and build a den or climb a tree, go on a nature walk or bug hunt, or learn to skim stones. Get creative by painting rocks or pressing flowers, making ice lollies or baking together, or even putting on a show at home.

In fact, why not turn home into the activity and camp in the garden, create a treasure hunt or obstacle course, or have a “backwards day” (yes, that means eating pudding first, vegetables last…)

And lastly, what about giving back by writing letters to family or friends, helping a neighbour or setting a kindness challenge for the week? The real win is that these don’t just save money, they create the kind of memories that stick.

Let’s make summer feel lighter

From free local events to smarter spending, there are plenty of ways to enjoy more and worry less this summer. And if you want a hand making sense of your finances, we’re right here in your community.

Pop into your local Howden branch to chat things through, get practical advice, or find out what’s happening near you, from community activities to helpful events.

And while you’re at it, don’t miss your chance to win! We’re giving away £5,000 across the summer in weekly £500 prizes. Just pop into branch or call your local team to find out more or follow us on Facebook and Instagram @howdeninsurancelocaluk.

Farm Safety Week is an annual industry-wide campaign that aims to raise awareness of the risks faced by farming and rural businesses and encourage safer working practices across the sector. It provides an opportunity for businesses to review their approach to health and safety and consider where improvements can be made. This year’s campaign serves as a timely reminder that preventing incidents is just as important as having the right insurance in place. While insurance can help businesses recover following an unexpected event, reducing the likelihood of accidents occurring in the first place is always the best outcome.

At Howden Rural, we're committed to helping clients identify, manage and reduce risk, not just supporting them when something goes wrong. Through risk management support, practical guidance and access to specialist resources, we help rural businesses protect their people, property and long-term resilience. Farming is an industry built on skill, resilience and hard work, but it also presents unique risks. From machinery and vehicles to livestock, working at height and lone working, farm businesses face hazards that many other industries simply do not encounter.

The true cost of farm accidents

The impact of an accident can extend far beyond the immediate event. Alongside injury to workers or family members, businesses may face operational disruption, lost productivity, regulatory investigations and significant financial consequences. For many farm and estate businesses, people are their most valuable asset. Creating a strong safety culture helps protect employees, family members, contractors and visitors, while supporting the long-term resilience of the business.

Creating a culture of safety

While some improvements may require investment, many safety improvements begin with greater awareness, training and the consistent application of good working practices.

• Providing regular training and refresher sessions

• Ensuring staff understand safe working procedures

• Maintaining machinery and equipment

• Identifying and managing risks before incidents occur

• Encouraging open conversations about safety and wellbeing

When safety becomes part of everyday decision-making, businesses may be better placed to reduce accidents and demonstrate good risk management practices.

How Howden Rural supports clients beyond insurance

At Howden Rural, we believe effective risk management starts before a claim occurs. That's why we provide clients with access to a range of practical risk management resources designed to support safer working practices and strengthen business resilience.

As part of this commitment, eligible Farm and Estate policyholders can access our dedicated online Farm Health & Safety Training programme at no additional cost. Developed in partnership with Risk and Safety Compliance Services, the course covers key health and safety topics, includes separate learning pathways for managers and employees, and provides practical guidance designed specifically for rural businesses.

Farm Safety Week is a valuable opportunity to review your approach to health and safety and identify areas where improvements can be made. Whether you're looking to strengthen risk management arrangements, access practical safety resources or review your insurance programme, our team is here to help.

To learn more, please contact one of the team on 0330 165 2733 or email rural@howdeninsurance.co.uk.

Related Products