Grand Days Out with the Family & Friends Railcard
25th July 2023
Ease the cost of childcare with the
Family & Friends Railcard
This summer, grandparents across Britain are set to spend an average of over 250 hours looking after their grandchildren, research from Railcard.co.uk reveals*. Nearly 60% (58%) of British grandparents will look after their grandchildren this summer, typically looking after between 2 and 3 children each.
Whilst most grandparents agree they enjoy getting to see their grandchildren grow up when they’re younger (64%), and that it strengthens their relationship with their own children (55%), providing childcare can come with its challenges when deciding how to entertain little ones.
Railcard has partnered with Grandmother, English television personality and broadcaster Vanessa Feltz to show how easy it is to entertain grandchildren this summer with simple train trips.
“Choosing to take the train with my grandchildren is not just a means of transportation, but an exciting activity in itself. It's something we all enjoy and look forward to doing together.
That's why I'm thrilled to be partnering with Railcard this summer to showcase how easy it is to save on childcare activities and find new ways to make train travel an engaging experience for both fellow grandparents and grandchildren.”
With almost a quarter (24%) of grandparents choosing to take the train and on average travelling up to 25 miles with grandchildren or to visit them, a Railcard is the perfect way to save on every adventure with 1/3 off on rail travel by purchasing one of 9 different Railcards available from www.Railcard.co.uk.
At just £30 for one year, the Family & Friends Railcard gives ⅓ off for adults and 60% off for kids when travelling as an adult and child, up to four adults and four children. As 27% of grandparents state they will be with their own children when they look after their grandkids, the family & friends Railcard works perfectly to cover all those travelling.
As well as saving on your family's rail fares, why not explore new ways to spend time with the grandchildren with National Rail’s Days Out Guide. With 2FOR1 offers on attractions across Great Britain when you travel by train, there’s something to keep the whole family entertained! Check out our summer highlights below:
Chessington World of Adventures: Wilderfest
Adventurers, it's back! For its 3rd year in a row, Britain’s WILDEST family music festival – WILDERFEST. Get ready to Croc ‘n Roll as come rain or shine, we will be bringing some of the FIERCEST artists in the animal kingdom to the Mane Stage yet again. So, pull on your dancing shoes and put your paws in the air as we will be partying the summer away.
Nearest Station: Chessington South
BEANO Blamtastic Afternoon Tea Bus Tours
To celebrate Beano's 85th anniversary, in London for Summer 2023 only. Get ready for an adventure full of fun and mischief with the BEANO Blamtastic Afternoon Tea Bus Tour, now available for a limited time only in the heart of London. Starting from 10 June to 10 September 2023, the BEANO Afternoon Tea Bus Tour celebrates BEANO's 85th birthday, offering a unique experience for families looking for laughs and treats
Nearest Station: London Victoria
New for 2023, from Saturday 22 July to Sunday 3 September there’ll be no cheat-ahs allowed at the Really Wild Challenge wildlife lovers can play their way through the animal kingdom, going head-to-head with their ‘troop’ to test their wild skills, while trying their hand at being a ZSL conservationist – working to protect wildlife across the world. At the end of the biggest day out in London, kids can cool down in the Animal Adventure Splash Zone, while parents soak up the summer sun with an ice-cream milkshake at the Penguin Beach Café.
Nearest Station: London Euston
Step aboard and set sail on a fantastic family adventure at Cutty Sark! Taking place on the first weekend of every month, Cutty Sark Family Fun Weekends feature workshops, songs, activities and experiences for all ages. Meet characters from Cutty Sark's past and sing along with our resident sea shanty singers - for the real sailor experience, why not dress up as a member of Cutty Sark's crew?
Nearest Station: Greenwich
RHS Wisley - The Grand Bug & Pest Hotel
Opening on 22 July 2023 at the RHS Gardens – Wisley in Surrey, Bridgewater in Greater Manchester, Harlow Carr in Yorkshire, Hyde Hall in Essex and Rosemoor in Devon – this luxurious getaway boasts an Olympic-size outdoor puddle and spectacular views over a tuft of grass. It’s the perfect place for a miniature adventure!
Nearest Station: Woking
Being one of Birmingham’s best attractions, The Birmingham Botanical Gardens offers something for everyone, be it one of our four stunning glasshouses showing tropical rainforests to an arid desert, our playground, tearoom and Japanese Gardens, all surrounded by some of the most beautiful gardens in the UK.
Nearest Station: Birmingham New Street
Take a selfie at the historic Prime Meridian where east meets west and take your place at the centre of the world. Whilst you're at the top of the hill at the Royal Observatory be sure to enjoy the views of London, and beautiful Greenwich Park.
Visit the beautiful Flamsteed House, designed by Sir Christopher Wren and historic home to Britain's Astronomers Royal. Take a fascinating glimpse into the apartments where the Astronomers Royal and their families lived and worked in our new Observatory Life display.
Nearest Station: Greenwich
For more great 2FOR1 offers when you travel by train, visit DaysOutGuide.co.uk
Save a 1/3 off your rail fares with Railcard.co.uk
*Before you book your ticket, check the full Days Out Guide travel advice.