Tesco Clubcard days out for families by region
What’s better than a fun family day out? A cheap – or even free – fun family day out! With the rising cost of living in 2023, days out can feel like an unwelcome squeeze on the family purse, even if you reduce costs by taking a picnic and skipping the gift shop.
So if you’re looking to enjoy the school holidays on a budget, it’s worth knowing that you can trim costs even further by exchanging your Tesco Clubcard points for vouchers to visit some of the UK’s best attractions.
You can see our roundup of which family-friendly attractions are included in the Tesco Clubcard vouchers deal below. We’ve grouped them by region, so if you’re planning a UK holiday you can easily see what other attractions are nearby.
How can I use Tesco Clubcard vouchers for family days out?
It’s easy to exchange your Tesco vouchers for days out tickets – attractions typically offer £1 to spend on tickets in exchange for £0.50 of vouchers – but do read the small print. Each attraction has their own terms and conditions when it comes to using Clubcard points, and once you’ve exchanged your points for vouchers, they can’t be transferred back. So, before you cash in your points:
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- Check the attraction you want to visit has availability on the day and time you want to go. Some dates may be excluded.
- Check which tickets are redeemable. For example, some places only allow you to use Clubcard points for ‘on the day’ prices (rather than ‘advance online’ prices), or might only allow you to buy ‘individual’ tickets (rather than a ‘family’ ticket) – so it might actually not be much of a saving. Use your points wisely.
- Check the individual terms and conditions closely. Then check them again.
The cost of entry to each attraction for a family of 4 is included below, so you can see roughly how much you could be saving. Depending on how many Clubcard points you have accumulated, you could be laughing all the way to the aquarium/farm/zoo/theme park. Just don’t let your kids convince you to spend all of your savings in the gift shop.
East of England
SEA LIFE Great Yarmouth
From £68 for a family of four (2 adults and 2 children, under 3s go free)
Sharks, penguins, turtles, seahorses, jellyfish, rays, tropical fish… and the world’s smallest crocodiles. Meet all of these creatures – and more – for a fun, fishy day out. The sealife centre isn’t large enough to spend a whole day in but your tickets allow you to wander through as many times as you’d like.
www.visitsealife.com/great-yarmouth
SEA LIFE Hunstanton
From £61 for a family of four (2 adults and 2 children, under 3s go free)
With various zones – including the Seal Hospital, Penguin Beach, Tropical Reef, Rainforest Basecamp and Otter River – there are plenty of creatures, critters and crawlies to keep the whole family entertained. You’ll probably have seen everything after an hour and a half or so, depending if you watch the talks/feedings.
www.visitsealife.com/hunstanton
East Midlands
Conkers, Derbyshire
From £29.95 for a family of four
Banish screens for the day and get back to nature at Conkers – 120 acres of trails, trees and tantrum-proof fun. Appealing to kids of all ages, the obstacle course and low and high ropes will keep the older ones happy, while the adventure playground, train and splash park will amuse the littles. Great for tiring your rascals out.
The Silverstone Interactive Museum, Towcester
From £72 for a family of four (under 5s go free)
Even if you’re not a family of gearheads, this is still an enjoyable day out, with many interactive exhibits for the kids to twiddle with, and lots of information about the history and heritage of Silverstone racing circuit for parents to absorb. Don’t miss the special-effects cinema. Vroom!
Isle of Wight
Amazon World Zoo Park, Sandown
£65 for a family of four (under 2s go free)
How do you feel about a lemur sitting on your shoulder? If you’re not keen, avoid the lemur walk-through at this wild place! Home to around 200 different species – many of them on the rare side (fancy grooming a Brazilian tapir?), this zoo is a fun-filled day out for animal lovers young and old (and middle-aged). Note that Clubcard vouchers can’t be used to buy a family ticket, so individual tickets will need to be purchased.
Birmingham & West Midlands
Alton Towers Resort, Stoke-on-Trent
From £156 for a family of four (under 3s go free)
Previously a theme park aimed mainly at the thrill-seeking bigger kid/teenager/adult, with the introduction of Hey Duggee’s Big Adventure Badge, Andy’s Adventures Dinosaur Dig and JoJo & Gran Gran At Home in CBeebies Land, your little ones will now also be squealing with delight at this ‘when-can-we-go-back?’ attraction. See our review of Alton Towers theme park here.
Warwick Castle
From £104 for a family of four (under 3s go free)
Calling all wannabe knights and dames. From the Horrible Histories Maze to Zog’s Playland, the Conquerer’s Fortress to the Peacock Garden, there is so much to explore here that you may not fit it all into one day. Food is a little on the pricey side, so pack a picnic if you want to save a few more pennies. See our review of Warwick Castle here.
Drayton Manor Theme Park, Tamworth
£180 for a family of four (under 2s go free)
Adrenaline-fuelled rides + more sedate rides + a zoo + play areas galore = a happy, tired family at the end of the day. Not forgetting Thomas Land, home to 20 rides and attractions based on Thomas the Tank Engine and his friends. Make the trip before your little one outgrows these lovable locomotives. See our review of Drayton Manor Theme Park here.
Black Country Living Museum, Dudley
£58 for a family of four (under 3s go free)
Blow your kids’ minds as you introduce them to a world without Netflix, Minecraft or even Tesco. This charming living museum – complete with traditional sweet shop, baker’s and vintage cinema – will take you and your family back in time to the Industrial Revolution and beyond. Bring your appetite for the delicious fish and chips served.
Ironbridge – Blists Hill Victorian Town, Telford
£75 for a family of four (under 5s go free)
Explore this recreated Victorian town, where ‘townsfolk’ will teach, serve and dress up your clan in the school, shops, bank, pharmacy and photographic studio. You can also see the printing presses in action and board the small train to Blists Hill Mine. Upgrade your Clubcard single-attraction pass for the Annual Passport, which allows you access to the other attractions in the vicinity of Ironbridge.
LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Birmingham
From £41 for a family of four if kids are under 5 (under 3s go free)
From £82 for a family of four if kids are over 5
Constructed specifically for children between 3 and 10, there are plenty of things to keep your Lego lovers entertained: Miniland, a 4D cinema, a couple of rides, soft play, a racing track for Lego cars and the Duplo Farm. Don’t expect to spend all day in there but there’s enough for a couple of hours of bricky fun. See our review of LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Birmingham here.
www.legolanddiscoverycentre.com/birmingham
National SEA LIFE Birmingham
From £76 for a family of four (under 3s go free)
Home of the UK’s only 360-degree ocean tunnel, you’ll see fish, sharks, rays and an enormous rescued turtle. Penguins, otters, octopuses, seahorses and ‘Nemos’ (clownfish) also call this sealife centre home. Given the number of creatures, the centre is actually smaller than you might think, so don’t expect a full day’s outing.
www.visitsealife.com/birmingham
Shakespeare’s Houses & Gardens, Stratford-upon-Avon
Price varies depending on what attractions you choose
To visit or not to visit?: that is the question. If your children have been studying Shakespeare – or even if they haven’t – inject some culture into their lives by visiting the legendary playwright’s birthplace and significant buildings in his life. Be prepared to be informed and entertained.
The Bear Grylls Adventure, Birmingham
Price varies depending on what activities you choose
No need to scale a mountain or risk life and limb in the wilderness. Tesco Clubcard vouchers can be exchanged for either archery, the high-ropes course or the climbing wall here. Children need to be at least 8 years old, and accompanied by an adult on the activity if they are 8 or 9. Don’t look down!
Manchester & North West
LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Manchester
From £89.50 for a family of four (under 3s go free)
Aimed specifically for children between 3 and 10, there are many things to keep your little ’uns entertained: Ninjago City Adventure, Miniland, a 4D cinema, Space Mission, a toddler play area, a racing track for Lego cars and the Duplo Farm. There are also a couple of rides, but note that they are height-restricted. If your tot is too small, they may be consoled by meeting one of their favourite Lego characters, with a different one popping up daily.
www.legolanddiscoverycentre.com/manchester
Madame Tussauds Blackpool
From £53 for a family of four (under 3s go free)
Kids and parents alike will enjoy mingling with the rich and famous here – everyone from the Royals to the Marvel superheroes, The Beatles to the Two Ronnies. But it’s not just wandering about and getting selfies with the stars… there are lots of interactive exhibits, too. How do you fancy waltzing across the Strictly dance floor or challenging yourselves in the I’m a Celebrity… Bush Tucker Trial?
www.madametussauds.com/blackpool
SEA LIFE Blackpool
From £54 for a family of four (under 3s go free)
As well as many tanks filled with creatures from the deep, there are also a number of interactive exhibits, such as the Rock Pools where you can hold a crab, the Submarine Explorer where you will take a ride to the depths of the ocean, and the Four Corners of the World where you will explore manmade wrecks that have been overtaken by marine life. Splash!
www.visitsealife.com/blackpool
SEA LIFE Manchester
From £76 for a family of four (under 3s go free)
Based inside a shopping centre, this underwater world is smaller than some of the other SEA LIFE centres around. You can still spend a couple of hours here, though, particularly if your children have a muck about in the soft play area. And don’t miss Cammy and Ernie, the cute resident sea turtles, who are part of SEA LIFE’s Breed, Rescue, Protect programme.
www.visitsealife.com/manchester
The Blackpool Tower Dungeon
From £69 for a family of four
You’ll scream… You’ll laugh… You’ll jump out of your skin. This is a funny, frightening attraction, which takes you through the horrible history of Lancashire. It’s not recommended for children under the age of 8, and children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult. Visit if you dare – mwah ha ha!
The Blackpool Tower Eye
From £46.56 for a family of four (under 3s go free)
Want to live the high life? Then head to the top of the 380-feet-high Blackpool Tower – via a 4D cinema – and brave the glass skywalk, taking in views out across the Irish Sea. Fun for the whole family (unless anyone has vertigo).
www.theblackpooltower.com/explore/attractions/the-blackpool-tower-eye
London & South East of England
Chessington World of Adventures Resort
From £132 for a family of four (under 3s go free)
With rides for children of all ages – including the popular Gruffalo ride for preschoolers – the whole family can enjoy a full day of fun at this theme park. As you’re saving money with Clubcard vouchers, you may want to splash out on the Reserve & Ride fastrack tickets so you don’t have to spend time queueing. To make your ‘day of yay’ run even more smoothly, you may want to buy parking tickets and meal deals online prior to your visit. See our review of Chessington World of Adventures Resort here.
LEGOLAND Windsor Resort
From £136 for a family of four (children under 90cm go free)
Appealing mainly to children between 4 and 10, there are many rides, live shows and other attractions, such as LEGO Mythica, where a unicorn and dragon made from LEGO reside – wow! When it’s busy, long queues can be a bummer, so you may want to buy some Reserve & Ride fastrack tickets. Offset the cost by bringing your own picnic as food is pretty expensive. And don’t forget the kids’ swimmers for the splash park. See our review of LEGOLAND Windsor Resort here.
The London Bridge Experience and Tombs
From £69.99 for a family of four
Give yourselves a fright at this murky maze of mystery, which takes you through the dark history of London Bridge – introducing you to such characters as Jack the Ripper and William Wallace. For younger – or more faint-hearted – visitors, the experience can be adapted to the less creepy Guardian Angel tour.
www.thelondonbridgeexperience.com
Blue Reef Aquarium Hastings
£46 for a family of four (under 3s go free)
Although small, this aquarium is a nice little outing and will keep you and the kids amused for an hour or two. Be sure to ask at the desk for a step that you can carry around so that your little (short) ones can see the fish and other creatures better.
www.bluereefaquarium.co.uk/hastings
Blue Reef Aquarium Portsmouth
£48 for a family of four (under 3s go free)
While not a ‘bucket list’ attraction, the rays, seahorses, turtles, frogs, otters and colourful fish in the Tropical Treasures zone will be enough to entertain your ankle biters for an hour or so.
www.bluereefaquarium.co.uk/portsmouth
City Cruises 24H Hop on Hop Off River Pass, London
£49 for a family of five (under 5s go free)
Your ship has come in! With this hop-on, hop-off all-day river pass, you’ll be able to take in the sights along the Thames at a leisurely pace. The boats run with a commentary, so you and the fam will get some fun facts thrown in as you’re sailing along. Be sure to check the timetable so you’re not waiting too long for the next boat.
www.cityexperiences.com/london/city-cruises/river-red-rover
Drusillas Park, East Sussex
From £118 for a family of four (under 2s go free)
Aimed at under 10s, this is a medium-sized zoo with ‘kooky’ animals such as sloths, meerkats, armadillos, macaques, monkeys, marmosets, tamarins, giant anteaters and red pandas. There are also loads of other things to do: a splash park, rides, a prehistoric walk-through, adventure play areas, a maze – and more! The five-star reviews for this attraction speak for themselves. See our review of Drusillas Park here
Knockhatch Adventure Park, Hailsham
From £55.96 for a family of four (under 2s go free)
There’s so much to do, see and play on here – both inside and outside – that you’re all sure to come away smiling. The interactive Sherlock Holmes Experience is the park’s latest addition and will satisfy your little sleuth’s curiosity (it’s aimed at over 12s but younger children are allowed to enter). Note that some attractions require an extra cost and some are closed on certain days (check the calendar on the website for the ‘orange’ and ‘green’ days timetable and prices).
Madame Tussauds London
From £137 for a family of four (under 2s go free)
With various zones – Music, Film, Star Wars, Fashion Week, Awards Party, to name a few – and interactive experiences, this is a brilliant day out. While it’s suitable for children of all ages, kids who are 8 and up will probably get the most out of it. Obviously, there will be some faces they may not recognise – Bob Marley, Audrey Hepburn – to make their parents feel old! See our review of Madame Tussauds here.
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
£120 for a family of five (under 3s go free)
There’s probably too much to see and do here for one day, so do your research online prior to your visit and choose the attractions you want to prioritise. Or if you think you’d like to come back again and again, annual passes are available. Ahoy!
SEA LIFE Brighton
From £75 for a family of four (under 3s go free)
Set in an atmospheric Victorian arcade, SEA LIFE Brighton is the oldest continually operating aquarium in the world. As such, you get a side of history with your fish. There are various zones – including Rainforest Adventure, Day & Night Ocean Experience, Conservation Cove and a Glass Bottom Boat. Note that the latter attraction requires an additional cost.
SEA LIFE London
From £112 for a family of four (under 3s go free)
With more than 500 species in 14 themed zones, there’s plenty here to ‘sea’. Make sure you plan your entry around rumbling tummies though – there’s no cafe, and visitors are asked not to bring their own food into the aquarium, so you don’t want any hangry meltdowns to ruin your day.
Shrek’s Adventure! London
From £86 for a family of four (under 3s go free)
The Flying Magic Bus ride driven by Donkey is probably the highlight of this walk-through attraction. After you’ve hopped off, you will meet a plethora of other characters, including Cinderella, Pinocchio, Puss in Boots and the Muffin Man. Oh, and Shrek. Little ones might be frightened at times due to the lights dimming and loud noises. Make sure you visit the loo before the experience starts or you’ll miss out on some of the action if you need to nip off.
The Lastminute.com London Eye
From £116 for a family of four (under 3s go free)
Keep your fingers crossed for a clear day so you can enjoy the views of London’s skyline and beyond. Each rotation takes around 30 minutes – and there are no toilets inside the pods – so make sure your little ones have spent a penny before you board. The time slot you book relates to the time you are allowed to start queueing, rather than the time you are allowed on the attraction, so keep this in mind and perhaps bring ‘boredom-busters’ for the kids in case there is a long wait.
The London Dungeon
From £106 for a family of four
You’ll meet the likes of Jack the Ripper, Guy Fawkes and Sweeney Todd as you’re taken on an historical journey through London’s shady past. You’ll also be taken through dingy corridors and dark rooms with loud noises, which some children (or people with claustrophobia) may be scared by. The recommended age for this attraction is 12 years old, but younger children are allowed to visit if they dare (and their parents or guardians allow).
WWT London Wetland Centre
£43.10 for a family of four (under 4s go free)
A hidden gem of London, away from the hustle and bustle, this feels like an oasis of calm. The birds, otters and other wetland creatures make the day thoroughly charming as you wander through the gardens, over bridges and along paths – stopping for a spot of pond dipping if the mood strikes. Barriers are in place for peace of mind if you visit with toddlers. The playground is fun, too. See our review of WWT London Wetland Centre here.
www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/london
Cornwall & South West of England
Take a look at the best places to stay in Cornwall with a swimming pool for families if you fancy making your visit a staycation.
Eden Project, Cornwall
From £88 for a family of four (under 5s go free)
The Eden Project is an educational charity that aims to connect visitors with the living world. There are a number of themed biomes – including the world’s largest indoor rainforest – and beautiful outdoor gardens. While the cafes do cater for vegetarians, vegans and gluten-free diets, the options aren’t extensive, so bring your own food if this will bother you. See our review of the Eden Project here.
Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens, Weymouth
£27.90 for a family of four (under 5s go free)
These beautiful gardens will provide the perfect backdrop for an idyllic day (kids’ moods permitting). If everyone is in good spirits, you’ll enjoy the stunning scenery, the colonial tea house, the colourful blooms, the peaceful pond and the gorgeous view out towards Abbotsbury Castle. With plenty of space to run about, and a rope bridge to boot, your little angels will be whooping with delight. Weddings are held here so you might want to check if one is scheduled for the day you plan to visit.
www.abbotsbury-tourism.co.uk/gardens
Abbotsbury Swannery, Weymouth
£38 for a family of four (under 5s go free)
Get thee to a swannery! Wait, no… that’s not right. Misquoted Shakespeare aside, visiting Abbotsbury Swannery is a special day out – particularly if you time it to see the new cygnets waddling about. SO CUTE! Children are encouraged to get involved with the feeding of these elegant waterbirds, which happens alongside a microphone commentary. There’s also a maze that’s worth swanning about in.
www.abbotsbury-tourism.co.uk/swannery/
Cheddar Gorge & Caves, Somerset
803.30 for a family of four (under 5s go free)
A ticket into this attraction allows you to explore the caves, the gorge, the museum, the lookout tower and Beyond the View, a virtual-reality experience. Make sure you wrap up warm to visit the caves (brr!) and wear sensible footwear to walk the gorge. The enjoyment of the gorge is pretty weather-dependent – you may choose to give it a miss if it’s rainy or foggy, depending on your adventure-o-meter. Note that this attraction isn’t pushchair-friendly.
City Cruises Poole
From £44 for a family of four (under 5s go free)
This 70-minute cruise with a commentary showcases the delights of Poole Harbour, including Millionaires Row (where ‘the other half’ live) and Brownsea Island, where Lord Baden-Powell began the Scout Movement – which might be of particular interest if you have a Beaver, Cub, Scout, Brownie or Girl Guide in tow. Try to plan your trip for a sunny day to get the best out of it. Note that while there are cruises that venture further afield, the Clubcard vouchers only allow ones within the harbour.
www.cityexperiences.com/poole/city-cruises
Exmoor Zoo
From £59.40 for a family of four (under 3s go free)
Plenty of unusual, exotic animals to see here – including big cats, lemurs, Madagascan reptiles, tamarins, armadillos… And the ‘Exmoor Beast’ of course, which is actually a black panther. The talks by the knowledgeable keepers are very interesting. The zoo is a safe, family friendly environment, with notices guiding lost children back to the entrance, which will give panicking parents peace of mind if their children wander off.
SEA LIFE Weymouth
From £70 for a family of four (under 3s go free)
There’s more here than at some of the other SEA LIFE centres – both inside and outside. Fairy Penguin Island is a hit, which houses the world’s smallest penguins. Seal Harbour is also great, where you can see the resident seals being fed and barking to their hearts’ content. The splash park and Caribbean Cove adventure playground will also get the thumbs-up.
The BIG Sheep, Bideford
From £50 for a family of four
A farm and theme park rolled into one, there’s rides, there’s live shows, there’s… sheep racing. There’s also plenty of fun to be had on the play equipment, go-karts, mini tractors, faster rides for bigger kids and in the splash zone. The duck trials, lamb feeding and other animal antics make this a memorable day out. Bring your wellies. Baa!
Wookey Hole, Somerset
From £78.20 for a family of four (under 3s go free)
Around 50,000 years old, the Wookey Hole caves have been a tourist hotspot for the last century. Over the years, more and more attractions have been added, such as a museum, crazy golf, Valley of the Dinosaurs, the Mystic Fairy Garden, a mirror maze, the papermill, a penny arcade… and more! Plenty of fun to be had both above and below ground.
Yorkshire & The Humber
DIG, York
£28.50 for a family of four (under 3s go free)
A day out that’s ‘a little bit different’, this hands-on archaeological attraction allows children to dig to discover artefacts from the Roman, Viking, Victorian and Medieval times. Fossilised Viking poo, anyone? Although DIG claims to cater for children between the ages of 5 and 12, it’s perhaps a bit basic for those in the latter part of this range. There’s also a play area for under 5s. The talks are educational and may even inspire a budding archaeologist.
Eureka!, Halifax
£63.80 for a family of four if kids are 3 and over
£45.80 for a family of four if kids are 1 or 2 (under 1s go free)
Aimed at children between 0 and 11, the six different zones will teach them all about themselves and the world around them. Younger kids are likely to get more from the experience – they’ll love pressing the buttons and fiddling with all manner of doohickeys. While a regular entry ticket can be upgraded for an annual pass, this isn’t possible with Clubcard vouchers.
SEA LIFE Scarborough
From £61 for a family of four (under 3s go free)
There are various zones showcasing different creatures – seals, seahorses, tropical fish, sharks, rays, otters, penguins… The attraction could probably do with a bit of a refresh but children aren’t aware of such things, are they? Note that the centre isn’t really buggy-friendly, so it’s best to carry babies in a sling.
www.visitsealife.com/scarborough
The Deep, Hull
£70.50 for a family of four (under 3s go free)
Sharks, rays, tropical fish, sea turtles, penguins, the UK’s only green sawfish… The Deep is fully accessible for people with disabilities, with sloped walkways throughout (great for pushchairs, too). There are also plenty of benches in front of the tanks – great for grandparents or anyone with weary legs. Best of all, your ticket purchased with Clubcard points is valid for a whole year, so you can visit again and again.
The York Dungeon
From £69 for a family of four
With actors who really throw themselves into their roles, this is a frighteningly fantastic walk-through attraction that brings York’s dark history to life. Recommended for children 8 years and above, if younger ones want to enter, they can at the discretion of their parent or guardian (under 5s won’t be allowed entry, however). There will be darkness, loud noises and jump scares. Boo!
Across the UK
Tenpin, various locations
From £23.20 for one bowling game for a family of four
Is bowling right up your alley? Go for that strike at one of the many Tenpin bowling centres across the country (see website for specific locations). You can’t redeem your Clubcard vouchers online, however, so will need to call a (not-free) phone number. Or pop into a centre to redeem them in person.
Authors
Katherine Bebo has more than 15 years’ professional writing and editing experience. Previously the senior sub-editor at Cosmopolitan magazine, she has written for many well-known publications and websites, including Stylist, Closer, Women’s Fitness, Real Travel and MadeForMums
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