Families across Dorset can enjoy free bus travel for children and cheaper days out this summer through the UK Government’s Great British Summer Savings campaign.
Throughout August, children aged five to 15 can travel free on local bus services in England. Families can also access discounts on attractions, cinemas, theatres, museums and restaurants until 1 September, helping make school holiday days out more affordable.
The campaign aims to help families make the most of the summer holidays while supporting businesses, attractions and visitor destinations across the country.
Many of Dorset’s most popular destinations can be reached by bus, including beaches, market towns, museums, country parks and visitor attractions. The council-supported Core Route network and wider bus services make it easier for families to explore more of the county without relying on a car, while taking advantage of free travel for children during August.
Businesses taking part in the scheme are offering discounts on a range of family activities and meals. This includes children’s meals in participating restaurants, children’s tickets for cinemas, theatres, concerts and exhibitions, and admission to family attractions such as museums, heritage sites, soft play centres and adventure parks.
For many households, the cost of travel, entertainment and eating out can quickly add up during the six-week holidays. By combining free bus travel with discounts on attractions and activities, the campaign aims to help families spend more time together while making their money go further.
Dorset offers a wide range of places for families to explore, from the Jurassic Coast and country parks to museums, bustling market towns and visitor attractions. Making these experiences more affordable helps support family wellbeing and encourages people to enjoy everything the county has to offer.
Cllr. Matt Bell, Dorset Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health, Prevention & Communities, said:
“Summer can put extra pressure on family budgets, particularly during the school holidays when the cost of travel, activities and meals out quickly adds up.
“Free bus travel for children and lower prices at participating attractions, venues and restaurants could help more families enjoy days out, spend time together and make the most of everything Dorset has to offer this summer.
“Many of our beaches, towns, museums and visitor attractions can be reached by bus, giving families an affordable way to explore more of the county while supporting local businesses and destinations.
“Whether it’s visiting friends and family, spending a day at the beach, exploring one of our museums or enjoying a local attraction, making these opportunities more affordable can have a real impact on wellbeing and help people stay connected to their communities.”
Families can find participating attractions, venues and businesses through the Great British Summer savings website and attraction finder at summersavings.gov.uk
Information about Dorset’s bus timetables, including the council-supported Core Route network, is available on Dorset Councils website (www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/w/timetables-and-journey-plan) while Traveline (www.traveline.info) offers journey planning tools to help people plan days out by public transport.
Families are encouraged to plan a Dorset day out this summer by checking participating attractions, discount offers, and local bus routes before travelling.
