Exploring London can be a blast, but it can also put a dent in your wallet. In this post, we’ll give you the full range of options to find the best discount tickets to London attractions. If you’re on the hunt for ways to save money while enjoying the city’s attractions, you’re in the right place.
First off, London offers a bunch of fantastic free activities for families, perfect for mixing in with your paid adventures. Plus, with discount websites, ongoing deals, city passes, and other nifty offers, there are plenty of smart ways to explore on a budget.
Just keep in mind that deals often have time limitations, so while the info here was accurate at the time of writing, it’s a good idea to double-check terms and conditions, including any excluded dates, especially during school holidays.
Contents
Now, let’s get into some tips for saving on London adventures with your little ones:
Discount tickets to London attractions
As a cost-conscious London family, we never pay full price when going to attractions. Here are some of our top tips for how to save money when visiting bucket-list sites in London:
London Eye Discount Tickets
Discover how to enjoy breathtaking views of London on a budget with our London Eye discount ticket suggestions. Check out this list of insider tips to make a memorable visit to London without breaking the bank:
- Book in advance: By simply booking in advance (online), you can get up to a 20% discount for your visit to the London Eye.
- Midweek discounts: If you book a ticket to the London Eye from Tuesday to Thursday, you can get up to a 40% discount.
- Cadbury deal: Use the code found inside Cadbury’s wrapping and get 50% off on a family ticket for the London Eye.
- Merlin annual pass: An annual pass is a great value if you live near or frequently go to Merlin attractions.
- Free ticket with cereals: Find the code inside the Kellogg’s box and book a free adult ticket to the London Eye.
- National Rail 2FOR1: Use your train ticket to get a free companion ticket to the London Eye.
- Tesco vouchers: If you collect Clubcard points through Tesco, you can use your vouchers to buy tickets. Every £0.50 in voucher gives you £1 to spend on London Eye tickets.
- National Lottery Deal: Get free access to the London Eye by simply buying a lottery ticket (please note that this offer is not always available).
Tower of London Discount Tickets
The Tower of London is on the bucket list of most first-time visitors to London. Here are a few ways to get discounts:
- Annual membership: An annual membership gives you access to all Historic Royal Palaces, and costs less than two standard price tickets.
- City Passes: If you’re planning to visit several attractions, a city pass could save you money at the Tower of London.
- National Rail 2FOR1: Use your train ticket to get a free additional ticket to the Tower of London.
- National Lottery Deal: Get free access to the Tower of London by simply buying a lottery ticket (please note that this offer is not always available).
- Tower Hamlet residents: Local residents who have either an Idea Store card or Tower Hamlets library card can visit the Tower of London for only £1.00.
- Discount codes: Not our favourite way to save money; they usually give you the same discount as the website for the Tower of London.
London Dungeon Discount Tickets
Let’s delve into the realm of the London Dungeon and uncover some spine-chillingly good deals, shall we? As your trusty guide, I’m here to reveal how you can save while exploring the macabre depths of this thrilling attraction:
- Midweek discounts: If you secure a ticket for the London Dungeon between Tuesday and Thursday, you can enjoy discounts of up to 40%.
- Book in advance: By planning ahead and booking online, you can score savings of up to 20% for your visit to the London Dungeon.
- Merlin annual pass: If you reside nearby or frequently explore Merlin attractions like the London Dungeon, the Merlin Annual Pass offers outstanding value for your adventures.
- National Rail 2FOR1: Maximize your train journey by claiming a free ticket to the London Dungeon with your National Rail ticket.
- City Passes: If your London adventure involves exploring multiple attractions, consider a city pass to pocket extra savings, including your visit to the London Dungeon.
- Free ticket with cereals: Keep an eye out for the code hidden inside Kellogg’s cereal boxes; it could grant you a complimentary adult ticket to the London Dungeon.
- Discounts with chocolate: Delight in both chocolate and discounts by using the code from a Cadbury’s wrapper to secure a tempting 50% off a family ticket for the London Dungeon.
- Discount codes: While not our preferred method for savings, discount codes are available, but they typically offer the same discount as the website for the London Dungeon.
- Tesco vouchers: If you collect Clubcard points through Tesco, you can use your vouchers to buy tickets. Every £0.50 in voucher gives you £1 to spend on London Eye tickets.
- National Lottery Deal: Sometimes, your lottery ticket purchase can unlock free entry to the London Dungeon, though this offer may not always be available.
London Zoo Discount Tickets
London Zoo is a fantastic place to see animals in the middle of London, but it can get very expensive costing nearly £100 for a family of four paying for standard tickets. Here are some ways to get a cheaper deal and save some money going to the zoo:
- Book in advance: By simply booking in advance (online), you can get up to a 20% discount for your visit to London Zoo.
- Annual pass: Great value if you live near or frequently go to London Zoo, an annual pass is a great option.
- City Passes: If you’re planning to visit several attractions, a city pass could save you money at London Zoo.
- National Rail 2FOR1: Use your train ticket to get two tickets for the price of one to London Zoo.
- National Lottery Deal: Get free access to the London Zoo by simply buying a lottery ticket (not always available).
Sea Life Discount Tickets
Here is a list of discounts for Sea Life London:
- Book in advance: By simply booking in advance (online), you can get up to a 20% discount for your visit to Sea Life London.
- Combine tickets: Buy two tickets in one go, such as London Eye and Sea Life, and get a big discount.
- Midweek discounts: If you book a ticket to Sea Life London from Tuesday to Thursday, you can get up to a 40% discount.
- Discounts with chocolate: Use the code inside a Cadbury’s wrapping and get 50% off on a family ticket for Sea Life London.
- National Rail 2FOR1: Use your train ticket to get two tickets for the price of one to Sea Life London.
- City Passes: If you’re planning to visit several attractions, a city pass could save you money at Sea Life London.
- National Lottery Deal: Get free access to Sea Life London by simply buying a lottery ticket (please note that this offer is not always available).
- Book family tickets: The ticket website Picniq offers family tickets for a discounted price at Sea Life London.
- Free ticket with cereals: Find the code inside the Kellogg’s box and book a free adult ticket to Sea Life London.
- Discount codes: Not our favourite way to save money; they usually give you the same discount as the website for Sea Life London.
- Merlin annual pass: Great value if you live near or frequently go to Merlin attractions, such as Sea Life London.
- Tesco vouchers: If you collect Clubcard points through Tesco, you can use your vouchers to buy tickets. Every £0.50 in voucher gives you £1 to spend on London Eye tickets.
Madame Tussauds Discount Tickets
Madame Tussauds discount tickets and deals:
- Discounts with chocolate: Use the code inside a Cadbury’s wrapping and get 50% off on a family ticket for Madame Tussauds London.
- National Lottery Deal: Get free access to Madame Tussauds London by simply buying a lottery ticket (please note that this offer is not always available).
- Free ticket with cereals: Find the code inside the Kellogg’s box and book a free adult ticket to Madame Tussauds London.
- City Passes: If you’re planning to visit several attractions, a city pass could save you money at Madame Tussauds London.
- National Rail 2FOR1: Use your train ticket to get two tickets for the price of one to Madame Tussauds London.
- Book in advance: By simply booking in advance (online), you can get up to a 20% discount for your visit to Madame Tussauds London.
- Midweek discounts: If you book a ticket to Madame Tussauds London from Tuesday to Thursday, you can get up to a 40% discount.
- Merlin annual pass: Great value if you live near or frequently go to Merlin attractions, such as Madame Tussauds London.
- Discount codes: Not our favourite way to save money; they usually give you the same discount as the website for Madame Tussauds London.
- Tesco vouchers: If you collect Clubcard points through Tesco, you can use your vouchers to buy tickets. Every £0.50 in voucher gives you £1 to spend on London Eye tickets.
Legoland Discount Tickets
Madame Tussauds discount tickets and deals:
- National Lottery Deal: Get free access to Legoland Windsor by simply buying a lottery ticket (please note that this offer is not always available).
- Book in advance: By simply booking in advance (online), you can get up to a 20% discount for your visit to Legoland Windsor.
- Discount codes: Not our favourite way to save money; they usually give you the same discount as the website for Legoland Windsor.
- City Passes: If you’re planning to visit several attractions, a city pass could save you money at Legoland Windsor.
- Merlin annual pass: This annual pass provides great value if you live near or frequently go to Merlin attractions, such as Legoland Windsor.
- Discounts with chocolate: Use the code inside a Cadbury’s wrapping and get 50% off on a family ticket for Legoland Windsor.
- Free ticket with cereals: Find the code inside the Kellogg’s box and book a free adult ticket to Legoland Windsor.
- National Rail 2FOR1: Use your train ticket to get two tickets for the price of one to Legoland Windsor.
- Midweek discounts: If you book a ticket to Legoland Windsor from Tuesday to Thursday, you can get up to a 40% discount.
- Book family tickets: The ticket website Picniq offers family tickets for a discounted price at Legoland Windsor.
- Tesco vouchers: If you collect Clubcard points through Tesco, you can use your vouchers to buy tickets. Every £0.50 in voucher gives you £1 to spend on London Eye tickets.
Chessington Discount Tickets
- Book in advance: By simply booking in advance (online), you can get up to a 20% discount for your visit to Chessington.
- Discount codes: Not our favourite way to save money; they usually give you the same discount as the website for Chessington.
- City Passes: If you’re planning to visit several attractions, a city pass could save you money at Chessington.
- Merlin annual pass: An annual pass is a great choice if you frequently go to Merlin attractions, such as Chessington.
- Discounts with chocolate: Use the code inside a Cadbury’s wrapping and get 50% off on a family ticket for Chessington.
- Free ticket with cereals: Find the code inside the Kellogg’s box and book a free adult ticket to Chessington.
- National Rail 2FOR1: Use your train ticket to get two tickets for the price of one to Chessington.
- Midweek discounts: If you book a ticket to Chessington from Tuesday to Thursday, you can get up to a 40% discount.
- Book family tickets: The ticket website Picniq offers family tickets for a discounted price at Chessington.
- Tesco vouchers: If you collect Clubcard points through Tesco, you can use your vouchers to buy tickets. Every £0.50 in voucher gives you £1 to spend on London Eye tickets.
- National Lottery Deal: Get free access to Chessington by simply buying a lottery ticket (please note that this offer is not always available).
Some websites are goldmines for discounts on family outings in London. Check out these reliable ones:
How to save money on London attractions with kids
As parents, we know how important it is to make every outing memorable without breaking the bank. That’s why we’ve embarked on a quest to uncover the best-kept secrets of saving money while enjoying London’s top attractions with kids in tow.
London Discount Ticket Websites
- Wowcher: They offer short-term deals, including discounts on bus and boat tours, as well as packages with hotel stays and theatre tickets.
- Tiqets: Frequently offer special types of deals for families, cheaper than standard tickets.
- Piqniq: They regularly feature deals on family attractions, even big names like the London Bridge Experience and Kidzania, with discounts like 50% off.
- Groupon: Offer a wide range of deals for London attractions, including some of the bigger bucketlist sights
Kellogg’s – Grown-Ups Go Free
Kellogg’s has cooked up a deal for Merlin attractions that’ll make your wallet smile. When you purchase one adult or child ticket at full price, you get another adult ticket absolutely free as part of Kellogg’s grown-ups go free promotion. Here’s how it works:
You’ll receive a special code to claim your discount, but remember, tickets must be pre-booked. Hold onto that promotional pack tight because you might be asked to show it. If you happen to misplace it, well, you’ll need to buy another ticket.
Keep your eyes peeled for similar promotions from other brands. Cadbury, for instance, has a similar offer for Merlin attractions, and it’s back for summer 2023.
National Rail 2 for 1
All aboard the savings train with National Rail’s 2-for-1 deal, covering a host of London attractions, including the iconic London Zoo. Here’s the scoop:
You’ll need a valid train ticket for each person. One person pays the full adult price, and the second person gets in for free. If you’re tagging along with kids under five, who travel free on the train but need a ticket for entry to the attraction (like the zoo), consider snagging a train ticket to qualify.
For one-way tickets, the discount is for that day only. However, if you’ve got a return ticket, the discount spans any day between the two legs of your journey. Oyster cards and tube tickets won’t cut it, but the Gatwick/Stanstead Express and local rail journeys do, so a cheap ticket to London could pay for itself at pricier attractions.
You might need to show a printed voucher alongside both train tickets, but some attractions offer online booking, so do your homework in advance.
National Lottery Deals
Also, keep an eye out for the National Lottery Days Out deal; it often features a similar 2-for-1 offer. New deals for London days out with kids can pop up, so stay vigilant.
Blue Peter Badges
If your little ones have their eyes set on iconic London destinations like the Tower of London, London Zoo, or HMS Belfast, then Blue Peter badges are your golden ticket. Here’s the scoop:
Blue Peter badge holders, aged six to 15, can enjoy free visits to 200 UK places, including those London gems. There are eight different badges to earn, but a word of advice—start early, as the show receives a flood of requests.
So, whether you’re munching on Kellogg’s, riding the rails, or sporting a Blue Peter badge, London’s kid-friendly adventures don’t have to break the bank. Enjoy your wallet-friendly London escapades!
Kids Pass
If you’re looking to save big on days out, attractions, and even some dining spots in London, the Kids Pass is your ticket to savings of up to 57%. Here’s the lowdown:
The Kids Pass offers both monthly and annual membership options, but if you’re not quite ready to commit, you can trial it for a mere £1 for 30 days. During this trial period, you’ll have access to all the deals on the app, which range from the Changing The Guard tour to entry at Battersea Park Children’s Zoo.
Keep in mind that depending on the attraction you’re eyeing, Kids Pass tickets may be limited, especially during school holidays. So, just having the pass doesn’t guarantee a discount. However, considering the relatively small monthly fee, you could easily recoup your investment in no time.
Looking for more membership options? Days Out with the Kids + offers a similar deal with both monthly and annual payment choices and a slew of discounts for family outings across the UK.
Merlin Combination Tickets
If you’re planning to hit up several of London’s top attractions—Madame Tussauds, Shrek’s Adventure, the Sealife London Aquarium, the London Dungeon, and the London Eye—consider snagging a Merlin combination ticket. Here’s why:
Even if you’re visiting just one of these attractions, you’ll usually score a discount. But the real savings come into play when you plan to explore multiple spots, with discounts reaching up to 45% off. You might even find similar deals on the discount ticket websites mentioned earlier.
And here’s a new kid on the block—the Big City Saver pass. It offers fantastic discounts for multiple Merlin attractions and the Big Bus hop-on-hop-off tour. Plus, you have a generous 90 days to use your tickets, and rescheduling is on the house.
Treasure Map Trails Walking Tours
Add a dash of adventure to your London exploration with the Treasure Map Trails walking tours. These vibrant, treasure hunt-style maps cover three routes in central London.
These hunts challenge you to spot all sorts of quirky sights, from signs and statues to carvings, all brought to life with a whimsical fantasy design that transforms the city streets into a real-life treasure hunt.
Discounts on London Theatre Tickets with Kids
The theatre scene in London is teeming with amazing shows for kids. Whether you’re eyeing a blockbuster West End production or a charming family-friendly performance, there are ways to snag discounts. Keep your eyes peeled for those theatre deals too.
With these money-saving tips up your sleeve, your family adventure in London is set to be not only fun but also friendly on your wallet. Enjoy the city!
Theatre Lotteries
Keep your theatrical ambitions high without breaking the bank. Some theatres run daily lotteries for specific shows. If there’s a particular performance you’re itching to see, here’s the drill:
Check out their lottery deals, sign up or get ready to pounce when the time comes. Just remember, there’s always a limited number of tickets available, and the booking window is usually quite short.
TKTS London
If you happen to find yourself in central London, make a beeline for the TKTS ticket booth in Leicester Square. It’s open daily, offering the best deals in the theatre world. Operating from 10.30 am to 6 pm (Saturdays from 10.30 am to 7 pm, Sundays 12-4.30 pm), it’s your go-to spot for snagging fantastic theatre offers.
But, once those tickets are gone, they’re gone. Not to worry, though – you can also scout all the deals on the TKTS website if you’re not in the neighbourhood.
Todaytix
Todaytix is your global ticket fairy, spreading great theatre deals across the world. London is no exception, and despite the name, you can purchase tickets in advance too. The real gem here is the ability to score same-day tickets via the app. You can find London theatre lottery tickets starting at £10 and rush tickets, offering same-day options from £20.
Here’s the scoop: You can apply for a week’s worth of lottery tickets in one go for performances in the following week. Perfect if you’re planning a trip and are open to attending on any night. Rush tickets go on sale at 10 am on the same day, so keep your eyes peeled.
Disney Magical Mondays
Disney lovers, rejoice! Disney runs its own lottery for shows like The Lion King and Frozen through the DisneyTickets website. Tickets for the week’s performances become available every Monday at noon, priced at £25.
Pro tip: Sign up in advance because these tickets tend to vanish in the blink of an eye.
Kids Week
While not a year-round deal, Kids Week is a treasure trove of discounts. It’s no longer confined to a single week; it spans the entire month of August. Here’s how it works:
One child aged 17 and under gets to go free with a paying adult as part of this promotion, and two more children can attend at half price. Tickets typically go on sale in mid-June, and they tend to disappear fast.
Prepare for a virtual queue, have your plan ready, and be quick to join as soon as booking opens. Sometimes, extra tickets and shows get added, and the smaller shows often have less demand.
With these savvy ways to snag theatre tickets at a discount, you’re in for some unforgettable London entertainment without breaking the bank. Enjoy the show!
Seatplan:
If you’re not one for same-day lottery excitement, Seatplan has you covered. They offer deals from three different retailers, and while not every show will be family-friendly, it’s definitely worth a look.
London City Passes with Kids
London boasts not one but two different city pass options, each offering access to a variety of attractions. But, as with any city pass, it’s crucial to consider how much you’ll actually use it during your available time. They can be fantastic for saving money in London with kids, but there’s no sense in having a one-day pass if you’re rushing from place to place without truly enjoying your experience.
A nifty perk: Kids under 11 travel free on Tfl services, including the tube and buses in London, when accompanied by an adult. Be sure to check for more tips on navigating the Underground with kids.
The London Pass
The London Pass opens doors to over 80 attractions, including many major family-friendly ones. Here’s how it works:
The pass is valid for consecutive days, ranging from one to seven days, with a 10-day option available. Unlike some other city passes, it kicks in from the morning, not when you visit your first attraction. So, it’s wise to use it on full days to maximize your savings.
Each day you use the pass is equivalent to a specific number of credits, which you’ll spend as you visit attractions. You can’t exceed the credit value. For instance, a single-day pass grants you 270 credits, equivalent to £270. That’s a tough sum to spend on attractions in a single day!
The London Pass can also include a Visitor Oyster card and a day’s access to a hop-on-hop-off bus tour. You can find it on platforms like Tiqets, Viator, and Get Your Guide. Keep in mind that some attractions require prebooking.
London: Go City Explorer Pass
The London Explorer Pass grants you entry to over 70 attractions, including major sites. Here’s the twist:
You add a credits package to your pass, with options ranging from two to seven credits. After your first attraction visit and pass activation, you have 60 days to use the remaining credits. Each attraction visit consumes one credit, so it’s smart to use them for higher-priced entries.
This pass works well if you have multiple day trips planned over the summer or a couple of weekend getaways, rather than one extended trip.
With these pass options, you can maximize your London adventures with kids without maxing out your budget. Enjoy your family outings in the city!
While these passes offer fantastic value, there’s a slight catch. You can’t pack your days to the brim with as many attractions as possible to maximize your savings. But let’s face it, if you’re on a mission to save money on days out in London with kids, you probably wouldn’t be attempting that marathon anyway.
Available from Tiqets, Viator, and Get Your Guide.
Some attractions require pre-booking.
Big City Saver
The Big City Saver pass is your golden ticket to London’s Merlin attractions and the Big Bus Hop On Hop Off tour. Here’s why it’s a must for those planning to hit multiple attractions:
This pass includes access to the London Eye, Madame Tussauds, Sea Life Aquarium, Shrek’s Adventure, London Dungeon, and the Big Bus tour. With it, you can pocket savings of up to 46% on entry fees.
You also have a generous 90-day window to use the tickets, and the cherry on top—free rescheduling.
Annual Family Memberships for London Days Out
If you’re a London local or a frequent visitor, explore these family membership schemes for potential savings:
- Historic Royal Palaces: This membership gives you unlimited access to the Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace, and Kensington Palace. It could save an average family nearly £100. Various family options are available.
- National Trust: While most of London’s National Trust properties are on the outskirts, membership opens doors to Roman baths, Tudor houses, and more.
- English Heritage: Some English Heritage properties in London may be a bit farther out, but there are gems like the Wellington Arch in central London. Entry is free for members.
- Merlin Annual Pass: With five major Merlin attractions in central London, this pass covers everything from Madame Tussauds to the London Eye. You’ll find additional discounts in London for Merlin Annual Pass holders, as well as various pass types to suit your family’s needs.
- National Art Pass – Art Fund: Ideal for art-loving families, this pass offers discounts at museums like Tate Modern, the V&A, and the National Gallery. You’ll also get discounts at other London attractions, including free entry to Kensington Palace and more.
- Natural History Museum: While the main museum is free, membership offers exclusive access and extras, perfect for families who adore the exhibitions.
- Wonderlab at the Science Museum: Wonderlab is a hit with kids, and an annual pass costs just a tad more than a single ticket. If you plan to visit more than once, it’s a no-brainer. The main museum remains free.
With these memberships and passes, your family can embark on countless adventures in London without breaking the bank. Enjoy your days out!