Things to do this bank holiday before school starts (and where your kids can eat free)

The final days of the summer holidays are ticking away, but there’s still time to make a few more memories before the school doors open once again. 

As parents and kids alike prepare for the new term, there are a few things you can squeeze in to make the most of the last few days of summer - including days out, art festivals, discounted rail fares, special dining offers as well as plenty of locations that have kids eat free offers! 

In this feature, you’ll find:

1. Summer of Play at National Trust locations

2. Discounted rail fares for children under 15 years old

3. Free festival of art at the National Gallery

4. Family days out at Bill’s this summer

5. Where can kids eat free before school starts?

6. Kids eat for just £1 offers available

1. Summer of Play at National Trust locations nationwide

Member or not, your nearest National Trust sites are definitely worth a visit this summer. Taking place across 186 National Trust places across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, Summer of Play activities are designed for the whole family to enjoy together. 

Plus, there’s no need to pre-book and members can still gain entry free of charge. Non-members will need to pay entry fees, however under fives visit for free. Although, if you’re not a member - it’s well worth investing in one as you gain free access to over 500 places that are in the National Trust’s care (and most offer free parking). 

2. Discounted rail fares for children under 15 years old

Say bon voyage to the summer holidays in style with a little getaway. It’d be a great chance to wind-down before the September routine kicks in once again for everyone. It’d be daft not to, especially as Avanti West Coast have up to 500,000 Family Advance seats available for families. 

Lead-in fares start from just £42 between London Euston and Birmingham for up to two adults and three children (one way). Rates are valid for travel until 8 September giving you the whole summer holiday to explore. Plus, tickets are free for under-5s and kids aged 5 t0 15 years old travel at a discounted rate. 

3. Free festival of art at the National Gallery 

Until September 1st, families in or around London should head to the National Gallery for their free festival of art. 

The main attraction is the Gallery’s Take One Picture exhibition, which is currently being held outside the Gallery on Trafalgar Square. Families can marvel at artworks created by children of all ages across the country. You can also enjoy Summer on the Square, which has transformed Trafalgar Square into a hub of creativity, offering a free daily programme filled with creative sessions and activities for you and your DC to join in. 

4. Family days out at Bill’s this summer

With 45 branches across the UK, you’re never far away from a Bill’s. The perfect spot for summer dining, families can enjoy a relaxed environment that’s full of entertainment for kids, as well as a delicious menu guaranteed to leave everyone satisfied. 

One of the best discounts for families this summer is their Kids Eat Free deal. Up to two kids under the age of 10 can eat free all day when one adult orders a main dish for breakfast, lunch or dinner (T&Cs apply). 

Bill’s also has special offers for Results Day, Graduation Day and A Levels and GCSE students. 

5. Where can kids eat free before school starts? 

Let’s be honest, the summer holidays can be a financial burden for parents - often involving extra costs for childcare, activities and holidays. Plus, the pressure of planning trips or outings to keep kids entertained can add up, making summer an expensive time of year. 

So, when we find a kid's free offer, it shouldn’t be overlooked. After all, any way to help cut costs of summer is most definitely welcomed. Here are the places we’ve spied that are offering ‘kids eat free’ offers until the new school term starts so you can dine out in these final days without feeling guilty about spending! 

Restaurants

- Bill’s restaurants, up to two children under 10 can eat for free (along with an adult order) until 30th August

- Up to two free lunch boxes for kids under 18 years old for families who spend £10 or more in the cafe at English Heritage sites (including Stonehenge, Tintagel Castle and Dover Castle) 

- Kids eat free at TGI Fridays when you order an adult’s main meal - offer available for Stripes Rewards members only, so make sure you sign up to their app before visiting 

- Every Sunday, visit The Real Greek and feed your under 12s for free for every £10 spent by an adult

- Head to your nearest Bella Italia on a Thursday and kids can eat free with every purchase of an adult main course (exclusions apply)

- Up to three children under 12 years old can dine for free for every £10 spent by an adult at YO! Sushi until 30th August (applies weekdays from Monday to Friday only at dine-in restaurants)

- Children under eight years old can dine for free for every adult ordering from the a la carte menu at selected Gordon Ramsay Restaurants, including Heddon Street Kitchen, all Bread Street Kitchen & Bars, Gordon Ramsay Bar & Grill and Pizza East

Supermarket cafes 

- Under-16s can eat for free at any of Morrisons’ 397 cafes across the UK when an adult spends £5 or more on a meal (available all day, week-long)

- Kids eat free from Mondays to Fridays when an adult buys something in a Tesco cafe (for as little as 60p) when showing their Tesco Clubcard at the till until 30th August

6. Kids eat for just £1 offers available

Alongside kids eating free offers, many restaurants and supermarket cafes across the UK are offering families huge discounts on children’s food. In fact, kids can dine for as little as £1. So, while they’re not exactly free to eat, paying just £1 is a huge saving on the usual price of a meal. 

Where can children eat for £1? 

- Kids under 16 years old can enjoy a hot meal or ‘pick and mix’ meal deal of a sandwich, drink and fruit for £1 at any of Asda’s 205 cafes nationwide (and there’s no minimum spend or adult meal purchase requirements!) 

- Children eat for £1 with every purchase of an adult main course from 4 to 6pm, Sundays to Wednesdays at Bella Italia 

- Get one kid’s hot main meal or lunch bag for £1 with an adult hot main meal at Sainsbury’s this summer 

- Pub chain Hungry Horse is offering kids’ meals for £1 every Monday (although large meals are £1.50), and up to two kids can eat with every paying adult

- Kids can dine for just £1 at Premier Inn’s Thyme restaurants until 1st September - the offer includes two children under 16 per paying adult

About the author

Rebecca Roberts is a writer, editor, and content marketing expert hailing from Leeds. Here at Mumsnet, she commissions, writes, and edits to bring parents content designed to make life easier. With her eldest DC starting school this September, she’s personally feeling the pressure of making the most of these last days of summer with her family.

Beyond her role as an editor here at Mumsnet, Rebecca can be found balancing life as a working mum of two toddlers and when she’s not at her desk, you’ll likely find her at a local playgroup, in a nearby coffee shop, or walking the dog up and down country lanes.

Read next: Enjoy a summer of play at National Trust locations

Offers and sale prices correct at time of writing and we endeavor to keep this page as updated as much as possible. Last updated 21st August 2024.