Money saving expert reveals how Scottish families can save on summer days out

A money saving expert has revealed how to save on days out this summer, as new research shows almost three in five (58%) Scottish families expect to take three or more UK day trips during the holidays.

Personal finance expert Lynn Beattie, known as Mrs Mummypenny, advises that small changes like booking ahead, taking a picnic or using memberships and reward schemes can easily save £50 or more on a single family trip.

She said: “The best family days out don't always come with an entrance fee. Beaches, parks, woodland trails, nature reserves and many museums offer a brilliant day out for little or no cost. Check your local council website or community Facebook groups too – you'll often find free family events, festivals and outdoor activities happening throughout the summer holidays.”

The study, conducted by Boundless – the membership club for public sector and civil service workers and retirees – found the top summer experiences for Scots remain rooted in classic holiday traditions.

Almost a quarter (24%) said beaches were among the destinations they were most likely to visit this summer, ahead of visiting a seaside town (22%), exploring the countryside (21%), and spending time in nature (19%).

Mrs Mummypenny said: “Before booking a day out, spend five minutes looking for discounts. Booking online in advance is often cheaper than paying on the gate, while supermarket reward schemes, cashback sites and loyalty programmes can all help reduce the cost. It's surprising how often families pay more, simply because they don't check first.

“If you regularly visit attractions, a membership can quickly pay for itself. Schemes such as Boundless offer savings on attractions, restaurants and cinema tickets, plus reduced or free entry to museums, galleries and heritage sites. Even one or two family days out could cover the annual cost.”

Cost is now the leading consideration for people in Scotland when choosing a day out, with 43% ranking it as their most important factor. More than two in five (42%) are now actively seeking more discounts and deals on attractions and experiences compared to a year ago.

Darren Milton at Boundless said: “Families are clearly looking for ways to make their cash go further this summer, with value for money now the top consideration when choosing a day out and more people actively searching for discounts than a year ago.

“What’s encouraging is that people aren’t cutting back on experiences altogether. Instead, they’re looking for smarter ways to enjoy quality time together, whether that’s visiting destinations closer to home or making the most of offers and membership benefits.”

The appeal of staying closer to home is also growing, with one in five Scots (20%) saying the rising cost of overseas holidays is making UK days out more attractive this summer.

There are plenty of days out to enjoy across Scotland during the holidays. The National Museum of Scotland is hosting its Giants exhibition until 14 September, while Catherine Opie: To Be Seen runs at the National Galleries of Scotland in Edinburgh until 1 November. At V&A Dundee, visitors can also experience Catwalk: The Art of the Fashion Show until 17 January. Boundless Plus members receive 50% off these exhibitions with their National Art Pass benefit.

Boundless Plus members also have unlimited access to all National Trust for Scotland places, including unlimited access to Culzean Castle & Country Park in South Ayrshire, The Battle of Bannockburn Visitor Centre in Stirling and Glencoe National Nature Reserve.

Boundless, the membership club for working and retired public sector and civil service workers, provides a range of deals and discounts to help its members make the most of their free time. Membership is available from £45 per year.

To find out more, please visit: www.boundless.co.uk.

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Editors notes

Research methodology:

The research was conducted by Censuswide, among a sample of 2,000 British residents in June 2026. Censuswide is a member of the Market Research Society (MRS) and the British Polling Council (BPC), and a signatory of the Global Data Quality Pledge. It adheres to the MRS Code of Conduct and ESOMAR principles.

About Boundless:

Boundless is a membership club for civil service and public sector workers who are looking for inspiration on getting the most out of their free time. With a heritage and expertise dating back more than 100 years, Boundless offers its 150,000+ members deals on hundreds of unique experiences, events, volunteer activities and things to do. It’s also mutual, so all profits go straight back into the club to benefit members.

www.boundless.co.uk

About Mrs Mummypenny:

Lynn Beattie, otherwise known as Mrs Mummypenny, is a single mum to three boys and one cat, living in Hertfordshire. Lynn has been a personal finance expert for 10 years and regularly writes for newspapers and magazines, as well as appearing on BBC TV/radio, Channel 5, and Sky News regularly.

Visit her website at: https://www.mrsmummypenny.co.uk/