In one of my previous posts I mentioned about doing a post for the best annual family tickets. Well I had bugger all else to do today so I thought I’d best make a start.
As you know we all love saving money and entertaining the kids. One of my favourite ways is to drive to Chester and dump them on my parents. However we cant all do that (to my parents anyway). Sometimes we just have to entertain our kids. Unfortunately its normally bloody expensive. So here you have it The Family Tickets guide to the best annual tickets for families all of which will be £100 or under.
The Best Annual Family Tickets
Compton Verney
We love Compton Verney there’s so much for the kids to do both indoors and outdoors. They have regular events throughout the year and a regular forest school on Thursdays which is awesome and free with entry.
Annual pass cost: £33 for a family of 2 adults and up to 4 children.
What we thought: The Family Ticket Review
Their Website: Compton Verney
The living rainforest
The Living Rainforest was one of my first ever reviews and we’ve been several times since. Each time we go its always been lovely and quiet. However I’ve heard people mention that it does get busy and can be awful. Its a great place for animal lovers though.
Annual pass cost: £38.15 for family 2 adults and 2 kids, £36.10 for 1 adult and 3 kids
What we thought: The Family Ticket Review
Their Website: The Living Rainforest
Blenheim palace
Who doesn’t love Blenheim palace? we currently don’t have an annual pass but that’s because were taking a break as we’ve done it to death. Great annual events year round, Free forest school for annual pass holders, Miniature train rides, butterfly house, adventure play area and a huge maze to name but a few. Its one of the best family friendly venues in Oxfordshire.
Annual pass cost: £67.50 for 2 adults & 2 children (Under 5s go free)
What we thought: The Family Ticket Review
Their Website: Blenheim Palace
Roald Dahl childrens gallery
This is one of my most recent raves. I absolutely loved this place. My one regret? not upgrading to an annual pass. The Place is small but ohhhh so fun. Its also attached to bucks county museum which is free entry and again great for kids. This is possibly one of the best Annual family tickets value wise anyway.
Annual pass cost: £35 for up to 8 people with a minimum of 1 adult!!!!!
What we thought: The Family Ticket Review
Their Website: Roald Dahl Childrens gallery
Milestones museum
This pretty awesome museum has an actual pub the end. Haha this place is fab its a huge Victorian museum under one roof with a sweet shop (did i mention a pub?) its a role playing dream and a great value day out.
Annual pass cost: £45 for up to 5 people max 2 adults (under 5s free)
What we thought: The Family Ticket Review
Their Website: Milestones museum
National Trust
Ok I may be going against my rule of under £100 but I cant leave them out. This is without a doubt the best annual family ticket we have ever purchased. Why? because you’re not restricted to one place. Its goes everywhere with you. We’ve taken our to Devon, Dorset, Chester, Wales if you get my point. We have saved so much money and have zero regrets. Waddesdon, Stowe, Basildon and Boarstall or some of our favourites
Annual pass cost: £126 for 2 adults and up to 10 kids! or £10.50 pm (under 5’s free)
What we thought: The Family Ticket Review
Their Website: National Trust
The British Motor Museum
Ok so although I’ve been here I still haven’t typed up a review. However if cars are your thing then this could be the one for you. My boys really loved it. There’s a fair amount of interactive areas for kids but their favourite bit was being pushed around in the mini BMW ride on’s There aren’t a lots so it subject to availability.
Annual pass cost: £40 for 2 adults and up to 3 kids (Under 5’s free)
Their Website: The British Motor Museum
Milton Keynes Museum
If the milestones museum had a younger brother then this would be it. Only downside it the pub in this Victorian street isn’t a real one. The sweet shop is though. We had a brilliant time there after school especially the communications room.
Annual pass cost: £30 for 2 adults and up to 4 children (under 5’s Free)
What we thought: The Family Ticket Review
Their Website: Milton Keynes Museum
Harcourt Arboretum
I really like the Arboretum. Its a brilliant walk among the trees so close to Oxford. Its a great sized walk for little legs. They even have lots of peacocks roaming the grounds. You can find explorer packs at the front desk for little ones. Its all about nature here so don’t expect big play areas etc. Make your own fun.
Annual pass cost: £20 each for Adults and children under 16 are free.
What we thought: The Family Ticket Review
Their Website: Harcourt Arboretum
Castle Ashby Gardens
Castle Ashby gardens was a surprise for us and not your stereotypical castle at all. Still a huge amount of fun to be had with the kids though. They have a lovely play area although in my opinion better suited for older children. However they make up for that with a really lovely area with animals. Pigs, meercats and even teeny monkeys. Again they hold lots of annual events so well worth the visit.
Annual pass cost: £65 For 2 adults and up to 3 under 16s
What we thought: The Family Ticket Review
Their Website: Castle Ashby Gardens
Lookout discovery centre
One of my old time favourite days out with the kids. I absolutely adore this place and its always one of the places I recommend the most. Its educational, fun, indoors and outdoors. It really does have everything you need. Basically its a science museum for kids in the middle of a forest with a huge adventure play area.
Annual pass cost: £84.80 for 2 adults and 2 kids or 1 adult and 3 kids.
What we thought: The Family Ticket Review
Their Website: Lookout discovery centre
Oxford bus museum
My eldest loves busses almost as much as he loves trains so this museum is perfect for him. There’s lots of interactive bits and even a room dedicated for the kids with a ride on, crafts and lots of busses you can go in too. They have vintage bus ride on certain days for free as well.
Annual pass cost: £35 for 2 adults and 2 children. (under 5’s free)
What we thought: The Family Ticket Review
Their Website: Oxford Bus Museum
Stratford Butterfly farm
Another amazing place especially in the winter too. You can go here and feel like you’re abroad. Its so warm. The butterfly farm is seriously cool and we can walk round loads and see something new every time. Keep your eyes peeled for the 2 giant iguanas roaming free too. My favourite were the leaf cutter ants!
Annual pass cost: £53 for 2 adults and 2 kids (under 3’s free)
What we thought: The Family Ticket Review
Their Website: Stratford Butterfly Farm
Evenley wood garden
Another one of my absolute favourites. This time a stunning woodland with a super cute cafe. They have regular events throughout the year for adults and children. Their Autumn harvest is a firm favourite with us.
Annual pass cost: £30 per adult under 16s free
What we thought: The Family Ticket Review
Their Website: Evenley wood garden
Cogges Farm
Now this little gem is a firm favourite with us. Its a lovely little farm but not like your usual commercial farm parks out there. That’s not to say there isn’t fun to be had because my kids love it here. Ride on’s 2 play parks an assault course and animals it really is lovely and low key.
Annual pass cost: £64 for 2 adults and up to 3 kids transferable to grandparents too!
What we thought: The Family Ticket Review
Their Website: Cogges Farm
So there you have it that’s my guide to some of the best annual family tickets, that I could find anyway. I’m sure there are plenty more out there and if and when I do find them i’ll add them to the list if i think they’re worth it.
If you know of any other annual tickets that are really good value then feel free to leave a comment or even message me of Facebook if you prefer HERE
