Tuesday, July 15, 2025

Families in the UK can enjoy significant savings on travel this summer with Northern’s family ticket offer. The rail operator has launched bigger deals allowing families to receive up to 90% off fares to attractions to Blackpool, the Cumbrian coast, Manchester city centre and Manchester Airport. With many of us looking ahead to our plans for summer, this offer will mean that rail travel is a more affordable, flexible option than ever before.

Given the impending school holidays, families frequently find themselves caught between the choice of budget and comfort travel. Northern’s enhanced family ticket offer will provide families with the opportunity to leave the car at home and enjoy the ease and comfort of the train. The deal, originally a trial from October 2023, and the booking window now been expanded and here’s more savings on more routes.

Families travelling to locations across the North of England can save money with this fare, compared to a standard “walk-up” ticket. The family ticket can accommodate two adults and up to four children under 15 – perfect for family days out, airport transfers or a drive to the coast!

The walk up single fare is usually £77.40, so a family ticket is only £12.20 – families are £65.20 better off.

Walk-up fare £82.20, family fare £10.80, saving £71.40.

A walk-up fare costs £56.40 but the family ticket is £10.80, a £45.60 saving.

This effort will make a difference for families who want to cut costs and save time when on the road. Whether it be taking a traditional day out at the beach in Blackpool, a visit to the Cumbrian coast or a hassle-free journey to Manchester Airport, Northern’s family ticket has something for everyone.

Northern commercial and customer director Alex Hornby said it is the company’s vision to provide families with affordable and easy train journeys. “We know that price and value for money are key factors for families when they are looking to enjoy days out and trips away, and these changes are just the first of many we will be making to offer better value rail services.” Hornby also emphasised that by simplifying the ticket purchasing process, he would like to see more families swapping the unreliable car for train.

Bargain hunters can also take advantage of Northern’s new family ticket that makes it easier (and cheaper) for families to travel by train – and it’s easy to buy with options in the Northern app, from ticket vending machines and ticket offices. The great value tickets are available to families from 12 weeks before they travel right until 15 minutes before their scheduled journey time giving customers the freedom and convenience of planning travel well in advance or at the last-minute.

This project targets families, but its broader economic impact stretches towards business travel and tourism. For corporate travel planning, these low-cost tariffs will enable companies to develop a budget-friendly travel strategy, particularly when travelling between cities including Manchester, Preston and Blackpool. Lower travel costs can also encourage business travelers to choose train trips over flights or travel by car, particularly on shorter distances.

For tourists, the new offer may pave the way for more families to visit some of Northern England’s most famous attractions, from the natural beauty of the Cumbrian coast to the bustle of Manchester’s streets. The discount railcard means visitors from overseas can also afford to discover the delights of the north of England and enjoy pretty countryside, culture and historic attractions. The convenience and pricing of the new train service might also help businesses in the tourism sector, in regions where summer tourism is booming.

As families begin to plan their summer holidays we offer these quick tips to get the most from Northern’s family ticket offer:

The family ticket is available to purchase up to 15 minutes prior to departure, but the earlier the booking the better the price and availability are, especially for busier services.

to explore with the extended travel area, with families able to take a North of England adventure to a whole host of destinations connected to the North, such as Blackpool, Manchester, and the Cumbrian coastline. Write down all the places you can get off the train in a jiffy.

Can’t make it sooner for a trip? The freedom to purchase a ticket to travel up to 15 minutes before departure makes the service perfect for last minute getaways. Great for those who don’t afford themselves a tight schedule.

Depending on the travel time and seat availability, Northern could provide other discounts or deals. Search the Northern website or app for any offers.

Train travel is certainly convenient, but keep in mind luggage restrictions (especially with family in tow). You don’t have to scramble to the top of the airport every time you fly, just keep your bags handy and tidy for a quick flight.

Northern’s familyfindertool has also been extended to deliver the best savings for families travelling together throughout the summer. This makes the offer a gamechanger for families keen to explore the North of England on a budget.Whatever your reason, taking the kids on a train ride has never been so appealing – especially when we’re talking up to 90% off train fares to some of the North of England’s most popular destinations. Whether you’re heading to Blackpool, Manchester, or the beautiful Cumbrian coast, Northern helps families to park the car and see the best the North has to offer by train.

This project promises to reunite even more families for unforgettable journeys and help even more cars be left at home all while making travel sustainable for all. Enjoy these fantastic offers and discover more of Northern England than ever before.