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Friday 24 March 2023

Save money and make memories with family experiences

Last year, we moved house to our ‘forever home’, which, aside from a massive increase in our mortgage and bills, came with the realisation of just how much STUFF we have. Unpacking boxes and attempting to find a place for all our belongings is really hard when you’re a sentimental old bean like me - it’s difficult to throw things away! (I’m no Marie Kondo) With a new baby, we seem to have acquired even more items to keep and store and I started to dread Xmas and birthdays and the imminent arrival of even more ‘things’. We decided therefore, to have a focus this year on ‘doing’ things together as a family, using the gift of time rather than collecting more belongings. Consumables were ok, but we really wanted to plan days out, visits to new places and some nice meals or treats to enjoy now that the world seems to be getting back to some level of normality!

 
image of a family having coffee out with the wording save money and make memories with tastecard family experiences
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When covid lockdowns hit the UK, Arthur had just turned 5 and Charlotte was 2. Along with millions of other children, they’ve missed out on so much over the last 3 years. We all did our best to keep life at home fun and happy, with lots of play experiences, but now is the time to try and make the most of getting out and about! Especially now that the warm weather is approaching…we are hoping that Easter will bring us our first germ free school holiday of this year so that we can really enjoy ourselves.

Save money and make memories with family experiences



Of course, days out and dining out does add up, and Xmas and birthday money only goes so far when you’re a family of 5! In order to maximise our experiences and save some money on family attractions, dining and even cinema tickets or barista made coffee (Nero, I’m looking at you!) we decided to use a tastecard so that we could get 25% off the price at lots of different venues.


After signing up and downloading the app, I searched for Leeds and York restaurant deals to see what our options were in and around West Yorkshire. We really want to try and visit new and different places too that are local to us, but we haven’t yet explored, as well as making the most of what is on our doorstep!



Where can I use tastecard in Ilkley?




If you’re in and around the Ilkley area, you can make the most of your tastecard discounts on barista made coffees at Nero and the Ticket Office, as well as 2 for 1 on meals at Banyan, or 50% off pizza at Domino’s. Nero is our favourite place to stop for a drink and a snack in Ilkley, as well as great coffee with dairy-free options, they also offer vegan food and have a good sized baby changing room too!


Here are some photos of our last trip to Banyan:

 
food at banyan restaurant in ilkley




What attractions can I visit in Yorkshire with my tastecard?



Looking within the wider Yorkshire area for family attractions this Easter, you could take a trip to York and explore York Dungeons with your older children, watch a film at the Picturehouse York or Vue cinema and finish off with a bite to eat at a huge choice of restaurants such as Prezzo, Bella Italia or ASK Italian (to name a few).



Which UK family attractions can I visit with my tastecard?



If you’re looking to make the most of your Easter staycation and explore the UK family attractions further afield, you can currently use your tastecard to save money at Hotels.com to book your overnight stay, before heading off for a trip to Alton Towers or Thorpe Park (if you like an adrenaline filled day!) or treating your little ones to a magical time at Legoland, Peter Rabbit Explore and Play, or Shrek’s adventure in London!



Can I use my tastecard for experiences at home?


Yes! Just in case you come down with the lurgy this Easter, you can still use your tastecard for pizza deliveries at home or browse their Member Perks and save money on retail, hotels, home-cooking boxes, and more!

 
family unpacking boxes at home whilst eating home delivered pizza



I am looking forward to a family fun Easter this year, this will be the first school holiday since the Summer where we (hopefully!) haven’t been poorly, or I’ve been recovering after giving birth, so we certainly intend to make the most of it and make some memories whilst saving money wherever possible.


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