Over-60s discounts: how to save on cinema, theatre, days out and more - Which? News (2023)

The B&Q Diamond Club discount scheme for those aged 60 or over will no longer accept new applicants, and existing members will have their perks reduced from 3 September. But there are plenty of other ways for over-60s to make savings.

Right now, the Diamond Cluboffers over-60s a 10% discount when shopping in-store on Wednesdays. But, from 3 September, the scheme will close to new members and the discount for existing members will be limited to around 10,000 gardening products.

Here, we take a look at the other perks you can get if you're over 60 on shopping, travel, holidays, entertainment and dining out.

Shopping perks for over-60s

If you like the sound of the B&Q Diamond Club, there is still time to become a member before it closes to newcomers. If you're aged 60 or over you just need to register for a Diamond card by 4pm on Sunday 2 September in store.

While the 10% discount is being limited to some products, members will still be able to get a 10% discount at the B&Q cafe, £10 off two-hour van rental through Hertz and registered members will continue to receive email vouchers.

Wyevale Garden Centres offer The Garden Club scheme to all members but over-60s can get double points on Tuesdays. So instead of five points for every £1 you spend, you'll get 10 points. Each set of 250 points is worth £2.50 in vouchers.

If you have a Boots Advantage card and are over 60, you can sign up to More Treats for Over 60sscheme to earn 10 points for every £1 spent on Boots brands, instead of the standard four points for every £1.

You can find shopping discounts whatever your age. Take a look at our14 online shopping tips and tricks to save money for more.

Health and wellbeing discounts for over 60s

Once you reach 60, you can get free prescriptions and NHS sight tests in England.

Specsavers offers over 60s free eye tests and 25% off glasses and lenses from its £69 range or above, including designer styles.

Boots Opticians offer people aged 60 or over that have an Advantage card and are part of the More Treats for Over 60s scheme 25% off glasses or prescription sunglasses. The More Treats for Over 60s scheme also gets you a free hearing check-up with Boots Hearingcare once a year and 150 extra Boots Advantage points when you attend the appointment.

It's also worth checking out your local leisure centre for off-peak or senior citizen rates on swimming and exercise classes.

Entertainment savings for over-60s

Empire has special Senior screenings for over-60s every Wednesday morning. Tickets cost £3.50 and include a tea or coffee and a biscuit before the film starts.

Odeon holds weekly Silver Cinema screenings for over-55s on a Wednesday. Tickets are £3 and come with a hot drink and biscuit to enjoy.

If Wednesdays are no good, Showcase cinemas offer Senior Screenings on a Monday where people over 60 can pay £5 for a ticket or £7 for 3D films.

Vue also holds Senior Screenings at selected cinemas for over-60s. Prices start at £4.49 and you will get a biscuit and hot drink.

The National Theatre offers senior citizens discounts to midweek matinees. Travelex production tickets priced at £35 or over are reduced by £10, while Olivier and Lyttelton productions £52 and £39 tickets are reduced by £20 or you can get £30 tickets for Dorfman productions.

The Royal Shakespeare Company offers 20% off seats on Monday and Tuesday evenings and midweek matinees.

The BFI in London also regularly holds a programme of free talks and presentations for seniors, but to get the free tickets you will need to call the box office on 020 7928 3232 or get them in person.

Cheaper days out for over-60s

The National Trust, which looks after Britain's great buildings, landscapes and coastlines, offers 25% off membership for those aged 60 or over.

Membership gets you access to more than 500 National Trust properties and outdoor places.

However, you'll need to have been a member of the National Trust for five years out of the past 10 to qualify for the discounted rate of £51.48 a year for an individual (compared with £69 a year) or £85.20 (usually £114 a year) for a joint membership.

English Heritage, which offers entry to 400 historic sites across the UK, also offers seniors discounted membership.

Single over-60s pay £46 a year, compared with the £54 standard adult rate. A couple over 60 can sign up for £70, a saving on thejoint-adult membership fee of £96.

Plenty of museums and attractions will offer discounts for older visitors, so it's always worth checking.

For example, the Beamish Open Air Museum charges over-60s £5 less for membership (£14 rather than £19 for other adults).

Dining discounts for over-60s

Unfortunately, the Diamond Club scheme, which offered discounts on meals out for the over 50s at more than 100 pubs and restaurants, has now closed to new members.

But Hungry Horse pub restaurants still offer diners aged 60 or over a special 'Golden Years' menu. You can choose a main plus any starter or dessert for £4.70 and add an extra course for just £1.50.

Some Greene King pubs also offer seniors menu, which offers a selection of smaller portion starters, main course and desserts priced from £1 up to £5.99.

Also remember you can save on eating out whatever your age with voucher codes from websites such asVouchercodes, Vouchercloud and Myvouchercodes.

You may also be able to benefit from a Tastecard which offers two-for-one meals or 50% off food. You can take a £1 trial for 90 days, but it costs £34.99 a year after the trial ends.

The Gourmet Society is a similar scheme which offers up to 50% off at selected restaurants. You can take a £1 trial for 60 days, but after the free trial, membership costs £34.99 for a year.

Travel and holiday savings for over-60s

In Northern Ireland, over-60s can get the 60+ Smart Pass or the 65+ Smart Pass, while in Scotland over-60s can get the National Entitlement Card for free bus travel. In Wales, you can get a free bus pass when you reach 60.

In England, access to a free bus pass is linked to women'sstate pension age, even for men. If you live in London, you can travel for free on buses and tubes with a 60+ London Oyster photocard which costs £20 until you qualify for a Freedom Pass.

The senior railcard is available to travellers aged 60 or over. It costs £30 a year and enables you to get a third off standard and first class anytime, off-peak and advance fares. The card also offers discounts on days out, theatre and lifestyle treats.

If you prefer to travel by coach National Express offers a Senior Coachcard for people aged 60 or over. It costs £12.50 a year plus £2.50 postage and packaging and offers a third off standard and fully flexible fares to hundreds of towns, cities and airports across the UK.

The ScotRail Club 50 and the Greater Anglia Club 50 card can help people aged 50 or over save on train travel on their routes. The Scot Rail Club 50 card costs £15 a year while the Greater Anglia Club 50 card costs £20 a year and can get you 20% off advance and off-peak tickets bought online (or 10% off when purchasing tickets at a station). In addition, cardholders can get two-for-one entry to top London attractions.

For a bit more adventure, those aged 60 or over can get 10% off fares with Interrail, which allows you to travel across 30 European countries by train. The discount is available on first or second-class travel.

Don't forget other perks

As well as discounts on eating out and shopping you could be eligible for other benefits because of your age.

Over-75s get a free TV licence and if you were born on or before 2 September 1929 you can renew your passport for free.

You may also be eligible for a range of benefits like pensions credit and help with your heating bills. Use a benefits calculator to see what you're missing out on.

This article has been updated to state those living in Wales can get access to a free bus pass when they reach 60. Previously it stated entitlement was linked to the female state pension age - this only applies to those living in England (excluding London)