Coronation freebies and discounts: what’s up for grabs

From free railcards and holiday giveaways to discounts off food, we highlight the special offers launched to mark the coronation of King Charles III

Union Flags hanging in the ceiling of Covent Garden Apple Market
(Image credit: Mark Kemp)

The country is gearing up for a bank holiday weekend of celebrations for the coronation of King Charles III on 6-8 May.

As well as enjoying an extra day off work, seeing family and friends, and perhaps having a glass of fizz or a picnic (fingers crossed for good weather), you may be able to take advantage of a special freebie or discount.

A host of companies have launched coronation perks and giveaways to mark the occasion.

We highlight some of the special deals.

1, Claim a free railcard

Anyone sporting a “regal name” like Charles Philip can enter a prize draw to claim a free railcard.

National Rail is giving away 100 railcards, which give passengers a third off their train fare.

The free railcards are only available to those boasting a first and middle name, or first and last name, relating to the new monarch. For example, Charles Philip, Charlie Phipps,  Charlotte Philippa or Charlize Phipps.

The giveaway will run from Friday 5 to Monday 8 May and be hosted on National Rail’s Instagram page. To enter, simply comment with your name, and the first 100 to claim (and prove their “regal” identity) will be eligible to receive a free railcard. 

2, Win a two-night staycation

Warner Holidays is offering those named Charles or Camilla the chance to win a two-night staycation “fit for a king”. 

It has 10 holidays up for grabs. Each winner will receive a two-night dinner, bed and breakfast break for two guests in a hotel of their choice. There are 15 locations around the UK. 

To enter, all you need to do is complete a form on the Warner Holidays website and confirm your legal name is Charles or Camilla. Entries close at 23:59 on Sunday 14 May.

3, Get 25% off food at Costa

Costa Club app members can get 25% off all food ahead of the bank holiday weekend.

The deal goes live on Friday, 5 May. The offer can be used on up to 10 food items in one transaction and is available in-store or via Click & Collect.

For full terms and conditions, visit the Costa website.

4, Grab a free cake from Farmhouse Inns

Pub chain Farmhouse Inns is giving out a free slice of raspberry and lemonade cake to customers from Saturday 6 May until Monday 8 May.

You don't need a royal name to claim your free cake, but you will need to wear a crown or tiara and say the phrase "a royal slice" when asking for the cake slice.

The giveaway will run at all Farmhouse Inns sites around the country - find your nearest one on the website.

5, Enter a Twitter competition

We spotted a range of Twitter competitions that have been launched to celebrate the coronation bank holiday weekend.

Timberwise is giving away a £50 B&Q voucher:

See more

Ely Markets is giving away 25 limited edition King Charles coronation bags: 

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You can find more competitions, from M&S vouchers and Amazon gift cards to a kids’ red bike and even a behind-the-scenes tour of the King's racing stables in Newmarket, on this Twitter round-up

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Ruth Emery

Ruth Emery is contributing editor at The Money Edit. Ruth is passionate about helping people feel more confident about their finances. She was previously editor of Times Money Mentor, and prior to that was deputy Money editor at The Sunday Times. A multi-award winning journalist, Ruth started her career on a pensions magazine at the FT Group, and has also worked at Money Observer and Money Advice Service. Outside of work, she is a mum to two young children, a magistrate and an NHS volunteer.