THE most affordable UK theme park has been revealed for families looking for a cheaper day out.
New data has uncovered the cheapest UK resort for both parking and ticket prices this Easter, as well as how to get the best deal before your trip.
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The numbers show that Legoland Discovery Centre has the cheapest car parking and ticket prices out of the leading UK theme parks, for Brits looking for a budget trip.
Theme parks can be a great day out, particularly for parents looking to keep their kids entertained during the half term.
However, they rarely come cheap, with the costs often scarier than the rides themselves.
This is particularly true during peak times such as weekends and bank holidays, when costs can quickly build up – even down to the parking.
Researchers at All Car Leasing have crunched the numbers to find out which UK theme park has the cheapest costs and how to find the least pricey option ahead of the pricey Easter bank holiday weekend.
Flamingo Land and Legoland Discovery Centre came out on top as the cheapest theme parks for car parking, both offering parking for free.
Seven of the leading theme parks in the UK were ranked according to the price of their cheapest parking options.
Most amusement parks offer a “standard” parking option which is the cheapest, and a more expensive option which is often called “priority” or “express”.
Blackpool Pleasure Beach has the most expensive parking, with costs starting from £15 if booked online or on the day, according to the website.
Alton Towers, Chessington, Thorpe Park and Legoland Windsor had parking ranging from £6-£10, depending on if they were paid for online in advance, or on arrival.
It is worth noting that according to the Legoland Discovery Centre website, the free parking in question is ‘Trafford Centre Car Park West’ at Trafford Palazzo which is outside the attraction.
Researchers also investigated the cost of a ticket and car parking spot over the Easter half term, when prices will naturally go up, to uncover which is the cheapest theme park overall.
Legoland Discovery Centre has the lowest priced ticket, as well as free parking, so is the best option for a cheap day out.
Flamingo Land’s free parking has also made it a cheaper day out than remaining competitors, on the whole, despite having more expensive tickets than the likes of Blackpool Pleasure Beach.
The Pleasure Beach’s hefty parking price tag meant it was lower in the rankings.
However, small savings can be made on parking, when booked in advance, while advanced entry will also cut costs.
From the seven theme parks, all are cheaper when booking tickets and parking beforehand, saving an average of 32 per cent, than simply paying on arrival.
For visitors who haven’t booked beforehand, Alton Towers and Legoland Windsor are the two most expensive theme parks, both having the largest difference in cost if bought online or at the gate.
However, despite Blackpool Pleasure Beach having the overall most expensive parking, it has the smallest difference in price whether you book online or in advance, costing £14 more if arriving impromptu.
Nigel King, from All Car Leasing said: “The Easter bank holiday is a prime time for families to hit the road and escape reality at one of the many amazing theme parks the UK has to offer.
“However, if you are planning to visit a theme park by car, it’s important to be aware of the car parking costs so that you can plan ahead and ensure that you’re getting the best deal.
“Legoland Discovery Centre is the cheapest theme park in the UK for both parking and standard ticket prices.
“Along with Legoland Discovery Centre, Flamingo Land also offer parking for free, making it the second cheapest option for both the ticket and parking price.
“If you’re looking to save money on parking and ticket prices, plan ahead. Our research indicates that in almost every instance, there is money to be saved by booking online, ahead of time, rather than simply paying at the gate.”
Meanwhile, these ideas can entertain kids for cheap this bank holiday.
And these five other suggestions could be good Easter days out for families.
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