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Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
UK's cheapest theme parks ranked - one is free to enter this school holiday
It's the halfway point of the six week summer holidays in England and Wales, and it's fair to say plenty of parents will be looking for cheap days out As any parent will tell you, the words 'bargain' and 'theme park' are seldom seen in the same sentence. With the school holidays at the halfway point, and many more days to fill, lots of parents will be on the hunt for days out that won't leave them skint. A survey by Outdoor Toys compared the peak prices of theme parks across the UK, ranking them based on the cost of a child's ticket on a weekend during the summer. This suggests those who are willing to visit outside of peak season or on a weekday could pocket even more savings. The theme park bagging the top spot as the cheapest option was Playland Fun Park in Stourport-on-Severn, Worcestershire, which offers free admission. Instead, you pay per ride, with many costing just £1. According to their website, they boast "20 fantastic attractions", which include a pirate ship, F1 cars, and bumper boats. On balmy summer days, kids can cool off in the splash park. And savvy parents can save even more money by bringing their own food and drink. There's even a picnic area with benches. Despite its budget price tag, Playland has received some cracking reviews on TripAdvisor. One person said: "Went with our son and our 3 year old granddaughter . She loved it. Loads of electric cars and bikes for her to drive. She was very happy there and on way home. Queues very small even on a sunny Saturday, every ride 1 or 2 pounds." Another reviewer said: "This was really fun and a great price. Does need a bit of a refurb but we enjoyed it regardless. Nice pace going round." Park with fairground rides and 'pirate ship' venue Next on the list is The Web Adventure Park, located just outside York. A child's ticket is £17.95 in the summer and includes access to an indoor play centre, fairground rides, and an 'animal encounters' area where youngsters can interact with furry friends. Don't forget to pack a spare set of clothes for the regular foam parties. It has a stellar 4.5 star rating on TripAdvisor, and one satisfied visitor hailed it as "amazing value for money! All staff were excellent and friendly. Was nice to have paid and let the kids enjoy everything without having to budget." Third up is Camel Creek Adventure Park, situated in Wadebridge, Cornwall. Tickets start at just £20 for children, with those under 92cm entering free of charge. As an added bonus, purchasing a day ticket grants you a free seven-day pass, ideal for families holidaying in the popular south west region. Camel Creek boasts attractions such as Thunder Falls, a rollercoaster that dives into water, a pirate ship, and a chair swing. Animal enthusiasts will also adore the stables and pet corner, where they can befriend a variety of adorable creatures. Fantasy Island in Skegness Just missing out on third place is Fantasy Island in Skegness. If thrill rides aren't your cup of tea, you can enter for free and explore attractions like the 7-day market. However, if you wish to experience the rides, you'll need to purchase a wristband, which costs £20.50 for children for a day, according to the research. If you're planning to stay locally, you can opt for a two or seven-day wristband, which offers much better value per day. Fantasy Island boasts an enormous range of attractions, from white-knuckle rollercoasters to gentle river rapids, plus gentler rides perfect for younger children. There's even accommodation on-site for staycations. The theme park has earned 3.8 stars on TripAdvisor, with one visitor commenting: "We've been before but not for a few years, and I have to say I think Fantasy Island is a great day out for all the family. The kids (aged 14, 11 and 8) had a superb time and I thoroughly recommend spending a full day here. Wristband prices are good value." The same reviewer shared a handy money-saving tip, saying: "I didn't realise beforehand but apparently there is a blue light discount too if you are eligible." Rounding off the top five, BeWILDerwood in Cheshire secured fifth place, with peak season tickets costing just under £23. BeWILDerwood markets itself as offering "magical family fun in the great outdoors" and features tree-themed adventures including a sky maze, enormous slides and live performances all included in your admission fee. One satisfied visitor commented to say: "The place is really great - loads of tree house type mazes, play areas, craft area, show and meet and greet with the show's character. All the staff we encountered were very friendly." Cheapest theme parks in the UK *Entry fee is based on a peak summer weekend ticket for a child in 2025
Scottish Sun
01-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
I visited the English theme park that's launched first-ever overnight stays – with new safari lodges and glamping tents
Your kids will love the 5D Theatre with moving seats UP HIT CREEK I visited the English theme park that's launched first-ever overnight stays – with new safari lodges and glamping tents Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE Cornish drizzle had set in upon arrival at our 'safari lodge' but nothing was going to dampen our spirits. After all, this wasn't just any accommodation — we had a theme park as our back garden. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 My favourite ride was Raging Rivers, water slides you bomb down Credit: Supplied 5 Fired up on the dragon coaster Credit: Supplied 5 Have fun on the merry-go-round Credit: Supplied Family favourite Camel Creek has welcomed visitors to its award-winning adventure park near Padstow since 1989, but until now, the fun always had to end at closing time. Following a £1million investment, this beloved Cornwall attraction now welcomes guests overnight with the launch of Camel Creek Camping & Glamping. And my 11-year-old daughter Lexi, husband Paul and I were among the first families to experience it. The site offers grass, hard-standing, and all-weather touring pitches plus luxurious glamping options including bell tents and safari lodges. The whole area has been beautifully landscaped: Think lots of twinkling lights, greenery and space. Our safari lodge, aptly named Sunset, overlooked West Country farmland stretching to the horizon. More importantly, it was just a two-minute walk from more than 40 thrilling rides and attractions. Despite being a sophisticated tent rather than a solid building, the lodge was surprisingly spacious — big enough to sleep nine — though smaller family safari tents sleeping up to four are also available. And it came with a private deck, en-suite bathroom and fully equipped kitchen. We were amazed by the luxury touches: Super-soft linens, quality towels and proper kitchen utensils that made it feel like a premium hotel under canvas. The seaside town of Newlyn in Cornwall has been dubbed as one of the 'coolest' places to relocate Luckily for us, Camel Creek is a fantastic day out no matter what the weather, as many of the rides and attractions are under cover. The park boasts more than 45,000sq ft of indoor play areas, ensuring families can enjoy themselves even on rainy days. Key covered attractions include the newly designed Hidden Garden indoor play and cafe, Creeky's Playhouse (an indoor soft play area), the 5D Theatre with moving seats and 3D glasses and various animal encounters housed in indoor facilities like the reptile house. The water rides are probably the best for adrenaline junkies — and those who don't mind getting wet, which Lexi didn't. As it was quiet due to the weather, she went on her favourite water ride Thunder Falls, six times in a row — drenched, yet in high spirits, by the time she got off. Luckily a hot shower was only moments away. Merlin's Magical Playground is ideal for younger children, and home to a ball pit and slides. Leopard cats Animal lovers will enjoy the meerkats, pets corner and the reptile house. And new for this year are owls and leopard cats. My favourite ride was Raging Rivers, water slides you bomb down. The climb up is a bit arduous, but it's worth the effort. Standing more than 20ft above the ground, it offers two different slide experiences — a long bumpy ride or an almost vertical-drop smooth ride that will leave your heart racing. After a few hours in the park, we headed back to our lodge to dry off then ventured out to the on-site restaurant. There is also a shop selling basic provisions if you want to cook. If it had been warm enough, we would have fired up the barbecue that came with our safari lodge set-up. Another time. The flexibility of having both indoor dining options and the ability to self-cater made our stay incredibly convenient, especially with unpredictable weather. After an action-packed day we were happy to retire to our lodge. The insulation and heating worked brilliantly, making the lodge surprisingly warm and cosy. It was hard to believe we were under canvas. Although the wind whipped up a little, we all slept well and stayed warm enough during the night. The next day, we had a couple more hours in the park. Arriving as it opened, we were delighted to be among the first on many of the rides. We loved our night of glamping at Camel Creek, even with the typical British weather doing its worst. With its mix of indoor attractions and cosy canvas accommodation, rain or shine, it's fantastic family fun. 5 The comfy family safari tent Credit: Supplied 5 The kids can have endless fun in pets corner Credit: Supplied
Daily Record
19-07-2025
- Daily Record
UK's cheapest theme parks revealed - including one where entry is completely free
As school holiday boredom takes its toll, many parents will be looking for days out that won't break the bank - and these theme parks offer affordable family fun As any parent will tell you, the terms 'budget-friendly' and ' theme park ' seldom appear together in conversation. With numerous weeks of school holidays to occupy, many mums and dads will be seeking days out that won't drain their wallet. Research by Outdoor Toys analysed the peak pricing of theme parks throughout the UK, ranking attractions based on children's ticket costs during summer weekends. This suggests those prepared to visit during quieter periods or weekdays could make even greater savings. The attraction claiming the top spot was Playland Fun Park in Stourport-on-Severn, Worcestershire, which charges no entry fee. Instead, you pay for individual rides, with many priced at just £1. Their website boasts it has "20 fantastic attractions", featuring a pirate ship, F1 cars, and bumper boats. During warmer days, youngsters can enjoy the splash park to beat the heat. Savvy parents can cut costs further by packing their own food and drink - there's a picnic spot with tables. Despite its bargain pricing, Playland boasts impressive TripAdvisor feedback. One visitor commented: "Went with our son and our 3 year old granddaughter . She loved it. Loads of electric cars and bikes for her to drive. She was very happy there and on way home. Queues very small even on a sunny Saturday, every ride 1 or 2 pounds." Another reviewer noted: "This was really fun and a great price. Does need a bit of a refurb but we enjoyed it regardless. Nice pace going round." Next on the list was The Web Adventure Park, situated just outside York. A child's ticket is a bargain at £17.95 during the summer months, giving access to an indoor play area, fairground attractions, and a section for 'animal encounters' where youngsters can interact with animals. There are regular foam parties in the summer too, so be sure to pack some spare clothes. With an excellent 4.5-star rating on TripAdvisor, one visitor praised it as: "Amazing value for money! All staff were excellent and friendly. Was nice to have paid and let the kids enjoy everything without having to budget." In third place is Camel Creek Adventure Park in Wadebridge, Cornwall, where entry starts at only £20 for children, with kids under 92cm admitted free of charge. An added perk is that purchasing a day ticket entitles you to a free seven-day pass – ideal for families on holiday in the popular Cornwall region. Camel Creek features thrilling rides such as Thunder Falls, a rollercoaster that ends with a splash, a pirate ship, and a chair swing. For those who adore animals, the stables and pet corner are sure to be a hit, offering the chance to meet a variety of adorable creatures. Just shy of third spot is Fantasy Island in Skegness. If thrill rides aren't your thing, you can enter for free and enjoy attractions such as the daily market. However, if you want to enjoy the rides, a wristband for a single day will set you back £20.50 for children, as the research indicates. For those planning an extended visit, you can opt for either a two or seven-day wristband, which offers better value per day. Fantasy Island has a wide variety of attractions, ranging from white-water rapids to thrilling rollercoasters, alongside gentler rides suitable for younger children. You can even book on-site accommodation for an extended staycation and enjoy more of the park. The attraction holds 3.8 stars on TripAdvisor, with one visitor commenting: "We've been before but not for a few years, and I have to say I think Fantasy Island is a great day out for all the family. The kids (aged 14, 11 and 8) had a superb time and I thoroughly recommend spending a full day here. Wristband prices are good value." The same reviewer offered a helpful cost-cutting suggestion: "I didn't realise beforehand but apparently there is a blue light discount too if you are eligible." Rounding out the top five, BeWILDerwood in Cheshire secured fifth place, with peak season admission priced at just under £23. BeWILDerwood markets itself as offering: "Magical family fun in the great outdoors!" and features woodland-themed adventures including an aerial maze, enormous slides, and live performances all covered by your entry fee. One guest said: "The place is really great - loads of tree house type mazes, play areas, craft area, show & meet & greet with the show's character. All the staff we encountered were very friendly."
Daily Mirror
19-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Cheapest theme parks in the UK revealed - including one that's £0 to enter
While a day at a theme park can leave a big hole in your wallet, there are some parks that give you plenty of thrills for a reasonable price As any parent will know, the words 'cheap' and ' theme park ' are rarely found in the same sentence. And with many weeks of school holidays to fill, many parents will be looking for days out that won't break the bank. A study by Outdoor Toys compared the peak prices of theme parks across the UK, ranking theme parks based on the cost of a child's ticket on a weekend during the summer. This means those who are willing to visit outside of peak season or on a weekday could save even more. The theme park taking home the crown was Playland Fun Park in Stourport-on-Severn, Worcestershire, which offers free admission. Instead, you pay per ride, with many costing just £1. According to their website, they have "20 fantastic attractions", which include a pirate ship, F1 cars, and bumper boats. On summer days, kids can cool off in the splash park. And savvy parents can save even more money by bringing their own food and drink. There's even a picnic area with benches. Despite its budget price tag, Playland has some excellent reviews on TripAdvisor. One said: "Went with our son and our 3 year old granddaughter . She loved it. Loads of electric cars and bikes for her to drive. She was very happy there and on way home. Queues very small even on a sunny Saturday, every ride 1 or 2 pounds." Another reviewer said: "This was really fun and a great price. Does need a bit of a refurb but we enjoyed it regardless. Nice pace going round." Up next on the list is The Web Adventure Park, on the outskirts of York. A kid's ticket costs just £17.95 in summer, and includes both an indoor play centre, fairground rides, and an area with 'animal encounters' where kids can play with furry friends. There's even a regular foam party, so make sure you pack a change of clothes. Holding an impressive 4.5 star rating on TripAdvisor, one visitor dubbed it: "Amazing value for money! All staff were excellent and friendly. Was nice to have paid and let the kids enjoy everything without having to budget." Third on the list is Camel Creek Adventure Park, which is in Wadebridge, Cornwall, with tickets from just £20 for kids, and children under 92cm getting in free. As a bonus, if you buy a day ticket, you can get a free seven-day pass, perfect for families holidaying in the popular Cornwall area. Camel Creek has rides that include Thunder Falls, a rollercoaster which plummets into water, a pirate ship, and a chair swing. Animal loving kids will also love the stables and pet corner, where they can make friends with lots of cute creatures. Narrowly missing out on third place is Fantasy Island in Skegness. If rides aren't your thing, you can enter for free and browse attractions such as the 7-day market. Otherwise, you'll need to buy a wristband, which for one day will cost £20.50 for kids, according to the research. If you're staying nearby, you can choose a two or seven-day wristband, which works out much cheaper per day. Fantasy Island has a huge selection of rides, from river rapids to rollercoasters, plus tamer options for little ones. There's even on-site accommodation for longer staycations. The park has 3.8 stars on TripAdvisor, with one review saying: "We've been before but not for a few years, and I have to say I think Fantasy Island is a great day out for all the family. The kids (aged 14, 11 and 8) had a superb time and I thoroughly recommend spending a full day here. Wristband prices are good value." The reviewer gave an additional money saving tip: "I didn't realise beforehand but apparently there is a blue light discount too if you are eligible." Finally, BeWILDerwood in Cheshire came fifth on the list, with peak time tickets at just under £23. BeWILDerwood describes its attraction as: "Magical family fun in the great outdoors!" and has tree-themed activities from a sky maze to giant slides and even live shows included in the ticket price. One reviewer said: "The place is really great - loads of tree house type mazes, play areas, craft area, show & meet & greet with the show's character. All the staff we encountered were very friendly." Cheapest theme parks in the UK *Entry fee is based on a peak summer weekend ticket for a child in 2025
