Theme parks have long been a go-to choice for a family day out. But they’re not exactly cheap.
Even if you manage to get a discount on tickets, once you factor in travel, food, and overpriced teddies from the gift shop, a family of four is looking at spending well over £100.
However, one popular UK resort is transporting its guests back to the good old days — when you could pass through its barriers for absolutely nothing.
Drayton Manor is reviving its 1950s pricing model by scrapping its entry fees.
Guests can enjoy free entry on April 24 and 25 — but it won’t be a totally free day out, instead, park-goers will use pay-as-you-go tokens to access park rides.
The Staffordshire-based theme park boasts over 50 rides and attractions, a 15-acre zoo with more than 500 animals, and an immersive Thomas the Tank Engine-themed land for the little ones.
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During the two-day deal, each ride can be enjoyed for just one to five tokens. These are available to purchase in packs of five and 10 online or from various points around the park.
For those who want to avoid counting their tokens, wristbands are also available for unlimited access to rides.
These are priced at £30 per person if purchased online in advance or £35 per person when bought on the day at the park.
The free entrance is in honour of Drayton Manor’s 75th anniversary. Tickets to the theme park would usually start from £27.50 when booked online.
All guests are required to book a free ticket online before their visit and walk-up entry is not guaranteed.
The free tickets will go on sale 9am on Tuesday 22 April.
Victoria Lynn, managing director at Drayton Manor Resort, said: ‘Our 75th-anniversary celebrations are in full swing, and as part of that, we want to give families the chance to discover Drayton Manor for less.
‘Whether you choose to join us at the park with a picnic or browse the rides, arcade, museum and zoo for free, or go for it with a full wristband, there’s plenty of fun to be had at Drayton Manor throughout the weekend and beyond.’
Drayton Manor will continue its celebrations throughout the year with ‘monthly Fireworks Extravaganzas’, live music and a variety of family-themed entertainment.
The theme park, which was awarded the UK’s best value theme park in 2023, boasts plenty of attractions. From thrill rides, such as ‘The Wave’ to River Rapids and children’s rides – there’s plenty to explore.
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It also offers a four-star hotel on site, with family rooms, executive rooms, and presidential available to book. You can also find Viking or Thomas & Friends-themed rooms.
And, the park is a big hit with visitors. One TripAdvisor reviewer, who went to the park with their three grandchildren, called it a ‘thrilling day out’, adding: ‘Big variety of rides for all ages. We hardly queued at all… Staff are friendly and very hardworking… Definitely would recommend.’
Another guest said Drayton Manor was a ‘fabulous place’: ‘Highly recommend. Great selection of rides and all round happy atmosphere.’ And a third said their family had an ‘overall amazing and joyful experience.’
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