Cheapest theme parks in the UK revealed - including one that's £0 to enter
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
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