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Daily Record
5 days ago
- 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
5 days ago
- 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
The Sun
20-06-2025
- Climate
- The Sun
Safety warning issued to parents over kids using garden slides and trampolines during hot weather
With UK temperatures set to soar to 34 degrees and families ready to spend more time outside, an urgent safety warning has been issued to all parents. And particularly if your little darlings are going to be having fun on a garden slide or a trampoline this weekend, you'll need to listen up. 3 3 3 Experts at Outdoor Toys have shared a stern warning to parents - and it involves inspecting outdoor play equipment carefully as the heat rises. According to the pros, prolonged sun exposure can cause damage and affect the safety of such garden equipment over time. Alex Price, product manager at Outdoor Toys, highlighted the importance of regular slide safety checks, as he warned: 'Slides are a garden staple in warmer weather, but over time, repeated sun exposure can cause plastics, especially cheaper ones, to become brittle, chalky, or cracked. 'This not only affects how the slide looks, but can lead to sharp edges or structural weaknesses that put children at real risk of injury.' Alex advised parents to inspect slides regularly, as he stressed: 'Before each use, run your hands along the sliding surface and sides. 'Check for any signs of fatigue, such as cracks, fading, warping, or signs that the plastic feels brittle. 'Make sure all bolts are tight and the equipment feels sturdy. If anything seems off, it's best to stop using it and contact the manufacturer.' Check all outdoor equipment But it's not just your slides that need to be checked - according to Alex, there's more items that also need to be given attention. He advised: 'All outdoor equipment, including swings, climbing frames, monkey bars, and trampolines, should be regularly checked before allowing your children to play during hot weather.' Alex shared a hot metal warning, as he explained: 'Outdoor play equipment with metal features can heat up rapidly in direct sunlight and reach temperatures that can cause burns when handled. B&M launches their children's outdoor range which is perfect for summer - there's a £2 bargain that'll easily keep the kids entertained 'Before allowing your children to play on outdoor equipment, check the metal surface with the back of your hand to test the temperature.' He also recognised: 'Burns from overheated metal equipment are common during the summer months. Metal handlebars, metal slides, and trampoline springs can maintain significant heat during hot temperatures and cause harm.' Outdoor play equipment with metal features can heat up rapidly in direct sunlight and reach temperatures that can cause burns when handled Alex Price As well as this, Alex acknowledged that ' UV exposure doesn't affect all toys the same way' and stressed that cheap toys without UV-resistant are more likely to show signs of wear and tear. 'If your slide or swing set looks faded or chalky, it could be a sign the plastic is starting to break down, and may no longer be safe to use,' he recognised. But even with UV-resistant plastic, proper storage matters. How to keep your kids safe in warm weather Hot weather is fabulous, a wonderful trip to the beach or enjoying time in the garden! However, when temperatures skyrocket it can become dangerous. Save The Children have compiled 10 heat safety tips for keeping children safe in a heatwave. 1. Light clothing, heavy suncream Choose lightweight, light-coloured, and breathable fabrics (such as cotton), and use lots of suncream to protect you and your child from the heat and potential sunburn. 2. Drink lots of fluids Remember to drink plenty of liquids, regardless of your activity level. Check your baby's nappy for concentrated (dark in color) urine, which can indicate dehydration. 3. Get lots of rest Try and limit activities. Make sure that children get lots of rest when they are active. NHS advises to 'try to keep out of the sun between 11am to 3pm'. 4. Keep children entertained Children may become anxious or restless from being kept indoors. Plan for indoor activities and games. 5. Reassure children Children may be stressed by the heat. Remember that children take their cues from their parents and caregivers, so try to keep calm and answer their questions openly and honestly. Also stick to regular bath and sleep times for your child. 6. House safety/cooling tips During the day, keep rooms cool by closing blinds/curtains, especially in rooms facing the sun. Using a fan to circulate air in the room is your child's school sun policy. 7. Never leave children unsupervised in parked cars Even in less threatening temperatures, vehicles can rapidly heat up to dangerous temperatures. A child left inside a car is at risk of severe heat-related illness or death, even if the windows are cracked open. 8. Stay informed Listen to local news and weather channels for health, safety and weather-related updates. 9. Know how to identify heat-related illnesses Look for signs of heat-related illnesses/conditions such as heat stroke, exhaustion, cramps, and severe sunburn. If children show these symptoms, seek medical assistance. Refer to the NHS website for a complete list, and how to remedy them. 10. Read the NHS guidance for babies The NHS advises giving your baby a cool bath before bedtime and keeping nightwear to a minimum. Your baby will sleep most comfortably at room temperature between 16C and 20C, a nursery thermometer will help you monitor the temperature of the baby's room. 'We always advise keeping outdoor toys in shaded areas or storing them indoors when not in use. 'If that's not possible, a cover or tarp works well to prevent UV damage and keep surfaces cool to the touch. 'A quick check and a bit of care can go a long way in preventing serious accidents, saving the cost of replacement and keeping outdoor fun safe all summer long,' added Alex.
Daily Record
20-06-2025
- Climate
- Daily Record
Urgent slide warning issued to parents as temperatures heat up
Popular play items should be checked before children use, say experts. With the sunshine finally making an appearance again in Scotland this weekend, families are likely to be spending more time outside. The Met Office's UK temperature map shows the country's major cities sitting in the mid 20s for most of the weekend, making it the hottest temperatures we've seen so far this year However, as the heat rises, experts at Outdoor Toys are warning parents to inspect play equipment as prolonged sun exposure can cause damage and affect safety. Alex Price, product manager at Outdoor Toys, said: "Slides are a garden staple in warmer weather, but over time, repeated sun exposure can cause plastics, especially cheaper ones, to become brittle, chalky, or cracked. "This not only affects how the slide looks, but can lead to sharp edges or structural weaknesses that put children at real risk of injury.' Cracks and weakened areas can catch on loose clothing, scratch skin, or, in worst cases, lead to equipment failure. To prevent any unwanted injuries and hospital trips, Alex advises parents to inspect slides regularly. He added: "Before each use, run your hands along the sliding surface and sides. Check for any signs of fatigue, such as cracks, fading, warping, or signs that the plastic feels brittle. "Make sure all bolts are tight and the equipment feels sturdy. If anything seems off, it's best to stop using it and contact the manufacturer.' Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Alex said cheaper toys without protection are more likely to show signs of wear and tear. He added: "If your slide or swing set looks faded or chalky, it could be a sign the plastic is starting to break down, and may no longer be safe to use.' Parents are also advised to check the safety of their trampoline before use. Each year there are reportedly 13,000 hospital visits caused by trampoline injuries, highlighting how important it is to make sure they are safe before children start bouncing. Alex added: 'Over time, exposure to the elements can cause trampolines to deteriorate in ways that aren't always obvious. "Springs may weaken or rust, mats can develop hidden weaknesses, and loose bolts can make the frame unstable. A thorough safety check before use is essential, replacing any faulty parts to prevent accidents. While rips in the mat are easy to spot, damaged springs are often overlooked due to their durable nature. "However, they can weaken over time, and even one damaged spring, whether corroded, overstretched, or loose, can affect the trampolines stability and put your child at serious risk. "Check carefully for any rust, weakened tension, or loose attachments, as these issues may not be immediately obvious. If in doubt, it's always recommended to immediately replace any of the springs that appear to be affected by rust or loss of tension before use.'
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Cotswold Wildlife Park crowned 'best zoo in the UK' for second year
Oxfordshire's own Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens has been crowned the 'best zoo in the UK' for the second year in a row. The award has come from a nationwide poll conducted by Outdoor Toys on criteria like affordability, reviews, range of species and overall popularity. The Burford area attraction came out on top for the second year in a row, ranking at number one with a score of 8.7 out of 10. READ MORE: Oxford: Co-op supermarket shelves 'empty' after cyber attack A statement from Outdoor Toys said: "Cotswold Wildlife Park in Oxfordshire has come out on top as the best zoo in the UK for 2025 with an impressive score of 8.71 out of 10. "Exhibiting over 260 different species of animals, spectacular sights include the rhinos grazing in front of the park's gothic-listed manor house and the boisterous lemurs in the Madagascar exhibit." Penguins at Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens (Image: Philip Joyce) It comes after the wildlife park was also named 'Best Family Attraction' in both the Muddy stilettos and Little Ankle Biters' Awards, and 'Best Animal Attraction' by Red Kite Days Oxfordshire Awards over the past few years. Stay connected to the heart of Oxford for less! 🚨 Our flash sale is ON: get trusted local news for just £5 for 5 months or 40 per cent off an annual subscription. Don't miss out — subscribe now! 🗞️👇 — Oxford Mail (@TheOxfordMail) April 29, 2025 The zoo extended thanks to visitors who took the time to support them in these public-vote awards. Reggie Heyworth, managing director of Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens, commented: "To receive this 'Best zoo in the UK' accolade two years in a row is amazing. "Everybody here is delighted at the news, especially as Outdoor Toys are completely independent and their analysis includes really vital indicators such as visitor reviews and admission prices, which are incredibly important and often overlooked. READ MORE: Young man missing from Bicester: Police appeal for help "We have always tried to keep our admission prices low and we are proud to be regarded as offering such good value for money, when many attractions have become so expensive. Red pandas at Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens (Image: Philip Joyce) "We would also like to thank our visitors who have given us such generous reviews on sites like TripAdvisor, Google and other social media outlets, they really have made all the difference to us over the last few years." The huge list of attractions at the zoo include the walled garden housing aviaries, a tropical house, and small mammals. A walk-through exhibit called Madagascar opened in 2008, giving guests the chance to get up close with lemurs. READ MORE: Train delays between Bicester and Thame due to 'obstruction' The woodland walk hosts a range of large South American animal species like tapir, capybara and giant anteaters, while large mammals like giraffe, zebra, ostriches and rhinoceros roam large moated paddocks. The 600-year old manor house have a range of customer facilities as well as the ever-popular red panda enclosure. Cotswold Wildlife Park hinted at exciting news about their spring arrivals in the announcement, and celebrated the work of Philip Joyce from the Royal Photographic Society who's been capturing the zoo's occupants for an upcoming photography project.
