Parents criticise "extortionate" Drayton Manor Park and Alton Towers prices

Apr 13 2009 by Catherine Lillington, Birmingham Mail

PARENTS have criticised amusement parks for charging “extortionate” prices for families looking for days out during the Easter break.

A family of four would pay £100 to go to Alton Towers and £80 for Drayton Manor – but the Staffordshire venues both defended their prices saying they offered value for money.

A spokeswoman for Family Action, which helps Birmingham families in crisis – mainly through money struggles, said the costs were just too high.

“Once you shell out for admission, everything soon adds up on top of that,” said the mum-of-three. “These prices are extortionate. I work for a living and my husband works for a living, but it’s hard.”

A spokesman for Drayton Manor said the park was an award-winning venue and prided itself on being one of the top day destinations in the United Kingdom.

He added: “Family tickets are flexible and available for groups of three (£60), four (£80) or five (£100) family members. There are also discounts available when visitors book online.

“Adult tickets booked online have remained at the same price for the last three years, providing a saving of up to £7 per ticket.

“The price for the family ticket reflects the high quality and diverse range of attractions available at the park, including Europe’s only Thomas Land.”

Alton Towers’ spokeswoman, Rachael Lockitt, said: “There is no other resort or attraction in the UK with facilities to match ours and we offer very keenly-priced packages on-line, including accommodation and park access. 

“We believe that, during times of economic hardship, people will still want to treat themselves to days out and short breaks, but they will only visit places that they know will give them the best quality experience.”