Yahoo News Parking charges for big attractions including Alton Towers, Legoland and Gulliver's World - and which ones are free
Families planning to visit some of the UK's top attractions over the summer holidays might be hit with an extra charge before they even step through the gates.
Recent research by travel experts at Last Minute Cottages revealed that parking fees can add an unexpected cost to trips. Parking charges at Alton Towers, in Staffordshire and Thorpe Park, Surrey, were found to be £10 per vehicle per day.
At Legoland Windsor the parking cost can be reduced to £8 if pre-booked online, while Chessington World of Adventures, in Greater London, offers slightly more affordable parking at £7. Over in Suffolk, Pleasurewood Hills charges a less steep £3 for parking, reports Wales Online.
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However, it's not all doom and gloom. Peppa Pig World in Hampshire, all Diggerland locations (Devon, Durham, Kent, West Yorkshire) and Gulliver's Theme Parks (Warrington, Milton Keynes) include parking costs in their entrance tickets, so there won't be any unpleasant surprises. Scotland's M&D Theme Park and Pembrokeshire's OakWood Theme Park also continue to offer free parking to visitors.
Staycation expert Matthew Fox, from Last Minute Cottages said: "With the cost of living still a primary concern for families this summer, having to factor in an additional cost for parking on top of tickets, food, and drinks when it comes to days out is disappointing."
He added: "Those that do visit theme parks with added parking fees may choose to take picnics rather than buy food on-site, and choose to swerve the gift shop altogether."
UK Theme Park Parking Charges:
Alton Towers - £10.
Thorpe Park - £10.
Legoland - £10 (£8 if booked in advance).
Drayton Manor - £9.50 (£7 if booked in advance).
Chessington World of Adventures - £7.
Pleasurewood Hills - £3.
Gulliver's World (Warrington) - Free.
Gulliver's Land - Free.
Flamingoland - Free.
Diggerland (all sites) - Free.
BeWilderwood - Free.
OakWood Theme Park - Free.
Lightwater Valley - Free.
Peppa Pig World - Free.
Wyvernwood - Free.
M&Ds Scotland - Free.
