I went to Winter Wonderland London with just £30 – here's how I still had a blast

Going to Winter Wonderland with just £30, I was determined to prove that you can still have fun without breaking the bank. With prices seemingly reaching sky-high levels, I set myself a challenge: how much festive cheer could I squeeze out of my modest budget?

Walking through the entrance, I could feel the potential for wallet-emptying temptation everywhere. Glittering rides, the aroma of sizzling street food, and the promise of Christmas magic surrounded me. But I was determined - this would be a strategic expedition of festive joy, where every pound would be carefully considered and purposefully spent.

After carefully surveying the options, here's what I could squeeze in, that gave me a taste of the Winter Wonderland magic:

READ MORE: Winter Wonderland launches new pass with fast-track access to biggest rides and free entry

READ MORE: Winter Wonderland London price list for bratwurst, mulled wine, churros and Giant Wheel

1. The Giant Wheel - £8

My first stop was the Giant Wheel. For £8, I got a breathtaking 360-degree view of London's winter landscape. As the wheel slowly rotated, I could see Hyde Park transformed into a twinkling wonderland below. The panoramic views of the city's skyline were absolutely worth every penny, and it felt like a steal compared to other attractions. The perfect ride for those that want something a bit more relaxing.

2. Bavarian Village - Bratwurst - £9

Next, i was ready to tick off a Bratwurst. At the Barbarian Village, the Mr Bratwurst Original is £9 (increased from £8.50 in 2023). Next, I discovered the art of free entertainment. The Bavarian Village became my personal theatre. I wandered around, soaking in the festive atmosphere, watching families enjoying themselves, and taking in the twinkling lights and cheerful sounds. The vibrant energy cost me nothing but time.

3. Mulled wine - £6.10

Mulled wine at Winter Wonderland is more than just a drink – it's a festive ritual. Priced at £6.10, this warming elixir is the perfect antidote to the winter chill. While it might seem a bit steep at just over £6, it's actually a relatively affordable luxury in the world of Winter Wonderland's pricing. Plus, the drink serves double duty – warming your hands and your spirits.

4. A sweet treat - £1.80

Prices of Churros differ - from 'Churros Delicious Crisp' they were £11 with kinder sauce. From Love Churros, they are £7 for 7 pieces (+£1 for sauce). But you can also get mini got doughnuts for £1.80 each and £5 for a Deluxe hot chocolate. So, if you're on a budget, you'll have to settle for a mini doughnut.

The Budget Breakdown

• Giant Wheel : £8

• Bratwurst (Mr Bratwurst Original) : £9

• Mulled Wine : £6.10

• Mini Hot Doughnut : £1.80

Total Spend: £24.90. With money to spare on the £30 budget, you could actually squeeze in another ride. Winter Wonderland offers a variety of thrilling rides at different price points, with the Munich Looping Coaster being the most expensive at £11, while the EuroCoaster is the most budget-friendly at £7 for adults and £5 for children. The world's tallest transportable drop-tower, The Hangover, costs £9, the Wilde Maus XXL ranges from £7-£9.

Meanwhile, for two people, a 45-minute ice-skating ticket cost £34, the Ice Kingdom £26, the Giant Wheel £22 and the ice bar £36.

But prices in the beer hall are slightly more expensive than last year too, with a pint costing £7.75, which is 50p more than last year

Money-Saving Strategies

• Avoid peak times when tickets are more expensive

• Book in advance to potentially get free entry (spending £25+ on attractions)

• Focus on one or two key experiences rather than trying to do everything

• Visitors can take their own food into Winter Wonderland, so I'd recommend heading in with a packed lunch and snacks

• As part of the food celebration, Winter Wonderland introduces Tasty Tuesday on November 26, offering visitors a chance to enjoy 20 per cent off from 10am to 2pm on all traders in the Sleigh-By and Street Food Village, excluding Le Chalet Fondue. Perfect for hungry early birds, discover your favourite dishes for the season while enjoying a special discount for the day.

The key to enjoying Winter Wonderland on a budget? Lower your expectations, embrace the free entertainment, and choose one paid activity that truly excites you. Not every moment needs to cost a fortune, and sometimes the best memories are the ones that don't drain your wallet.

Sure, I didn't go on every ride or indulge in every possible attraction. But I left with a festive spirit, some great photos, and most importantly – money still in my pocket.

Winter Wonderland might be known for its eye-watering prices, but with a little creativity, you can still capture a bit of Christmas magic without selling a kidney in the process.

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland runs from November 21 to January 5 next year. Standard tickets are £5 for adults and children, and free for small children under two. Peak tickets on evenings and over weekends are £7.50. For tickets and to find out more Information, click HERE.

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