Where to Take the Kids: The Costliest Family Outings

The Rising Cost of Family Fun: Parking Fees Threaten Britain’s Popular Attractions

Family days out in the UK are becoming increasingly expensive, with high parking charges adding to the financial burden on parents. A recent investigation has revealed that many popular tourist spots are charging families up to £30 just for parking, making it harder for families to enjoy these experiences without breaking the bank.

At Legoland Windsor, a family ticket for four costs £272, and an additional £18 is required for parking. At Chessington World of Adventures, the gate price for a family of four is £264, plus £20 for an express car space, bringing the total to £284 for a single day. Blackpool Pleasure Beach also adds £20 to the entry fee for a nearby parking spot, while Whipsnade Zoo charges £30 for a closer parking area.

Money and business expert Maddy Alexander-Grout highlighted the growing concern over these fees. “Families are already struggling with rising costs, and adding parking charges feels like a hammer blow,” she said. “Attractions already make huge profits through ticket sales, food, and drink, so charging extra for parking seems greedy.”

She suggested that parking should be included as part of the overall experience. “At Paultons Park, parking is free, and it makes a real difference. More attractions should follow this example.”

Alton Towers charges £12 for standard parking, but a premium space costs £20. This is on top of £272 for four walk-in tickets. Other Merlin-run attractions, such as Thorpe Park and Warwick Castle, charge up to £20 and £10 respectively for parking.

For families visiting London, parking can cost up to £65 during a day trip. The nearest private car park to Buckingham Palace costs £64.99 for an eight-hour stay, which is more than the £38 near the British Museum or the £36 near the Tower of London. In Edinburgh, parking near the Castle or National Museum of Scotland could cost up to £40.

Despite these challenges, some attractions still offer free parking. Chester Zoo, Flamingoland in North Yorkshire, and Longleat Safari Park in Wiltshire are among those that provide free parking. In Northern Ireland, Titanic Belfast charges by the hour, with a full day and entry for four costing £78.60, though early booking can reduce the cost to £65.60.

Many venues offer discounts for smaller children, and online deals can help cut the cost. ZSL, which runs Whipsnade Zoo, offers free parking in an off-site area and free entry for children under three. London Zoo’s spokesperson noted that parking charges ensure spaces are reserved for visitors.

Merlin, which operates several major attractions, stated that they regularly review prices to ensure value for guests. They emphasized that most visitors book online in advance to get the best deals, and that their parking prices align with market standards.

Catherine Warrilow, a visitor attraction brand strategist, explained that parking fees have become a crucial revenue source for many attractions. “Separating parking charges from ticket prices allows attractions to keep headline admission fees competitive,” she said. However, she acknowledged that for many families, the cost of parking is the final straw.

Lavania Oluban, a parenting blogger, expressed frustration with the hidden costs of parking. “Even when you find special offers, the added expense really stings,” she said. “The lack of clarity online means you don’t know the full cost until you arrive.” She described the experience of being directed to a remote overflow field with no attendants, leading to gridlock at the end of the day.

A Breakdown of Costs at Top Attractions

Here’s a look at the total costs for some of Britain’s most popular attractions:

• Alton Towers: £272 for tickets, £12-£20 for parking, totaling £292.
• Legoland: £272 for tickets, £12-£18 for parking, totaling £290.
• Thorpe Park: £264 for tickets, £12-£20 for parking, totaling £284.
• Chessington World of Adventures: £264 for tickets, £12-£20 for parking, totaling £284.
• Blackpool Pleasure Beach: £156 for tickets, £15-£20 for parking, totaling £176.
• Warwick Castle: £156 for tickets, £7-£10 for parking, totaling £166.
• Longleat Safari Park: £157.30 for tickets, free parking, totaling £157.30.
• Eden Project: £157 for tickets, free parking, totaling £157.
• Whipsnade Zoo: £115.60 for tickets, £30 for parking, totaling £145.60.
• Tower of London: £99 for tickets, £36 for parking, totaling £135.
• Chester Zoo: £131.80 for tickets, free parking, totaling £131.80.
• London Zoo: £114.20 for tickets, £17.50 for parking, totaling £131.70.
• Windsor Castle: £105 for tickets, £24 for parking, totaling £129.
• Edinburgh Castle: £77 for tickets, £40 for parking, totaling £117.
• Roman Baths, Bath: £86 for tickets, £13.90 for parking, totaling £99.90.
• Titanic Belfast: £68 for tickets, £10.60 for parking, totaling £78.60.
• Buckingham Palace: Free entry, £65 for parking, totaling £65.
• British Museum: Free entry, £38 for parking, totaling £38.
• National Museum of Scotland: Free entry, £36 for parking, totaling £36.

These figures highlight the growing challenge faced by families trying to enjoy Britain’s iconic attractions. While some places offer free parking, others continue to add to the financial pressure on parents, making it harder to justify the cost of a fun day out.