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A recent study has pinpointed the UK’s most affordable tourist destinations by calculating the hourly cost of visits. The research reveals that a Yorkshire theme park offers the greatest value, with guests spending just £2.99 per hour of entertainment. This analysis by Premier Inn assessed entry fees and typical visit durations at leading UK attractions to determine where visitors get the best return for their money. The list features a diverse range of attractions, including a rare animal farm, a historic Victorian garden, and a renowned zoo.
Top 10 Best Value UK Tourist Attractions
This list showcases the top 10 attractions across the UK where tourists can maximize their spending, offering exceptional experiences without breaking the bank.
1. Flamingo Land Resort, Yorkshire
Yorkshire’s Flamingo Land Resort emerges as the leader in value for money, presenting an all-encompassing experience with a zoo, theme park, and resort facilities for a single entry fee of £17.95.
This £17.95 ticket grants visitors access for the entire day. Based on an average six-hour visit, the hourly cost is a mere £2.99.
Nestled within 365 acres of North Yorkshire countryside, this popular northern theme park is an ideal destination for families, boasting thrilling roller coasters and captivating animal encounters.
2. Warwick Castle, Warwick
A journey into history at Warwick Castle secures the second spot, offering a cost of £3.67 per hour for a six-hour exploration of this iconic landmark.
An entrance fee of £22 provides a full day’s access, allowing visitors to fully engage with this medieval castle, originally constructed in 1068.
Beyond its impressive architecture, Warwick Castle features interactive exhibits, captivating live performances, and extensive grounds for visitors to discover.
3. Drayton Manor, Staffordshire
Drayton Manor in Staffordshire ranks among the top three best value attractions, with a day ticket priced at £24.90, equating to an hourly cost of £4.15.
Celebrating its 75th anniversary, Drayton Manor provides a mix of adrenaline-pumping roller coasters, family-oriented rides, and a zoo.
Located on 180 acres, Drayton Manor attracts approximately 1.5 million visitors annually, solidifying its status as a prominent UK attraction.
= 4. Alton Towers, Staffordshire
Alton Towers shares the fourth position for best value tourist attraction, charging £29 for entry, which translates to £4.83 per hour for visitors.
With over 40 rides and three on-site hotels, a day at Alton Towers promises a wealth of entertainment.
This renowned theme park is celebrated for its high-speed and exhilarating roller coasters, making it a prime destination for adrenaline enthusiasts and thrill-seekers.
= 4. Thorpe Park, Surrey
Joining Alton Towers in fourth place is Thorpe Park, another leading theme park situated in Surrey.
Also priced at £29 for a full day of enjoyment, Thorpe Park features more than 40 rides and seasonal events, including unique themed lodging options like the Thorpe Shark Cabins.
Thorpe Park, recently reopened after its winter closure, offers an hourly cost of just £4.83 based on a six-hour visit.
= 4. Legoland, Windsor
Nestled in the scenic town of Windsor, Legoland also ranks joint fourth among the top ten, with a £29 full-day entry pass.
A favourite among families, Legoland provides a broad spectrum of rides for both children and adults, with options for day visits and short holiday packages.
The park boasts over 55 rides, from treetop dragon escapes to an enchanting underwater adventure.
= 4. Chessington World of Adventures
Chessington World of Adventures, also under Merlin Entertainment, shares the joint fourth position, offering a theme park and zoo experience for a £29 day pass.
Open from March to November, Chessington World of Adventures provides six hours of entertainment at an hourly cost of £4.83.
Visitors can choose from safari and Aztec-themed hotels, explorer glamping, and a sea life centre within the resort.
8. The Lost Gardens of Heligan, Cornwall
Located in Cornwall, The Lost Gardens of Heligan offer a visually stunning and historically rich experience.
With a £20 entry fee and an average visit duration of four hours, the gardens provide a cost-effective hourly rate of £5.
Dog-friendly and increasingly popular, these unearthed Victorian gardens in Cornwall are a must-see for garden enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
9. ZSL London Zoo
Arguably the most famous attraction in the top ten, ZSL London Zoo secures the ninth spot as a best value UK tourist attraction.
At £31 for a day pass, visitors can expect a reasonable hourly cost of £5.17, based on an average six-hour visit.
Home to nearly 700 species and over 20,000 individual animals, London Zoo consistently delivers a memorable experience for families.
10. Cotswold Farm Park
Cotswold Farm Park in Cheltenham completes the top ten list.
Housing over 50 breeds of rare farm animals, the park is not only a family-friendly destination but also an appealing countryside getaway.
While offering the lowest entry fee among the top ten at £16, the average three-hour visit results in an hourly cost of £5.33, making it the highest hourly rate in this best value ranking.
A representative from Premier Inn, the study’s conductor, commented: ‘Theme park enthusiasts will be pleased to see that several major UK attractions provide excellent value for money.’
‘Alton Towers, Thorpe Park, Legoland Windsor, and Chessington World of Adventures are closely ranked, offering thrill-seekers a full day’s entertainment for just £4.83 per hour.’
‘Beyond theme parks, ZSL London Zoo offers captivating wildlife encounters at £5.17 per hour, while The Lost Gardens of Heligan stands out as the UK’s best-value botanical attraction at £5 per hour.’