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Wheelgate Park named in top ten best value UK theme parks alongside Alton Towers, Legoland and Thorpe Park




A family attraction in Nottinghamshire has been named as one of the best value for money theme parks in the country.

Wheelgate Park was ranked ninth in a list of the top ten best value UK theme parks, alongside heavy hitters Alton Towers, Legoland and Thorpe Park.

The list was compiled by Big Domain — part of the Travel Chapter group — who collated data directly from individual park websites in May of this year.

Robin Hood’s Splash Play area at Wheelgate Park which was named as one of the best value themeparks in the UK (58139014)
Robin Hood’s Splash Play area at Wheelgate Park which was named as one of the best value themeparks in the UK (58139014)

The theme parks with the best value for money were determined by finding and comparing the price of entry, parking fees, number of Instagram hashtags, TripAdvisor satisfaction score and number of rides.

Each of these factors was then scored, with all scores then added together to rank the theme parks overall.

Research by Big Domain found that the average cost for a family of 4 to visit Wheelgate is £62.80 with the average cost per ride at £0.52. This was based on the average cost of entry for two adults and two children visiting during peak summer periods.

Lunar Launch Tower at Wheelgate Park which was named as one of the best value themeparks in the UK (58139005)
Lunar Launch Tower at Wheelgate Park which was named as one of the best value themeparks in the UK (58139005)

Matt Bendall, Park Manager at Wheelgate was enthusiastic about the news, saying: "We offer really good value for money here. Our prices have increased very little over the past few years, we've remained very competitive to try and offer the best value for money for local visitors and those coming from further afield."

"I think it really speaks to the variety of what we have on offer here. We have lots of rides and outdoor play areas, we have a farm with lots of animals and a falconry centre as well as lots of indoor and soft play areas too.

Big Domain cheap thrills (58142781)
Big Domain cheap thrills (58142781)

"At this time of year we also have one of the biggest outdoor splash play areas in the UK, which has been super popular at the moment.

"The heatwave has driven really good visitor numbers. Being one of the only outdoor splash plays in the East Midlands, it's been really popular."

Given the current bout of hot weather, families looking to cool off may be interested to note that the attraction's outdoor Splash Play area is currently open daily for the rest of the summer.

Matt continued:"We also do seasonal events like pumpkin picking and carving at Halloween and illuminations and a Santa visit at Christmas."

Farm keeper Keith holding a snake at Wheelgate Park which was named as one of the best value themeparks in the UK (58139008)
Farm keeper Keith holding a snake at Wheelgate Park which was named as one of the best value themeparks in the UK (58139008)

The full top ten list is as follows:

  1. Alton Towers, Staffordshire
  2. Legoland, Windsor
  3. Flamingo Land, North Yorkshire
  4. Drayton Manor, Staffordshire
  5. Crealy, Devon
  6. Paultons Park, Hampshire
  7. Wicksteed Park, Northamptonshire
  8. Blackpool Pleasure Beach, Blackpool
  9. Wheelgate, Nottinghamshire
  10. Thorpe Park, Surrey
Dudley the pony at Wheelgate Park which was named as one of the best value themeparks in the UK(58139011)
Dudley the pony at Wheelgate Park which was named as one of the best value themeparks in the UK(58139011)

So those looking for cheap thrills this summer need only go to Wheelgate's website where they currently offer 15% off when pre-booking visits.



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