Trentham Gardens are currently offering discounted tickets this weekend to this popular Staffordshire attraction for just £3 per person.  More details available at Trentham Gardens Offers 2012 or Trentham Gardens Ice Skating Deals 2012.

Trentham Ice Skating Deals

Purchase a Half Price Merlin Pass

This Half Price Merlin Pass sale is only running until 31 January 2011.  You can pick up an individual Merlin Pass for just £78 per person, (standard price £156) but only of you can visit selected Merlin attractions in person. If you are considering picking one up from Alton Towers, check out opening times at Alton Towers & Half Price Merlin Pass Sale

£5 Eden Project Annual Pass for Locals

For local residents living in Cornwall & Devon, you can pick up an annual pass for the Eden Project for just £5 per person!  Simply visit up to 10 February 2012 with proof of primary residence in Devon/Cornwall & photo ID and you can visit all year for just £5.  There is also the option to extend this to a 2 year annual pass for an additional £5, (ie 2 years annual pass for just £10).

Eden Project

Vue Cinema; £1.25 per ticket

Vue cinemas offer mid morning family movies every weekend from just £1.25 per person.  Children must be 12 or under and accompanying adults can also gain entry for this discounted ticket price.  This weekend’s selection includes Mr Popper’s Penguins, The Smurfs & Happy Feet 2.  Simply check your local Vue cinema for details & listing times.  Plenty more Cinema Deals available too.

Blackbrook Zoo; £1.99 per ticket

Here’s a chance to visit Blackbrook Zoo for just £1.99 per person this January.  With standard gate prices normally running at £9.95 an adult, this is a great chance to pick up a deal and enjoy a day out on a budget.  Simply visit the ticket kiosk on the day of your visit to take advantage of this deal.

Have a good one!

Liz

Check out the Half Price Merlin Pass sale  that is currently running until 31 January 2012.  You can pick up an individual Merlin Pass for just £78 per person, (standard price £156) if you can visit selected Merlin attractions in person.  You can also take advantage of a half price Merlin Pass & upgrade to a Premium Merlin Pass if you pay an additional £35 per person in cash.

Merlin Pass Deals

Merlin Pass & Tesco Clubcard Vouchers

If you are a regular spender at Tesco, this can offer a great way to slash costs on a Merlin Pass.  You can pick up  a standard Merlin Annual Pass for just  £42.50 in vouchers & again,  you can upgrade to a Premium Merlin Pass for an extra £30 cash per person.

2 for 1 Vouchers at Merlin Attractions

Merlin Attractions including Alton Towers, Thorpe Park, Legoland & Sea Life Centres run a number of 2 for 1 vouchers throughout the season so if you are paying full price…you are paying too much!  It’s worth considering your family’s future plans & whether taking advantage of a couple of 2 for 1′s would suffice for the year.

London Eye; Up Close & Personal

The Merlin Pass Offer

A standard Merlin Pass offers entry to over 40 plus visitor attractions around the UK.  Whilst standard Merlin Passes no longer receive free parking and there are some restrictions on use, (see below), a Merlin Pass offers value for money if you intend to visit a number of attractions throughout the year.  Consider also some of the passholder perks associated with the standard Merlin Pass that includes;

• Up to 20% off food, drink & souvenirs
• Early Ride Time at Alton Towers
• Deals on photographic souvenirs
• 20% off Alton Towers Waterpark

Remember restrictions on use with a standard Merlin Pass will include;

• No access to London Eye, Madame Tussauds, London Dungeon & Sea Life London during August
• No access to the London Eye on 14 February, 29-31 October
• No access to Blackpool Tower 22-30 October
• Passholder fee for Fright Nights at Thorpe Park

However if you discount the August restrictions, (& I wouldn’t fancy visiting some of these London Merlin Attraction in peak summer time anyway), there is plenty of choice for all the family and can work out as great value for money.

Liz

Here’s a 2 for 1 voucher for the London Eye that you can take advantage of when you travel by train.  This 2 for 1 voucher is valid until 30 April 2011 that you can simply download when you sign up with national rail free of charge.

More details on this & other London Eye Deals & Vouchers. Fancy a skate, we’ve found all the EyeSkate Deals for 2011/2012.

Liz

Somerset House is a not to be missed ice skating experience set in the heart of London.  Somerset House manages to combine beauty & magic with all the glamour of winter cocktails, a Michelin-starred restaurant & Tiffany gourmet treats!  More details at Somerset House Ice Skating.

Ice Skating at Somerset House

Unfortunately, it’s popularity can also be it’s downfall so be prepared to share the rink with plenty of others and it’s perhaps wise to pre-book & take the hit on the ticketmaster booking fee.  You can avoid this booking fee if you can purchase tickets directly from Somerset House but don’t expect to get directly onto the ice especially during the school holidays & other peak times.

Chilly Penguin Sessions at the Eden Project Ice Rink

Check out these Chilly Penguins that offer stability to children as they take to the Ice Rink.  Whilst these penguins are available at many Ice Rinks around the country, we particularly like the Chilly Penguin sessions that run on Sundays at the Eden Project from 10.45-11.45am. You may also want to check out the parent & toddler ice play sessions they also run complete with toys & diggers…great thinking!  See our free ticket giveaway for the Eden Project below.

You can even pick up a free ice skating session for you & your family/friends if you take part in the lantern procession.  More details available at Ice Skate for Free at the Eden Project.

Most Impressive Ice Skating Backdrop; Ice at the Towers

If you like to glide in style, then try the Tower of London Ice Rink.  Set down in the dry moat, this ice rink offers you a spectacular view of the Tower of London that becomes even more impressive when lit up at night.  A must for any first time visitors to London.  With peak & off peak times, it is again wise to book in advance and take advantage of family & concessionary rates.

Ice at the Towers

Prettiest Lakeside Ice Rink; Trentham Ice Rink

If you fancy combining beauty with ice, then Trentham Estate in Staffordshire might be the answer.  Ideally situated lakeside, ice rink admission also includes entrance to the stunning Italian Gardens & adventure play park area.  More details for cheap tickets can be found at Trentham Ice Rink Deals.

Trentham Ice Skating Deals

Combining Culture & Fun; Natural History Museum Ice Rink.

With the Natural History Museum as the backdrop for this ice rink, you have the chance to combine learning & laughter in one afternoon. We loved the cafe bar & balcony situated rink side with a great range of festive treats from Mulled Wine, Viennese coffees & fun pots of nibbles.  Remember entrance to the Natural History Museum is free too!

Natural History Museum Ice Rink

Free Family Ticket Giveaway for the Eden Project

Here’s your chance to pick up  free tickets to  the Eden Project. We’ve two family passes up for grabs that will gain you free entry to the Eden Project, (there is an additional charge for ice skating),  for up to 2 adults & 2 children.  Simply join up for our email newsletter or leave us a comment below and we’ll add your name into the draw.  Competition closes on 4pm on Monday 5 December 2011.

Happy Skating!

Liz

Ice skating is back at the London Eye with the season kicking off on 19 November through until 6 January 2012.  Included in your 45 minute ice skating sessions is skate hire & stabilising seals for younger children.  You do not need to use the London Eye to access the Eyeskate Rink.

Eyeskate Deals & Early Bookings

The first 1500 ice skating tickets to be booked online at The London Eye will receive a 30% discount off standard prices.  Worth booking ahead if you are planning a trip this season.

Eyeskate Deals & Merlin Passholders

Whilst Eyeskate is not an attraction included within your Merlin Pass, you can gain a substantial discount off standard prices.  Prices start from £5 per person although the actual ticket price depends upon time & date of your visit.  Simply book online, enter your Merlin Pass number & produce your valid annual pass on the day of your visit.

Eyeskate Deals & Group Bookings

Group Bookings of 15 or more people can gain a reduced priced ticket for Eyeskate this season. Prices start from £8.40 per person.

Promotional Vouchers & Eyeskate

There have been a wealth of promotional vouchers for Merlin Attractions this year including 2 for 1 vouchers & 50% off deals.  Unfortunately, whilst Eyeskate is a Merlin Attraction, it is not included in any of these promotional vouchers.

Liz

Deals for Eyeskate

Running from 19 November to 6 January 2012, this ice rink holds a maximum of 100 people at anyone time.  If you are considering a go, it would certainly be worth booking in advance to secure a booking. Here are the best deals for Eyeskate we can find:

Eyeskate Deals for the London Eye 2011

Ice skating is back at the London Eye with the season kicking off on 19 November through until 6 January 2012.  Included in your 45 minute ice skating sessions is skate hire & stabilising seals for younger children.  You do not need to use the London Eye to access the Eyeskate Rink.

Eyeskate Deals & Early Bookings

The first 1500 ice skating tickets to be booked online at The London Eye will receive a 30% discount off standard prices.  Worth booking ahead if you are planning a trip this season.

Eyeskate Deals & Merlin Passholders

Whilst Eyeskate is not an attraction included within your Merlin Pass, you can gain a substantial discount off standard prices.  Prices start from £5 per person although the actual ticket price depends upon time & date of your visit.  Simply book online, enter your Merlin Pass number & produce your valid annual pass on the day of your visit.

Eyeskate Deals & Group Bookings

Group Bookings of 15 or more people can gain a reduced priced ticket for Eyeskate this season. Prices start from £8.40 per person.

Promotional Vouchers & Eyeskate

There have been a wealth of promotional vouchers for Merlin Attractions this year including 2 for 1 vouchers & 50% off deals.  Unfortunately, whilst Eyeskate is a Merlin Attraction, it is not included in any of these promotional vouchers.

To keep up to date with all the deals and discounts, why not subscribe to topdogdays.

Liz

Invest in a 12 month Merlin Pass that includes the London Eye for £42.50 in Tesco Clubcard Vouchers.  If you plan to visit a number of Merlin Attractions during the year, this can be worth the outlay.  You can even upgrade to a Premium Merlin Pass for a further £30 in cash that offers you a restriction free card with no parking charges.

London Eye Deals

London Eye 2 for 1 Voucher Offer

Travel by train and take advantage of this 2 for 1 voucher for the London Eye that is valid until 30 April 2011.  Simply download a 2 for 1 voucher and present with your National Rail train tickets to take advantage of this deal.  More details available at 2 for 1 Voucher for the London Eye.

London Eye Deals & Booking Online

Must online discount sites will offer you a 10% discount whether that be with London Eye itself for 365.com or buyagift.com.  This puts an adult tickets at £16.74 or £8.58 per child, (aged 4-15 years).  Family tickets work out a little cheaper with a family of four, (2 adults and 2 children), priced at £45.60.

London Eye Deals & Combination Tickets

If you are looking to visit a number of Merlin attractions in London but don’t want to invest in a Merlin Pass, you may wish to consider a combination ticket that effectively offers discounts on entrance at a number of attractions including the London Eye.  More details available at Combination Ticket Discounts.

London Eye; Up Close & Personal

Top Tips for the London Eye

This is one attraction it is very difficult to find much of a discount!  Whilst the London Eye is becoming iconic with the London sightseeing package, it is clearly important to choose your day wisely for a clear day.  Worth checking out the weather forecast before you visit. It can also be best to undertake this attraction first thing in the morning to avoid the inevitable queues or alternatively invest in a fastrack ticket.

Why not combine a trip to the London Eye with a stroll along the South Bank and take in the free entertainment on offer.  Another option is to take the Thames Clipper for a budget trip along the Thames.  More details available at Top Dog London on a Budget.

Liz

The commuter ferry, know as the Thames Clipper, offers a great trip down the Thames at a fraction of the price!

Budget Boat Trips on the Thames

With ferries running from London Eye to Greenwich, you can take in all the sights along the Thames including Tower Bridge, Houses of Parliament & Canary Wharf. More details available at London on a Budget; Bike, Boat or Train.

Free Entertainment in London; Covent Garden

There is a never ending stream of entertainers at Covent Garden so there is bound to be something for everyone at this venue.  Acts tend to last around 20/30 minutes and often involves audience participation!  Whilst we like suggest things to do on a budget, do remember to tip the entertainers as this is how they make their living.

Covent Garden

Free Activities in London; Science Museum in London

The Science Museum is full of interactive exhibits for children of all ages and you could spend a full day out in her alone.  It can get very busy in the holidays so do try to get there early to avoid the crowds.  We particularly love the waterplay area for younger children in the basement!

Getting Around London on a Budget; Boris Bike

The Barclays Cycle Hire scheme is a great way to get around London on the cheap and ideal for exploring the London Parks!  Boris Bikes are available to everyone over the age of 14 and offers a cost effective method of seeing London on a budget.  More details are available at Boris Bikes in London.

Boris Bikes in London

Exploring London on a Budget; London Markets

The London markets offer an opportunity to explore a different side to the capital city experience and a chance to pick up a bargain to boot!  Our favourite has to be Camden Market to check out the world of alternative fashion.  There are plenty of other markets to choose from including Portobello Road, (antique & flea market) & Columbia Road, (Sunday Flower Market).

Free Playgrounds in London; Diana Memorial Playground

Located within Kensington Gardens and based upon Peter Pan’s Neverland, the Diana Memorial Playground is was an idyllic spot for adults and children alike.  With water & musical features, pirate ships and wigwams to explore, this extensive play area is fantastic for under 10′s.

Diana Memorial Playground

London from a Budget View Point

For a great view of London from a height, why not climb the 311 steps to the top of the Monument and take in an aerial view of many of London’s historic sights.  Priced at just £3 an adult, £1.50 a child is a great thing to do in London on a budget.

Climbing the Monument

For more ideas for day out on a budget, why not subscribe to Topdogdays & sign up for our email newsletter.

Liz

Here’s a chance to pick up a London Theatre ticket from just £15 per person!

London on a Budget

Shows that offer these substantially reduced tickets include;

• 39 Steps
• Thriller-Live
• Love Never Dies
• Legally Blond
• Yes Prime Minister..and more

Simply book with lastminute.com by 3 September 2011 for shows up to 13 October 2011.  The more flexible you can be with your dates, the better choice you will have.  More details available at Cheap London Theatre Tickets.

For more ideas for a day out in London, go to London on a Budget.

Liz

Here’s your chance to pick up London theatre tickets for just £10 per person this summer if you can be flixible with your dates.  Lastminute.com have put together a number of £10 London theatre ticket deals that includes;

• 39 Steps
• Priscilla, Queen of the Desert
• Yes Prime Minister

To secure a £10 ticket deal you will need to be either flexible on your dates or take up a restricted view ticket.  But with such a substantial discount, this is a great way to catch a top London theatre production at a fraction of the price.  More details available at London Theatre £10 tickets.

Liz