Museums, Castles & Gardens TopDogDays – Discounts and deals for days out in the UK

Best Value Tesco Clubcard Vouchers

February 1st, 2012

Best Tesco Clubcard Deals;English Heritage Annual Membership

The advantage with this deal is that adult membership gives you free entry for up to six accompanying children (under 19) within your family group! So for every £10 in clubcard vouchers, you will receive £30 towards an English Heritage Annual Pass, (membership priced at £44 an adult or joint adult£77)….bargain!!

Blenheim Palace & Clubcard Deals

Best Tesco Clubcard Deals; Blenheim Palace & Free Annual Upgrade

As with plenty of other days out deals, every £5 in Tesco clubcard vouchers will gain you £20 towards entrance charges. The great deal with this one is that if you purchase a day ticket at Blenheim Palace you can then exchange this for a full annual pass for this visitor attraction! More details available at Tesco Clubcard Deals; Blenheim Palace

Best Tesco Clubcard Deals; Merlin Passes?

A Merlin Pass gains you entry to Alton Towers, Thorpe Park, Warwick Castle and plenty more Merlin Attractions. The standard Merlin Pass, (priced at £46.50 in clubcard vouchers), is no longer as good value as in previous years due to the increased number of restrictions on use & the loss of the free parking perk.

However, you can still secure Early Ride Time at Alton Tower, (great for queue busting)& 20% off food, drink & souvenirs at many of these settings! You can also upgrade to a Premium Merlin Pass by paying an additional £30 cash per person to enhance your Merlin benefits.

Applause Annual Priority Membership – PLATINUM; If you want to a member of live TV audiences, (excludes BBC), platinum membership offers you 6 priority audience tickets per show.

Whilst TV tickets are free of charge, platinum membership guarantees entry, (subject to availability per show), plus early entrance to the studio/venue before all normal ticket holders. This deal also gives you four times your value in clubcard vouchers, (£5 in tesco clubcard voucher is equivalent to 1 platinum membership worth £20).

Tesco Clubcard Deals; Tips to Get the Best Value

Should I use my Tesco Clubcard Vouchers in store?

If you spend clubcard vouchers in store, you only manage to save the value of the voucher. Even when Tesco run their clubcard voucher exchange, (allowing you to double the value of your clubcard vouchers), it’s still financially beneficial to exchange for partner benefits, (where you receive up to three or four times their value) rather than in store.

Clubcard Deals & Magna

How Can I Find the Most Cost Effective Tesco Clubcard Deal?

Whilst reward vouchers can be redeemed for either three or four times their value, some deals effectively offer you less than this.

Annual memberships from Tesco Clubcard deals can potentially offer the best value for money in days out. Not only do annual memberships give you access to your favourite top attractions throughout the year, they often come with plenty of additional benefits to maximize your savings.

What about hotel vouchers & Tesco clubcard deals?

Redeeming your tesco vouchers for hotel rewards is another good way of making that mini-break affordable. Currently every £10 in clubcard vouchers will secure you £30 worth of hotel vouchers. For those that accumulate a high number of clubcard vouchers, you can pick up a mini-break for ‘free’.

Can I Retrieve Lost Clubcard Vouchers?

Yes, you can now retrieve old Tesco Clubcard Vouchers you’d forgotten all about through Tesco.com. This relatively new service allows you to check out your current voucher balance and highlights any issued clubcard vouchers that have yet to be redeemed. Simply click on ‘Your Vouchers’ on the clubcard site to see a table listing your unspent clubcard vouchers.

You can then redeem any remaining vouchers instantly using the online code given..I’ve done this and gained £40 in vouchers in the past! This can be a great way to check whether you have mislaid vouchers and take action to retrieve them before it’s too late!

Any new deals for Tesco clubcard vouchers?

1. A winter ticket to Disneyland Paris 2012 is available for just £28.00 per person in Tesco vouchers. This is a pay in full deal and offers 1 child or 1 adult a ticket for Disneyland Paris, offering access to both Disneyland Parks during the one day. This is particularly good as it’s very difficult to secure Disneyland ticket deals without booking up for a stay at the resort but this ticket is only valid until 28 March 2012.

Clubcard & Railcard Deals

2. You can now purchase a Family & Friends Railcard, (also available for the Young Person & Senior Railcards too), with your clubcard vouchers. For £14 in vouchers you can pick up your discount railcard and take advantage of discounted rail travel all year long.

3. Redspottedhanky now accept Tesco clubcard vouchers with & every £10 in clubcard vouchers will gain you £20 off train travel. You can even top up with cash so you don’t have to save amount the ful amount before redeeming your vouchers.

Additional clubcard points promotions.

Clearly this is what Tesco want you to do, but it is worth keeping an eye out for additional points promotions to build your rewards as long as you are buying necessary household items!

Looking for a deal on a day out, subscribe to Topdogdays and sign up to our email newsletter.

Liz

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Free Entry to the Eden Project for Emergency Service Employees

February 1st, 2012

Free Entry to the Eden Project, 3-5 February 2012

Emergency Service Employees of can take advantage of free entry to the Eden Project this weekend. This free entry deal relates to employees of;

NHS
Police
Fire
Coastguard
Ambulance
RNLI

Simply present your ID at the ticket kiosk on 3, 4 & 5 February 2012 and enjoy a free day out.

Eden Project Local Annual Pass

Here’s a great deal from the Eden Project for residents of Devon & Cornwall that offers an annual pass for just £5 per person! Simply visit before 10 February 2012 with proof of primary residence in Devon/Cornwall plus 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). Worth moving for!

Liz

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Things To Do This Weekend on a Budget, (27-29 January)

January 27th, 2012

Merlin Pass Half Price…last chance this weekend!

Whilst the Merlin Pass sale has officially ended early, there is still a way to pick up a half price pass before the 31 January! More details available at Half Price Merlin Passes Still Available.

Half Price Merlin Pass Sale

Alternatively, if you can make it to Alton Towers Hotel this weekend, ( 28 &29 January between 2 & 8pm) you can pick up a half price Merlin Pass without requiring the confirmation email.

Alton Towers Waterpark Deals

If you are making your way up to Alton Towers for a half price Merlin Pass, then they may want to know that the waterpark is now back open after it’s annual clean. There are plenty of Alton Waterpark Deals too.

Gulliver’s Theme Park Splash Zone 2 for 1 Voucher

If you want to get away from the bad weather, check out this 2 for 1 voucher only available this weekend at the Splash Zones at Gulliver’s Theme Parks at Milton Keynes & Warrington. More details available at Splash Zone 2 for 1 Voucher.

Splash Zone Deals

Cadbury World 20% off Voucher

Another indoor attraction set in the Heart of England is Cadbury World and here’s a 20% off voucher that you can use…remember to pre-book with this one as it does get busy. More details available at Cadbury World Vouchers.

Try Somewhere New; Stockport Air Raid Shelters

Why not try something new this weekend that again keeps you away from the elements. Check out our review of Stockport Air Raid Shelters, located just 7 miles from Manchester City Centre.

London Midland Vouchers

London Midland vouchers are now available for discounted travel from 4 – 19 February including February half term. Worth downloading your vouchers now as can be very popular especially during the school holidays. More details available at London Midland Great Escape.

Blackpool Pleasure Beach Season Pass Deals

If you can make to a registration event at Blackpool Pleasure Beach on Saturday 28 January between 10 & 12 noon, then you can pick up a Diamond Pass for £20, (unlimited ENTRY to the park) or a Platinum pass, (unlimted use of the rides during the season) for £99.

Have a good one whatever you do,

Liz

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Enjoy the Chocolaty Wonders of Cadbury World

January 27th, 2012

Cadbury World is open most days in 2012 between 9 and 4pm – although it’s important to reserve tickets because numbers are restricted. It’s recommended to keep 3 hours to wander around the itschocolaty interior, which includes a main exhibition, museum, canteen restaurant and children’s play pen. Try to stop by the World’s Biggest Cadbury Shop, which is a great place to find yummy gifts for friends, and possibly buy a treat for yourself as well.

Cadbury World Deal

A good way to save money on a day out at this Birmingham attraction is to get Cadbury World Vouchers, which offer 20 per cent discounts for every entry (valid for up to six people, so they’re great for families). Simply by visiting Smartsave, chocolate lovers can find discount codes which are redeemable when you purchase your tickets at the counter or online.

Visitors begin the tour at a full-size replica of Bull Street, where John Cadbury opened his shop in 1824, and from there find out about Spanish galleons bringing cocoa beans to Europe, and travel 1000 years further back in time to the source in Aztec Mexico.

Kids will enjoy hopping on one of Cadbury’s Beanmobiles and puttering through colourful “Cadabra” where fun-filled characters live in a world filled with chocolate, while certainly one of the biggest highlights is when visitors learn how to combine ingredients to create the mouth-watering Cadbury taste, and get the opportunity to write their names in liquid chocolate in the demonstration area.

Offering school and group bookings, Cadbury World is a chocoholic’s dream; just remember to apply for your discount codes before you go.

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Stockport Air Raid Shelters

January 24th, 2012

Stockport Air Raid Shelters

If you are looking for somewhere new to try for 2012, then check out the Stockport Air Raid Shelters that imaginatively take you back in time to World War 2. Located just 7 miles from Manchester City Centre, Stockport Air Raid Shelters picked up a well deserved Best Small Visitor Attraction Award from Visit England in 2010.

Stockport Air Raid Shelters

These original purpose built civilian air raid shelters allow you to step back in time to 1940s wartime Britain. As you explore the shelters, you will glimpse at the life underground complete with the original beds, flushing toilets, kitchen facilities and even a cell for those that misbehaved!

To get the most from your visit, I would highly recommend you book onto the family tour, (no additional charge), that gives you the low down on life in the shelters during war time Britain. Our guide used her first hand experience of the air raid shelters, (she was a girl living in Manchester during the war), as well as recounting stories & songs from the homefront to truly capture the war time experience. The staff were second to none throughout our visit and helped us to make the most of our experience; our guide Doris was a hit with all the family.

Not the most comfortable of beds perhaps?

Braver readers may also want to checking out the Explorer Tours that offer you the opportunity to discover parts of the tunnels that are not accessible in the daytime…in the dark! Both adult & children explorer tours are available but booking is essential as they can book up quickly.

Stockport Air Raid Shelter Admission Prices

Admission charges are £4.05 for adults, £3.05 for children, (5-16 years) with family tours free of charge, (advisable to book to ensure a place). The Explorer Tours range from £2 – £6.10 per person depending upon the tour taken & only run on selected evenings. More details can be found at Stockport Air Raid Shelters…well worth a visit!

If you are looking to explore the Stockport area further, you can take advantage of a Combined Entry Ticket that gains you entry to;

Stockport Air Raid Shelters
Staircase House
Bramall Hall

This ticket is priced at £10.50 an adult or £5.25 a child & is not time limited, (not available for special events). This allows you to visit any combination of the above settings more than once if you choose but up to three visits in total.

Liz

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Things to do this weekend on a budget, (20-22 January)

January 19th, 2012

Free Entry to the Eden Project

The Eden Project are offering free entry to volunteers & charity works this weekend, (20,21 & 22 January 2012). Simply bring proof of employment, ID badge or letter of confirmation to enjoy a free day out at the Eden Project.

Eden Project Free Entry Offer

Warwick Castle for £13

Limited tickets are available for Warwick Castle at £13 per person if you book online in advance. More details available at Warwick Castle £13 Deal.

Merlin Pass Half Price Offer

Pick up a half price Merlin Pass deal before this offer expires on 31 January 2011. Individual Merlin Pass available for just £78 per person if you can visit selected Merlin attractions in person. More details available at Merlin Pass Half Price Sale.

Trentham Gardens; £3 Entry

Trentham Gardens are currently offering discounted tickets this weekend to this popular Staffordshire attraction for just £3 per person. More details available at Trentham Estate Deals. For those in Staffordshire, you may also be interested in Blackbrook Zoo for £1.99 this weekend; simply turn up & pay on the door!

Half Price Legoland Pass Sale

Half Price Legoland Premium Annual Passes

Premium Legoland Annual Pass are currently available at half price and can be purchased online ore at the Legoland resort. This pass includes unlimited entry during the Legoland season plus free parking and is available for £49.50 an adult & £37.50 a child, (3-15 years old). More details available at Legoland Premium Annual Pass Sale.

Vue Cinema; £1.25 per ticket

Vue cinemas offer mid morning family movies every weekend from just £1.25 per person. Similiarly Cineworld offer £1 tickets for family movies on Saturday mornings at 68 of their cinemas across the country . Simply check your local Vue or Cineworld cinema for details & listing times. More details available at Cinema Deals 2012.

Free Annual Pass Upgrades to Visitor Attractions

Here’s a chance to enjoy a day out and make savings all year! Plenty of visitor attractions around the country offer free annual upgrades if you purchase your daily entrance ticket. Attractions include the Eden Project, Blenheim Palace, Magna, National Space Centre & more. More details available at Free Annual Upgrades for Visitor Attractions.

Have a good one,

Liz

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Warwick Castle for £13

January 16th, 2012

Warwick Castle for £13

24/1 update..now sold out. Warwick Castle currently have a limited number of tickets available for £13 per adult, (12 years & over) or £12 a child, (aged 4-11 years). Tickets must be purchased online and visits to take place before 29 February 2011.

Half Price Merlin Pass

Warwick Castle remains under the Merlin Pass offer that is currently available at half price until 31 January 2012. If you are considering visiting a number of Merlin attractions throughout the year, a reduced price Merlin Pass could work out as a cost effective method for days out on a budget. More details available at Half Price Merlin Pass Offer.

Liz

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Free Entry to the Eden Project & £5 Annual Pass Deals

January 16th, 2012

Free Entry to the Eden Project

Eden Project deals

Eden Project Local Annual Pass

Devon & Cornwall residents still have time to take advantage of a £5 Eden Project annual pass. Simply visit before 10 February 2012 with proof of primary residence in Devon/Cornwall plus 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). Worth moving for!

More Eden Project Deals 2012 available too.

Liz

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Things To Do This Weekend on a Budget; 13-15 January 2012

January 13th, 2012

Trentham Gardens; £3 Entry

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

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Merlin Pass Deals for 2012

January 13th, 2012

Half Price Merlin Pass Deals 2012

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

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Deals by Attraction

Deals by Location