Theme Park TopDogDays – Discounts and deals for days out in the UK

Blackpool Pleasure Beach February Half Term

February 3rd, 2012

Blackpool Pleasure Beach for February Half Term

Here’s a chance to pick up discounted Nickelodeon wristbands for just £12 per person if you book online, (on the gate price of £18).

Nickelodeon Deals

These wristbands are available 13-17 February 2012 but remember height restrictions on Nickelodeon Land rides are in place that may require an adult to accompany.

Only Nickelodeon rides are running during 13-17 February with the park open from 11am-4pm each day.

If you prefer the bigger rides, then check out Wow Weekend that run either side of February half term, (11, 12, 18, 19 February). Book online for great discounts – £16.50 per adult, £13.50 per child & only £2.50 to gain entry but not par-take of the rides.

Liz

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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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Half Price Merlin Pass Sale

January 31st, 2012

Whilst the Merlin Pass Sale has officially ended early, there is still a way to get hold of a half price Merlin Pass until 31 January 2012!

If you send an email to merlin.annualpass@merlinentertainments.biz to explain you were planning to purchase a half price Merlin Pass before the 31 January, they will send you a confirmation email allowing you still to make the purchase. It seems you must take this confirmation email with you to the selected Merlin Attraction to take advantage of this deal.

More details available at Merlin Pass Half Price Sale.

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Blackpool Pleasure Beach Deals, Discounts & Cheap Tickets

January 31st, 2012

Blackpool Pleasure Beach Nickelodeon Deal for February Half Term

Here’s a chance to pick up discounted Nickelodeon wristbands for just £12 per person if you book online, (on the gate price of £18).

Nickelodeon Deals

These wristbands are available 13-17 February 2012 but remember height restrictions on Nickelodeon Land are in place that may require an adult to accompany.

Only Nickelodeon rides are running during 13-17 February with the park open from 11am-4pm each day.

Blackpool Pleasure Beach 2 for 1 Vouchers with Iron Brew

Not currently available…If you can get your hands on a promotional Iron Brew bottle cap, then you can pick up wristbands for as low as £16 per person with this 2 for 1 deal. Simply use the promotional code 1148 and present your bottle cap at the ticket kiosk to take advantage of this deal.

Blackpool Pleasure Beach Wristbands & Tesco Clubcard Vouchers

You can redeem your Tesco Clubcard Vouchers for 1 day wristbands at BPB. This ‘buy in full’ deal provides you with a wristband token for every £9.50 in clubcard vouchers.

BPB Deals

New Blackpool Resort Pass

Check out the new Blackpool Resort Pass that combines entrance to BPB, (unlimited wristband), Blackpool Tower, Dungeons & Sea Life Centre.

The Blackpool Resort Pass is only available online at any of the participating attractions, priced around £49 per person.

Blackpool Pleasure Beach 2 for 1 Deals on Wristbands

BPB often runs special deals at short notice, offering reduce price wristbands with specific promotional codes so keep checking back for all the latest Blackpool Pleasure Beach 2 for 1 deals.

Blackpool Pleasure Beach 3 for 2 Wristband Deals

Here’s a 3 for 2 on BPB wristbands from moneysupermarket that is valid until 6 November 2011. Simply buy online by midnight on the day before you visit, print off your e-ticket and proof of address to pick up your wristband deal.

Blackpool Pleasure Beach Pass for just £5

If you are not one for the rides, then this BPB pass gains you entry to the park for just £5. This pass is particularly effective for those who want to accompany children but don’t want to use the rides themselves. If you change your mind, you can always pay for an individual ride or upgrade to an unlimited ride ticket at the park.

Nickelodeon Land Reduced Price Wristbands

EXPIRED END OF JUNE 2011…but we’ll let you know if BPB resume this discounted Nickelodeon Land only wristband in the future. These wristbands were specifically for the 12 rides located within Nickelodeon Land and priced at £18 per person.

We have plenty more deals available at Alton Towers Deals, Drayton Manor Deals & Legoland Deals.

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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Alton Towers February Half Term 2012 & Deals

January 23rd, 2012

Alton Towers at February Half Term 2012

Alton Towers opens for February Half Term from the 11-19 February 2012. Whilst not all the rides will be running & opening times will be restricted to 10am-4pm, tickets are generally much cheaper to purchase plus queues can be down too!

Alton Towers at February Half Term

Although the New Alton Towers Rides for 2012 will not be available during February Half Term, the following rides will be open;

Nemesis
Air
Oblivion
Sonic Spinball
The Blade
Runaway Mine Train
Hex
Berry Bish Bash
plus plenty of young children’s rides too.

Deals for Alton Towers at February Half Term 2012

Discounted tickets are available online from Alton Towers at £14.85 per adult, (aged 12 years and over) or £11.88 a child, (aged 4-11 years). Remember there is also a Half Price Merlin Pass Sale running until 31 January that will gain you access to Alton Towers over February Half Term.

Alternatively, check out our Alton Towers Deals for 2012 for even more ways to reduce the cost of a day out to this popular Staffordshire Theme Park.

Beat the Queues at Alton Towers Theme Park

There is no Early Ride Time over February half term and neither Nemesis Sub Terra or Ice Age 4D will be available until the main season begins in March 2012. However, we have a few great tips below to help you beat the queues at Alton Towers.

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2 for 1 at Splash Zone at Gulliver’s Theme Parks

January 23rd, 2012

2 for 1 Promotional Code for Splash Zones

Here’s a 2 for 1 promotional code for Gulliver’s Theme Park Splash Zones that can be used at either Warrington or the Milton Keynes site & is available on visits taken on either 28 or 29 January 2012.

Simply use the promotional code ‘SZFA01′ to gain one free adult ticket when you purchase a full priced adult ticket. Bookings must be made online before 27 January to take advantage of this offer. Check out our recent review of the Splash Zone at Milton Keynes as set out below.

Gulliver's Splash Zone Deals

Review; The Splash Zone at Gulliver’s Theme Parks

Kids love it! The great advantage with the Splash Zone is there is no standing water so children can get as wet as they wish within a safe environment! With slides galore, interactive features and intermittent bursts of water for more daring children, it’s a perfect spot to cool down and have some fun!

Beware on hotter days, you may prefer to join the children in the splash zone as the heat can be overpowering in the dry adult supervision areas. For a cooler experience, you can settle by the entrance but take account that your vision of the children is limited in this area.

The changing facilities are limited so you may prefer to simply change & go at the Splash Zone. Nevertheless, whatever adult discomforts there maybe, this is a winner for children up to around the age of 10 years.

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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Thorpe Park 2012

January 19th, 2012

Thorpe Park; What’s New for 2012

There’s a new coaster coming to Thorpe Park for 2012; The Swarm. This new thrill ride is located on an island north of Stealth and will be accessed by a bridge connecting the two areas.

This ride is being billed as the first winged rollercoaster & sends you head first into an inverted drop from 127ft and includes 4 inversions. Set to cost £18 million to build, this will be the second tallest ride at Thorpe Park after Stealth. The first test run has recently been completed at Thorpe Park.

It’s controversial plans to create an apocolyptic invasion has provoked an outcry in some quarters so it’s going to be interesting to see how the theming develops. Set to be in place for the beginning of the Thorpe Park season, this tallest winged rollercoaster in Europe is certainly going to draw the crowds for 2012.

Remember, we’ve all the Thorpe Park Deals as they emerge for 2012.

Liz

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Alton Towers 2012

January 18th, 2012

Plenty of Alton Towers Deals including Half Price Merlin Passes plus what’s new for 2012:

New Ride at Alton Towers; Nemesis Sub Terra

New for Alton Towers 2012, this indoor thrill ride will be located within the Forbidden Valley close to Nemesis. Incorporating a new underground basement area, the theming will be based around the creation of the original Nemesis ride. Dubbed as a ‘psychologically & physically thrilling’ drop ride experience, Nemesis Sub Terra is set to open in March 2012.

Nemesis at Alton Towers

Ice Age 3: Dawn of the Dinosaurs – 4D Experience

To be located in the Cloud Cuckoo Land Theatre, this movie uses 3D glasses and special effects to bring in that fourth dimension including icy blasts, snow & bubbles. Lots of fun for all the family and again plans to open at the end of March 2012.

Submission & Enterprise Closed for 2012

Due to the construction of SW7 for 2013, (see below), both Submission & Enterprise will be closed for the 2012 season. We understand that both attractions will re-open for the 2013 season but does mean Oblivion will be a little lonely this season as the only ride running in X Sector for 2012!

Alton Towers Deals

SW7; New Coaster for 2013

Set to open Spring 2013, SW7 is dubbed to be the most expensive ride ever to be built at a cost of £20m. This new coaster for Alton Towers is to be situated in X Sector on the site of the Black Hole.

The ride is to cover a total area of 1.5 acres and doesn’t look to replace any current rides located within X Sector at Alton Towers although Submission & Enterprise will be closed for the 2012 season, (see above).

SW7 will be manufactured by Gerstlauer, a specialist German Coaster Company, with a design that has a strong resemblance to existing Euro-Fighter coasters. Gerstlauer also constructed Saw at Thorpe Park which remains one of the most popular coasters at the theme park based in Surrey.

The coaster is set to include 8 inversions, a dip below ground level and will rise to a height of 22.15 metres. We’ll let you know as more details come in.

Alton Towers Deals

Of course if you are paying full price at Alton Towers, you are paying too much! Worth checking out the Half Price Merlin Pass Sale that is currently running until 31 January 2012 or check out Current Alton Towers Deals for 2012 for plenty of options to reduce the cost of a day out at Alton Towers.

Alton Towers February Half Term 2012

If you can’t wait for the new season to begin, then remember Alton Towers opens a selection of rides for February Half Term running 11-19 February 2012, (the new rides aren’t due to open until March 2012). With the park open from 10am-4pm, tickets are generally much cheaper and much quieter than busy peak times.

Liz

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