Families looking for summer holiday fun can take advantage of significant savings at Alton Towers and other Merlin Entertainments theme parks, thanks to a temporary VAT reduction. The UK government's decision to cut VAT on tourism and hospitality from 20% to 5% has been passed on to customers, making days out more affordable.
Alton Towers Offers 15% Discount on Tickets
Alton Towers Resort in Staffordshire has slashed ticket prices by 15%, reflecting the VAT cut. A family of four can now enjoy a day at the theme park for a reduced rate. The offer is available for visits from July 4, 2020, until January 12, 2021. Tickets must be booked online in advance to secure the discount.
Other Merlin Attractions Join the Scheme
Merlin Entertainments, which operates over 20 attractions across the UK, has extended the VAT cut to all its venues. This includes Thorpe Park, Chessington World of Adventures, Legoland Windsor, and London attractions such as the London Eye, Madame Tussauds, and Sea Life Aquariums. Each attraction offers a 15% reduction on standard ticket prices.
How to Book and Save
To benefit from the reduced prices, visitors must book tickets online through the official websites. The discount is automatically applied at checkout. It is important to note that the VAT cut applies to standard admission tickets only and cannot be combined with other promotions or discounts.
Additional Summer Deals
Beyond the VAT reduction, Merlin attractions are offering extra summer deals. For instance, Alton Towers has a 'Stay and Play' package that includes overnight accommodation and theme park access. Similarly, Legoland Windsor offers early bird discounts for those who book in advance.
Other theme parks and attractions outside the Merlin group have also introduced promotions. For example, Paultons Park in Hampshire, home to Peppa Pig World, has reduced ticket prices by 15% as well. Families are encouraged to compare deals to find the best value for their summer outings.
With the school summer holidays approaching, these discounts provide a welcome opportunity for families to enjoy quality time together without breaking the bank. The VAT cut is part of a wider government initiative to support the tourism and hospitality sectors during the economic recovery from the pandemic.
