Drayton Manor ups its charges for youngsters

Entry fees for young children have more than doubled at Drayton Manor during the theme park's new season.

Some costs have been frozen at the Staffordshire attraction but the price for two to three-year-olds has gone up by 140 per cent – from £5 last year to £12, while the cost for 12 to 18-year-olds has also increased by more than 12 per cent, from £32 to £36.

But the park, which re-opens on Saturday for the new season, said very few people pay full prices because of the number of online and two-for-one discounts the company offers.

Among the costs that have been frozen this year is the £25 price tag for four to 11-year-olds and the £19 for senior citizens.

Disabled vistors and their helpers can still gain entry for £22 while children under two continue to receive free entry.

Last year more than 1.1 million people visited Drayton Manor, near Tamworth.

Colin Bryan, the park's managing director, said: "We are seeing many people staying in the UK for holidays, so our pricing needs to be competitive compared to other theme parks in the UK.

"We have frozen some prices to offer our visitors good value for money and this year we will be offering a number of two-for-ones to give even better pricing."

He said the best deals were to be had by booking online, where prices for adults start from £22.

The park offers various reduced rates for families, such as £100 for four people. Parking at the park is £3 a visit although this is free to those holding an annual pass, which costs £99 for an adult and £75 for four to 11-year-olds.

Prices have been frozen for pre-booked mini bus and coach visitors. The highlights for this year will be the arrival of live shows for Ben 10: Ultimate Mission rollercoaster and more live entertainment in Thomas Land.