How to Get Cheap Alton Towers Tickets

Everything you need to know about getting cheap Alton Towers tickets

With over a decade of experience helping families stretch their budgets further, I've seen how the cost of days out can quickly snowball. A trip to a UK theme park is no longer a casual treat; it's a full-blown drain on your finances that requires strategy, planning, and more than a few savings tricks up your sleeve. Families face the biggest outlay because one in 10 parents with children aged 18 or younger visit theme parks at least once every 1-3 months, according to theme park data conducted by Kineree Shah from YouGov.

Research conducted by VisitEngland suggests the average family spends £140 to £160 on a day out at a major UK attraction. Alton Towers, in particular, is a standout example. With walk-up day tickets priced at up to £68 per person, plus add-ons like parking, food, and optional fast-track passes, a single-day visit can easily tip into the hundreds for a family of four. But, there are many effective ways to save on Alton Towers tickets, often cutting costs by 30% to 50% through smart booking, loyalty point redemptions, and carefully timed trips.

Whether you're chasing the white-knuckle thrills of The Smiler ride, exploring CBeebies Land with toddlers, or plotting a grown-up getaway, this guide will show you how to get Alton Towers tickets for less. I've pulled together every proven method, tip, and insider hack into this one-stop guide so you can enjoy an unforgettable time at the UK's most iconic theme park, no matter your budget.

Is Alton Towers worth the hype?

Few attractions in the UK combine adrenaline, storytelling, and sheer escapism quite like Alton Towers. Sprawled across 910 acres of landscaped countryside in Staffordshire, this sprawling resort boasts world-first rollercoasters, immersive family zones, award-winning short breaks, and more than 40 attractions that cater to all ages. From the chilling drops of Oblivion to the wonder-filled whimsy of CBeebies Land, Alton Towers has something for every thrill-seeker, day-tripper, or memory-maker.

Alton Towers regularly ranks among the top 10 theme parks in Europe. While it's not the UK's most visited park (that crown goes to Legoland Windsor), it draws in over 2.35 million visitors annually. Based on genuine Tripadvisor visitor reviews, Alton Towers was named one of the top 10 theme parks on the planet, and number one in the UK. No matter if you're six or sixty, Alton Towers has the power to surprise, delight, and thrill, especially if you can get your hands on some cheap tickets!

Some of the park’s iconic highlights include:

• The Smiler – A record-breaking ride with 14 inversions, delivering a disorienting, high-octane experience for serious thrill-seekers.
• Wicker Man – The UK’s first wooden coaster in over 20 years, combining classic wooden thrills with dramatic fire and smoke effects.
• Nemesis Reborn – A complete reimagining of the legendary inverted coaster that first put Alton Towers on the global map.
• Galactica – The world’s first flying coaster enhanced with virtual reality (optional), simulating an interstellar voyage.
• Oblivion – Europe’s first vertical drop coaster, plunging riders into a 180-foot black hole at 68mph.
• CBeebies Land – A zone for younger children featuring gentle rides and characters like Hey Duggee, Postman Pat and JoJo.
• Themed Resort Hotels – Each offers immersive short-break experiences with exclusive perks like early ride access.
• Alton Towers Waterpark – A tropical indoor and outdoor water experience perfect for families, regardless of the weather.
• Scarefest & Mardi Gras Events – Seasonal spectacles that transform the park into a Halloween haunt or vibrant street party.

If you’re a theme park enthusiast like me, you may also be interested in Savoo’s guide on how to visit Disneyland Paris on a budget.

Understanding the real cost of visiting Alton Towers

A day at Alton Towers can quickly stretch anyone’s budget. Ticket prices, parking fees, food, and extras all add up, turning what should be a fun experience into a pricey outing. To properly budget (and find savings), it's essential to understand the current cost breakdown.

Here's a clear view of standard expenses before we dive into Alton Towers' money-saving strategies.

Don’t pay full price: The truth about last-minute Alton Towers tickets

It's hard to deny that rocking up to the gates of Alton Towers and buying a ticket on the day is daylight robbery. You'll pay the full walk-up price, which is a hefty £68 per person at the time of writing. That's before parking, food, or so much as a sniff of Nemesis Reborn. It's the theme park equivalent of buying plane tickets at the airport. Expensive, unnecessary and entirely avoidable.

Don’t wait until the day to buy your Alton Towers tickets, it's a surefire way to overspend. Alton Towers uses a pricing system where the cost changes depending on how far ahead you book and how busy they expect the day to be. Book tickets for as little as £29 per adult just by planning a week or two in advance. That saving is essentially the cost of your petrol, meal deal, or a cheeky ice cream for everyone at the end of the day.

I always tell everyone to treat it like booking a holiday, never leave it to chance. Even buying Alton Towers park tickets a few days ahead makes a big difference. Here's why it works:

• Dynamic discounts: The park adjusts online prices based on expected footfall, so quieter days equal cheaper Alton Towers tickets.
• Date-specific tickets: The attraction rewards you for selecting a specific date, because it helps the attraction manage numbers.
• Bundle offers: When booking online, you'll often see optional add-ons like meal deals, parking, or second-day tickets for much less than you'd pay separately.
• Family hotel deals: If you're planning a short break, booking directly through the Alton Towers site in advance often unlocks prices from £42pp, especially during off-peak.

To get your hands on cheap Alton Towers resort tickets, the lesson to learn is that the later you book, the more you pay. Depending on your group size, you'll save upwards of £100 per visit with a little forward planning. There's also peace of mind to consider. Buying in advance means no nasty surprises or ticket shortages on the day.

When to visit Alton Towers for maximum savings

When you decide to visit Alton Towers matters almost as much as how you book. I learned that the hard way a few years ago when I made the mistake of treating my kids on the last Saturday of the summer holidays. Queue times were brutal, the ticket prices made my eyes water, and the parking was far from straightforward.

Since then, I've learned to play the system when visiting popular attractions like Alton Towers. It's easy to focus on identifying a date, but flexibility is your real superpower. Keep a shortlist of potential dates, monitor prices weekly, and act fast when you see a good deal.

Off-peak days are gold dust

The cheapest days to visit Alton Towers are usually midweek during school term time. Think Tuesday mornings in May or early October, when most families are still at home and the thrill-seekers are at school or work. Not only are Alton Towers day ticket prices lower, sometimes as little as £29 per adult, but the park is quieter, which means fewer queues and more rides.

If your children aren't yet in school, or you have flexibility with term-time absences, it's the sweet spot. I've done a September weekday with my youngest in tow, and we rode The Runaway Mine Train three times in a row without leaving our seats. Even during term-time, prices fluctuate based on demand, so always check the calendar on the Alton Towers website for the lowest-cost days. Read our free and cheap summer holiday activities for kids blog for further family-friendly inspiration.

Avoid school holidays (if you can)

It's no surprise that bank holidays, half terms, and the peak of summer (late July through August) are the most expensive and busiest times to visit. Tickets soar to the full walk-up price of £68 per person, and hotels and travel follow suit. If tied to specific dates, book as far in advance as possible and keep your eyes peeled for Alton Towers family bundle offers or flash sales on Savoo.

The weather is your secret weapon

A dull, overcast Tuesday might look uninspiring on paper, but it's a golden opportunity for a cheaper visit to Alton Towers. When rain is due, many people postpone and post reduced tickets on third-party platforms like Tixel the night before. I have friends who visited during a light drizzle in June. It cleared by 11am, and they had an incredible time with minimal queuing. Just bring waterproofs as a precaution.

Arrive early and leave late to maximise value

Whatever date you select, getting to the gates at opening time is non-negotiable. Not only does it give you the best chance to squeeze in major rides before queues build, but you'll get the full value of your ticket. If you stay until closing, the last hour is often the quietest, as families start heading home and queues vanish.

Where to book Alton Towers tickets for the best price

Choosing where to buy Alton Towers tickets can impact how much you pay, and each option has its quirks, perks, and pitfalls.

Booking directly through Alton Towers is the simplest, most reliable option because you know precisely what you're getting, and you'll have direct access to their support team if anything goes wrong. They also occasionally offer exclusive bundles, like early ride time, short-break packages, or discounted parking. If you're staying at one of the on-site hotels, booking direct often unlocks extras like priority access to rides or character breakfasts for little ones.

That said, don't overlook deals by other companies. Serious savings are out there, especially for families or short-notice trips. National Rail offers train travellers 1/3 off, and websites like Picniq and AttractionTix regularly offer deals that beat the official website by 10-20% (especially if you're buying multiple tickets).

A few golden rules I live by:

How to enjoy bulk benefits from Aton Towers group bookings

Don't overlook the power of group discounts if you're planning a trip to Alton Towers with extended family, a birthday party crew, or even a large group of mates. Booking in bulk is a simple way to save money, especially when buying seven tickets or more.

Most people assume that group rates are only available for schools, youth clubs, or corporate outings, but Alton Towers offers discounted entry for any group of 7+ people. Whether you're a few families teaming up or organising a big day out with friends, you can qualify for special group pricing, often knocking several pounds off each ticket.

How much can you actually save?

Depending on the time of year and group size, you could save £5-£10 per person. For example, a group of 10 booking midweek could save £70 to £100 overall. Group tickets usually start from around £29 per person, but rates vary depending on the date and demand. It's always best to check the dedicated group bookings page on the Alton Towers website, or contact them directly for an accurate quote.

Alton Towers vs Merlin Annual Pass: Which one offers better value?

If you visit Alton Towers more than twice a year, the season pass pays for itself. The Merlin Annual Pass grants access to over 30 UK attractions, while the Alton Towers Annual Pass is more focused and budget-friendly. But which is better for you?

Tesco Clubcard Rewards: Use points to get an Alton Towers discount

If you shop at Tesco and you don't use your Clubcard points for Alton Towers tickets, you're missing out. Tesco's Clubcard Reward Partners scheme lets you triple the value of your points when you exchange them for Alton Towers entry, which can dramatically reduce the cost of your visit.

Here's how it works: every £0.50 in Clubcard vouchers becomes £1.50 towards Alton Towers tickets. That means £13.50 in vouchers gives you £40.50, enough to cover a full-priced adult ticket on many days. If you've been stockpiling points without a specific plan, this is easily one of the best-value redemptions out there.

How to redeem Tesco Clubcard vouchers for Alton Towers tickets:

• Log in to your Tesco Clubcard account online.
• Head to the Rewards Partners section and search for Alton Towers Resort.
• Exchange your vouchers for a digital Reward Partner code (you must do this in advance).
• Use your code when booking tickets on the official Alton Towers website. Just apply it at checkout like a gift card.
• Done! You've just used your grocery points to score a day of thrilling fun.

Things to bear in mind:

• You must pre-book online using the reward code. Clubcard vouchers alone are not valid for entry to Alton Towers.
• Excludes Hotel stays, annual passes, or extras like parking or Fast Track.
• You can combine the Tesco Clubcard discount with other savings, such as group bookings (if you split voucher redemptions across households).

2 for 1 Alton Towers ticket deals and where to find them

If there's one savings trick every bargain-hunting theme park visitor should look out for, it's the 2 for 1 Alton Towers ticket. It's been a go-to savings method for years, and it's still very much alive and well if you know where to look.

Kellogg's cereal boxes

You've probably seen that little yellow burst occasionally on a box of Corn Flakes or Coco Pops. Kellogg's regularly partners with Merlin Entertainments to offer a buy one, get one free offer on entry to Alton Towers and other major UK attractions. You only need a promotional pack to register the voucher code online. You'll then pre-book your visit and present the voucher and cereal box barcode at the gate.

You must purchase one full-priced adult ticket to get the second ticket free. You can't combine this with other online-only discounts, but the savings for Merlin attractions are still significant.

National Rail days out offers

If you're travelling by train, don't miss the National Rail 2 for 1 promotion. It's not always available, but previously, you could get two tickets for the price of one when you purchased a valid rail ticket to the nearest Alton Towers station (Uttoxeter). When available, download the Alton Towers voucher, bring it along with your rail tickets, and book in advance as instructed.

Even if National Rail doesn't have the 2 for 1 deal running, it usually offers an Alton Towers discount for rail travellers as part of its Days Out Guide.

Other brands offering 2 for 1 Alton Towers tickets

These well-known UK brands have partnered with Alton Towers in the past to offer 2 for 1 or heavily discounted entry. Promotions vary by time of year and availability, but it's worth checking their websites or looking out for promotional packaging in the supermarket.

• Yazoo Milkshakes - Seasonal on-pack offers with unique voucher codes.
• Seabrook Crisps – Frequent competition entries and promotional discounts.
• Haribo – Merlin partnership offering vouchers via promotional bags.
• Frankie & Benny's - Dine-in customers sometimes receive 2 for 1 vouchers on receipts or via their app.
• The Sun Club - Offers exclusive ticket deals and 2 for 1 access through newspaper promotions.
• Tastecard - Members can enjoy Alton Towers discounts of up to 53%.

Other ways to save on Alton Towers tickets

Beyond the more widely available promotions for reduced Alton Towers entry, there are a few lesser-known (but highly effective) ways to lower the cost of theme park tickets.

Student, NHS & Blue Light Card discounts

You may be entitled to ticket discounts through exclusive benefit platforms if you're a student or key worker.

• UNiDAYS regularly features Alton Towers day tickets from just £21, especially during quieter months.
• Blue Light Card holders often receive discounts like 15% off via flash offers. These aren't always visible on Alton Towers' own site, so check your member portal.
• Health Service Discounts and similar schemes for public sector workers also run time-limited ticket deals.

Local resident and county deals

Though not widely publicised, Staffordshire residents and locals from nearby counties occasionally get special pricing or priority via invitation-only events. If you live near Alton Towers resort, residents are likely to find deals in the following places:

• A flyer slipped into your child's school bag at the end of the term.
• An offer tucked into the local newspaper, just before the Easter break.
• A Facebook post from the local tourist board that mentions a 'residents' weekend'.
• Even a neighbour who mentioned she got tickets for less after signing up for the council's mailing list.

Alton Towers hotel & ticket packages

Booking a short Alton Towers break package can often be cheaper than buying tickets and accommodation separately, especially during off-peak dates. Prices for short breaks can start from £42 per person, particularly if you're booking midweek or as part of a family group. That can easily undercut the combined cost of separate tickets plus a Premier Inn or Airbnb.

Alton Towers runs frequent offers where hotel stays include extras like:

• Free theme park entry.
• Early Ride Time (get on major rides before the gates open to the public).
• Evening entertainment at the resort hotels.
• Breakfast included.

Conclusion: Don’t settle for anything less than cheaper Alton Towers tickets!

Whether redeeming Clubcard points, jumping on a 2 for 1 cereal promo, or bundling a hotel stay with tickets, getting hold of cheap Alton Towers tickets isn't about luck. It's timing, a bit of experience, and knowing where to look. For instance, alongside Alton Towers discounts, at Savoo you'll find genuine, tested savings on days out that don't compromise the experience.

Alton Towers is a great day out for all ages, but it feels even better when you know you've paid less than the people next to you in the queue. With some planning, the right tools, and a little help from me, you can turn an expensive dream into an affordable reality.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you use 2 for 1 Alton Towers tickets online​?

Yes, 2 for 1 Alton Towers tickets are accepted online, but there's a catch. You can't just enter a code at checkout like you might with a typical discount. Most 2 for 1 Alton Towers offers require you to follow a specific redemption process, so factor in some pre-planning.

Most 2 for 1 vouchers (like those from Kellogg's or Yazoo) ask you to register your promotional code on a dedicated partner site. From there, you'll be guided to a special booking page, not the standard Alton Towers checkout. You may be required to present printed confirmation on your visit to the theme park.

Is the Alton Towers family ticket cheaper?

The Alton Towers family ticket can be cheaper than buying individual ones, but not always. The savings from Alton Towers ticket bundles depend on how many people you book for and their ages. Family tickets typically cover 2 adults and 2 children, or sometimes 1 adult and 3 children. You'll often save a few pounds per person compared to booking each ticket separately, but only if your group fits that exact structure.

If you're booking for older teens (who count as adults) or a mix of adults and under-3s (who go free), booking individually may be cheaper using other promotions.

Is CBeebies Land included in Alton Towers tickets?

Yes, CBeebies Land is free with any Alton Towers theme park ticket, day pass, annual pass, or bundled park-and-stay package. You and the kids can enjoy all the family rides and live shows without worrying about additional costs. However, be sure you’ve bought main park admission because some hotel deals bundle accommodation and early ride access, but not theme park entry by default.