The cost of a full-price visit to Thorpe Park can be significant, factoring in the price of tickets, food, merchandise and (for some) accommodation. However, those who plan in advance will almost never have to pay full price to enter the park, and can save money in a variety of other ways too.

Here are some essential tips to avoid leaving the park with an empty wallet.

Take advantage of special offers and discounts

Thorpe Park frequently offers “2-for-1” deals in conjunction with newspapers, stores and websites. Tesco shoppers can also use Clubcard Vouchers to save up to 75% on the price of tickets. You can find all the latest offers using Theme Park Tourist’s deals pages, and if all else fails tickets are available at a discount from the official Thorpe Park website.

Pick up an Annual Pass

If you’re a regular visitor to Thorpe Park, buying an Annual Pass could save you money in the long-run. As a rough rule of thumb, you’ll need to visit at least 3-4 times per year for the pass to cost in (although if you’re a heavy spender on food the 20% discount it offers will add extra value).

If you’re a real theme park junkie and likely to visit Alton Towers, Chessington World of Adventures, LEGOLAND Windsor and/or the London Dungeon, take a close look at the Merlin Annual Pass. Again, though, if you take into account the number of 2-for-1 offers available, you’ll have to make 6-7 park visits to justify the cost of a Premium Pass. There are discounts on renewals, though, so the economics improve after you’ve held the pass for a year.

Take your own drinks and snacks

Food and drink can be quite expensive at Thorpe Park, although there are some reasonable deals on offer (the all-you-can-eat buffet at Pizza Hut, for example). Bringing a selection of drinks and snacks (or even a packed lunch) can save you some cash, and all of the park's major attractions offer racks or lockers where bags can be stashed if you can’t take them on with you.

Weigh up the benefits of short break deals

If you want to stay near Thorpe Park, there are often good deals to be had on short breaks. These include tickets and hotel accommodation, with offers such as “2 days for the price of 1” frequently available.