Theme park prices have risen by up to 60 per cent

Thinking of treating the kids to a day at Thorpe Park or Alton Towers this half term? You may want to think again! A day out at one of Britain's top theme parks could set you back up to 57 per cent more than it did in 2009.

The Sun reports that a family of five buying tickets on the day at Alton Towers paid £126.50 in 2009, but would now pay £198 - an increase of 57 per cent.

A day at Legoland would cost the same family £201, which represents a 42 per cent increase on 2009's price of £141.90, and a trip to Thorpe Park would cost £138, up from £115 in 2009.

Research conducted by national charity 4Children found that many families are now worse off than they were four years ago, with the cost of these family attractions rising so much that they have become unaffordable for many Britons.

The Daily Mail reports that the situation is made worse by the fact that petrol prices have rocketed over the same period, and the average rail fare has risen by more than a third.

As a result, 4Children says that families are under more financial pressure than ever, and can no longer afford treats such as days out.

Anne Longfield, chief executive of 4Children told the Daily Mail: "Financial concerns and work pressures can take their toll on the amount of time families spend together. Days out can strengthen bonds and build shared family experiences and memories that we know are so important in keeping families strong and together.

She added: "The Government must work to ensure that this valuable time together for families does not become a thing of the past altogether."

Click on the image below to see some of the world's scariest theme park rides...

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