The summer holidays are here, and for many families that means a trip to a theme park.
With the warmer weather upon us, a day outdoors enjoying some white knuckle rides is a fun way to spend a day off with the kids.
Luckily some of the UK's major theme parks are not too far away from Greater Manchester, with Alton Towers located just over an hour's drive away.
Closer to Manchester, we have Gulliver's World, Blackpool Pleasure Beach and Gulliver's Kingdom.
If you're planning a summer trip to have a ride on the rollercoasters, we've found some deals that could save you a bit of cash.
Alton Towers
One of the UK's best-loved theme parks, Alton Towers has grown to become an all-in-one attraction.
The theme park itself is just a small part of Alton Towers Resorts, where you can now stay at hotels, visit a waterpark, play mini golf, eat at restaurants and visit toddler-friendly CBeebies Land.
Season passes are currently on sale for £50 from Wowcher (normal price £56 when bought direct from the Alton Towers website), allowing you to visit as many times as you like between now and the end of the season on November 3.
That's £8 cheaper than buying a day pass on the day. If you're planning more than one trip between now and the end of the season it'll save you money on advance day tickets too - a standard day pass booked in advance costs £34.
Check the T&Cs carefully though, as a standard pass excludes admission of Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in August and certain other dates.
Premium passes, which include entry during summer weekends, can also be bought from Wowcher at the discounted price of £65 (normally £70).
If you're a Tesco Clubcard holder you can convert your points into Boost tokens and get three times their face value to use on Alton Towers tickets - potentially saving you up to two thirds off the entry price.
How to get there
By car: Alton Towers Resorts is between M1 and the M6. If you’re driving to any of its attractions, including the accommodation, the water park or spa, then use the postcode ST10 4DB . Follow the signs for the last bit of your journey, as your sat nav will attempt to take you down a local farm track; especially if you’re coming down the B5417.
By train: Public transport is available to Alton Towers Resorts from a number of train station destinations. The three closest train stations are Stoke-on-Trent, Uttoxeter and Derby. A bus service will need to be used for the rest of the journey.
Blackpool Pleasure Beach
No north west childhood is complete without a trip to Blackpool.
Situated on the seafront, the Pleasure Beach has 10 rollercoasters to take a spin on, including the new ICON and old favourites like the Grand National and The Big One.
It's also home to Nickelodeon Land where little ones can have a go on the tamer rides and meet and greet characters including SpongeBob and Dora the Explorer.
Wristbands for admission during peak times normally cost £28 (and £26 for under-12s) when booked in advance directly from the Pleasure Beach website or via AttractionTix.
That's a saving of 28% on the walk-up price of £39/£33.
You can also save a few quid by booking more than seven days in advance from the Pleasure Beach website, when the price comes down to £25/£23.
How to get there
By car: Take junction 32 off the M6 onto the M55. Follow signs for Blackpool, South Shore (via Blackpool Airport) and then follow the brown tourist signs to Pleasure Beach, Blackpool.
The postcode for your sat nav is FY4 1EZ.
By train: Regular train services run to Blackpool North and direct to Blackpool Pleasure Beach’s own mainline station via Preston.
Gulliver's World
Gulliver's World currently has more than 80 rides and attractions such as playgrounds, splash zones and soft play areas.
The attraction, in Warrington, is one of the closest theme parks to Manchester and is a huge hit with parents, especially those with younger children as they can get on more of the rides.
Usual ticket prices, booked two days in advance online, are £18 for adults and children, £17 for seniors and kids under 90cm go free. That compares with the on-the-gate price of £24 each.
Visit the website to book. And for more details of other theme park offers and discounts for Alton Towers, Drayton Manor, Blackpool Pleasure Beach and more, see here .
Plus you can join Kids Pass here for £1 which gives you discounts on attractions across the UK including Gulliver's World.
How to get there
By car: The postcode for your sat nav is WA5 9YZ.
From the M62, exit at Junctions 8 or 9 and follow the brown signs.
From the M6, exit at Junction 22 and follow the directions to Warrington.
By train: You can catch a train to either Warrington Central or Warrington Bank Quay stations.
From Central station to the left and just around the corner is Warrington Bus Station where you can catch bus numbers 18 or 17C to the attraction. From there it's a five minute walk to the entrance.
From Bank Quay Station walk into the centre of Warrington to the bus station and then as above.
Gulliver's Kingdom
Gulliver's Kingdom is in Derbyshire so it is a bit further out, but set against the scenic backdrop of Matlock Bath - with extra adventure, added adrenaline and stunning views.
However, like Gulliver's World, it is specially designed for families with children aged between the years of two and 13. The wide range of rides and attractions - from the Western World and pirates play area, to the log flume and Drop Tower – makes Gulliver's Kingdom one of the best theme parks in the UK for children.
An adult ticket bought online two days in advance costs just £15 or £21 on the gate, same for a child. You can book here .
How to get there
By car: The postcode for your sat nav is DE4 3PG.
From the M1, exit at Junction 28 and follow the signs. If approaching on the M6 from the south, take the A38 towards Lichfield, following it north until you see the signposts.
By train: The Derby to Matlock train runs through Matlock Bath approx every 1½ hours Mon-Sat and every 2 hours on a Sunday.
Matlock Bath train station is a 10 to 15 minute walk from the park. Follow the river on your left until you get to the Fishpond pub and follow the little path up the hill.
Flamingo Land
Flamingo Land isn’t just a zoo. Neither is it just a theme park. It’s both, rolled into one – along with an entire holiday resort with a state-of-the art leisure complex.
Not to mention the fantastic line of events taking place over the summer, including live music and popular kid’s TV and book characters paying a visit.
There can’t be many places in the UK where you can hand-feed the penguins and see endangered species before riding a rollercoaster, then play in the water play area after watching a sea lion show. But you can here.
Pre-booking tickets online is cheaper (£35) compared to on the day (£41.50). You can book here .
How to get there
By car: From the A64/A170, Flamingo Land is situated off the A169 Malton to Pickering Road.
By train: The closest train station is at Malton.
Drayton Manor
Staffordshire theme park Drayton Manor has a main park with rollercoasters for thrill-seekers, Thomas the Tank Engine-themed Thomas Land and a 15-acre zoo.
There's a flash sale on Thursday July 25 at 10am when you can get half price tickets between Saturday July 27 and Sunday August 11
Tickets normally cost up to £28 when booked online in advance or up to £39 on the day.
Families can save money with a special summer ticket giving entry to four people for £88 - that's a saving of up to £68 compared to on-the-day prices.
It also snips up to £24 off compared with booking individual tickets in advance based on two adults and two children aged 12 and over.
If you're planning a few visits, Drayton's Ultimate Pass could save you money and is currently on sale for £82.50 - down from the usual price of £110.
If you're a Tesco Clubcard holder you can also convert your points into Boost tokens and get three times their face value to use on Drayton Manor tickets - potentially saving you up to two thirds off the entry price.
How to get there
By car: The post code for your sat nav is B78 3SA.
By train: The nearest train station is Tamworth, around three miles away. Taxis are available from outside the station.
