Feeding the family on a budget on Alton Towers trip

hamsmith

Hey guys
I have tried searching for a similar passed thread but no joy. hope you can help.

So I have sourced a cheap Premier Inn in Derby (EAST) and have my MSE recommended 1/2 prices Merlin passes. I have booked 3 nights for two days at the park to make good use of the petrol cost . Now the pricey bit. I have to feed myself and three kids who eat adult portions on a fair budget. want to swap the hotel breakfast at £17 per morning for something other than McDonald's and eat out fairly cheap.
I would appreciate any local knowledge of where is nice to eat at a fair price either near Alton or in Derby.
Budget for evening meals including drinks etc is £50 but would prefer slightly less.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

McKneff

Is that £17 for 4 of you or £17 each for breakfast.

Sharon87

If its £17 for 4 people that's good, especially if it's all you can eat. You can fill up for the day.

Or if not, why not buy something from the supermarket before you go? Things like cereal bars, croissants, pastries, fruit.

I'd also suggest taking sandwiches on the first day, and enough drinks to last for the holiday, as you're going by car, you should have room for food in the car.

Don't forget you can get 20% off food in Alton Towers at non branded places (well it was last time I looked). So if you do get anything from there, even a drink, you can get discount.

hamsmith

£17 for for of us. adds up over three days. We will do first day mcdonalds drive through breakfast but not really wanting to go their daily. but maybe we will if we eat slightly better evening meals.
I know probably a good deal but when I think i usually shop on £80-£100 per week for all food and cleaning and toiletry products seems alot.

HappyMJ

ASDA is cheap for breakfast and just around the corner.

hamsmith

we have planned to pop to sainsburys for sliced rolls and a pot of sandwich filler, multi packs of drinks etc for lunch but actually i could take bowels and cereal and nip to the shop for milk in the morning couldn't i? or take pain au chocolate. they are prices so we only have them as a treat. would be a great saving and treat. we aren't morning people so a nice breakfast picnic in bed might be a great start.
thanks for that.

i have looked at voucher cloud for the ask, pizza express restaurants. i wondered if anyone had a favorite independent place with for price?

will look out for discounted places there. 20% is a lot

hamsmith

asda breakfast sounds good. will check out the postcode for the satnav

thanks

HappyMJ

Frankie and Benny's is nearby.

McKneff

hamsmith wrote: »

£17 for for of us. adds up over three days. We will do first day mcdonalds drive through breakfast but not really wanting to go their daily. but maybe we will if we eat slightly better evening meals.
I know probably a good deal but when I think i usually shop on £80-£100 per week for all food and cleaning and toiletry products seems alot.

Fabulous value for money for 4 of you. It is a good deal,

The budget is when your at home. You're going on your holidays, you should have the treats, thats what holidays are for.
If you can actually afford it, go for it, you have to have a relaxing break too. Its no break if your freaking out looking for bargains and cooking.

Life's too short.

Enjoy your break.

mrs_sparrow

Thanks, just looking at Derby this morning so we do not have to face a 5am start and made me realise that we need to book the breakfast cos £17 is not too badly priced really.

What time does AT open to passholders - does anyone know?

We also staying a night at AT for 50% off using code TIMES12 not sure if it includes breakfast or not to be honest. Will take some cereal bars as back up just in case if their evening meals prices are anything to go by!!

hamsmith

The park opens at 9am for pass holders. Derby is still 45 min drive but much better than coming from Southampton. I know i'll just be grumpy with the kids who will also be grumpy if we got up at 5am.

i should relax a little with money. just was meant to be a budget break so we don't eat too much into our august holiday spends. i have said to the kids it is an Alton towers visit no a holiday and have set budgets for gift shop spends etc so they won't get to hear no too often. £17 is good but my growing kids will still want lunch and an evening meal. lol. can't believe how much they eat. Will do breakfast last day and left over snacks for Warwick Castle on the way home.

thanks again for all your suggestions. they have been fab.

Hope you have a good time mrs_sparrow