Alton Towers or quiet sea side break?

[MrsSnape]

I am trying to decide where to take the kids in summer.

Our choices at the moment are Alton Towers and South Shields.

Alton Towers will cost £240 for one night in a hotel and 1 day park ticket.

South Shields will cost £120 for 2 days in a guesthouse.

The kids would probably choose alton towers but I think its pricey and since they're both little there are probably loads of rides they wont be able to go on.

South Shields is cheaper, you have the beach, a day trip into Newcastle (metro will be a novelty to them as they've never been on a train), you have the castles around there and it would be more relaxing (for me!).

Any Suggestions?

South sheilds is great, all kids love the sea side. If you do want Alton Towers, you could camp or do yha which might make it cheaper. There is one only a few miles from the park.

I love South Shields too, I've been looking for an excuse to go back for years

I've just been looking at Alton Towers website and it would cost £60 for a day in the park which is MUCH cheaper than I thought it would be...thats buying the tickets online in advance.

So I'm thinking I might take the kids to South Shields for a couple of days and then take them to Alton Towers for a day towards the end of the summer hols?

We stayed in a lovely B&B in Alton village (just minutes from the theme park) when we wnet to AT. Was £90 for all five of us to stay in a family room with a fabulous breakfast to set us up for the day. Think it should still be on here as it was recommended by another mner. Will have a look.

Yoxall Cottage. Owner is lovely.