A children's charity has called on attractions operators to lower their prices after a study claimed that more than a third of children in the UK have never visited a theme park.

A survey by 4Children shows that 38 per cent of school-aged children have never visited a park due to their parents not affording the costs involved.

Anne Longfield, chief executive of 4Children, called for leading attractions to cut their prices in order to accommodate the poorer families.

She said: "With family trips to some theme parks costing more than £100, it is no wonder they are out of reach for many parents.

"Leisure resorts and theme parks need to provide more deals and vouchers for families who otherwise would not be able to visit.

"This would go a long way towards reducing the pressure on parents and helping more children to have summer holidays."

4Children singles out Alton Towers, Thorpe Park and Legoland - which are all operated by Merlin Entertainments Group - as three UK parks which routinely charge a family of five more than £100 for a day out.

In response, a spokesperson for Merlin said the survey failed to take into account the numerous family deals offered at Merlin parks and attractions - as well as the existence of Merlin's own children's charity, Merlin's Magic Wand.

Launched last year, Merlin's Magic Wand provides disadvantaged children the opportunity to visit Merlin attractions by offering free entrance passes, as well as grants towards the cost of travel and accommodation.