Theme Parks UK

Will I enjoy visiting a theme park? Are they all the same? The answers are: Definitely Yes, and Definitely No! A theme park is a destination that will transport you to an entirely different world with plenty of opportunities for a good time. Whether you’re heading for the heights or sticking to ground-based gentle thrills, they provide adventure, enjoyment, and memories that will last for a lifetime. It’s not just the rides reaching new heights: these days you’ll also find popular TV characters, zoo parks, top-class entertainment, and tasty food and drink within their varied acres.

While it’s no surprise that people from 5 to 105 love theme parks, there are more benefits than you might expect. Reasons why this form of entertainment is actually good for the body and the soul include the joy of stepping into another world, an escape from stress, the most fun way to burn calories, face your fears and enjoy an adrenaline rush like no other, plus have fun and bond with family and friends. Here in the UK, we’re lucky to have some of the best and most inventive theme parks in the world, starting with this fab foursome!

Alton Towers, Staffordshire

Forty-two years young and firmly established as the UK's favourite theme park, we had to start at this premier park in the heart of the Potteries. Home to over 40 rides and attractions, Alton Towers is the largest theme park in the UK, with its massive 370 hectares cleverly split across 10 themed areas of other-worldly adventure! From the classic Corkscrew to the scream-tastic Nemesis, and heart-in-your-mouth Black Hole, the 10 main rollercoasters are the stars of the show, each with record-breaking elements designed to thrill and delight anyone brave enough to ride.

There’s plenty more to explore, including stargazing pods, an Enchanted Village, tropical indoor waterpark, luxury spa, extraordinary golf and Rollercoaster Restaurant. With 20 attractions alone specially aimed at young children and families, enjoy meeting much-loved children’s characters in colourful CBeebies Land, with live shows, story time and games. Luckily there are lots of fun ways to get around: from the monorail between main locations to the colourful cable car gondolas of the Skyride between Towers Street, Forbidden Valley and Fountain Square. (We also recommend the free mobile app for live queue times and easy interactive navigation.) Not ready to emerge into the real world? Your hardest decision will be which fantastically themed hotel to choose, including Splash Landings, luxury Treehouses, and new CBeebies Land Hotel.

Thorpe Park, Surrey

Who said Surrey was for commuters? Just 23 miles from London a wild, wet world of adventure awaits! Famous for its water rides, this is a park that breaks a lot of records- and rules. Reach new heights with Stealth, the UK's fastest roller coaster launching riders to 205ft at 80mph in just 2.5 seconds. Take flight on the Swarm, the UK's only winged coaster, or feel like a mighty warrior as you take on the 360° spinning mechanical beast, Samurai.

Or are you brave enough to face one of Jigsaw's most twisted traps with Saw- The Ride; the world's first horror themed roller coaster featuring a 100ft "beyond-vertical" drop? Maybe you’ve got the stomach for the almighty Colossus, featuring not one, not three, but TEN acrobatic loops along its contorted, twisted track! Then head for the famous wild-water rides: plunging down the super-soaking 85ft drop on Tidal Wave, getting drenched on Storm Surge’s 64ft spiralling descent, and play splash roulette on the Island’s ferocious Rumba Rapids. Home to thrilling rides, attractions, live events and even a themed hotel, Thorpe Park resort is the ultimate destination for thrill seekers and families alike.

Chessington World of Adventures, Kingston Upon Thames

So much more than a theme park, Chessington World of Adventures has so much for all the family, it’s hard to believe they’ve packed it all in within the M25! Starting with over 40 spinning, looping, plummeting (and gentle) rides and attractions, rides are grouped and themed by age, so it’s easy to pick the best experiences for your Little Rangers, Family Explorers, or Brave Adventurers. Explore Pirate’s Cove, Land of Dragons, the Wild Woods, Rainforest and the Forbidden Kingdom, with rides like Gruffalo, Rattlesnake and Vampire. Or take Croc Drop’s thrilling 25-meter plunge into the jaws of a Nile Crocodile God!

Save some time and energy; you’ve over 1,000 exotic animals to meet, including gorillas, monkeys, lions, tigers and sea lions at the onsite zoo and SeaLife centre, with awesome ocean tunnel and interactive rock pools. You can even take to the vines like Tarzan at Go Ape, while little monkeys can go safely wild in the AMAZU Treetop Adventure. With daily shows and activities, there's never a dull moment at Chessington!

Paultons Theme Park, Hampshire

The secret gem of the New Forest, located just north of Southampton, Paultons Theme Park is regularly voted UK's No.1 Theme Park. Not discovered it yet? Well get your adventure trousers on and head down to discover over 70 rides and attractions, including the dinosaur theme park Lost Kingdom, the Edge and Cobra roller coasters, the Water Kingdom splash park, the Raging River Ride, adventure golf, and 4D cinema. There’s friendly penguins waiting to be fed, and new Dinosaur Land with epic rides to test even the most adventurous.

With many smaller rides for young children, Paultons wins plaudits for cleverly siting children’s rides next to adult versions, like their side-by-side log flumes, so the whole family can share in the fun together with no boring hanging about waiting. It’s also home to the incredibly popular Peppa Pig World! A world first and UK exclusive, Peppa Pig’s very own theme park has 9 rides and attractions, including Peppa's Big Balloon Ride, George's Dinosaur Adventure, indoor soft play zone, and lots of meet and greet with the whole gang. You’ll definitely discover new thrills in the New Forest.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

We have also put together a list of frequently asked questions at the link below, which include some Top Tips and Did you know information, which you can use to show off with your friends and family

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We hope that you have enjoyed reading our article called Theme Parks UK and that you have found the information above include our FAQ page helpful in deciding on which venue you to choose for your Activities and Days Out