The UK has some unbelievable theme parks to go to! There are heaps to select from and all have their very own appeal, thrill-seeking rides and even among the tallest curler coasters you possibly can think about! Truthfully, you might be spoiled for alternative for all one of the best theme parks within the UK to go to which are dotted all throughout the nation. Although with a lot alternative, it may be exhausting to whittle down a agency listing of those you’d like most!
That can assist you get probably the most out of your theme park journey, I’ve jotted down the perfect, and dare I say, iconic theme parks within the UK you might want to expertise. Better of all, most are fairly near main cities within the UK like London, Manchester and areas across the South of England. The one sticking level is Scotland, the place there’s considerably much less alternative by way of theme parks.
Anyway, I’m rambling, check out a few of our all-time favorite theme parks that you just actually want to go to. Have one of the best time exploring!
1.) Alton Towers
Alton Towers is arguably one of many UK’s hottest theme parks! It’s big, has heaps of rides and even has its personal accommodations the place you possibly can keep to make an entire weekend of it. We love the Alton Towers Resort, however there’s additionally Splash Landings Resort, with its personal waterpark that’s completely enjoyable!
Through the years, we’ve visited Alton Towers many instances. It’s a very enjoyable theme park within the UK to go to and is well up there as among the best days out. I’d say it’s at all times finest to e book these Alton Towers tickets upfront of your go to. This fashion, you’re not including additional queuing time when you arrive and take the monorail from the automobile park.
Now, what Alton Towers does very well is theming. The rides all have backstories and are like ‘experiences’. This makes it a lot extra enjoyable than simply having a random curler coaster plonked in a park.
One of many basic rides is Nemesis Reborn, a looping, floorless coaster that’s completely superb. Speaking of curler coasters, you’ve additionally acquired 13, Rita and the Wicker Man, that are completely superb. Oh, and don’t neglect about Galactica, a lay-down curler coaster that feels such as you’re flying!
Don’t fret if curler coasters aren’t your factor! You’ve additionally acquired immersive rides like Hex, which is located throughout the Darkish Forest space of Alton Towers. We like it!
Lastly, two issues to notice should you’re visiting Alton Towers. The queue for rides may be lengthy! Like, we’ve been to Alton Towers earlier than and solely managed 4 rides in an entire day of being there. Assume 2 hours of queuing for every journey! It was intense and never one thing I can say was pleasurable. That being mentioned, on our future visits, we’ve at all times opted for his or her Quick-track Cross. Sure, you pay additional, however actually, at peak instances, it’s so value it.
Additionally, one other factor to notice at Alton Towers is that every one the rides are beneath a sure peak. You received’t discover the tallest rides within the UK right here. It is because native planning legal guidelines prohibit constructing constructions over a sure peak above the encircling timber.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Manchester
2.) Thorpe Park
Thorpe Park homes among the quickest and largest rides in the entire of Europe! This makes Thorpe Park among the best theme parks within the UK to go to should you’re one thing of a thrill seeker! As soon as right here, you possibly can attempt the super-fast Stealth, the petrifying Noticed – The Journey or the terrifying Swarm. All of that are a lot enjoyable and completely intense. That being mentioned, the massive canine needs to be Hyperia. It’s the tallest curler coaster in the entire UK and you’ll even see it from Heathrow Airport!
Speaking of location, Thorpe Park is throughout the Larger London space. This makes it the proper theme park to go to should you’re primarily based in London or within the wider London space, in locations like Windsor.


You’ll be able to simply spend an entire day at Thorpe Park, however ensure to reach early to have sufficient time to get round every of the areas. Oh, and remember to get these Thorpe Park tickets earlier than you set off. Tickets can promote out at peak instances of the 12 months.
Additionally, similar to Alton Towers, you possibly can really keep on web site at Thorpe Park. Although, in all honesty, it’s throughout the Larger London space and you’ve got heaps of accommodations to select from. This implies it’s not at all times needed to remain at Thorpe Park should you fancy a special lodge expertise.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in London
3.) Paultons Park
Situated in Hampshire’s New Forest Nationwide Park, simply shy of Southampton, Paultons Park is a must-see park should you’re having a visit with your loved ones. There are 4 themed areas within the park – Critter Creek, the principle park, The Misplaced Kingdom and the world of Peppa Pig. The latter is the massive draw for youthful children, and it’s the one theme park within the UK that has a Peppa Pig-themed area.
There are good and mild rides, too, like Magma and the Sky Swinger, which is a lot enjoyable. Magma is a volcanic-themed tower the place you spin down, whereas the Sky Swinger brings you up within the space and spins you.
While right here, you can even discover go-karts and water rides in Paultons Park. One world phenomenon is Peppa Pig, which is cherished by, in fact, virtually each baby! This alone makes Paultons Park among the best theme parks within the UK to go to. Visits will take round 6-8 hours, and it’s actually the proper place to go to with youthful kids.
Additionally, don’t neglect, you possibly can simply jump over to the Isle of Wight (from Southampton) should you fancy an extended street journey across the south of England. It’s a stunning island to go to, and you’ll take the automobile on the ferry that departs a number of instances a day. We like it there.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Southampton
4.) Legoland


Perched on the outskirts of the historic metropolis of Windsor, Legoland is the UK’s dwelling of all issues Lego. Better of all, it’s one of many theme parks to go to that’s nice enjoyable for all of the household. You see, you’ve acquired the combination of model-building workshops and LEGO-themed rides and a few fairly epic rollercoasters, that are nice for youthful family members.
Better of all, you possibly can spend the entire day wandering round Legoland. It’s crammed with cute LEGO cities, parades, and a lot extra. Simply ensure you get these tickets earlier than arriving at Legoland. Ticket costs on the gate are usually greater, and there’s no have to spend greater than you might want to.




Through the years, we’ve visited Legoland many instances, and the one factor that actually is a gripe for me is the meals choices. There are many locations to eat and seize snacks, however the principle cafeteria eatery is at all times so full and by no means has something aside from fried meals or burgers. Not that I’m judging, it’s scrumptious, however it will be good to have had another choices, too.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Windsor
5.) Chessington World of Adventures
One other family-friendly theme park within the UK, Chessington World of Adventures, is a completely improbable day trip for the entire household. Plus, similar to Thorpe Park, it’s throughout the wider Larger London space and simple to go to from Central London.
Now, earlier than you go, ensure to e book these advance tickets. This fashion, you’ll keep away from the premium ‘at-the-gate’ cost, which is at all times greater than really making the plans upfront. These tickets provide you with whole entry to the theme park and zoo components of Chessington World of Adventures, which is a lot enjoyable for kids.
As soon as right here, you’re going to get to discover the totally different worlds, which, similar to Alton Towers, are themed and completely enjoyable. Make sure to take a look at The Gruffalo River Journey Journey, Kobra, Dragon’s Fury, Tomb Blaster and Vampire. Oh, and don’t neglect in regards to the World of Jumanji, too!
You’ll encounter some queues for among the extra standard rides at peak instances. If you happen to don’t need to wait, you possibly can pay just a little additional and go for the tickets that embody the ‘Reserve and Journey’ choice. This fashion, you possibly can minimise the downtime and journey as a lot as humanly attainable.
Visits will likely be a whole-day occasion, and it’s a lot enjoyable.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Central London
6.) Drayton Manor Resort
Situated in Staffordshire, not too removed from Birmingham, Drayton Manor Resort is without doubt one of the finest theme parks within the UK to go to for all of the household. You see, it has a spread of rides for all ages, from rollercoasters to Thomas the Tank themed lands.
A few of our favorite thrilling rides need to be: Apocalypse, Shockwave, Accelerator, Maelstrom and Stormforce 10. These are all a lot enjoyable, however if you would like one thing just a little extra tame, for youthful kids, head to the one Thomas Land in Europe. It’s like its personal little theme park inside Drayton Manor Resort and has heaps of rides for youthful children. Right here, you possibly can journey together with Thomas on Thomas, Rosie & Percy’s Engine Excursions, which is so beautiful.
Additionally, don’t neglect in regards to the Dino Path, which has heaps of giant dinosaurs which youthful children will love!
Once more, like most theme parks within the UK, it’s finest to e book these Drayton Manor Resort tickets upfront of your go to. Costs are at all times greater on the gate.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Birmingham
6.) Flamingo Land Resort
North-east of the historic metropolis of York is the Flamingo Land Resort. It’s one in every of Yorkshire’s hottest theme parks for kids, and with good cause – it’s nice enjoyable!
That being mentioned, don’t simply suppose Flamingo Land Resort is only for youthful children! It has some thrilling rollercoasters like Kumali, which could have you screaming on the prime of your lungs! Additionally, don’t neglect about SIK and Velocity, too! They’re so good and SIK, in my view, is without doubt one of the finest rollercoasters in all of Yorkshire.
For youthful children, there are heaps of rides, and likewise the safari space with all its flamingos, hippos and tigers which you’ll be capable to spot while visiting Flamingo Land Resort.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Yorkshire
7.) Blackpool Pleasure Seashore
Nestled proper on the seafront in Blackpool, round 1 hour from Manchester, is Blackpool Pleasure Seashore. As soon as upon a time, Blackpool was the favorite hang-out of Victorians to take time by the seaside. These days, it’s misplaced a few of its appeal, nevertheless it nonetheless has an avid following for each adults and kids.
You see, past the bars and golf equipment, there’s Blackpool Pleasure Seashore, which is without doubt one of the finest theme parks within the UK to go to should you’re exploring the East of England.
Right here, you’ll discover effectively over 100+ rides and points of interest which are as thrilling as they arrive! For example, you’ll find the well-known metal mega-coaster, Massive One, the Wallace & Gromit Thrill-O-Matic and Nickelodeon Land. It’s acquired heaps happening and the rides range for all age ranges. Because of this there’s one thing for all of the household. Just lately, the curler coaster, ICON, was added to the park to have guests lower by the Massive One coaster, and it’s a lot enjoyable.
To make issues simpler, e book these Blackpool Pleasure Seashore tickets, which get you on each single journey within the park. It’s the best approach to save cash while you’re in Blackpool.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Manchester
8.) Pleasurewood Hills
Round a 50-minute drive from the historic metropolis of Norwich, Pleasurewood Hills is a household theme park that’s so beautiful for youthful kids. Now, it won’t be the largest theme park within the UK (it’s really fairly small), however what it lacks in dimension it makes up for with some fairly epic rides for all of the household.
As soon as right here, ensure to journey the Wipeout rollercoaster! It’s a lot enjoyable and actually could have you the wrong way up and twisting in each route attainable. For youthful children, you might have the Water Enjoyable Manufacturing unit and Kite Flyer. Each of that are nice enjoyable.
One of many foremost issues we love about Pleasurewood Hills is that there are hardly any queues for rides. Truthfully, I’ve such a gripe about lengthy queues in theme parks, and this place has literal 10-minute queues (or much less) for many rides.
Simply remember to e book these Pleasurewood Hills pre-discount tickets on their web site earlier than visiting. You’ll save heaps should you’re visiting with all of the household.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Norwich
9.) Margate Dreamland


Margate, similar to Blackpool, was as soon as the go-to place for solar seekers and seashore lovers again in Victorian instances. Through the years, its appeal pale, however in the previous few a long time, Margate has as soon as once more grow to be fairly darn standard, and with good cause!
Not solely is the outdated city of Margate beautiful, with all its classic shops, artwork galleries (just like the Turner Up to date) and beautiful seashores, it additionally has Dreamland! Dreamland is without doubt one of the finest theme parks within the UK, which is perhaps fairly small, however it’s nice enjoyable. Plus, there’s no entry price, and you’ll simply pay for the rides you need to go on.
In the summertime months, heaps of bands, occasions and reveals happen inside Dreamland. It turns into an entire occasion, they usually have some actually cool issues happening. Be certain that to verify their schedule earlier than arriving in Margate and e book tickets if any of them take your fancy!
Learn extra: Finest seashores close to London to go to
10.) Warner Bros. Studio Tour London (The Making of Harry Potter)
If you happen to’re a Harry Potter fan, then you might want to go to Warner Bros. Studio Tour, The Making of Harry Potter. It won’t match the everyday mould of among the best theme parks within the UK to go to, nevertheless it’s an excellent day trip, and the studios are a lot enjoyable.
First issues first, e book these Warner Bros. tickets for entry upfront. They’re at all times cheaper than the tickets on the door, and it is sensible to e book your slot so that you don’t miss out at peak instances. They’ve restricted capacities and areas replenish quick, particularly on weekends. Not solely that, these tickets embody Harry Potter branded transportation immediately from the centre of London, and it make a go to to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour in London.
As soon as right here, you’ll get to wander round Privet Drive, take a look at your abilities at flying and stroll by the units and props from the flicks! It’s a lot enjoyable.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in London