Thinking of fun things to do as a family as the summer holiday draws to a close? The perfect way to keep little ones entertained during the weekends is a trip to a theme park.
We've compiled a list of the best theme parks here in the UK; from Blackpool to Cornwall and London. See which attractions made our must-visit list and plan your next trip...
Best theme parks for families in the UK
Alton Towers - Alton, England
From the world’s first 14-loop rollercoaster to the world’s first freefall drop coaster, Alton Towers is home to some of the world’s scariest rides set to frighten even the bravest of thrill-seekers. It also accommodates the little ones with the singing and dancing CBeebies Land boasting 14 rides, various live shows, and an accompanying hotel. See more at altontowers.com.
Blackpool Pleasure Beach - Blackpool, England
A favourite among visitors to the seaside town of Blackpool, this amusement park has highlights like Nickelodeon Land as well as huge rollercoasters like The Big One and ICON, the UK's first double-launch rollercoaster that launches riders to heights of 88.5ft. Book tickets in advance at blackpoolpleasurebeach.com.
If you are wanting to make a weekend of it, why not check out the best Blackpool hotels on booking.com.
Crealy Adventure Park & Resort – Exeter, England
Complete with fun rides, a number of indoor play areas, live shows, and Buddy Bear’s Kingdom, there's no shortage of activities for the whole family at Crealy Adventure Park & Resort. More information can be found on crealy.co.uk.
Legoland - Windsor, London
When one of the most famous toy brands in the world opens a theme park, you know it's going to promise the magic and fun of a live-action toy store. At Legoland Windsor, all their lovable favourites are brought to life, such as the popular LEGO Ninjago World where the children can test their Ninja skills through a 4D interactive ride and a variety of training camp activities.
There is also the infamous Lego City driving school where most of us received our first license to drive (at the age of three-years-old and upwards) and The Dragon Coaster, one of LegoLand’s thrill-seeking rollercoasters. The best news is that Legoland even offers holiday packages, book now at legolandholidays.co.uk.
Sundown Adventureland - Retford, England
Head to Retford for a fun family day out at Sundown Adventureland. Here you'll find the Angry Birds Activity Park, Rocky Mountain Railroad and numerous other rides all designed specifically for children under ten. See more at sundownadventureland.co.uk.
Brighton Palace Pier - Brighton, England
© Photo: iStockTie in a trip to the seaside with a visit to the Brighton Palace Pier, which is filled with attractions for the whole family, including arcade games and traditional fairground rides.
Brighton is a great place for everyone to enjoy all year round, so why not check out some of the other experiences available on virginexperiencedays.com.
Adventure Island - Southend-on-Sea, England
If you're heading for a staycation in Southend, you don't want to miss a day at Adventure Island, which has over 40 rides and attractions. Entry to the park is free, and it instead operates on a ride band system, so you only pay for the rides that fit the level you and your family are comfortable with. Visit adventureisland.co.uk for more information.
Best theme parks for toddlers and young children
Paultons Park - Romsey, England
The home of Peppa Pig World and dinosaur theme park Lost Kingdom was revealed in 2018 as Trip Advisor's most popular amusement park, and it's easy to see why. Paultons Park has lots to offer the whole family, with over 70 rides and attractions such as Adventure Golf, the Water Kingdom, playgrounds and several beautiful gardens. See more at paultonspark.co.uk.
The Milky Way Adventure Park - Clovelly, England
Located near Clovelly, North Devon, The Milky Way Adventure Park is a favourite among young families. As well as rides and attractions like the Cosmic Typhoon, Clone Zone, and the Time Warp, the park also has live shows, a soft play room for under fives, as well as the Milky Way Railway. See more details at themilkyway.co.uk.
Drayton Manor Park - Tamworth, England
© Photo: iStockDrayton Manor, specifically modelled for younger children, is the home to over 100 rides and attractions with everything from thrill-seeking rollercoasters to crazy golf - but the fun doesn't stop there. With a 15-acre Zoo and its very own Thomas Land boasting over 25 rides and attractions for the little ones, Drayton Manor is the fourth largest amusement park in the UK. Find out more on draytonmanor.co.uk.
Best theme parks for older children
Landmark Forest Adventure Park - Carribridge, Scotland
Set within the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, Landmark Forest Adventure Park wins over families who want an action-packed day out. From the Wild Water Coaster to a Skydive experience and Tarzan Trail, there is so much for children and grown-ups to enjoy. Get more details at landmarkpark.co.uk.
Lightwater Valley - Ripon, Yorkshire
Lightwater Valley offers not only adrenaline-pumping rides, family fun attractions, and daily live shows but also provides stunning views of the Yorkshire valley, if you're brave enough to seek them out. Our favourite? Take a ride on Raptor Attack, regarded as one of the best dark rides in the UK. For more information visit lightwatervalley.co.uk.
Flambards - Cornwall
Renowned as the West Country’s leading family attraction, Flambards offers more than your average amusement park. As well as boasting thrilling rides such as the sky-plummeting Skycracker and the splash-filled Log Flume during the summer, Flambards’ indoor attractions offer a thrill (even on level ground) during the colder months. Get tickets via flambards.co.uk.
Extend your trip and book a getaway with plumguide.com, offering some of the best homes in the area for you to enjoy.
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