Are you ready for an action-packed day out? Here are 18 thrilling theme parks in the UK that promise a super exciting day for the whole family. From giant coasters to whirling teacups, splashtastic water rides to your favourite characters, our pick of theme parks are definitely worth a visit.
From the famous names to some brilliant hidden gems, buckle up as we take you on a thrilling ride through the best theme parks in the UK!
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Exciting Theme Parks in the UK
LEGOLAND Windsor, Berkshire
You don’t have to be a lover of the small plastic bricks to have a good time here. In fact, even if you’ve trodden on them in bare feet more times than you care to remember, you’ll find something to love at LEGOLAND, with over 55 rides to choose from and plenty to see and do.
While the rides aren’t made out of billions of tiny bricks, pretty much everything else is, like the LEGO® Reef where you can design your own cubed creatures to explore a digital landscape beneath the waves, complete with interactive buttons to feed the fishy inhabitants.
Then, of course, there’s Miniland, which takes you on a tiny tour of the world – from Australia to Russia, leave no brick unturned. Car-mad kids can even get their first “driving licence” at the LEGOLAND driving school.
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Alton Towers, Staffordshire
As the largest of the theme parks in the UK, Alton Towers covers the bases for all ages. Spanning more than 500 acres, it certainly won’t disappoint if thrills and an action-packed family day out are what you’re after.
Tiny tots and younger children can play in CBeebies Land, where they can see a live show or take a ride on the Go Jetters Vroomster Zoom, then calm down with Iggle Piggle on the In the Night Garden Magical Boat Ride.
Older children, teens and daring parents will love the exhilarating rides and headline attractions, plus classic favourites like Rita and Oblivion for the boldest of thrill-seekers.
Themed accommodation is available on site, so you can make more than a day of it and enjoy twice the fun.
Thorpe Park, Surrey
With over 30 thrilling rides, attractions and live events, Thorpe Park Resort is an island like no other and a must-visit destination for endless fun with family and friends.
Thorpe Park delivers brilliant thrills for old and young alike. Ages 4+ can laugh through Angry Birds 4D, with its immersive special effects. Big kids can brave The Swarm or the jaw-dropping Saw. And if you want more, take on Stealth, one of Europe’s fastest rollercoasters, accelerating from 0 to 80mph in under 2 seconds.
If it’s a scarefest you’re after, the park’s horror-themed experiences will make you question where reality stops and the story begins. If all of that is more white-knuckle than you can handle, there’s also a fabulous water play area, Amity Beach, open in the summer months (a firm favourite with toddlers) and a whole section of rides for smaller children.
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Drayton Manor, Staffordshire
Drayton Manor is more than just a theme park – alongside world-class rides, there’s a zoo with over 100 animals, a dinosaur park and a crazy golf course.
If you have older children, head for the thrill rides. If height restrictions are going to be a problem, don’t worry – it’s also home to Thomas Land, with 25 rides and attractions based on the beloved tank engine. It’s heaven for train-loving little ones, with Toby’s Tram Express, Flynn’s Fire Rescue and loads more. Parents of train-obsessed kids often visit for that alone, so it’s all aboard for a theme park that’s certain to delight the entire family.
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Flamingo Land, Malton, North Yorkshire
Don’t be fooled by the name – there’s a lot more at Flamingo Land than the famous pink birds themselves. The wide range of wild animals here includes lions, tigers and baboons, and the number of rides is equally impressive.
With a focus on family rides, there are also extreme experiences for the more adventurous or older teens too. Feel like you’re flying, test your prehistoric limits on a looping suspended coaster, or brace yourself for a missile-launch style ride combined with the thrill of base-jumping.
If something more sedate is required, there’s the Peter Rabbit Adventure, where you and your little ones might even run into Peter and Lily too.
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Chessington World of Adventures, Surrey
Where else could you climb high in the treetops, meet endangered animals, ride rollercoasters AND explore the deep dark wood with the Gruffalo? Chessington World of Adventures is truly one in a million.
A ticket to Chessington gets you access to a whole series of themed lands, including a Zoo, the Sea Life Centre, The Gruffalo Arena and the Pirate Cove. If you’re looking for a thrill, you won’t be disappointed – try Rameses Revenge or whizz through the trees on the monkey swing.
While we couldn’t possibly list every activity on offer, make sure you dip into the sea life centre or take on a treetop adventure course, then say hello to the stunning residents at Tiger Rock. There’s sure to be something here that captures the imagination of every age.
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Blackpool Pleasure Beach, Lancashire
Described as one of Europe’s most ride-intensive theme parks, Blackpool Pleasure Beach includes some of the continent’s tallest and fastest coasters, alongside a huge range of family favourites.
There’s a crazy golf course, a bowling alley, and you can enjoy some good old-fashioned fun on The Big Dipper (entirely made of wood). Rainy days aren’t a problem either, as you can while away the hours in the arcade and take in year-round shows.
There’s plenty for the little ones too, with Nickelodeon World taking up a quarter of the park map. With attractions featuring much-loved characters, there’ll be big smiles all round.
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Diggerland, Kent, Devon, Yorkshire & Durham
Diggerland knows that heavy machinery holds a special place in the hearts of young children and adults alike. These excellent excavator theme parks, at four locations across the UK, mean you can get into the driving seat and take a whirl on construction-based rides.
Jump into the driving seat of actual diggers, dumpers and other full-sized construction machinery. There are also plenty of dedicated rides, including a mini digger treasure hunt, high-hoisting adventures, and a stomach-churning ground-shuttle style ride. From the top of a towering perch, take in spectacular views across the surrounding countryside. Then, once you’ve got your feet firmly back on the ground, let loose on dodgems, go-karts and a soft play.
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Gulliver’s World, Derbyshire
This UK theme park is geared less towards adventurous teens and more towards children aged 2 to 12, but that doesn’t limit the number of thrilling rides on offer, such as the Switchback rollercoaster and the Log Flume, all set against the stunning background of the Derbyshire countryside.
Gulliver’s Kingdom has a huge range of rides, attractions and shows to see each day. Older kids will love the excitement of the dodgems, log flumes and tree-top swings, while the younger ones can play around in dedicated areas perfect for under-5s.
If it’s prehistoric beasts your little ones are after, then get ready for a truly Jurassic experience, with a Lost World of Living Dinosaurs packed with animatronic creatures to find. As a budget-friendly bonus, you’re welcome to bring along your own picnic.
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M&D’s, Motherwell, North Lanarkshire, Scotland
Scotland’s favourite theme park, M&D’s, is found in the beautiful scenery of Strathclyde Country Park. As well as an array of rides and attractions (many designed just for kids), like the Giant Condor, Runaway Mine Train and Monster Machines, you can also discover AMAZONIA, Scotland’s only indoor tropical rainforest, packed with exotic animals, birds and creepy crawlies.
This attraction is perfect whatever the weather, giving you plenty of opportunity to take advantage of the great soft play, glow-in-the-dark indoor bowling, an amusements zone, bars and restaurants.
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Paultons Family Theme Park
Home to Peppa Pig World and dinosaur-themed Lost Kingdom, Paultons Park is one of the UK’s most loved family theme parks, and it’s easy to see why. It 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.
Paulton’s just had to make it onto our round-up of the best theme parks in the UK for families, not least because it’s home to Peppa Pig. Spin, whirl and twirl through different rides and even come face to face with the famous character and her little brother, George, along with their animal friends. Peppa is just one part of the attractions though – with dozens of other rides, games and sports to explore, there’s something for everyone.
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Smaller Theme Parks in the UK
Somewhat lesser known but no less fun – why not try the thrills and spills of some of the smaller theme parks in the UK?
Oakwood, Pembrokeshire
Oakwood Theme Park is Wales’ biggest family adventure park, located in Pembrokeshire, West Wales. The park incorporates several large thrill rides, as well as a section dedicated to the magical adventures of Peter Pan in Neverland.
With over 35 rides and attractions spread over 90 acres of spectacular countryside, there’s something to offer the whole family. Whether you’re looking for young adventure, family adventure or adrenaline adventure, you’ll have an amazing fun-filled day out.
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Lightwater Valley, North Yorkshire
Lightwater Valley groups its rides and experiences by age, enabling you to tailor your day to the ages and interests in your family perfectly.
One of the main reasons families visit the Valley is for the rides, from splashtastic water rapids to swashbuckling adventure rides. With over 35 to choose from, you won’t be disappointed. Whether you fancy a thrill ride on flying swings, meeting modern-day dinosaurs, or simply enjoying a lazy tractor ride, you can do the lot and more.
There’s more than enough to keep little ones busy too, with a mini train, a tractor ride, and both indoor and outdoor play areas. If they’re animal lovers, be sure to take them to one of the flying displays or to meet an adorable family of prairie dogs – with dozens of raptors, mammals and reptiles on site, you’ll need a full day to see them all.
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Twinlakes Park, Leicestershire
Water is one of the key attractions of this theme park, with boating lakes and one of the longest beaches in the Midlands. Twinlakes Park is the ideal attraction for families with kids – in fact, it’s three attractions in one: theme park, water park and animal farm.
The park has over 100 acres of family rides and attractions across several different zones, where you can scale the heights of high-adventure rides or take on a sky-flyer style attraction. Smaller ones will love the gentler mini coaster or the twisty family fun of the park’s labyrinth-style zone. And of course, for the perfect day in the sun, there’s a splash to be had at the water park.
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The Milky Way Adventure Park, Clovelly
Located near Clovelly, North Devon, The Milky Way Adventure Park is a favourite among young families. As well as rides and attractions, the park also has live shows and a family-friendly railway.
With three dedicated areas of soft play, pre-schoolers will have plenty to keep them busy, like jumping pillows, ball pits and a padded balloon room, while the park’s multi-storey slide zone is perfect for slightly older kids – and grown-ups too.
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Crealy Adventure Park & Resort, Exeter
A long-standing family favourite, Crealy Adventure Park & Resort is lots of fun. Complete with rides, a number of indoor play areas, live shows, and a dedicated kids’ kingdom, there’s lots to see and do.
With dozens of jaw-dropping rides and attractions, including drench-inducing water rides and thrilling coasters, let your little ones explore vast indoor soft play, then introduce them to the unusual locals – from the creepy crawlies in the bug house to everyone’s favourite furry residents in the meerkat enclosure.
Sundown Adventureland, Nottinghamshire
Sometimes taking younger kids to the bigger theme parks can feel like a waste of time and money, as you walk past yet another ride they aren’t quite tall enough for. That’s what makes Sundown Adventureland so special, as you’ll find an activity park, a mini railroad ride, a river barrel ride and numerous other rides all designed specifically for children under ten.
Next stop would be Toy Town, or perhaps pop on the eye patch for the Pirate Adventure, docking in Smugglers Cove. Make sure you save energy and time for the park’s multi-storey indoor play area. For a quieter time, take little ones to the storybook village or tune in at the sing-along show.
Landmark Forest Adventure Park, Carrbridge, 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 water coasters to a skydive-style experience and a Tarzan-style trail, there’s so much for children and grown-ups to enjoy.
Of course, kids will run straight for the rides, which include a runaway timber train and water coasters with flumes of varying steepness, depending on how brave you’re feeling.
The park is also home to a unique, puzzle-packed exhibit space, offering an educational experience the whole family can solve together for a curiously thrilling day out.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which UK theme park is best for younger children?
Several parks on this list are built with under-10s in mind, including Gulliver’s World, Sundown Adventureland and the Peter Rabbit and Peppa Pig areas at Flamingo Land and Paultons Park. These parks group rides by age or height, making it easier to plan a day that suits toddlers and younger children without long walks past rides they can’t go on.
Are there UK theme parks with both rides and animals?
Yes. Chessington World of Adventures, Flamingo Land, Drayton Manor and Twinlakes Park all combine theme park rides with zoo or farm experiences, so you can mix thrill rides with animal encounters in the same visit.
What should we bring for a day at a UK theme park?
Comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing (many rides and water attractions run rain or shine), and snacks or a picnic where the park allows it, are always a good idea. Check each park’s own website for their current policy on bringing food, as this varies by park.
Do any of these theme parks have on-site accommodation?
Some, such as Alton Towers, offer themed on-site accommodation so you can turn your visit into an overnight stay. It’s worth checking directly with each park for current accommodation options and availability.
Save These Ideas for Your Next Family Day Out
Not ready to pick just one? Bookmark this list or share it with the family so you can plan your next adventure together, whether that’s a big-name park with world-class coasters or a smaller gem the kids will beg to go back to.
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What are your favourite theme parks in the UK? Leave a comment below and let us know – we’d love to hear from you!
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