Ready for an action-packed day out? Here are 18 thrilling theme parks in the UK that promise a brilliant day for the whole family. From giant coasters to whirling teacups, splash-tastic water rides to your kids’ favourite TV characters, there’s a park here for every age and every appetite for adventure.
From the household names to some brilliant hidden gems, buckle up as we take you on a tour through some of 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 great time here — even if you’ve trodden on one in bare feet more times than you care to remember. With over 55 rides to choose from, there’s plenty to see and do at LEGOLAND.
While the rides aren’t made out of billions of tiny bricks, pretty much everything else is, including areas where kids can design their own creatures to explore a digital landscape. Then there’s Miniland, which takes you on a tiny tour of the world, from Australia to Russia. 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’s a genuine action-packed family day out.
Younger children can enjoy CBeebies Land, with characters and rides based on favourite shows, plus gentler options to wind down after a busy day. Older children, teens and daring parents will love the exhilarating rides and classic thrill coasters that have made the park famous.
Themed accommodation is available on site, so you can make more than a day of it and double the fun.
Thorpe Park, Surrey
With over 30 rides, attractions and live events, Thorpe Park is the UK’s must-visit destination for endless family fun.
Thorpe Park offers brilliant thrills for young and old alike. Younger visitors can enjoy gentler, immersive rides, while big kids can brave some of the park’s famous white-knuckle coasters — some of the fastest and most intense in Europe. If all of that is more than you can handle, there’s also a fabulous water play area (open in the summer months) that’s a big hit with toddlers, plus 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.
Older children can enjoy the park’s thrill rides, while younger tank-engine fans will be delighted by Thomas Land, with dozens of rides and attractions based on the beloved character. Parents of train-obsessed little ones often visit for that alone, making it a fantastic day out for the whole 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 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 more extreme experiences for older teens and adventurous adults, including looping suspended coasters and thrilling drop rides. If something more sedate is required, look out for gentler rides themed around favourite storybook characters, perfect for younger visitors.
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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 one in a million.
A ticket to Chessington gets you access to multiple lands, including a zoo, a Sea Life centre and family-friendly ride zones. Dip into the sea life centre, try a treetop adventure course, and say hello to some stunning big cats. There’s sure to be something here that captures the imagination of every age.
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Blackpool Pleasure Beach, Lancashire
Often described as one of Europe’s most “ride-intensive” theme parks, Blackpool Pleasure Beach is home to some of the tallest and fastest coasters on the continent, alongside classic rides like the wooden Big Dipper.
There’s a crazy golf course, a bowling alley, and rainy days are no problem either, with arcades and year-round shows to enjoy. There’s plenty for little ones too, with a dedicated area featuring popular children’s TV characters that will bring 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-themed parks, found at four locations across the UK, mean you can get into the driving seat and take a whirl on construction-based rides.
Jump behind the wheel of actual diggers, dumpers and other full-sized construction machinery, or try one of the park’s many rides, including a mini digger treasure hunt and high-rise thrill rides with spectacular countryside views. Once you’ve got your feet firmly back on the ground, let loose on dodgems, go-karts and soft play.
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Gulliver’s Kingdom, 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, set against the stunning backdrop of the Derbyshire countryside.
There are dozens of rides, attractions and shows to enjoy each day. Older kids will love the dodgems, log flumes and treetop swings, while younger ones can play in dedicated toddler-friendly areas. Dinosaur fans will love the park’s Jurassic-themed section, complete with animatronic dinosaurs to discover. As a budget-friendly bonus, you’re welcome to bring 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 aimed squarely at kids — 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, with soft play, glow-in-the-dark indoor bowling, an amusements zone, bars and restaurants all on site.
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Paultons Family Theme Park
Home to Peppa Pig World and the dinosaur-themed Lost Kingdom, Paultons Park has long been one of the UK’s most-loved family theme parks, and it’s easy to see why. With over 70 rides and attractions, plus adventure golf, a water play area, playgrounds and beautiful gardens, there’s plenty to offer the whole family.
Peppa is a huge part of the appeal here, with rides that let little ones spin, whirl and twirl their way through scenes from the show, and the chance to meet the character and her friends face to face. Beyond Peppa, there’s a huge amount more to explore, with something for every age.
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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 is home to 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 across 90 acres of spectacular countryside, there’s something to offer the whole family, whether you’re after gentle family fun or an adrenaline-fuelled day out.
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Lightwater Valley, North Yorkshire
Lightwater Valley classes its rides and experiences by age and height, making it easy to tailor your day to the ages and interests in your family.
One of the main reasons families visit is for the rides — from splash-filled water rapids to swashbuckling adventures, there’s plenty of choice. Whether you fancy a thrill on the flying swings, meeting model dinosaurs, or a lazy ride around the farm, you can do it all and more. Little ones are well catered for too, with a train ride, indoor and outdoor play areas, and animal encounters to enjoy.
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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 really three attractions in one: theme park, water park and animal farm.
The park spans over 100 acres of family rides and attractions across several themed zones, with high-flying adventure rides for the brave and gentler coasters for younger visitors. And for the perfect day in the sun, there’s a water park to enjoy too.
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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 dedicated areas of soft play, pre-schoolers will have plenty to keep them busy with jumping pillows, ball pits and a padded balloon room, while multi-storey slides give slightly older kids (and grown-ups) something more exciting to try.
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Crealy Adventure Park & Resort, Exeter
A long-time favourite family attraction, Crealy Adventure Park & Resort is packed with fun. Complete with rides, indoor play areas, live shows and animal encounters, there’s lots to see and do.
With dozens of rides and attractions, including some genuinely drench-inducing water rides and thrilling coasters, plus a huge amount of indoor soft play, there’s something here for every age. Younger visitors will love meeting the park’s more unusual residents, from creepy crawlies to friendly furry favourites.
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 — the rides here are designed specifically for children under ten.
Explore Toy Town, pop on an eye patch for a pirate-themed adventure, or make sure you save time and energy for the park’s multi-storey indoor play area. For a quieter moment, take little ones to the storybook village or catch a 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 surrounded by beautiful scenery. From water coasters to skydive-style rides and treetop trails, there’s plenty for children and grown-ups to enjoy together.
The park is also home to a unique interactive exhibition space packed with puzzles for families to solve together, making for a curiously thrilling day out that mixes fun with a bit of learning.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which UK theme parks are best for younger children?
Parks like Gulliver’s Kingdom, Sundown Adventureland and Legoland Windsor are designed with families of younger children in mind, with height-appropriate rides, soft play and gentler attractions alongside the bigger thrills.
Are there theme parks in the UK suitable for toddlers?
Yes — many parks, including Chessington World of Adventures, Twinlakes Park and The Milky Way Adventure Park, have dedicated toddler zones, soft play areas and rides with no height restriction.
Which UK theme park has the most thrill rides for older kids and teens?
Alton Towers, Thorpe Park and Blackpool Pleasure Beach are known for some of the most intense rollercoasters and thrill rides in the UK, making them popular choices for teens and thrill-seeking adults.
Are there good theme parks outside England?
Yes — Oakwood in Pembrokeshire is Wales’ biggest theme park, while M&D’s near Motherwell and Landmark Forest Adventure Park in the Cairngorms are two of Scotland’s favourite family days out.
Do these theme parks need to be booked in advance?
Booking requirements, ticket prices and opening times vary by park and by season, so it’s best to check directly with each park’s official website before you travel.
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