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 TV characters, our pick of theme parks are definitely worth a visit.
From the famous names to some hidden gems, buckle up as we take you on a tour 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 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 dozens of 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 very own cubed creatures to explore a digital landscape beneath the waves. You can even fill their fishy bellies with interactive buttons.
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” in 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 it’s thrills and an action-packed family day out you’re after.
Tiny tots and younger children can play in CBeebies Land, where they can catch a live show or take a ride on the Go Jetters Vroomster Zoom. After a busy day exploring the park, you can even wind down with Iggle Piggle on the In the Night Garden Magical Boat Ride.
Older children, teens and daring parents will love the exhilarating rides, from newer additions to classics like Rita and Oblivion.
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 dozens of thrilling rides, attractions and live events, Thorpe Park Resort is an island like no other and a must-visit destination for families and thrill-seekers alike.
Thorpe Park provides brilliant thrills for old and young alike. Younger children 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 the fastest rollercoasters in Europe, accelerating from 0 to 80mph in under 2 seconds.
If it’s a scarefest you love, there’s also Derren Brown’s Ghost Train: Rise of the Demon, which 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 lovely water play area, Amity Beach, open in the summer months, 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, ranging from G-Force to Apocalypse, a drop-tower ride.
If height restrictions are going to be an issue, don’t forget it’s also home to Thomas Land, with rides and attractions based on the beloved tank engine. It’ll be heaven for train-loving little ones, with Toby’s Tram Express, Flynn’s Fire Rescue and lots more. Parents of train-obsessed toddlers 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 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 on Hero, or test your prehistoric limits on Pterodactyl. Don’t miss Kumali, the park’s sensational looping suspended coaster, and for visitors with nerves of steel there’s Cliff Hanger, a launch ride combined with the thrill of base-jumping, all in one.
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 Zoo, the Sea Life Centre, The Gruffalo Arena, the Pirate Cove and more. If you’re looking for a thrill, you won’t be disappointed – try Rameses Revenge, the Vampire ride or swing through the trees on the monkey ropes.
While we couldn’t list every activity on offer, make sure you dip into the sea life centre or fly high on a Go Ape course, then say hello to the 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 is home to The Big One, one of the tallest rollercoasters in Europe. If anything can top that, it’s ICON, the UK’s first double-launch coaster, which delivers acceleration far beyond that of a sports car.
There’s a crazy golf course, a bowling alley, and rainy days needn’t be a problem either, with arcades and year-round shows to enjoy indoors.
There’s plenty for the little ones too, with Nickelodeon World taking up a good chunk of the park map, featuring rides based on much-loved children’s characters.
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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 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 in the driving seat of actual diggers, dumpers and other full-sized construction machinery. There’s also a great range of rides, including a mini digger searching for buried treasure. For super speed and size, get hoisted on high by the Spindizzy, or take on the stomach-churning Groundshuttle. From the top of the Skyshuttle, 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 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 beautiful countryside.
There are dozens of rides, attractions and shows to enjoy each day. Older kids will love the excitement of the dodgems, log flumes and tree-top swings, while younger ones can play in the Clown School or while away the hours in Toys Land, which is 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 animatronic dinosaurs to explore. As a nice 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 surroundings of Strathclyde Country Park. As well as an array of rides and attractions 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, games zone, bars and restaurants.
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Paultons Family Theme Park
Home to Peppa Pig World and the dinosaur-themed Lost Kingdom, Paultons Park is consistently one of the UK’s best-loved family theme parks, and it’s easy to see why. There’s lots to offer the whole family, with plenty of rides and attractions such as Adventure Golf, the Water Kingdom, playgrounds and several beautiful gardens.
Paultons 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, and their animal friends like Danny Dog and Rebecca Rabbit. Peppa is just one part of the attraction though, with plenty of other rides, games and sports to explore.
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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 and is located in Pembrokeshire, West Wales. The park is home to large thrill rides, including Megafobia, Vertigo and Drenched, as well as a section dedicated to the magical adventures of Peter Pan in Neverland.
With 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 and height, 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 the splashtastic Wild River Rapids to the swashbuckling Skull Rock. Whether you fancy a thrill on the flying swings, meeting modern-day dinosaurs, or simply enjoying a lazy day aboard the Eagle’s Creek Farm tractor, you can do it all and more.
There’s more than enough to keep little ones busy too, like the Lightwater Express train, a tractor ride, and indoor and outdoor play areas. If they’re animal lovers, be sure to take them to one of the flying displays or to meet the resident prairie dogs.
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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 zones, including the Labyrinth Venture Zone, where you can scale the heights of Gladiators Galleon or The Icarus Sky Flyer. Smaller ones will love the Mercury Mini Coaster or exploring the Labyrinth itself for twisty, family fun. And for the perfect day in the sun, have a splash at Dragon 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 like the Cosmic Typhoon, Clone Zone and the Time Warp, the park also has live shows and the Milky Way Railway.
With dedicated areas of soft play, pre-schoolers will have plenty to keep them busy, including jumping pillows, ball pits and a padded balloon room, while The Time Warp is perfect for slightly older kids with its multi-storey slides, open to grown-ups too.
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Crealy Adventure Park & Resort, Exeter
A long-standing favourite that’s been recognised as a top family attraction, Crealy Adventure Park & Resort is lots of fun. Complete with rides, a number of indoor play areas, live shows and Buddy Bear’s Kingdom, there’s lots to see and do.
With jaw-dropping rides and attractions, including the drench-inducing Tidal Wave, The Twister, or if you dare, the ultimate thriller, Maximus. Let your little ones explore acres of indoor soft play, then introduce them to the unusual locals, from the creepy crawlies at Bugz Unlimited to everyone’s favourite furry residents at Meerkat Manor.
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, with rides such as the Angry Birds Activity Park, Rocky Mountain Railroad and River Barrel Ride, all designed specifically for children under ten.
Next stop is 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 Crash Landings, the four-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 the Wild Water Coaster to a Skydive experience and Tarzan Trail, there’s so much for children and grown-ups to enjoy.
Kids will run straight for the rides, which include a runaway timber train, the Skydive, and the Wild Water Coasters, home to three flumes of varying steepness, depending on how brave you’re feeling.
The park also boasts a Bamboozeleum, an educational experience packed with intriguing exhibits, special effects and puzzles for families to solve together for a curiously thrilling day out.
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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!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best UK theme park for younger children?
Several parks on this list are especially geared towards younger children, including Gulliver’s World, Sundown Adventureland and Legoland Windsor, all of which offer gentler rides and attractions built around smaller visitors.
Which UK theme park has the most rollercoasters?
Blackpool Pleasure Beach and Alton Towers are both known for their concentration of rollercoasters and thrill rides, making them popular choices for older children, teens and thrill-seeking parents.
Are there theme parks in the UK that combine animals and rides?
Yes – Chessington World of Adventures, Flamingo Land and Twinlakes Park all combine animal encounters with theme park rides, making them great all-in-one days out.
Is there a theme park in the UK based on Peppa Pig or Thomas the Tank Engine?
Yes – Paultons Park is home to Peppa Pig World, and Drayton Manor is home to Thomas Land, both dedicated to much-loved children’s characters.
Do any of these parks have indoor attractions for rainy days?
Many do. M&D’s has the indoor AMAZONIA rainforest, Blackpool Pleasure Beach has arcades and shows, and several smaller parks such as The Milky Way Adventure Park and Crealy have extensive indoor soft play.
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