The Top UK Theme Parks for Families
When it comes to family fun, there’s nothing quite like a day out at a theme park. The UK is home to some of the best theme parks in the world, offering thrilling rides, exciting attractions, and unforgettable experiences for visitors of all ages. Whether you’re a roller coaster enthusiast or just looking for a fun day out with the family, these top UK theme parks are sure to deliver.
1. Alton Towers
Location: Staffordshire, England
Suggested Age Range: All ages, with specific areas and rides suitable for different age groups.
Located in Staffordshire, Alton Towers is one of the most popular theme parks in the UK. With over 40 rides and attractions, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Thrill-seekers will love the iconic roller coasters like Nemesis and Oblivion, while younger visitors can have fun in the CBeebies Land area. Don’t miss out on the stunning gardens and the historic Alton Towers Castle.
The iconic roller coaster Nemesis which originally opened in 1994 has just been refurbished after being closed for the whole of the 2023 season. It has now been rebranded as Nemesis Reborn.
2. Thorpe Park
Location: Surrey, England
Suggested Age Range: Teens and adults, although there are family-friendly areas and rides suitable for younger children.
If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, Thorpe Park in Surrey is the place to be. This theme park is known for its thrilling rides, including the iconic Stealth roller coaster and the terrifying Saw – The Ride. In addition to the rides, Thorpe Park also offers a range of live shows and events throughout the year. It’s the perfect destination for families who love excitement and adventure.
Thorpe Park have just built a brand new roller coaster called Hyperia at a cost of £18 million. It is set to be the UK’s tallest coaster at a whopping 236ft, 31ft taller than stealth.
3. Legoland Windsor
Location: Windsor, England
Suggested Age Range: 2-12 years old, although older LEGO enthusiasts may also enjoy the experience.
For families with younger children, Legoland Windsor is a must-visit. Located in Berkshire, this theme park is dedicated to the iconic LEGO bricks and offers a wide range of attractions and rides suitable for children of all ages. From the thrilling Dragon roller coaster to the interactive LEGO City area, there’s plenty to keep the whole family entertained. Don’t forget to check out the incredible LEGO models on display throughout the park.
Legoland Windsor has also just built a new ride, Minifigure Speedway. Its the world first LEGO themed dueling roller coaster. The new £10 million ride opens in on the 29th March 2024.
4. Chessington World of Adventures
Location: Surrey, England
Suggested Age Range: All ages, with specific areas and rides suitable for different age groups.
If you’re looking for a theme park that combines thrilling rides with a zoo, Chessington World of Adventures is the perfect choice. Located in Surrey, this park offers a unique blend of adrenaline-pumping roller coasters and up-close animal encounters. From the iconic Vampire roller coaster to the interactive Gruffalo River Ride Adventure, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Make sure to visit the Chessington Zoo and see the incredible variety of animals.
NOTE: Chessington is now inside London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ)
5. Blackpool Pleasure Beach
Location: Blackpool, England
Suggested Age Range: All ages, although some rides may have height restrictions.
No list of top UK theme parks would be complete without mentioning Blackpool Pleasure Beach. This iconic park has been entertaining visitors for over 125 years and offers a mix of classic and modern rides. From the historic wooden roller coaster, The Big Dipper, to the thrilling ICON, there’s plenty of excitement to be had. Don’t forget to take a stroll down the promenade and enjoy the traditional seaside atmosphere.
Blackpool Pleasure beach features visit the UK’s only Nickelodeon Land at Pleasure Beach Resort.
6. Drayton Manor
Location: Staffordshire, England
Suggested Age Range: All ages, with specific areas and rides suitable for different age groups.
Drayton Manor is a family-friendly theme park with a wide range of attractions for all ages. From the thrilling roller coasters like Shockwave and Apocalypse to the Thomas Land area for younger visitors, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Don’t miss out on the stunning views from the Drayton Manor Tower or the chance to see animals at the on-site zoo.
For the 2024 season Drayton Manor are reimagining the Shockwave roller coaster with a new sit down train. There is also a new roller coaster coming in 2024.
7. Paultons Park
Location: Hampshire, England
Suggested Age Range: 2-7 years old, although older siblings and parents can also enjoy the experience.
Home to the beloved Peppa Pig World, making it a must-visit for families with young children. In addition to Peppa Pig World, the park offers a variety of other attractions and rides, including the thrilling Cobra roller coaster and the beautiful gardens. With its charming atmosphere and family-friendly attractions, Paultons Park is a great choice for a fun day out.
Paultons park is one of our recommended theme parks as many of the roller coasters have minimum height limits as low as 1.0m which means that the younger family member can easily enjoy almost all that the part has to offer.
Paulton Park will be opening a new ride in May 2024 called Splash Lagoon. This will be a mini log flume that will encompass some new dinosaurs.
Check out our full review of Paultons Park
8. Oakwood Theme Park
Location: Pembrokeshire, Wales
Suggested Age Range: All ages, although some rides may have height restrictions.
Nestled in the picturesque countryside of Pembrokeshire, Oakwood Theme Park offers a mix of adrenaline-pumping rides and family-friendly attractions. Highlights include “Megafobia,” one of the UK’s top wooden roller coasters, and “Neverland,” a themed area inspired by Peter Pan. With its scenic location and variety of rides, it’s a great choice for families seeking adventure in Wales.
Oakwood Theme Park is one of the latest parks to open with the current 2024 opening date set as 27th April.
9. Flambards Theme Park
Location: Helston, Cornwall, England
Suggested Age Range: All ages, with specific areas and rides suitable for different age groups.
Flambards Theme Park in Cornwall combines thrilling rides with historical attractions, offering something for everyone in the family. From roller coasters and water rides to indoor exhibitions and live entertainment, there’s plenty to see and do. The park’s location in Cornwall makes it ideal for families exploring the southwest of England.
Flambards opens on 23rd March 2024 and is BIGGEST fun family day out in Cornwall.
9. Gulliver’s World
Location: Cheshire, England
Suggested Age Range: 2-13 years old, although older siblings and parents can also enjoy the experience.
Gulliver’s World is designed specifically for families with younger children, offering a range of rides and attractions tailored to their age group. From gentle rides to themed play areas and shows, there’s plenty to keep little ones entertained. Located in Cheshire, it’s a popular choice for families looking for a day out in the northwest of England.
Conclusion
These top UK theme parks offer endless fun and excitement for families. Whether you’re looking for thrilling rides, interactive experiences, or up-close animal encounters, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So gather your loved ones, pack your bags, and get ready for a day of adventure at one of these fantastic theme parks.
Looking for something to do on a budget why not check out our 25 Exciting Outdoor Activities or our The Best 10 Beaches
