Theme parks, you either love them or you hate them. And we love them. So, without further ado, let’s get into it. Here are some of the most exciting theme parks near and in London.
Alton Towers
Spanning 550 acres, Alton Towers has 40 rides and attractions that delight and terrify patrons of all ages! The theme park is located in Stoke-on-Trent.
Highlights:
- Nemesis Reborn – an alien predator from another dimension has been lying dormant for years, but now its slumber has been disturbed! This exhilarating roller coaster features 4 inversions and reaches speeds of up to 81 km/h.
- The Smiler – the world’s first 14-loop roller coaster will have you twisting around at 85hm/h. The inversions include dive loops, sidewinders, corkscrews and more.
- Oblivion – the first dive coaster installed in the world, you are held overhanging the edge of the drop before dropping 180 feet at 109 km/h.
- CBeebies Land – perfect for young kids, this zone has family-friendly rides and interactive attractions with mini roller coasters, entertainment shows and sensory gardens.
- Alton Towers Water Park – open year-round, the water park has both indoor and outdoor play areas, heart-pounding water slides, and a relaxing lazy river
Thorpe Park
One of the most well-known and popular theme parks in the whole of the UK, Thorpe Park is renowned for its thrilling roller coasters. The theme park is located in Surrey.
Highlights:
- Hyperia – the tallest and fastest roller coaster in the UK. At 236 feet tall, you will reach speeds of 130 km/h with two inversions, with one of them being Europe’s tallest. To sum it up, it’s the ride of a lifetime.
- SAW – The Ride – the ultimate freefall roller coaster with a drop angle of 100 degrees. Plunge 100ft and enjoy the theatrics of the ride inspired by the gruesome film franchise. Make sure you are on your best behaviour for Billy the Puppet – he will be watching.
- Stealth – go from 0 to 129km/h and reach heights of 205ft while turning 180 degrees before a final decline. Enjoy the views!
- Fright Nights – the ultimate Halloween event. Thorpe Park hosts award-winning scare mazes with a new theme each year. It’s a terrifyingly good time.
Chessington World of Adventures
The ideal theme park for families, Chessington World of Adventures is packed with over 40 kid-friendly rides and attractions and even a zoo and SEA LIFE Centre. The theme park is located in Chessington.
Highlights:
- World of Jumanji – the world’s first Jumanji-themed zone with the world’s only Jumanji rollercoaster, Mandrill Mayhem. Launch full speed through the treetops, flip upside down, and spiral to the summit of the 55-foot-tall Jaguar shrine.
- Zufari – a thrilling off-road truck journey where you can see amazing African animals. From giraffes to rhinos and zebras, take a break from the roller coasters and explore the adventure park.
- SEA LIFE Centre – encounter sharks, stingrays, seahorses and schools of fish. It’s the perfect place to learn about the importance of marine life and the conservation efforts done to keep them safe in our oceans.
Drayton Manor Resort
With 75 years under its belt, Drayton Manor Resort has plenty of experience in creating fun for all ages with a mixture of thrill rides and family-friendly attractions. The theme park is located in Staffordshire.
Highlights:
- Thomas Land – Europe’s only Thomas Land with over 25 Thomas the Tank Engine-themed rides and attractions. There are also interactive shows each day where you can meet characters from the TV series.
- Frontier Falls – step into the Wild West. In addition to rides and immersive experiences, the daily shows feature daring stunts, gun-slinging action, and country music.
LEGOLAND® Windsor
Who doesn’t love LEGO? The iconic brand has stood the test of time and is a favourite among kids, big and small. LEGOLAND® Windsor is world-renowned for its creativity and fun activities. The theme park is located in Windsor.
Highlights:
- Deep Sea Adventure – explore underwater in a LEGO submarine. Diving to new depths, you can board the bright yellow submarine and search for sharks, stingrays and fish – both real and made from bricks.
- Miniland – explore the world, in mini size. With almost 40 million LEGO bricks, you can see iconic world landmarks such as Big Ben, the Sydney Opera House, and the Taj Mahal.
- Minifigure Speedway – the world’s first LEGO-themed duelling roller coaster. The new roller coaster allows you to race your family and friends (or other patrons!), and travels both forward and in reverse.
Blackpool Pleasure Beach
The 17-hectare theme park has a great range of roller coasters, water rides, and attractions. With amazing views of the ocean atop many of the rides, Blackpool Pleasure Beach is unlike anywhere else. The theme park is located in Blackpool.
Highlights:
- Valhalla – seven-time winner of the Best Water Ride in the World award at the Golden Tickets Awards. With amazing special effects, the Viking longboat ride has dramatic drops, real fire and high-speed thrills.
- The Big One – when designed in 1994, it was the tallest, fastest and steepest steel roller coaster in the world. It stands at 235ft above Pleasure Beach Resort and will send you hurtling down along the track at 136km/h.
- Infusion – the world’s first looping rollercoaster suspended over water. Soar to 120ft and enjoy five loops at speeds of 136km/h.