What Are The UK’s Best Theme Parks?

The UK is home to a number of exhilarating theme parks, and the nice thing is that they are spread across the whole nation—north, south, east, and west, so no matter where you are, there’s always one relatively close by, or a short drive away.

We’ve compiled a list of the best and biggest theme parks in the UK, including popular rides you need to experience to get the blood flowing. Every theme park is designed to give you a day out to remember, so let’s jump right in so you can choose your favourite, and plan your next theme park adventure!

Alton Towers

Alton Towers is the largest theme park in the UK, set on 910 acres of land in central Staffordshire. Its location also makes it the simplest to reach for residents in the Northeast and the Midlands. 

As one of the oldest theme parks in the nation, Alton Towers Theme Park was developed in the 1980s and is the ideal choice for thrill seekers and adrenaline junkies.

Famous rides include the 180-foot vertical drop roller coaster Oblivion and the 80-mph Nemesis, perhaps the biggest inverted roller coaster in the UK. The new CBeebies Land in the park also accommodates smaller children, making it a great option for big families who need to keep everyone entertained and happy!

Location: Stoke-on-Trent ST10 4DB, England.

Photo by Jonny Gios on Unsplash.

Thorpe Park

For people who reside in or are visiting the capital and want to visit a theme park without having to travel for hours, Thorpe Park is the best option because it is conveniently close to London. Stealth is one of the UK's fastest rollercoasters, with a peak speed of 80 mph and an acceleration time of just 1.8 seconds. It is also the highest launch coaster in all of Europe, and riders may get a great view of London from the top.

Anyone who wants a little bit of fright can consider visiting Thorpe Park, which is home to the only horror-movie-themed attraction, Saw, as well as the extremely spooky Derren Brown ghost train, Rise of the Demons.

Thorpe Park also hosts fright nights, which is the UK’s premier award-winning Halloween event. For a fearful and heart-racing experience, it’s one you shouldn’t miss!

Location: Chertsey KT16 8PN, UK.

 

Flamingo Land

North Yorkshire is home to the biggest and greatest theme park in the whole northeast. A truly jam-packed day out is on the cards by visiting Flamingoland in conjunction with a zoo and conservation centre. The on-site resort allows you to fully experience the park by staying longer in one of the numerous lodges, vacation rentals, or trailers.

Flamingo Land also offers exciting rollercoaster rides, with the likes of Velocity. It offers the “superbike” experience by travelling from 0-54mph in 2.8 seconds, making it one of the quickest accelerations in the UK. It’s also home to the Kumali, a thrilling rollercoaster with four inversions, including a cobra roll, located at Flamingoland. The new Peter Rabbit Play Area will be popular with guests who are younger.

Location: Malton YO17 6UX, England.

 

Drayton Manor

Because Drayton Manor is only a 20-minute drive from Birmingham, it is the perfect location for anyone living in the West & East Midlands. The inclusion of a zoo and Thomas Land, a sizable play area devoted to the world's most well-known tank engine, has helped this family-run theme park, which is modest in contrast to Alton Towers, maintain its popularity.

Popular thrill rides include the scary Haunting, Maelstrom gyro swing, Apocolypse vertical drop, and G Force roller coaster.

Location: Tamworth B78 3TW, England.

 

Brean Leisure Park

Brean, located in Somerset, is one of the region's most popular family holiday spots. There should be plenty to keep everyone content with a vacation resort, splash park, golf club, soft play area, and entertainment area included.

The theme park itself has a large variety of rides, and best of all, admission is free. Visitors pay per ride or purchase a wristband, allowing them to ride as little or as much as they choose.

Location: Burnham-on-Sea TA8 2QY, UK.

 

Lightwater Valley

North Yorkshire's second appearance on our list is Lightwater Valley, and for good cause. From the 1990s on, Lightwater Valley expanded as a theme park from its humble beginnings as a small family-run adventure play area.

In 1991, The Ultimate was the longest rollercoaster in Europe at a massive 2,268 metres and is its most well-known attraction. Falconry, an adventure golf course, and a park with treetop adventures are also located there.

Location: North Stainley, Ripon HG4 3HT, UK

Centaur Travel

Centaur Travel has over 45 years of experience in group travel. Whether you're looking to plan a group trip to your favourite theme park, or a weekend away with loved ones, we can cater to your specific requirements. Get in touch with us for a free quote or to speak to a member of our friendly team!