A theme park day is an early start, a long day on your feet and, for the driver, a tired drive home. But for many families it is the highlight of the summer. The UK has some of the best theme parks in Europe, with rides for every age and every level of courage.
Here are the UK’s five best, with what each does well and who it suits. Rides open, close and change from year to year, so check the park’s own website before you go. At the end there are tips for the day and a thought on getting everyone there and back in one piece.
1. Alton Towers, Staffordshire
Alton Towers, in the Staffordshire countryside between Stoke-on-Trent and Derby, is the UK’s biggest theme park. It is famous for its rollercoasters, which include some of the most thrilling rides in the country. It is set in the grounds of a ruined Gothic mansion, with gardens that are worth a look in themselves.
Among its best known rides are Oblivion, which drops riders vertically into a dark hole in the ground, and The Smiler, which set a world record for the number of loops on a rollercoaster. Wicker Man is a wooden coaster that rushes through a burning wicker structure. There are rides for every level of thrill seeker.
For younger children, CBeebies Land is full of rides and shows based on favourite television characters. There are also gentle rides, a sea life centre and plenty of play areas. The park is designed for a full day.
Alton Towers also has a water park and themed hotels, so you can make a short break of it. Queues for the biggest rides can be long in the summer holidays, so arrive for opening. It is best reached by car, as public transport is limited.
2. Thorpe Park, Surrey
Thorpe Park, near Chertsey in Surrey, is built on an island in a lake, and it is known for its big thrill rides. It is popular with teenagers and adults who love fast rollercoasters. It is about twenty miles south west of central London.
The park’s rides include some of the tallest and fastest rollercoasters in the country. Hyperia, which opened in 2024, was billed as the tallest and fastest rollercoaster in the UK. There are also water rides that guarantee a soaking.
Thorpe Park is famous for its Halloween event, Fright Nights, when the park stays open late with scare attractions. It is one of the most popular Halloween events in Britain. It is not for the faint hearted.
The park has fewer rides for small children than some others, so it is best for older children and teenagers. It has a hotel and themed accommodation. Heathrow is only about twenty minutes away.
3. Legoland Windsor, Berkshire
Legoland Windsor, on the edge of Windsor in Berkshire, is a theme park built around the famous toy bricks. It is aimed at children aged roughly three to twelve, and it is one of the most popular family attractions in Britain. Everything is designed with young children in mind.
Its highlight is Miniland, a model of famous places in Britain and around the world, built from millions of Lego bricks. You can see London landmarks, Scottish castles and more, with moving boats and trains. It is fascinating for adults too.
The park has rides, shows and play areas across themed lands, including a pirate area, a dragon castle and a submarine ride through an aquarium. Many rides let children drive, steer or take control. There are water play areas for hot days.
Legoland has themed hotels, so families can stay overnight. Windsor Castle is just a couple of miles away. The park is busy in the school holidays, so booking tickets online is essential.
4. Blackpool Pleasure Beach, Lancashire
Blackpool Pleasure Beach, on the seafront at Blackpool, has been an amusement park since 1896. It is one of the most famous amusement parks in the world. It combines historic rides with modern thrills.
The Big One, opened in 1994, was once the tallest rollercoaster in the world, and it towers over the promenade. The Grand National, a wooden rollercoaster from the 1930s with two tracks side by side, is a classic. Icon, a newer ride, launches riders at high speed.
For younger children, Nickelodeon Land has rides and characters from children’s television. The park has many classic seaside rides, from the log flume to the ghost train. There is something for every age.
Outside the gates is the whole of Blackpool’s promenade, with the Blackpool Tower, the piers and miles of sandy beach. In autumn, the Blackpool Illuminations light up the seafront. Make a weekend of it.
5. Chessington World of Adventures, Surrey
Chessington World of Adventures, in Surrey, south west of London, is a theme park, a zoo and a sea life centre in one. It began as a zoo in the 1930s and became a theme park in the 1980s. It is good for families with children of mixed ages.
The park has rides for all ages, from gentle rides for toddlers to rollercoasters for older children. Its themed lands include areas inspired by adventures in jungles and deserts. Many rides are based on popular children’s characters.
The zoo is home to animals including tigers, gorillas, lions and penguins, and there are walk through areas where you can see animals up close. The sea life centre has fish, rays and turtles. It makes for a varied day.
Chessington has themed hotels on site, and it is a good choice for a short break. It is about forty five minutes from central London by road. Tickets are cheaper when booked online.
Tips for the day
Buy tickets online and ahead: it is almost always cheaper than at the gate. Arrive for opening and head to the biggest rides first, while the queues are short. Pack a change of clothes for the water rides.
Check the height restrictions for rides before you go, to avoid disappointment. Bring sun cream, water and snacks. And let somebody else drive home. After twelve hours of queues and screaming, a people carrier at the gate with room for everyone and the bags is worth every penny. Add child seats when you book.
Ride with ZeroLanes. Book by the hour so the car is waiting when you leave, or book the journey there and back as a return, each at a fixed price. Book a car by the hour.