Our Guide to Theme Parks in the UK

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Monday, 29 July 2024

Our Guide to Theme Parks in the UK  

Looking for an adventurous day out this summer? There’s nothing like a traditional theme part to keep the whole family entertained during the holidays.Take a look at the Handpicked Cottages guide to our favourite theme parks in the UK, packed with thrills, spills and the occasional monkey…

Alton Towers

Alton Towers Resort has been leading the way since the early eighties, when it (literally) turned the UK theme park offer on its head with the legendary Corkscrew. Since then, it’s consistently introduced new experiences for thrill seekers, including recent rides The Curse at Alton Manor and Nemesis Reborn, a reboot of the iconic roller coaster. There are also plenty of gentler rides for younger visitors.

Where to stay: https://www.handpickedcottages.co.uk/area/peak-district/ 

Find out more: https://www.altontowers.com/

Blackpool Pleasure Beach

Blackpool Pleasure Beach opened in 1896 and the famous Big Dipper celebrated its 100th birthday in 2023. Today’s visitors can still strap themselves into the venerable wooden coaster, as well as enjoying newer rides such as Valhalla, Ice Blast and the Big One. Wallace & Gromit fan? Don’t miss the Thrill-O-Matic.

Where to stay: https://www.handpickedcottages.co.uk/area/north-west-england/ 

Find out more: https://www.blackpoolpleasurebeach.com/ 

Thorpe Park

Like Alton Towers, Thorpe Park belongs to the Merlin group of theme parks, guaranteeing a day full of adventure. Extreme ride Stealth takes you from nought to eighty in 1.8 seconds, while new coaster Hyperia is the tallest in England. Thorpe Park also has an events programme – bookmark their website to find out what’s on.

Where to stay: https://www.handpickedcottages.co.uk/area/surrey/  

Find out more: https://www.thorpepark.com/ 

LEGOland Windsor

Who doesn’t love LEGO? LEGOland Windsor (Merlin again) is a celebration of the iconic Danish bricks, with everything from astonishing LEGO displays to themed rides. Look out for special events (such as Halloween’s Brick or Treat) and new rides like Minifigure Speedway. Try the recently built LEGOland Adventure Golf course or go to Ninja school.

Where to stay: https://www.handpickedcottages.co.uk/area/berkshire/ 

Find out more: https://www.legoland.co.uk/ 

Drayton Manor Theme Park

Drayton Manor is a zoo as well as a theme park, located in the lovely Staffordshire countryside. Ride The Wave, 2024’s update of the popular Shockwaves coaster, or brave the gyro-swing, Maelstrom. The Viking themed area is great fun and younger visitors will love Thomas Land. Don’t miss a visit to the animal park, home to 500 species including lynxes, lemurs, meerkats and monkeys.

Where to stay: https://www.handpickedcottages.co.uk/area/east-midlands/ 

Find out more: https://www.draytonmanor.co.uk/ 

Paultons Park

This New Forest theme park is best-known as the home of Peppa Pig World, a fabulous family destination with nine Peppa-themed rides. Paultons also has plenty to offer older kids, including rides like Cobra, Edge and Magma. Explore the themed world Tornado Springs, based on a Midwestern desert town during storm season. Its thrilling themed rides include the Cyclonator and Storm Chaser.

Where to stay: https://www.handpickedcottages.co.uk/area/hampshire/ 

Find out more: https://paultonspark.co.uk/ 

Chessington World of Adventures

Like Drayton Manor, Chessington combines a theme park with a zoo, which is how this popular place started out. Now owned by Merlin, it offers over 40 fun-filled rides as well as the animal park and Sea Life attraction. The Jumanji-themed world is great fun, based on the film franchise. Make sure you take a trip on the Mandrill Mayhem roller coaster.

Where to stay: https://www.handpickedcottages.co.uk/area/surrey/ 

Find out more: https://www.chessington.com/ 

Lightwater Valley

If you have younger children, Lightwater Valley is the best choice. The Ripon-based theme park is designed exclusively for under 12s (and their young-at-heart families), with lots of fun rides to choose from. There’s also a jeep safari, adventure golf course and woodland play. Lightwater Valley has its own theatre and holds a lively programme of events – keep an eye on the website for more details.

Where to stay: https://www.handpickedcottages.co.uk/area/north-yorkshire/ 

Find out more: https://lightwatervalley.co.uk/ 

Book your family holiday with Handpicked Cottages

After a day whizzing around upside down, it’s good to relax in comfort. At Handpicked Cottages, we have a wonderful selection of luxury holiday cottages for families, many of which are just a quick drive from these fabulous theme parks. Take a look at our family holiday cottages, and book your action-packed adventure today.

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