Thrilling theme parks of the UK
England has plenty of amusement parks that are rated some of the best in the world, so travelling over the pond is an easy way to access adventure. Whether you want to organise a day trip to a specific one or take a theme park road trip around the country, there are plenty of gems worth visiting in the UK.
Chessington World of Adventure
Leatherhead Road, Chessington, Surrey
This park is home to 10 themed lands and over 40 rides and attractions. Test your bravery on the terrifying Vampire or Dragon’s Fury rollercoasters, fly high among the clouds on the Monkey Swinger and the Kobra or prepare yourself for a splash and soak on Ramses Revenge or the all-new Tiger Rock river ride. The park is also equipped with entertainment for younger visitors, with special playgrounds and mini attractions which cater for toddlers. Also featuring safari animals and trip, a Go Ape tree-top adventure course and frequent seasonal events, one could experience hours of enjoyments here all year round. Day passes start from £34.50 per person. Chessington.com
Alton Towers
Alton, Staffordshire
For horror, terror and a true test of bravery, Alton Towers is the ideal park choice. Broken into various themed areas, the park has provisions for every age and ability. Twist and turn around the high-speed Nemisis and Rita coasters. Reach record-breaking levels of adventure on TH13TEEN, the world’s first free-fall drop rollercoaster, or brave The Smiler which is the world’s first 14 loop coaster. Younger visitors will adore the CBeebies land, featuring themed rides from all their favourite TV shows such as Postman Pat, Charlie & Lola and In the Night Garden. Day pass starts at £33.00 for adults and £27.30 for children aged 3-11. Student discounts also apply. Kids under the age of three go FREE. Altontowers.com
Thorpe park
Staines Road, Chertsey, Surrey
This award-winning theme park is unique in that you will see some familiar faces and themes among some of the rides, such as Angry Birds Dodgems, the I’m A Celebrity Maze, The Walking Dead based rollercoaster, Derren Brown’s Ghost Train and Saw The Ride, based off the popular Saw horror movie franchise. Also featuring sky-high air spinners such as Rush and Vortex, the UK’s first winged rollercoaster The Swarm, and a variety of water-based rides, this park is in no way short of variety and should keep the interest of all its visitors. Day pass starts at £33.00 for adults. Student discounts also apply. Kids under the age of three go FREE. Thorpepark.com
LEGOLAND Windsor
Windsor Park Ltd, Winkfield Road, Windsor, Berkshire
The LEGOLAND Themepark franchise is popular in all of its destinations around the world, and the Windsor addition is nothing short of fantastic. With over 55 rides and attractions built from LEGO-like infrastructure, this park is vibrant, unique and suited for every age group. The Duplo Valley area of the park is packed with activities, attractions and rides for tiny tots, including several water themed amusements. Older children can test their courage on the new LEGO Ninjago ride, the Viking or Knights Kingdom themed areas. Day pass starts at £47.00 for adults. Student discounts also apply. Kids under the age of three go FREE. Legoland.co.uk
Thomasland at Drayton Manor
Drayton Manor Drive, Tamworth, Straffordshire
Thomasland is the Thomas the Tank Engine themed area at Drayton Manor Theme park in Staffordshire. Lovers of Thomas will be in awe here as there are a huge variety of attractions, rides and experiences themed around the beloved cartoon train. As well as Thomas, rides are themed around other beloved character such as Flynn the Fire Engine, Jeremy Jet, Diesel and many more. Ideally suited for 18 months up to the age of five, it is a great spot for tiny tots. Drayton Manor also has a zoo among other themed areas and attractions making it ideal for day out with your little ones. Admission from £28.00 per adult, £24 per child aged 4-11 and £8 per child aged 2-3. Kids under 3 go FREE. draytonmanor.co.uk
Oakwood
Canaston Bridge, Narberth
Oakwood has a wide range of rides catering for almost every age group. It is ideal for family day-trips as it has themed attractions for the little ones, with child-friendly attractions and many enjoyable fairground rides. Their Neverland themed world allows little ones to experience the imaginative fairy-tale world alongside some familiar faces such as Peter Pan and Tinkerbell. For the more daring older visitors, the adrenaline-pumping bigger rides are sure to challenge their bravery. Megafobia and Speed are bound to get your blood racing, while the biggest water-based ride Drenched is sure to make a splash on riders of all ages. Day passes from £30.15 per adult and those aged over 13 and £20.25 for children aged 3-12. Oakwoodthemepark.co.uk