10 very Best Theme Parks In The UK To Visit (And How To Get Discount Tickets) - Hand Luggage Only - Travel, Food And Photography Blog

The UK has some unbelievable theme parks to go to! There are heaps to select from and all have their very own allure, thrill-seeking rides and even a number of the tallest curler coasters you’ll be able to think about! Actually, you’re spoiled for alternative for all the very best theme parks within the UK to go to which can be dotted all throughout the nation. Although with a lot alternative, it may be onerous to whittle down a agency checklist of those you’d like most!

That will help you get probably the most out of your theme park journey, I’ve jotted down the perfect, and dare I say, iconic theme parks within the UK it’s good to expertise. Better of all, most are fairly near main cities within the UK like London, Manchester and areas across the South of England. The one sticking level is Scotland, the place there’s considerably much less alternative when it comes to theme parks.

Anyway, I’m rambling, check out a few of our all-time favorite theme parks that you just truthfully want to go to. Have the very best time exploring!

1.) Alton Towers

Alton Towers is arguably one of many UK’s hottest theme parks! It’s enormous, has heaps of rides and even has its personal lodges the place you’ll be able to keep to make an entire weekend of it. We love the Alton Towers Lodge, however there’s additionally Splash Landings Lodge, with its personal waterpark that’s completely enjoyable!

Through the years, we’ve visited Alton Towers many occasions. It’s a very enjoyable theme park within the UK to go to and is well up there as among the finest days out. I’d say it’s at all times greatest to ebook these Alton Towers tickets upfront of your go to. This manner, you’re not including further queuing time when you arrive and take the monorail from the automotive park.

Now, what Alton Towers does rather well is theming. The rides all have backstories and are like ‘experiences’. This makes it a lot extra enjoyable than simply having a random curler coaster plonked in a park.

One of many traditional rides is Nemesis Reborn, a looping, floorless coaster that’s completely superb. Speaking of curler coasters, you’ve additionally obtained 13, Rita and the Wicker Man, that are completely superb. Oh, and don’t neglect about Galactica, a lay-down curler coaster that feels such as you’re flying!

Don’t fret if curler coasters aren’t your factor! You’ve additionally obtained immersive rides like Hex, which is located inside the Darkish Forest space of Alton Towers. We like it!

Lastly, two issues to notice for those who’re visiting Alton Towers. The queue for rides could be lengthy! Like, we now have been to Alton Towers earlier than and solely managed 4 rides in an entire day of being there. Suppose 2 hours of queuing for every journey! It was intense and never one thing I can say was fulfilling. That being stated, on our future visits, we’ve at all times opted for his or her Quick-track Go. Sure, you pay further, however truthfully, at peak occasions, it’s so value it.

Additionally, one other factor to notice at Alton Towers is that every one the rides are under a sure peak. You gained’t discover the tallest rides within the UK right here. It’s because native planning legal guidelines prohibit constructing constructions over a sure peak above the encircling timber.

Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Manchester

2.) Thorpe Park

Thorpe Park homes a number of the quickest and largest rides in the entire of Europe! This makes Thorpe Park among the finest theme parks within the UK to go to for those who’re one thing of a thrill seeker! As soon as right here, you’ll be able to attempt the super-fast Stealth, the petrifying Noticed – The Trip or the terrifying Swarm. All of that are a lot enjoyable and completely intense. That being stated, the massive canine must be Hyperia. It’s the tallest curler coaster in the entire UK and you’ll even see it from Heathrow Airport!

Speaking of location, Thorpe Park is inside the Larger London space. This makes it the right theme park to go to for those who’re based mostly in London or within the wider London space, in locations like Windsor.

Best theme parks in the UK to visit Thorpe Park London

You’ll be able to simply spend an entire day at Thorpe Park, however be sure to reach early to have sufficient time to get round every of the areas. Oh, and you’ll want to get these Thorpe Park tickets earlier than you set off. Tickets can promote out at peak occasions of the 12 months.

Additionally, similar to Alton Towers, you’ll be able to really keep on web site at Thorpe Park. Although, in all honesty, it’s inside the Larger London space and you’ve got heaps of lodges to select from. This implies it’s not at all times vital to remain at Thorpe Park for those who fancy a special resort expertise.

Learn extra: Finest issues to do in London

3.) Paultons Park

Situated in Hampshire’s New Forest Nationwide Park, simply shy of Southampton, Paultons Park is a must-see park for those who’re having a visit with your loved ones. There are 4 themed areas within the park – Critter Creek, the principle park, The Misplaced Kingdom and the world of Peppa Pig. The latter is the massive draw for youthful children, and it’s the one theme park within the UK that has a Peppa Pig-themed area.

There are good and mild rides, too, like Magma and the Sky Swinger, which is a lot enjoyable. Magma is a volcanic-themed tower the place you spin down, whereas the Sky Swinger brings you up within the space and spins you.

While right here, you may as well discover go-karts and water rides in Paultons Park. One international phenomenon is Peppa Pig, which is cherished by, after all, nearly each baby! This alone makes Paultons Park among the finest theme parks within the UK to go to. Visits will take round 6-8 hours, and it’s truthfully the right place to go to with youthful youngsters.

Additionally, don’t neglect, you’ll be able to simply jump over to the Isle of Wight (from Southampton) for those who fancy an extended street journey across the south of England. It’s a beautiful island to go to, and you’ll take the automotive on the ferry that departs a number of occasions a day. We like it there.

Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Southampton

4.) Legoland

Best theme parks in the UK to visit Legoland Windsor

Perched on the outskirts of the historic metropolis of Windsor, Legoland is the UK’s house of all issues Lego. Better of all, it’s one of many theme parks to go to that’s nice enjoyable for all of the household. You see, you’ve obtained the combination of model-building workshops and LEGO-themed rides and a few fairly epic rollercoasters, that are nice for youthful family members.

Better of all, you’ll be able to spend the entire day wandering round Legoland. It’s full of cute LEGO cities, parades, and a lot extra. Simply be certain you get these tickets earlier than arriving at Legoland. Ticket costs on the gate are sometimes increased, and there’s no must spend greater than it’s good to.

Through the years, we’ve visited Legoland many occasions, and the one factor that actually is a gripe for me is the meals choices. There are many locations to eat and seize snacks, however the principle cafeteria eatery is at all times so full and by no means has something apart from fried meals or burgers. Not that I’m judging, it’s scrumptious, however it could be good to have had another choices, too.

Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Windsor

5.) Chessington World of Adventures

One other family-friendly theme park within the UK, Chessington World of Adventures, is a completely incredible time out for the entire household. Plus, similar to Thorpe Park, it’s inside the wider Larger London space and straightforward to go to from Central London.

Now, earlier than you go, be sure to ebook these advance tickets. This manner, you’ll keep away from the premium ‘at-the-gate’ cost, which is at all times increased than really making the plans upfront. These tickets provide you with whole entry to the theme park and zoo parts of Chessington World of Adventures, which is a lot enjoyable for youngsters.

As soon as right here, you’ll get to discover the completely different worlds, which, similar to Alton Towers, are themed and completely enjoyable. Remember to try The Gruffalo River Trip Journey, Kobra, Dragon’s Fury, Tomb Blaster and Vampire. Oh, and don’t neglect in regards to the World of Jumanji, too!

You’ll encounter some queues for a number of the extra common rides at peak occasions. If you happen to don’t need to wait, you’ll be able to pay a bit further and go for the tickets that embody the ‘Reserve and Trip’ choice. This manner, you’ll be able to minimise the downtime and journey as a lot as humanly doable.

Visits will probably be a whole-day occasion, and it’s a lot enjoyable.

Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Central London

6.) Drayton Manor Resort

Situated in Staffordshire, not too removed from Birmingham, Drayton Manor Resort is without doubt one of the greatest theme parks within the UK to go to for all of the household. You see, it has a variety of rides for all ages, from rollercoasters to Thomas the Tank themed lands.

A few of our favorite thrilling rides must be: Apocalypse, Shockwave, Accelerator, Maelstrom and Stormforce 10. These are all a lot enjoyable, however in order for you one thing a bit extra tame, for youthful youngsters, head to the one Thomas Land in Europe. It’s like its personal little theme park inside Drayton Manor Resort and has heaps of rides for youthful children. Right here, you’ll be able to journey together with Thomas on Thomas, Rosie & Percy’s Engine Excursions, which is so pretty.

Additionally, don’t neglect in regards to the Dino Path, which has heaps of big dinosaurs which youthful children will love!

Once more, like most theme parks within the UK, it’s greatest to ebook these Drayton Manor Resort tickets upfront of your go to. Costs are at all times increased on the gate.

Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Birmingham

6.) Flamingo Land Resort

North-east of the historic metropolis of York is the Flamingo Land Resort. It’s one in every of Yorkshire’s hottest theme parks for youngsters, and with good motive – it’s nice enjoyable!

That being stated, don’t simply assume Flamingo Land Resort is only for youthful children! It has some thrilling rollercoasters like Kumali, which may have you screaming on the high of your lungs! Additionally, don’t neglect about SIK and Velocity, too! They’re so good and SIK, in my view, is without doubt one of the greatest rollercoasters in all of Yorkshire.

For youthful children, there are heaps of rides, and likewise the safari space with all its flamingos, hippos and tigers which you’ll be capable of spot while visiting Flamingo Land Resort.

Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Yorkshire

7.) Blackpool Pleasure Seashore

Nestled proper on the seafront in Blackpool, round 1 hour from Manchester, is Blackpool Pleasure Seashore. As soon as upon a time, Blackpool was the favorite hang-out of Victorians to take time by the seaside. These days, it’s misplaced a few of its allure, however it nonetheless has an avid following for each adults and kids.

You see, past the bars and golf equipment, there’s Blackpool Pleasure Seashore, which is without doubt one of the greatest theme parks within the UK to go to for those who’re exploring the East of England.

Right here, you’ll discover effectively over 100+ rides and points of interest which can be as thrilling as they arrive! For example, you will discover the well-known metal mega-coaster, Large One, the Wallace & Gromit Thrill-O-Matic and Nickelodeon Land. It’s obtained heaps happening and the rides fluctuate for all age ranges. Which means there’s one thing for all of the household. Lately, the curler coaster, ICON, was added to the park to have guests minimize by means of the Large One coaster, and it’s a lot enjoyable.

To make issues simpler, ebook these Blackpool Pleasure Seashore tickets, which get you on each single journey within the park. It’s the simplest manner to save cash while you’re in Blackpool.

Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Manchester

8.) Pleasurewood Hills

Round a 50-minute drive from the historic metropolis of Norwich, Pleasurewood Hills is a household theme park that’s so pretty for youthful youngsters. Now, it won’t be the most important theme park within the UK (it’s really fairly small), however what it lacks in measurement it makes up for with some fairly epic rides for all of the household.

As soon as right here, be sure to journey the Wipeout rollercoaster! It’s a lot enjoyable and actually may have you the other way up and twisting in each path doable. For youthful children, you will have the Water Enjoyable Manufacturing facility and Kite Flyer. Each of that are nice enjoyable.

One of many foremost issues we love about Pleasurewood Hills is that there are hardly any queues for rides. Actually, I’ve such a gripe about lengthy queues in theme parks, and this place has literal 10-minute queues (or much less) for many rides.

Simply you’ll want to ebook these Pleasurewood Hills pre-discount tickets on their web site earlier than visiting. You’ll save heaps for those who’re visiting with all of the household.

Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Norwich

9.) Margate Dreamland

Margate, similar to Blackpool, was as soon as the go-to place for solar seekers and seashore lovers again in Victorian occasions. Through the years, its allure light, however in the previous few a long time, Margate has as soon as once more change into fairly darn common, and with good motive!

Not solely is the previous city of Margate pretty, with all its classic shops, artwork galleries (just like the Turner Up to date) and gorgeous seashores, it additionally has Dreamland! Dreamland is without doubt one of the greatest theme parks within the UK, which could be fairly small, however it’s nice enjoyable. Plus, there’s no entry payment, and you’ll simply pay for the rides you need to go on.

In the summertime months, heaps of bands, occasions and exhibits happen inside Dreamland. It turns into an entire occasion, and so they have some actually cool issues happening. Make certain to test their schedule earlier than arriving in Margate and ebook tickets if any of them take your fancy!

Learn extra: Finest seashores close to London to go to

10.) Warner Bros. Studio Tour London (The Making of Harry Potter)

If you happen to’re a Harry Potter fan, then it’s good to go to Warner Bros. Studio Tour, The Making of Harry Potter. It won’t match the standard mould of among the finest theme parks within the UK to go to, however it’s an amazing time out, and the studios are a lot enjoyable.

First issues first, ebook these Warner Bros. tickets for entry upfront. They’re at all times cheaper than the tickets on the door, and it is smart to ebook your slot so that you don’t miss out at peak occasions. They’ve restricted capacities and areas replenish quick, particularly on weekends. Not solely that, these tickets embody Harry Potter branded transportation immediately from the centre of London, and it make a go to to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour in London.

As soon as right here, you’ll get to wander round Privet Drive, check your abilities at flying and stroll by means of the units and props from the flicks! It’s a lot enjoyable.

Learn extra: Finest issues to do in London