chloedickensonLast Updated on 14th September 2023
This post about the best theme parks in the UK contains affiliate links and mentions of previous press visits. All opinions are my own, please see my disclaimer for more.
One thing I’ve always loved doing is going to theme parks; whether it’s a family-orientated visit with my whole family, with Matt or with friends, theme parks have always been one of my favourite days out.
I’ve also been lucky enough to visit some truly awesome theme parks around the world, including Busch Gardens in Virginia, Universal Studios in Singapore, Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi, Disneyland Paris, and of course, many throughout the UK.
So, in celebration of all things fun and thrilling, I’ve compiled a list of some of the best theme parks in the UK!
Whether you’re looking for the best young children’s theme parks in the UK or you’re wondering whether Flamingo Land or Alton Towers is better, I’ve put together this list of awesome theme parks in England to inspire you!
P.S. Many of the pictures in this post are from Lightwater Valley as I haven’t been to a few of the theme parks listed below for quite a few years so I don’t have any decent pictures!
1. Flamingo Land – best theme parks in the UK
Flamingo Land is quite possibly my favourite theme park on this list as I’ve been to it so many times and it’s less than an hour’s drive from my home in York which makes it incredibly convenient to get to. It’s definitely one of the best North Yorkshire theme parks!
Not only is it home to 37 rides altogether, but it’s also got its own fantastic zoo and campsite facilities so it’s a place that’s absolutely perfect for the whole family.
There’s a ride or attraction for literally every single member of the family to enjoy and it’s perfect for taking young children who’ll undoubtedly enjoy the zoo and smaller rides, as well as groups of older kids (myself included!) who are sure to love the thrilling rollercoasters!
My personal favourite rides are Mumbo Jumbo, Kumali and Velocity.
Find it: Flamingo Land, Kirby Misperton, Malton, North Yorkshire, YO17 6UX.
2. Alton Towers – the biggest theme park in the UK
Alton Towers is another one of the best theme parks in England and arguably one of the most famous. It’s also the biggest theme park in the UK, with so many fun and thrilling rides for kids and adults.
I’ve only been to Alton Towers twice but I’d happily go again and again. While there are definitely rides that cater to a younger audience, I would say that it’s probably more aimed at older kids and generations who enjoy huge rollercoasters as there are plenty of them!
Having said that, Alton Towers is also home to CBeebies Land and a waterpark so it really does cater to every need.
The Smiler, Oblivion and Rita are my top recommendations for thrill-seekers; they’re certainly not for the faint-hearted!
Find it: Alton Towers Theme Park, Alton Towers Resort, Alton, Staffordshire, ST10 4DB.
Flamingo Land or Alton Towers – which is better?
As much as I love Flamingo Land, I personally think that Alton Towers is better than Flamingo Land. There are better rides for older kids/adults and the on-site accommodation options are great!
3. Lightwater Valley
My most recent visit to Lightwater Valley was only a few weeks ago as part of a press trip, but before that, I hadn’t been since I was 13 years old.
From what I remembered, Lightwater Valley was great for people of all ages but after my recent visit, I would say that it’s probably more aimed toward families with younger children.
That’s not to say that there isn’t plenty for older generations to enjoy too, though. There are over 30 rides and attractions situated throughout the theme park, with my personal favourites being the Eagles’ Claw, The Ultimate and Raptor Attack.
Flamingo Land or Lightwater Valley – which is better?
One question that many people want to know the answer to is whether Lightwater Valley or Flamingo Land is better.
Personally, I would argue that Flamingo Land is better than Lightwater Valley as I feel that there are more things to do for families and groups of all ages and while Lightwater Valley certainly does cater to everyone, I think Flamingo Land just does it slightly better!
Check out my Lightwater Valley GoPro video here!
Find it: Lightwater Valley Theme Park, North Stainley, Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG4 3HT.
4. LEGOLAND – best UK theme parks for kids
I haven’t been to LEGOLAND Windsor for quite some years now, but when I did go, I enjoyed it immensely. I was sure that it would only be suited to my younger brothers and sister, and while the rides are pretty much only designed with kids in mind, the actual LEGO part of it was unbelievable.
‘Miniland’ is definitely my favourite part of the whole theme park as some of the models of LEGO they’ve created are insane. Nearly 40 million bricks make up the model scenes from around the world; Big Ben, in particular, was one of my favourites, but the 5.2 metres tall Canary Wharf Tower is also pretty spectacular.
Find it: Winkfield Road, Windsor, Berkshire, SL4 4AY.
5. Drayton Manor – best theme parks in the UK
Drayton Manor is another excellent theme park in the UK that’s well catered for family days out as it’s home to the beloved Thomas Land.
However, with over 100 rides and attractions, plus a 15-acre zoo, there’s more than enough for everyone to enjoy at Drayton Manor. Their on-site hotel is also absolutely wonderful to stay at and has all the necessities you need while being situated right next to the park.
While I haven’t been for quite a few years, I remember I loved Accelerator and The Haunting rides in particular.
Find it: Drayton Manor Park, Near Tamworth, Staffordshire, B78 3TW.
Bonus best theme parks in the UK
Below, you’ll find some more of the best theme parks in England that I either haven’t been to in many years or I’ve never actually visited, but I wanted to include them in this list anyway as I’ve heard many great things about them.
6. Sundown Adventureland – the best amusement parks in the UK
I used to frequent Sundown Adventureland an awful lot when I was much younger with my grandparents. It’s cited as a “theme park for the under 10s” and from what I can remember, it definitely fits that name.
When I was younger, I used to absolutely adore the Storybook Village, Shotgun City, Toy Town and the Market Square and spending time on their website just now has brought back so many fond memories of my childhood.
I’d highly recommend taking the kids to Sundown if you’re looking for a lush family day out; there are plenty of rides and attractions to enjoy and it’s just the perfect place to create some truly wonderful family moments.
Find it: Treswell Rd, Rampton, Retford, Notts, DN22 0HX.
7. Blackpool Pleasure Beach
I don’t think I’ve ever actually been to Blackpool Pleasure Beach, but I’ve heard from numerous people that it can be a tremendously fun day out for the whole family.
There are plenty of huge, thrill-seeking rides to endure including ICON, Revolution and Infusion, as well as an entire ‘Nickelodeon Land’ for families with younger kids.
Find it: 525 Ocean Boulevard, Blackpool, Lancashire, FY4 1EZ.
8. Thorpe Park – top theme parks in the UK
Thorpe Park is one theme park in the UK that I’ve never been to, but I’d really like to go. If you’ve ever watched The Inbetweeners, you’ll know that it’s home to the ‘Nemesis Inferno’ rollercoaster and I want to go to Thorpe Park pretty much just for that ride!
It’s also home to dozens more thrilling rides and attractions of course, including Vortex, Samurai, SAW – The Ride and many more. Having browsed through the website briefly just now, I’m absolutely desperate to go as it looks so much fun so hopefully, we can head there as part of our AtoZ UK road trip.
Find it: Thorpe Park Resort, Staines Road, Chertsey, Surrey, KT16 8PN.
So there you have it; a comprehensive guide to some of the best theme parks in the UK for the ultimate family day out! If you have any more theme park recommendations in the UK, please leave them in the comments below.
Related posts:
- A Day Out At Alton Towers
- 13 Fun & Unique Places To Go On A Date In Yorkshire
- Travel-Inspired Date Night Ideas
- Golden Hands Bridge At Sun World Ba Na Hills, Da Nang
- Hobbiton Movie Set Tour, New Zealand
Pin for later – best theme parks in the UK
Do you have any theme parks that you’d add to this list? Let us know in the comments or on Instagram at @imjustagirl_16.
It is always so fun to hit up a theme park! I made it to Disney World before the pandemic hit, which was so fun 🙂
Jenna ♥
Stay in touch? Life of an Earth Muffin
Ah I bet Disney World was so awesome! Thanks for commenting Jenna!