Top 9 UK Theme Parks for Thrills and Family Fun in 2025

by

Spending a day at an amusement park is usually the stuff that fantasies are built upon, and no matter if you’re going with loved ones, friends, or alone, you’re guaranteed to have a blast. The thrilling roller coasters high above the ground and the racing car-like attractions make theme parks the perfect playground for those who crave excitement.

Regardless of whether you dislike thrill rides or fear heights, there are theme parks that cater to those who prefer a calmer experience. Instead of facing your fears on high-altitude attractions, you can try out diggers, explore tranquil safari parks, and enjoy leisurely rides such as the merry-go-rounds or tea cups.

No matter what kind of fun you prefer, the United Kingdom has a theme park tailored just for you! To spark ideas for your upcoming adventure, here are our top 9 picks of UK theme parks that cater to various age groups and experiences.

Exciting news! Several of these theme parks are part of the Merlin Annual Pass, meaning you could enjoy a pass with many benefits. Moreover, keep an eye out for deals from Virgin Experience Days; they offer discounts for theme parks, so stay tuned for further updates on that.

Buckle up and put your hands in the air – here are our top nine UK theme parks.

Best UK theme parks to visit in 2025 at a glance

  • Thorpe Park, from £29
  • Alton Towers, from £29
  • CBeebies Land, from £29
  • Chessington World of Adventures, from £29
  • LEGOLAND, from £29
  • Diggerland, from £32.50
  • Blackpool Pleasure Beach, from £35
  • Drayton Manor, from £40
  • Paultons Park, from £45

Best UK theme parks for kids and adults alike in 2025

Thorpe Park

Best suited for: Teenagers and adults

Location: Chertsey, 30 minutes drive from London

Nearby transport links: Staines Railway Station, 950 THORPE PARK Express Bus

Open from: April-October

A popular choice for adrenaline junkies, Thorpe Park stands out as one of the UK’s most renowned theme parks. With more than 30 exhilarating rides at your disposal, you can expect a mix of heart-stopping roller coasters inspired by gruesome horror flicks, high-speed descents, and water-soaked adventures. One of its many attractions is the swiftest roller coaster in the UK, Stealth, capable of accelerating from 0 to 80mph in an astonishingly quick 1.9 seconds.

Some notable attractions at Thorpe Park include the ten-loop Colossus coaster and the well-known Nemesis Inferno ride. This amusement park is situated in Chertsey, Surrey, approximately a 30-minute drive from London, and its location surrounded by water gives it a unique island-like atmosphere. Thorpe Park consistently seeks to expand its collection of rides, with the UK’s tallest and fastest roller coaster, Hyperia, set to open this year.

Right now, you have the opportunity to purchase significant savings on a variety of Thorpe Park tickets through Virgin Experience Days.

  • Get a Thorpe Park ticket for £66 £29 when you book in advance with Thorpe Park
  • Save on Thorpe Park tickets at Virgin Experience Days

Alton Towers

Best suited for: All ages

Location: Alton, Staffordshire

Convenient travel options include: Uttoxeter Railway Station, Stoke-on-Trent Railway Station, Derby Railway Station, the X41 bus from Stafford, the 32X bus from Hanley, and multiple coach services.

Easy ways to get around are Uttoxeter Train Station, Stoke-on-Trent Train Station, Derby Train Station, the X41 bus from Stafford, the 32X bus from Hanley, and several coach options.

Open from: March-November

As a movie buff, I’d say, “Alton Towers, the grandest of all theme parks in the UK, is my go-to spot for thrills and family fun! It caters to every age group and ride taste, from heart-pounding roller coasters to gentle, kid-friendly attractions. With an impressive 40 rides, a full day is needed to explore it all!

As a dedicated movie buff, I’d say: Nestled in the heart of Staffordshire, West Midlands, there’s this thrilling amusement park that never fails to leave me exhilarated – Alton Towers! It’s home to the groundbreaking Smiler roller coaster, the world’s first 14-loop marvel. And let’s not forget the iconic Oblivion, a ride that’ll take your breath away (and it’s even pictured above for those who haven’t yet had the pleasure!).

Now,

As a passionate film enthusiast, I’d like to share a thrilling offer! Dash over to Virgin Experience Days and seize the moment with exclusive discounts on Alton Towers tickets. You can savour up to 26% off an action-packed day out for four people. Don’t let this opportunity slip away – ride the rollercoasters, enjoy the attractions, and create unforgettable memories at Alton Towers!

  • Save on Alton Towers tickets at Virgin Experience Days

CBeebies Land

Best suited for: Children aged 2-6 years

Location: Alton, Staffordshire

Convenient travel options include: Uttoxeter Railway Station, Stoke-on-Trent Railway Station, Derby Railway Station, the X41 bus service from Stafford, the 32X bus from Hanley, and multiple coach services.

Open from: March-November

CBeebies Land, though it’s part of Alton Towers, offers enough unique attractions and rides that we found it fitting to list it as a standalone theme park. It is one out of twelve themed areas within Alton Towers Resort, and appropriately labels itself as a toddler-friendly theme park.

I’d love to share that you can immerse yourself in an array of interactive rides designed for the little ones. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to meet your beloved CBeebies characters! Don’t forget to explore the play areas too.

Additionally, there’s a CBeebies Land Hotel right on site, offering a unique experience with themed rooms featuring CBeebies beds, cozy chill-out zones, plush pillows, and play areas for added fun!

Chessington World of Adventures

Best suited for: Younger children and early teens

Location: Chessington, Kingston

Nearby transport links: Chessington South Train Station, 71 bus from Kingston, 467 bus from Epsom

Open from: All year round

Chessington World of Adventures is aptly referred to as ‘Britain’s wildest family adventure.’ This theme park offers a thrilling experience for both kids and teenagers. With a single ticket, you gain entry to more than 40 rides, as well as the Chessington zoo and Sea Life aquarium. The zoo houses over 1,000 animals, such as lions, tigers, gorillas, monkeys, penguins, and various underwater creatures.

As a thrill-seeker with a heart for family fun, I’d like to share my excitement about Chessington World of Adventures. Unlike the more extreme parks such as Thorpe Park and Alton Towers, this theme park caters beautifully to younger teens and children, offering a diverse range of rides that are just as exhilarating.

The latest addition to this magical world is the captivating World of Jumanji, featuring three brand-new rides inspired by the beloved adventure films. If you’re planning a visit, remember that Chessington World of Adventures is nestled in none other than Chessington, Greater London. Don’t miss out on this incredible experience!

With Virgin Experience Days, you might even save as much as 24% off group entries (for parties of two, three, or four).

  • Get a Chessington World of Adventures ticket for £66 £29 when you book in advance with Chessington World of Adventures
  • Save on Chessington World of Adventures tickets at Virgin Experience Days

LEGOLAND

Best suited for: Children aged 4-11

Location: Windsor

Convenient transportation options include Windsor & Eton Central Train Station and Windsor & Eton Riverside Train Station.

Accessible public transit options are the Windsor & Eton Central Train Station and the Windsor & Eton Riverside Train Station.

Or for a more colloquial style:

Handy train stations nearby include Windsor & Eton Central and Windsor & Eton Riverside.

Open from: March-November

If you’re on the hunt for a fun theme park for your children, consider spending a day at LEGOLAND Windsor. With 44 LEGO-themed rides and attractions, there’s plenty to discover – from The Dragon to the LEGO City Driving School, not forgetting the amazing Miniland and Fairy Tale Brook. You’ll also find live actors wandering around the park, and several shows to catch throughout the day for added entertainment.

Spending your day crafting and constructing with numerous locations for LEGO building and purchasing is assured. Additionally, you’ll find thrilling rides and creative construction zones. If you need a rest, consider staying at the LEGO themed hotel, or for an additional charge, try out four distinct LEGO mini-golf courses that offer unique adventures.

Additionally, here’s some exciting information for you: Virgin Experience Days have announced discounts of up to 36% on tickets to LEGOLAND, along with various other attractive offers!

  • Save on LEGOLAND tickets at Virgin Experience Days

Diggerland

Best suited for: Children aged 4-11

Location: Kent, Yorkshire, Devon (3 sites)

Convenient Travel Options Include: Strood Train Station (located at Kent’s site), Castleford Train Station (available at Yorkshire’s site), and Tiverton Parkway Train Station (found in Devon’s site)

OR

Transport Access Points Nearby: Strood Train Station, Castleford Train Station, and Tiverton Parkway Train Station – these are situated at the Kent site, Yorkshire site, and Devon site respectively.

OR

Easy Transport Connections Include: Strood Train Station (Kent), Castleford Train Station (Yorkshire), and Tiverton Parkway Train Station (Devon) – these are the train stations close by to our sites in Kent, Yorkshire, and Devon respectively.

Open from: February-November

If you and your children prefer experiences that don’t involve heart-pounding thrills, then Diggerland could be an excellent choice for a family outing. As its name implies, this park revolves around good old fun with diggers, offering various rides, activities, and challenges that the kids will find engaging.

As a cinema devotee who adores adventure, I must share my excitement about Diggerland – a unique playground for all ages! From climbing aboard JCBs to embarking on treasure hunts, and cruising around mini Land Rovers to frolicking in soft play areas, this place is pure joy. Many of their rides are designed with challenges in mind, offering not just fun but also valuable learning experiences. With four parks strategically located across the UK in Kent, Devon, Durham, and Yorkshire, there’s always a Diggerland waiting to be discovered, no matter where you reside in this great nation.

Blackpool Pleasure Beach

Best suited for: All ages

Location: Blackpool

Nearby transport links: Blackpool Pleasure Beach Train Station, Pleasure Beach Tram Stop,

Open from: March-November

Blackpool Pleasure Beach offers an assortment of attractions catering to both adrenaline junkies and families with children. It boasts the United Kingdom’s tallest rollercoaster, creatively titled The Big One, and is home to the country’s first suspended looping coaster that goes entirely over water. In addition to pulse-pounding coasters, it features a range of family-friendly rides and a unique Nickelodeon Land filled with rides designed for younger kids.

Nestled by the seashore in Blackpool, this amusement park is not just a place for rides; it also presents shows and live performances such as pantomimes and ice-skating exhibits.

Don’t skip over it as just another amusement park; Blackpool Pleasure Beach offers a diverse range of attractions that are worth experiencing. If thrilling rides aren’t your thing, the Blackpool Dungeon might be more appealing, and it’s featured in our guide to the best family days out in the UK.

Drayton Manor

Best suited for: Children aged 4-12 years

Location: Tamworth, Staffordshire

As a cinephile on the go, let me share my experience: The venue is conveniently located near multiple transportation options. You can hop on the train at Tamworth Station, or catch the bus from Birmingham, Sutton Coldfield, or even Tamworth itself, all offering the 110 route. If you’re coming from Hurley, Dosthill, or Kingsbury, the 115 is your ride. No matter where you’re traveling from, getting to this cinematic adventure has never been easier!

Open from: All year round

For younger crowds, such as kids and early teenagers, Drayton Manor Theme Park offers a diverse range of experiences. This includes thrilling roller coasters, engaging attractions, a zoo, and Thomas Land. With more than 50 theme park rides, popular ones like Thor, Loki, Maelstrom, and the Accelerator rollercoaster are not to be missed, along with Crazy Golf and the River Rapids.

Drayton Manor Theme Park is located approximately thirty minutes away from Birmingham in the town of Tamworth, Staffordshire. Similar to other theme parks mentioned here, it offers an on-site hotel for guests who wish to extend their stay at an additional fee.

Paultons Park

Best suited for: Children 6 and up, younger teenagers

Location: Ower, Hampshire

Nearby transport links: X7/X7R bus Salisbury-Southampton

Open from: April-September, plus selected dates in February, March, October, November and December

One more fantastic theme park to consider is Paultons Park, renowned for Peppa Pig World and over seventy various rides and attractions (including nine themed around Peppa Pig). It caters wonderfully to younger children and early teenagers with a mix of roller coasters, adrenaline-pumping rides, family-friendly options, indoor and outdoor play areas, water splash parks, and an assortment of animals within their amusement park.

Nestled within the New Forest National Park in Hampshire, I’d often find myself at Paultons Park – a fantastic theme park that’s perfect for those of us residing in the South. It’s a great alternative to venturing too far up North. Compared to other parks on our list, it offers more affordable tickets, making it a budget-friendly choice, although an adult ticket will still set you back over £25.

Read More

2025-07-11 18:36