Eddie PhilipsIf you’re looking for pure fun, thrilling rides, and family-friendly attractions, the United Kingdom has some of the best amusement and theme parks in Europe. From adrenaline-pumping roller coasters to gentle family adventures, the UK’s parks offer something for everyone.
In this post, we explore the Top best 50 Amusement Parks in the UK, featuring detailed highlights of the biggest and most exciting destinations, along with hidden gems worth a visit. Whether you’re travelling with kids, friends, or on a solo adventure, you’ll find the perfect park to match your thrill level.
Top Best 50 UK Amusement Parks
1. Alton Towers Resort – Staffordshire
Alton Towers is the crown jewel of British theme parks. Located in Staffordshire, this 900-acre resort is home to some of Europe’s most famous rides like Nemesis Reborn, Oblivion, and The Smiler. Families can also enjoy CBeebies Land, water parks, and luxury accommodation on-site.
Why Visit: For record-breaking roller coasters and a full resort experience.
Best For: Thrill seekers, families, couples.
Tip: Stay overnight at the Alton Towers Hotel or Splash Landings for early ride access.
2. Thorpe Park Resort – Surrey
Nicknamed “the UK’s thrill capital,” Thorpe Park is perfect for adrenaline junkies. Located near London, it features some of Britain’s fastest and most extreme rides such as Stealth, The Swarm, and the brand-new Hyperia — the UK’s tallest and fastest coaster.
Why Visit: High-adrenaline rides and convenient London access.
Best For: Teenagers, groups, thrill-seekers.
Tip: Visit midweek to avoid long queues and get a Fast Track pass for top rides.
3. LEGOLAND Windsor Resort – Berkshire
Built entirely around the magic of LEGO, this resort is every child’s dream. With over 55 rides, interactive zones, and creative workshops, LEGOLAND Windsor is the UK’s premier family park for children aged 3–12.
Why Visit: Unique LEGO-themed experiences.
Best For: Families with young kids.
Tip: Book multi-day tickets and explore nearby Windsor Castle for a complete weekend.
4. Blackpool Pleasure Beach – Lancashire
Dating back to 1896, Blackpool Pleasure Beach combines vintage seaside charm with world-class roller coasters. It’s home to The Big One (once Europe’s tallest coaster), ICON, and nostalgic wooden rides like Grand National.
Why Visit: A blend of history and thrill rides.
Best For: Families, thrill seekers, seaside lovers.
Tip: Stay along the promenade for amazing sea views and late-night shows.
5. Paultons Park – Home of Peppa Pig World (Hampshire)
Paultons Park is Britain’s top-rated family amusement park. It’s best known for Peppa Pig World, a themed section perfect for preschoolers, alongside other thrilling rides like Tornado Springs.
Why Visit: The ultimate children’s park in the UK.
Best For: Families with toddlers and young kids.
Tip: Buy tickets online to skip queues and enjoy combo deals.
6. Flamingo Land Resort – North Yorkshire
This park blends the fun of roller coasters with a full-fledged zoo and resort experience. Popular rides include Sik and Hero, while families can explore animal exhibits with giraffes, lions, and flamingos.
Why Visit: Combo of theme park and zoo.
Best For: Family weekends and nature lovers.
Tip: Stay in the resort lodges for a safari-style experience.
7. Drayton Manor Resort – Staffordshire
A mix of family rides and thrill attractions, Drayton Manor features Thomas Land for little ones, alongside the Shockwave coaster and a full hotel on-site.
Why Visit: Perfect family park for all ages.
Best For: Families, school trips.
Tip: Visit in spring or autumn for fewer crowds.
8. Adventure Island – Southend-on-Sea, Essex
Overlooking the seaside, Adventure Island offers unlimited-ride wristbands and old-school fairground vibes. From the looping Rage coaster to mini rides for kids, this park brings nostalgic fun to the coast.
Why Visit: Affordable seaside thrill park.
Best For: Families and teens.
Tip: Pair with a day at the Southend Pier and nearby beach cafés.
9. Lightwater Valley – North Yorkshire
Known for its lush countryside setting, Lightwater Valley now focuses on younger families, offering gentle rides, a treetop trail, and soft play zones.
Why Visit: Calm, nature-surrounded amusement park.
Best For: Younger families.
Tip: Bring a picnic — plenty of shaded spots available.
10. The Milky Way Adventure Park – Devon
This indoor-outdoor family park offers soft play zones, space-themed rides, and a small roller coaster — ideal for rainy days in the West Country.
Why Visit: All-weather fun for younger kids.
Best For: Families, toddlers.
Tip: Pair with a coastal visit to nearby Clovelly or Bideford.
11. Fantasy Island – Lincolnshire
Located in Ingoldmells, near Skegness, Fantasy Island is one of the most vibrant amusement parks in the UK. This coastal theme park combines thrilling rides with a massive indoor market, making it a favorite among both families and thrill-seekers. Popular attractions include The Millennium, The Odyssey roller coasters, and The Rhombus Rocket. Fantasy Island also boasts several family-friendly rides, arcades, and entertainment zones, creating a perfect day out by the sea. The mix of high-speed rides and classic seaside charm ensures that Fantasy Island continues to attract visitors year after year.
12. Drayton Manor Theme Park – Staffordshire
Drayton Manor is one of the most beloved amusement parks in England, offering a blend of adrenaline-pumping rides and family attractions. Home to Shockwave (Europe’s only stand-up roller coaster) and the water ride Stormforce 10, this park also features the famous Thomas Land, which is perfect for younger visitors. Drayton Manor combines thrill rides, animal encounters at its zoo, and picturesque picnic areas, making it a complete family destination.
13. Adventure Island – Southend-on-Sea
Situated on the Southend seafront, Adventure Island is a free-admission amusement park where visitors pay per ride. It’s famous for its seaside charm and high-energy rides such as Rage – a vertical drop roller coaster – and the classic Mighty Mini Mega. The park is illuminated beautifully at night, giving visitors a nostalgic seaside amusement experience. Its location right on the coast adds to its appeal for summer tourists.
14. Flamingo Land Resort – North Yorkshire
Flamingo Land is both a zoo and a theme park, offering one of the most diverse entertainment experiences in the UK. The park is home to the Kumali and Velocity roller coasters, while its zoo features over 120 animal species. Flamingo Land’s resort also includes lodges, holiday homes, and water attractions, making it an all-inclusive family vacation spot in Yorkshire.
15. Lightwater Valley Theme Park – Ripon, North Yorkshire
Known for its beautiful setting and large green spaces, Lightwater Valley offers fun for all ages. Its signature rides include The Eagle’s Claw, Apollo, and Skyrider. In recent years, it has shifted towards more family-oriented attractions, adding play zones and smaller roller coasters. With lakeside walks and adventure areas, Lightwater Valley offers a relaxed yet exciting day out.
16. M&D’s Scotland’s Theme Park – Motherwell
As Scotland’s premier amusement park, M&D’s features roller coasters, water rides, a soft play area, and even an indoor reptile house. Located within Strathclyde Country Park, it’s a favorite destination for families in the region. The park includes the Runaway Mine Train, White Water Rafting, and Tornado rides, plus seasonal attractions like Halloween nights and festive events.
17. Oakwood Theme Park – Pembrokeshire, Wales
Oakwood Theme Park is Wales’ biggest amusement park and home to Megafobia, one of Europe’s best wooden roller coasters. Other highlights include Drenched, Speed: No Limits, and the family-friendly Neverland area. The park combines intense thrills with stunning countryside scenery, offering a perfect Welsh adventure for all ages.
18. Crealy Theme Park & Resort – Devon
Crealy is one of Devon’s most popular theme parks, offering over 60 rides and attractions. Families can enjoy roller coasters, log flumes, and animal encounters. The park also features a resort with luxurious glamping and lodge accommodation. Crealy’s mix of indoor and outdoor fun makes it perfect for all-weather family adventures.
19. The Big Sheep – Bideford, Devon
A unique mix of a farm attraction and amusement park, The Big Sheep is both entertaining and educational. It features hilarious sheep races, a roller coaster, indoor play zones, and a brewery for adults. This award-winning attraction is great for families seeking a countryside twist on traditional amusement fun.
20. Pleasurewood Hills – Lowestoft, Suffolk
Pleasurewood Hills offers a range of family and thrill rides including Wipeout, Cannonball Express, and Jolly Roger. With its combination of roller coasters, shows, and water rides, it’s one of the top coastal amusement parks in East Anglia. Its friendly atmosphere and accessible layout make it ideal for families with children.
21. Diggerland – Multiple Locations
Diggerland is one of the most unique amusement parks in the UK, with locations in Kent, Devon, Durham, and Yorkshire. Instead of traditional rides, visitors operate real construction machinery like diggers and dumpers. It’s a dream come true for kids and adults fascinated by heavy machinery, offering fun-filled, hands-on experiences.
22. Barry Island Pleasure Park – South Wales
Barry Island Pleasure Park is a seaside icon in Wales. With its nostalgic rides, roller coasters, and classic amusements, it offers old-fashioned fun for families. The park has been modernized with new attractions and remains one of the UK’s favorite coastal amusement destinations.
23. Harbour Park – Littlehampton, West Sussex
Located right by the sea, Harbour Park combines the charm of a seaside amusement park with modern attractions. From its log flume and roller coaster to arcade games and play areas, it’s perfect for a day out with children. Its coastal views and clean facilities make it one of the South Coast’s best amusement stops.
24. Dreamland – Margate, Kent
Dreamland Margate is one of the oldest amusement parks in the UK, offering vintage rides and a nostalgic seaside atmosphere. Its iconic Scenic Railway roller coaster and retro fairground games attract thousands of visitors each year. Dreamland also hosts music festivals, art installations, and retro-themed events, making it a creative hub as well as a fun destination.
25. Blackgang Chine – Isle of Wight
Blackgang Chine is the UK’s oldest amusement park, combining fantasy, nature, and nostalgia. Attractions include Cowboy Town, Pirate Cove, and Underwater Kingdom. The park’s dramatic cliffside setting provides breathtaking views, making it an unforgettable family day out on the Isle of Wight.
26. Robin Hill Country Park – Isle of Wight
Robin Hill complements Blackgang Chine with outdoor adventure and woodland fun. It features treetop trails, toboggan runs, and stunning gardens. The park often hosts evening illuminations and cultural events, making it a must-visit for nature and adventure lovers alike.
27. Twinlakes Park – Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire
Twinlakes is a family-focused amusement park and water park offering over 70 rides and attractions. Highlights include The Excalibur Roller Coaster and Icarus Sky Flyer. Its indoor zones and themed festivals make it ideal for year-round entertainment.
28. Wicksteed Park – Kettering, Northamptonshire
Wicksteed Park is one of the UK’s oldest amusement parks, combining historic charm with modern family attractions. Its scenic lake, miniature railway, and classic rides create a perfect blend of nostalgia and excitement. Wicksteed’s open spaces make it great for picnics and family days out.
29. Milky Way Adventure Park – Clovelly, Devon
The Milky Way Adventure Park offers a mix of indoor and outdoor attractions. Visitors can enjoy Cosmic Typhoon roller coaster, Gravity Rider donut slide, and bird of prey shows. The park’s friendly atmosphere and variety of activities make it a favorite for families visiting North Devon.
30. Woodlands Family Theme Park – Dartmouth, Devon
Woodlands is the largest family theme park in Devon, featuring water rides, indoor play zones, and animal encounters. Its massive indoor play centers ensure year-round fun, while outdoor rides and adventure zones add to its appeal.
31. Camel Creek Adventure Park – Cornwall
Located near Wadebridge, Camel Creek offers a great mix of roller coasters, water rides, and animal exhibits. Themed zones like Pirate Cove and Thunder Canyon keep both kids and adults entertained. It’s a must-visit for families touring Cornwall.
32. Funland Hayling Island – Hampshire
Funland offers seaside fun with classic rides such as Mine Train, Drop Tower, and bumper cars. Its location near the beach adds to its charm, making it a popular summer destination for families.
33. Alton Towers Waterpark – Staffordshire
Located within the Alton Towers Resort, the Alton Towers Waterpark offers tropical-themed water slides, lazy rivers, and relaxation zones. Perfect for cooling off after theme park thrills, it’s one of the UK’s best indoor water amusement experiences.
34. Fantasy Funhouse – Weston-super-Mare
This indoor amusement and play center offers a combination of soft play, arcade fun, and family rides. Fantasy Funhouse is great for younger visitors and rainy-day entertainment.
35. Clarence Pier – Portsmouth
Clarence Pier is one of the most popular seaside amusement parks on the South Coast. With roller coasters, dodgems, and classic carnival games, it delivers traditional fun by the sea. The nearby arcades and eateries add to the experience.
36. Brean Theme Park – Somerset
Brean Theme Park (formerly Fun City) is one of the largest free-admission amusement parks in the UK. It boasts over 40 rides including Shockwave and Log Flume. Its proximity to Brean Sands makes it a family holiday favorite.
37. Southport Pleasureland – Merseyside
Pleasureland Southport combines classic fairground fun with modern rides. Attractions like Looping Coaster and Ghost Train keep visitors entertained. It’s a key part of Merseyside’s seaside heritage.
38. Codonas Amusement Park – Aberdeen, Scotland
Codonas is Scotland’s famous beachfront amusement park featuring roller coasters, dodgems, and adventure golf. Its indoor play zone and bowling alley make it a year-round attraction for all ages.
39. Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach – Norfolk
Pleasure Beach in Great Yarmouth is one of the UK’s top seaside amusement parks. Its star attraction, the Scenic Railway, is one of the oldest wooden coasters in the world. With arcades, shows, and modern rides, it’s a blend of history and fun.
40. Brighton Palace Pier – East Sussex
Brighton Pier is a national treasure and a must-visit seaside amusement park. It features roller coasters, thrill rides, arcades, and eateries overlooking the sea. Its vibrant atmosphere makes it one of Britain’s most iconic destinations.
41. Butlin’s Bognor Regis Resort
Butlin’s Bognor Regis features an on-site fairground, water park, and indoor entertainment for all ages. It’s a family resort that combines amusement rides with top-notch holiday accommodation and live shows.
42. Paultons Park Water Kingdom – Hampshire
Part of Paultons Park, the Water Kingdom is an expansive splash zone featuring fountains, water jets, and slides. It’s a great way for families to cool down during summer visits.
43. Gulliver’s World – Warrington
Gulliver’s World is a beloved family amusement park featuring over 80 rides tailored to kids aged 2–13. Attractions like Antelope Coaster and The Lost World make it one of the UK’s best family parks.
44. Gulliver’s Land – Milton Keynes
Gulliver’s Land offers roller coasters, water rides, and soft play areas designed for families with young children. It’s smaller and more relaxed, making it ideal for a stress-free day out.
45. Gulliver’s Kingdom – Matlock Bath
Set against the stunning Derbyshire hills, Gulliver’s Kingdom combines rides, rope bridges, and adventure zones in a scenic setting. Its hillside design provides unique views and experiences.
46. GreenWood Family Park – North Wales
GreenWood Park is an eco-friendly adventure park featuring solar-powered rides, mazes, and slides. It’s perfect for nature-loving families looking for sustainable fun.
47. Adventure Wonderland – Bournemouth
Adventure Wonderland is themed around Alice in Wonderland and offers gentle rides, play zones, and seasonal shows. It’s perfect for younger children seeking fairy-tale adventures.
48. Puxton Park – Weston-super-Mare
Puxton Park mixes farm attractions with amusement rides, go-karting, and adventure zones. It’s a fun and educational destination for families in Somerset.
49. Landmark Forest Adventure Park – Carrbridge, Scotland
Landmark Park combines forest adventure with thrill rides like Wild Water Coaster and Runaway Timber Train. Set in the Cairngorms, it’s one of Scotland’s most scenic amusement destinations.
50. The Hop Farm Family Park – Kent
The Hop Farm offers classic rides, soft play, and seasonal events. Its vintage carousels and farmyard theme make it a charming destination for young families seeking gentle amusement experiences.
Why Visit UK Amusement Parks?
The UK’s amusement park scene has evolved massively over the past few decades. What started as traditional seaside fairgrounds has transformed into world-class theme resorts with immersive experiences, themed hotels, and some of Europe’s best rides.
From Alton Towers’ legendary roller coasters to Legoland’s creative family zones, these parks bring together British creativity, engineering, and hospitality to offer unforgettable experiences. Plus, many parks now feature sustainable designs, on-site resorts, and entertainment events throughout the year.
How to Make the Most of Your UK Theme Park Visit
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip, here are some pro tips:
- Book Online: Save up to 30% by buying advance tickets.
- Use Fast Track Passes: Ideal for large parks like Alton Towers or Thorpe Park.
- Plan Your Route: Check park maps online to prioritise must-ride attractions.
- Stay Nearby: On-site hotels often offer early entry and meal deals.
- Pack Smart: Bring waterproofs and comfortable shoes — UK weather is unpredictable!
- Go Off-Peak: Visit on weekdays or outside school holidays for shorter queues.
- Follow Park Apps: Many major parks have live queue updates and ride closures.
Conclusion
From the majestic Alton Towers Resort to the family-friendly fun of Paultons Park, the UK’s amusement parks cater to every kind of visitor. Whether you crave thrill rides or gentle adventures, there’s always a park ready to deliver excitement, laughter, and lifelong memories.
So pack your bags, grab your wristbands, and get ready to experience the 50 best amusement parks in the UK — where every corner is filled with laughter, adventure, and pure joy..