When it comes to family-friendly fun and excitement, England is home to some of the best theme parks in the world. These thrilling destinations offer a wide range of attractions and experiences that are sure to keep children entertained and enthralled. While not on the grand scale of Disney World or Universal Studios, England’s amusement parks are creative, inventive, exciting, and well worth a visit.
So whether you and your family are exploring England by car, spending a weekend in London, or heading off on a no-fly cruise holiday from Southampton and looking to pack in an extra activity, a theme park is a great option. Here are some of England’s top theme parks for children, each offering its unique blend of rides, shows, and immersive adventures.
Alton Towers
Located in Staffordshire, Alton Towers is actually one of the largest theme parks in the world, rivaling Universal Studios Orlando and Disneyland Tokyo. As a result, it is England’s favorite theme park and boasts the most thrilling and adrenaline-pumping rides in the country. With over 40 rides and attractions, including thrilling roller coasters and immersive experiences like CBeebies Land, it offers endless fun for children of all ages, from the death-defying “Oblivion” to the enchanting “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” ride. If you are looking for the quintessential English theme park experience, Alton Towers is a must-visit for families seeking exhilarating adventures.
Thorpe Park
England’s second most popular amusement park is Thorpe Park, situated in the rolling hills of Surrey. It is a paradise for both kids and adults, with world-class roller coasters and amazing water rides. The park offers a seriously exciting experience, with standout rides like “Stealth” and “The Swarm” particular favorites. And as an extra added bonus, Thorpe Park has a dedicated area called “Amity Beach” that provides a safe and fun environment for younger children to enjoy water play, which is fantastic for the littlest members of your family.
Legoland Windsor
If your kids (or you!) love Lego, then Legoland Windsor will be an absolute delight. Located near the royal town of Windsor, this theme park offers a magical experience filled with Lego-themed rides, shows, and interactive play areas. From building your Lego creations to embarking on a gentle boat ride through “Fairy Tale Brook,” Legoland Windsor offers a perfect blend of entertainment and creativity for children.
Drayton Manor
It is hard to think of a more stereotypically English theme park than Drayton Manor. Located in Staffordshire, this charming resort is home to Thomas Land, a beloved park dedicated to the popular children’s character, Thomas the Tank Engine. Quaint and traditional yet bags of fun, Thomas Land offers kids the opportunity to embark on a train ride with Thomas and his friends and enjoy gentle attractions designed for the young and the young at heart.
Blackpool Pleasure Beach
Blackpool Pleasure Beach is a retro delight, a step back in time to a simpler era of seaside resorts, illuminations, and charming vintage style. The Pleasure Beach in Blackpool is an iconic vintage amusement park located on the northwest coast of England. With a mix of historic and modern rides, this park offers an array of thrilling experiences for children of all ages. From the iconic “Big One” roller coaster to the family-friendly “Nickelodeon Land,” Blackpool Pleasure Beach has something for everyone.
Flamingo Land
Just outside of the medieval walled city of York in North Yorkshire, Flamingo Land offers a diverse range of attractions, including rides, a zoo with over 140 species of animals, and creative live shows. From the high-speed coaster “Kumali” to the captivating sea lion shows, Flamingo Land provides an immersive and entertaining experience for the whole family.