1. Alton Towers Resort

This Staffordshire attraction is the UK’s largest theme park. Alton Towers Resort(external link, opens in a new tab) has over 40 rides – including the latest, Toxicator, as well as Nemesis Reborn, The Smiler and Oblivion. There’s also CBeebies Land for younger visitors. You can stay in a range of hotels, lodges, treehouses and stargazing pods.

• Get 1/3 OFF entry to Alton Towers Resort(external link, opens in a new tab) with National Rail’s Days Out Guide when you go by train

• Alton Towers Resort is usually open from March until November, with some special seasonal events

• Find accessibility information for Alton Towers Resort(external link, opens in a new tab)

• Nearest stations to Alton Towers Resort*: Stoke-on-Trent, Uttoxeter

2. Chessington World of Adventures Resort

Just outside London in Surrey, Chessington World of Adventures Resort(external link, opens in a new tab) boasts a zoo and aquarium as well as a range of rides to suit all ages, and the immersive World of Jumanji. Younger guests will enjoy The Gruffalo River Ride Adventure and Elmer’s Flying Jumbos, while older children and adults can ride the Vampire, Dragon’s Fury and more.

• Get 1/3 OFF entry to Chessington World of Adventures Resort(external link, opens in a new tab) with National Rail’s Days Out Guide when you go by train

• Chessington World of Adventures Resort is open all year, but the main season is from March to October. There are also seasonal events

• Find accessibility information for Chessington World of Adventures Resort

• Nearest stations to Chessington World of Adventures Resort*: Chessington North, Chessington South

3. Thorpe Park

Thorpe Park(external link, opens in a new tab) in Surrey has the UK tallest and fastest roller coaster, a new hypercoaster called Hyper, as well as rides like Colossus, Stealth, SAW – The Ride and The Swarm. There are on-site cabins for short breaks, while nearby hotels offer more accommodation options.

• Get 1/3 OFF entry to Thorpe Park(external link, opens in a new tab) with National Rail’s Days Out Guide when you go by train

• Thorpe Park is usually open from April to November, with additional special events, including Fright Nights around Halloween

• Find accessibility information for Thorpe Park(external link, opens in a new tab)

• Nearest stations to Thorpe Park*: Chertsey, Staines

4. Blackpool Pleasure Beach

So iconic that it has its own station, Blackpool Pleasure Beach(external link, opens in a new tab) in Lancashire has been around for nearly 130 years! Now, you can still ride the Big Dipper, a classic wooden roller coaster that is over 100 years old and still going strong. Everyone is catered for, with a range of thrill rides, including the Big One and Valhalla, as well as family rides and Nickelodeon Land, where little ones can meet SpongeBob, the PAW Patrol pups and more. There are 2 hotels located right inside the park too.

Read more about Blackpool on our Visit Blackpool by Train page.

• Blackpool Pleasure Beach is usually open from March to November but there are events held at the resort at different times throughout the year

• Find accessibility information for Blackpool Pleasure Beach(external link, opens in a new tab)

• Nearest stations to Blackpool Pleasure Beach*: Blackpool Pleasure Beach, Blackpool South

5. LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort

Perfect for kids, LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort(external link, opens in a new tab) in Berkshire has tons of rides and activities for children of all ages (and grown-ups too!). From Miniland, with models of landmarks from around the world, to shows and chances to meet LEGO® characters, and rides such as Pirate Falls: Treasure Chest and LEGO® NINJAGO® The Ride, you’ll find lots to pack into your visit.

• Get 1/3 OFF entry to LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort(external link, opens in a new tab) with National Rail’s Days Out Guide when you go by train

• LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort is usually open from April to October, with additional special themed events such as Christmas at LEGOLAND® and the LEGO® Festival

• Find accessibility information for LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort(external link, opens in a new tab)

• Nearest station to LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort*: Windsor and Eton Central

6. Drayton Manor Resort

Drayton Manor Resort (external link, opens in a new tab)in Staffordshire has a number of exhilarating rides, including roller coaster The Wave and water ride Stormforce 10, plus a 15-acre zoo and the Thomas the Tank Engine-themed Thomas Land for children. The Drayton Manor Hotel is on-site too.

• Drayton Manor Resort is usually open from March to November, with some special seasonal events

• Find accessibility information for Drayton Manor Resort(external link, opens in a new tab)

• Nearest stations to Drayton Manor Resort*: Wilnecote (Staffs), Tamworth

7. Paultons Park

The family-friendly Paultons Park(external link, opens in a new tab) in Hampshire is the home of Peppa Pig World as well as other themed worlds to explore. But you can still enjoy thrills on rides like the Cyclonator and Velociraptor. There are no hotels inside Paultons Park, but plenty of accommodation can be found nearby.

• Paultons Park is open on selected dates from February through to December each year

• Find accessibility information for Paultons Park(external link, opens in a new tab)

• Nearest stations to Paultons Park*: Southampton Central, Southampton Airport Parkway

8. M&D’s Scotland’s Theme Park

Located in Lanarkshire, right next to Strathclyde Country Park, M&D’s Scotland’s Theme Park(external link, opens in a new tab) is the largest theme park in Scotland. Attractions range from kid-friendly fairground rides to traditional favourites like the Captain's Curse pirate ship and the Wave Swinger. The Alona Hotel is located within the park.

• M&D’s Scotland’s Theme Park is usually open from March to November

• Find accessibility information for M&D’s Scotland’s Theme Park(external link, opens in a new tab)

• Nearest stations to M&D’s Scotland’s Theme Park*: Bellshill, Hamilton West, Motherwell

9. Gulliver’s Land Resort

Gulliver’s Land Resort (external link, opens in a new tab)is a family theme park in Milton Keynes, and you will also find Gulliver’s Dinosaur & Farm Park(external link, opens in a new tab) right next door! Rides include the Runaway Train and Dragon Siege, while there are fun activities in the JCB Zone and multiple indoor and outdoor play areas. Adventurers Village provides a range of themed on-site accommodation.

There are more Gulliver’s theme park resorts in Matlock Bath, Rother Valley and Warrington.

• Gulliver’s Land Resort is usually open from March to October

• Find accessibility information for Gulliver’s Land Resort(external link, opens in a new tab)

• Nearest station to Gulliver’s Land Resort*: Milton Keynes Central

10. Barry Island Pleasure Park

By the sea in the Vale of Glamorgan (the heart of Gavin and Stacey country), Barry Island Pleasure Park(external link, opens in a new tab) has a range of classic rides like the Log Flume, fairground-style attractions, as well as the imposing Aerospace, which is 65 metres tall and spins at 75 miles per hour! There is no accommodation in the park.

• Barry Island Pleasure Park is usually open from March to September

• Find accessibility information for Barry Island Pleasure Park(external link, opens in a new tab)

• Nearest station to Barry Island Pleasure Park*: Barry Island

11. Flamingo Land Resort

North Yorkshire’s Flamingo Land Resort (external link, opens in a new tab)has rides like Mumbo Jumbo, with a 112° vertical drop, and Sik, a 10 inversion roller coaster, as well as a zoo and rides for kids of all ages. There is a wide range of accommodation for overnight visits or longer stays.

• Flamingo Land Resort’s theme park is usually open from March to November, but the zoo and accommodation are available year-round

• Find accessibility information for Flamingo Land Resort(external link, opens in a new tab)

• Nearest station to Flamingo Land Resort*: Malton

12. Dreamland Margate

Set on the Kent coast, Dreamland Margate(external link, opens in a new tab) is a retro park that’s been given a hip modern twist. The Scenic Railway is the UK’s oldest wooden roller coaster, and there is a ferris wheel, a carousel and a helter skelter. The fun doesn’t end there, though, as there is an indoor roller disco, street-food stalls, and fun events and concerts throughout the year.

• Dreamland Margate is usually open from April to October, but there are indoor concerts year round

• Find accessibility information for Dreamland Margate(external link, opens in a new tab)

• Nearest station to Dreamland Margate*: Margate

13. GreenWood

If you fancy something a bit different, head to Gwynedd, just by Snowdonia National Park, where you will find the eco-friendly GreenWood (external link, opens in a new tab)family park. You can ride the people-powered roller coaster, Green Dragon, and enjoy the solar-powered water slide Solar Splash, as well as a range of forest activities and soft play. You can’t stay on site but there are plenty of places to stay nearby.

• GreenWood is open all year round but some months in autumn and winter are only for soft play

• Find accessibility information for GreenWood(external link, opens in a new tab)

• Nearest station to GreenWood*: Bangor (Gwynedd)

14. Diggerland Kent

Kent’s Diggerland(external link, opens in a new tab) is a unique theme park experience, based around heavy machinery and construction. Children and adults can drive and operate real diggers, as well as enjoying a range of construction-themed rides and activities.

There are also Diggerland parks in Devon, Durham and Yorkshire.

• Diggerland Kent is usually open from February to November

• Find accessibility information for Diggerland Kent(external link, opens in a new tab)

• Nearest station to Diggerland Kent*: Strood (Kent)