These top 8 theme parks in London (and nearby areas!) are for thrill-seekers and even adventurous toddlers
London attractions for families like escape rooms (escape rooms London) and mini golf (mini golf London) are perfect for spending quality time with loved ones. If you’ve exhausted your options, it might be time to look for theme parks around London instead.
I know it’s frustrating running out of choices, so I’ve rounded up the best theme parks in London that have attractions for visitors of all ages for your whole family to enjoy!
1. Thorpe Park Resort
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Website: https://www.thorpepark.com/
Address: Staines Rd, Chertsey KT16 8PN, United Kingdom
Contact Details: +441932577131
Operating Hours:
- Mon–Wed: 10:00am – 5:00pm
- Thurs–Sun: 10:00am – 6:00pm
Admission Costs:
- Standard day tickets start at €33
- Group tickets start at €27
- Student rates start at €21
- VIP Experience packages start at €180
Families who do activities together form strong relationships, and the good news is Thorpe Park Resort is a great way to bond over exciting attractions. You can have a fun day with the family just about an hour away from London.
Thorpe Park rollercoasters are for adrenaline junkies because they have iconic rides like Hyperia. You’re in for a thrilling weekend with the “tallest, fastest, and most weightless coaster” in the UK.
For younger kids, they also have family-friendly rides categorized as Little Thrills. You can browse their attractions on their website, so you can easily plan your ride itinerary when you visit.
Once you’re ready to take a break from the excitement, you can head over to their refreshments section for various restaurants and shops.
You can check out Vibers Bar & Kitchen for non-gluten meals, Planet Doughnut for vegan and vegetarian options, and Camden Junction Bar for non-alcoholic options.
| Pro tips: It’s best to arrive at the park early to get the best place in line or even avoid long queues. Before you visit, make sure to check out their discounted rates for students and big groups, so you can get the best value for money. |
2. Chessington World of Adventures Resort
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Website: https://www.chessington.com/
Address: Chessington KT9 2NE, United Kingdom
Contact Details: +441372731657
Operating Hours:
- Check website for changing monthly schedule
Admission Costs:
- Day tickets start at €32
- Chessington Annual Passes start at €59
Whether you’re looking for fun, adventure, or educational entertainment, Chessington World of Adventures Resort has all of those for you and your family. They have a lot in store for your family day because they take play and recreation seriously.
Among the Chessington theme park rides is Mandrill Mayhem, which is targeted to older kids. It’s a Jumanji rollercoaster that’s 55-feet tall, and features an inversion where you get to ride the whole thing again but backwards!
Canopy Capers is also a fun activity for the family where you walk through bouncing rope walkways. They have River Rafts, too, where you take a ride on mini logs through a waterway.
If you’re with younger kids, they also have gentler rides like Sea Dragons where you can accompany them on a boat ride.
| Pro tip: Maximize their offers! Get early access to the park when you book a hotel stay. |
3. LEGOLAND Windsor Resort
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Website: https://www.legoland.co.uk/
Address: Winkfield Rd, Windsor SL4 4AY, United Kingdom
Contact Details: +441753626416
Operating Hours:
- Daily: 10:00am – 5:00pm
Admission Costs:
- Starts at €34
Kids would anticipate the wide variety of themed activities at LEGOLAND Windsor Resort, especially since they like exploring adventures and expressing their creativity through different forms of play.
Among the LEGOLAND Windsor attractions, though, I think they’d particularly enjoy the Minifigure Speedway, and Fire & Ice Freefall which would be exciting for the big kids.
However, for kids who are too young, they have the DUPLO Dino Coaster, a gentle ride for tiny tots, so they wouldn’t feel left out.
Of course, LEGOLAND wouldn’t be complete without a LEGO-building experience. They have features like Creature Creation and the LEGO Ferrari Build & Race experience, where kids are free to experiment and create with bricks.
LEGOLAND isn’t all just rides, though, since they have shows, too. They have shows like LEGO Friends 4D and LEGO Mythica to keep you entertained at the park.
On top of those attractions, they also have mini golf courses for family and friends. It’s an all-around weekend hangout.
For those looking for a place for the night, they have quirky, LEGO-themed accommodations which already includes a complimentary breakfast at The Clubhouse Restaurant & Bar, and Early Park Access for checked in visitors.
| Pro tips: Check the LEGOLAND App on your visit day to find the schedule of their shows. Save time for all the attractions by booking your parking online. You could also book priority parking on their website. |
4. The London Dungeon
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Website: https://www.thedungeons.com/london/
Address: Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Rd, London
Contact Details: +442079678022
Operating Hours:
- Mon–Fri: 11:00am – 4:00pm
- Sat: 10:00am – 5:00pm
- Sun: 10:00am – 4:00pm
Admission Costs:
- Starts at €26.50
Among amusement parks in London, there lies a place for the older crowd called The London Dungeon. It features an immersive experience of London’s historical events like the plague and its murky alleys.
The London Dungeon has attractions like The Descent where you’d take a trip down a dungeon through a medieval lift. You’d be able to see and feel what historical lifts were like in comparison to today’s versions.
Wondering about what it was like during the plague? The Pest House feature simulates the smell of London streets filled with death and disease during that dark period.
With their Drop Dead: Drop Ride, visitors are given the chance to experience the wrath of London’s executioners. The feature lets you feel what a noose drop feels like through a thrilling gravity drop ride including the sound of a cracking neck.
Due to the dark and eerie nature of the experience, though, younger kids may opt out to avoid scaring them too much.
If you’re a scaredy cat, you’d be happy to know they have group discounts for parties of 10 and up. You wouldn’t have to go through the darkness alone.
They also have a London Bus Tour package to tour you around iconic London sights for only €49.99
| Pro tip: Whether you’re going with older kids or teenagers, it’s best to warn them about the darkness and scares that might happen during the tour. |
5. Adventure Island (Southend-on-Sea Fun Park)
Media credit: Adventure Island
Website: https://adventureisland.co.uk/
Address: Western Esplanade, Southend-on-Sea SS1 1EE, United Kingdom
Contact Details: +441702443400
Operating Hours:
- Mon–Fri: closed
- Sat–Sun: 11:00am – 10:30pm
Admission Costs:
- Free entry
- Rides start at €50
Dive into the fantastic world of Adventure Island at Southend-on-Sea, where you can experience both indoor and outdoor excitement with your friends and family.
To experience the attractions, you only need to purchase a wristband that gives you access to the features. It’s worth the ticket because they have a wide variety of rides for people of all ages.
Young ones can be accompanied at slow rides like the Big Wheel and the Carousel. You can accompany them, too, at Funtopia where kids can enjoy their time at ball pits, rope swings, and slides.
If it’s looking gloomy outside, you can enjoy indoor rides like Smiles Per Galleon, which is equally fun. You can also take a break from adrenaline with their arcade, featuring a variety of games for everyone.
The park is quite versatile since kids and adults alike will enjoy their Sealife Adventure. The Zooquarium and Meet the Penguins features are both entertaining and educational for everyone.
| Pro tip: Mix up your day’s itinerary to avoid overstimulation. Switch indoor and outdoor activities to keep things fresh. |
6. Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter
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Website: https://www.wbstudiotour.co.uk/
Address: Studio Tour Dr, Leavesden, Watford WD25 7LR, United Kingdom
Contact Details: +448006404550
Operating Hours:
- Mon–Thurs: 9:30am – 8:00pm
- Fri: 9:30am – 10:00pm
- Sat–Sun: 8:30am – 10:00pm
Admission Costs:
- Starts at €56
All Potterheads, head over to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter for a magical day ahead. By the end of your visit, you’d surely wish you weren’t such a Muggle.
The tour has true-to-film icons like sets, props, and costumes. You’d feel immersed in the wizarding world of Harry Potter.
Their realistic sets include The Great Hall, Platform 9 ¾, and Diagon Alley. It’s a full experience that everyone wishes they had experienced way back in 2001 when the first movie came out.
The sets also feature costumes like ones for Quidditch and the Yule Ball. If you’ve been wondering about the details, here’s your chance to catch a glimpse.
Those who are into arts would be ecstatic to see the Castle Model, and even technical drawings from the art department. Creatives wouldn’t want to miss these gems.
They also have a simulation of the green screen where actors film their broom-flying scenes.
If you know, you know – you could order a “Happy Birthdae” Cake which is a 6-inch chocolate fudge dessert that you could enjoy at their food hall or buy as a takeaway.
| Pro tip: Don’t forget to bring your wand from their online shop, so you can take the best photos at the studio! |
7. Shrek’s Adventure! London
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Website: https://www.shreksadventure.com/
Address: Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Rd, London
Contact Details: +442079678027
Operating Hours:
- Sun–Wed, Fri: 10:00am – 3:00pm
- Thurs: 11:00am – 3:00pm
- Sat: 10:00am – 4:00pm
Admission Costs:
- Standard tickets start at €21
- VIP tickets start at €47
- Multi-attraction passes start at €49
Shrek’s Adventure has attractions like the Magic Bus 4D Simulation Experience that kids and adults will enjoy. It uses multi-sensory effects to create a full experience for the visitors.
The Poison Apple Pub feature is an interactive experience of the same set in the movie. It was brought to life by accurate props and costumes brought to life by excellent actors.
Of course, the cherry on top is where you enjoy the meet and greet with Shrek himself! Make sure to prepare your best swamp pose for your photo.
At the end of your Shrek experience, you’re welcomed with another treat! You could have more photo opportunities with other Dreamworks characters like Po from Kung Fu Panda, and Light Fury from How to Train Your Dragon.
| Pro tip: When it comes to shows with live actors, it’s best to prepare young kids for what to expect first. You could brief them about the do’s and don’ts of interacting with actors. |
8. Alton Towers
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Website: https://www.altontowers.com/
Address: Farley Ln, Alton, Stoke-on-Trent ST10 4DB, United Kingdom
Contact Details: +441538704096
Operating Hours:
- Mon–Thurs: 10:00am – 4:00pm
- Fri–Sun: 10:00am – 9:00pm
Admission Costs:
- Day passes start at €34
Those looking for theme parks near London would be happy to discover Alton Towers. Their attractions for both kids and adults are all equally enjoyable.
Their water rides like Congo River Rapids, and Battle Galleons are perfect for older kids who want to get in on the action.
Another feature for kids is their live shows like their Teletubbies Big Band Show, Bluey Live, and Hey Duggee Live. You could also teach your young kids a sport with their mini golf attraction.
Once you’re tired from the exhilarating attractions, you could wind down at their rollercoaster restaurant. Your kids would love to watch your orders go through loop-the-loops before arriving at your table.
| Pro tips: Download the Alton Towers Resort app before your visit, so you can track queue and show times, access the resort map, create a day planner, and manage your digital wallet for your tickets throughout your stay. Try to schedule your visit during their seasonal events like their Scarefest, Fireworks Show, and Christmas-theme events for an unforgettable and unique experience. |