Summer Series: Theme Parks
Welcome summer holidays! With less than two weeks left before most schools will have broken up for summer in the UK, it’s time to start planning those special days out with the family and get ready to enjoy the time off. As we countdown to the start of summer hols, we’ve put together a blog series of activities and day-trip ideas you can do with the kids for a guaranteed FUN time. Today we’ll be looking at an absolute favourite for everyone: theme parks! Here’s a list of Banjo’s favourite theme parks for a day out in the UK:
BeWILDerwood
Do you want to go explore, climb, fly on zip-wires from treehouse to treehouse, and whizz down super slides? Then BeWILDerwood is the place for you. Based on the much-loved children’s book series with the same name written by Tom Blofeld, the theme park is what we’d call a PAWesome day out with the family. From woodland adventures and tracks to explore, story-telling and creative crafts, BeWILDerwood has something for everyone to enjoy their day out.
There are two locations for this fun park in the UK so you can choose the one closest to you. Cheshire and Norfolk.
Thorpe Park
Want a bit more excitement and adrenaline in your day out? Then you should definitely try Thorpe Park, and especially if you also have older kids too! Thorpe Park will definitely give you thrills to last a lifetime. Duck as you hurtle past giant blades on Saw – The Ride, zoom in the sky on UK’s only winged roller coaster – The Swarm, and spin at breakneck speed on Colossus.
The little ones can enjoy Angry Birds land and join the birds on a fantastic 4-D adventure. Don’t mind getting wet? Have a family race on Depth Charge – a 4-lane super slide, and get a good soaking on Tidal Wave – a ride which will have you hit by a massive wall of water.
There’s something for all ages to enjoy in this theme park. If you live far away from Thorpe Park but still want to make a day of it, you can find overnight accommodation on their site for fairly cheap too!
Chessington World of Adventures
Explore the wild with a trip to Chessington World of Adventures. Watch the world’s largest tiger species walk above you in Europe’s first overhead trails; see your favourite children’s books come to life; experience a treetop adventure and exhilarating roller coaster rides; plus sooooo much more!
Chessington is the perfect place for all ages to have an absolutely amazing day out, from thrill-seekers to those who prefer a relaxing day of exploring.
Legoland
Can we get a hand up if you love LEGO? Well then, Legoland in Windsor is definitely right up your alley for a day out with the kids.
There is an entire world of LEGO inside this theme park that’s waiting for you to come and explore. With 55 rides and attractions that will build (pun intended) excitement in the kids even before you arrive, Legoland has something for parents and kiddos to enjoy. Leaning towards the younger ages, it’s perfect if you have smaller children!
Mother Shipton’s Cave
Do you love Alice in Wonderland and the idea of a day out in her magical wonderland?
Mother Shipton’s Cave in North Yorkshire is the place for you if you nodded your head while reading that question. A historic woodland trail turned theme park, Mother Shipton’s Cave was first opened in 1630 and is England’s first visitor attraction!
Discover the magical world in the ancient forest and set off on an exciting adventure trail with plenty of scenes inspired by the much-loved kids’ stories. Go wild in the adventure playground, see what curiosities are hanging from the Petrifying Well and make a wish in the Wishing Well. There are also loads of activities and special events organised during school summer holidays so have a look on their website for more information!
Alton Towers
We couldn’t have made a list of our favourite theme parks in the UK and not include Alton Towers.
Named the UK’s favourite theme park, Alton Towers is home to a HUGE range of rides, attractions and entertainment opportunities. Make the kiddos happy with a visit to CBeebies Land and meet all their favourite characters including GO Jeters, Igglepiggle and the new Teletubbies live show! There are also loads of themed rides in CBeebies land for them to enjoy.
Older kids and adults can’t miss Oblivion, one of the most famous rides at Alton Towers, the twists and turns of Rita or the world’s first fully virtual roller coaster, Galactica.
We hope you’ll find these theme park recommendations as PAWesomely fun as we do, and if you’re looking for even more options, check out Day Out With The Kids for loads of great theme park recommendations near you!
Have a great day, Banjo H-Q x
