Theme Park Thrill Seekers
With summer here, thoughts turn to theme parks – a great way to entertain kids on school holidays and a must for those in search of the next adrenaline fix.
We have tips on making the most of your visit. Plus there's a round-up of the coolest rides around Britain – all you need do is bring the noise.
Making the most of your trip
Getting there If you're an AA Member, you can benefit from a range of discounts – you just need your AA Membership card when you're booking or buying.
- If you're booking a short break to a theme park
10% off through Holiday Extras - If you fancy self-catering
5% off Cottages4you.com if you book online through their site - If you're driving there and back
20% off food and drink if you show your membership card at Moto service stations.
(If it's a day trip, you can get a reverse route when you plan an AA route online.)
Planning your day It pays to know what you want to do and a rough order of when you want to do things so you don't waste time wandering.
- Check height restrictions
Some of the rides have minimum heights imposed, so check before you travel to avoid disappointment. - Get a map of the park
- Work out what everyone fancies beforehand
- Work out your route round the attractions
Once you're there To avoid disappointment and stress, here are a couple of must-dos.
- Head for the virtual queue kiosks early on
– that way you can book your slot on popular rides and you get a fast-track to the front when your time comes – saves queuing for hours - Agree a central meeting point
– so if anyone gets lost, you have a central place to meet up if it all goes wrong
There are loads of other tips aimed at making the most of your day. Log on to your chosen venue's website for more details.
And remember, pace yourself. Arrange pit-stops along the way or you'll burn out – and try to avoid the heavy-duty rides just after lunch!
Round-up of rides
Talking of heavy-duty rides, here's a high-speed tour of some of the best of British.
Alton Towers
There's a healthy mix of rides for all ages. For big kids, highlights include Oblivion with its 200ft drop, Rita, Queen of Speed and Air.
Everyone's got their favourites, but here at AA HQ, the overwhelming winner has to be Nemesis. As one person on the team puts it, 'it's pure adrenaline – straight to the point, and no dull points'.
Address and information
- Alton Towers, Alton, Staffordshire ST10 4DB
- Plan a route
- Search for hotels and B&Bs, plus other useful information if you're in Staffordshire
Barry's Amusements
All the staples take pride of place, such as the classic dodgems, but look out for the 360-degree Looping Star. On the whole though, this is an ideal destination for younger audiences.
Address and information
- Barry's Amusements, 16 Eglinton Street, Portrush, County Antrim, Northern Ireland BT56 8DY
- Plan a route
- Search for hotels and B&Bs, plus other useful information if you're in Northern Ireland
Blackpool Pleasure Beach
We couldn't write about Blackpool without mentioning the big one – and, by that, we mean the Pepsi Max Big One. This roller coaster is literally on the sea front and the views are amazing, not that you hang around spectating for long. And if that's a bit passé for you, then check out 'Europe's first 360-degree rollercoaster', in the shape of the Irn Bru Revolution.
Address and information
- Blackpool Pleasure Beach, Ocean Boulevard, Blackpool, Lancashire FY4 1EZ
- Plan a route
- Search for hotels and B&Bs, plus other useful information if you're in Blackpool
Chessington World of Adventure
If the rain doesn't get you on the day then Rameses Revenge will.
And don't think we're joking – at one point you'll be suspended upside down above water fountains. Top tip: take a change of clothes!
And for when it all gets too much, there's a family centre in association with the Early Learning Centre.
As well as the theme park, there is a zoo attached, which has a range of shows on offer including the feeding of various animals from owls to otters to squirrel monkeys.
Address and information
- Chessington World of Adventures & Zoo, Leatherhead Road, Chessington, Surrey KT9 2NE
- Plan a route
- Search for hotels and B&Bs, plus other useful information if you're in Surrey
Gulliver's World
With Indiana Jones set for a big comeback on the big screen, we had to mention the Tomb Raider ride in the Adventure World section of this Cheshire theme park. It's your chance to imagine you're Indy for a day.
Address and information
- Gulliver's World , Old Hall, Warrington, Cheshire WA5 9YZ
- Plan a route
- Search for hotels and B&Bs, plus other useful information if you're in Cheshire
Legoland
The Jungle Coaster may be tame by others' standards, but it can still top 60mph. Throw in a 16ft drop and it should still satisfy those of you hooked on adrenalin out there.
Address and information
- LEGOLAND® Windsor Park, Winkfield Road, Windsor, Berkshire SL4 4AY
- Plan a route
- Search for hotels and B&Bs, plus other useful information if you're in Berkshire
M&Ds Strathclyde Country Park
Stick to the safe and sedate options, such as the Big Wheel for views out onto the nearby loch and the Scottish landscapes.
Address and information
- M&Ds Strathclyde Country Park, Motherwell, Scotland ML1 3RT
- Plan a route
- Search for hotels and B&Bs, plus other useful information if you're in Scotland
Oakwood Theme Park
'Because it's wood, it feels really scary – it rattles', says one of the customer reviews on the website for Megaphobia – Oakwood's rollercoaster.
Address and information
- Oakwood Theme Park, Canaston Bridge, Narberth, Pembrokeshire SA67 8DE
- Plan a route
- Search for hotels and B&Bs, plus other useful information if you're in Pembrokeshire
Paultons Park
Down near the south coast, this is another park that's ideal for younger kids. There's a range of rides for little ones, plus family rides too.
A special mention goes to the rabbit ride at this Southampton theme park. It's a more laid-back way to travel and rather less 'ferocious' than the other rides we've mentioned.
That said, the Cobra does look pretty cool...
Address and information
- Paulton's Park Ower, Romsey, Hampshire SO51 6AL
- Plan a route
- Search for hotels and B&Bs, plus other useful information if you're in Hampshire
Thorpe Park
Nemesis Inferno got the most votes here in the office, but Stealth crept up on the inside. It was such a close-run thing that it's best you decide which one does it for you.
Address and information
- Thorpe Park, Staines Road Chertsey, Surrey KT16 8PN
- Plan a route
- Search for hotels and B&Bs, plus other useful information if you're in Surrey