For thrill-seekers, a theme park is a chance to test your talents on nerve-wracking roller coasters.
However, when you line up for rides during peak season, it can feel like the entire country decided to visit on the same day.
If you’re someone who frequently visits popular attractions like Thorpe Park, Alton Towers and Chessington World of Adventures, you might want to try somewhere a little further away so it’s not the equivalent of a gladiatorial duel. every trip.
Continue reading below to see some of the cheapest theme parks in the UK, which you’ve probably never heard of.
Diggers Land
A must for kids or adults who are fans of heavy machinery – Diggerland lets you drive real excavators and JCBs on site
A must for kids or adults who are fans of heavy machinery: Diggerland lets you drive real JCBs and excavators on site.
Other attractions include the Skyshuttle, which takes you 50 feet in the air, as well as Spindizzy, where you are repeatedly spun around in an excavator bucket.
Another ride is the so-called ‘Dig-a-round’, a converted JCB 8060 excavator that has been transformed into a carousel.
There’s also an indoor playground in case of bad weather – Diggerland benefits from four locations in Kent, Devon, Durham and Yorkshire.
Wicksteed Park
While there were previous fears that the park would have to close after entering administration, Wicksteed Park has been free to enter since its reopening in 2020.
While there were previous fears that the park would have to close after entering administration, Wicksteed Park has been free to enter since its reopening in 2020.
However, visitors must pay to access the attractions within the three sections of the park which are divided into Adventure, Thill and Splash.
Splash Zone has a waterslide and boats on the lake, while the biggest attraction is Thrill Zone, Dinosaur Valley’s roller coaster.
Wicksteed Park Railways will take you on a picturesque journey through the park, which also includes mini golf, farms and theatrical attractions.
If you want to stay more than one day, you also have the advantage of being able to camp in the park.
China Blackgang
The UK’s oldest theme park, Blackgang Chine, first opened its doors to visitors in 1843.
Blackgang Chine, the oldest theme park in the UK, first opened its doors to visitors in 1843.
Known as the Land of Imagination due to its focus on real-life fun and lack of technology, attractions include Cowboy Town, Underwater Kingdom, Fairyland and Nursery Land.
The new Extinction attraction opened in 2023 and offers cliff-edge views, while new pirate and beach-themed attractions also opened in 2024.
Vectis Ventures Park director Dominic Wray previously said: “Many parents and grandparents have fond memories of sitting on a giant mushroom, exploring Cowboy Town or entering the Hellmouth – they bring their children or grandchildren because they want to create those spaces. intergenerational”. memories.’
Milky Way Adventure Park, Devon
While TripAdvisor gave it the accolade of being among the top five theme parks in the world, you could be forgiven for never having heard of Milky Way Adventure Park.
While TripAdvisor gave it the accolade of being among the top five theme parks in the world, you could be forgiven for never having heard of Milky Way Adventure Park.
The park, a former dairy farm, celebrated its 40th anniversary this year and marked the occasion with the opening of a new nine-hole mini golf course.
There are also numerous different coasters to choose from: Cosmic Typhoon, with speeds of up to 40 mph, or the smaller Cosmic Caterpillar.
For the inevitable bad weather, there are indoor ninja courses, adventure parks, bumper cars and live shows.
Playland Amusement Park, Worcestershire
Last but not least is the cheapest theme park in the UK; this honor will go to Playland Fun Park in Worcestershire.
Last but not least is the cheapest theme park in the UK, an honor that goes to Playland Fun Park in Worcestershire.
Trips cost as little as 20p, while even larger trips cost just £2.
Elsewhere, there are smaller attractions in the form of go-karts, safari trains, bumper boats and trampolines, plus a paddling pool and skating rink.