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Places to visitThe Best Amusement Parks in the Southern UK
Throughout the UK, you’ll find plenty of amusement parks, all tailored for different ages and audiences. Whatever theme, size, and level of adrenaline-rush you wish to experience, there will be something to enjoy!
Below we’ve listed some of our favourites (in no particular order) – some you may recognise and have visited before, others may well be next on your list. Is your next family day out here...?
Paulton's Park
Ower, Romsey, SO51 6AL
Home of ‘Peppa Pig World’, this family-friendly theme park is located in the ‘New Forest National Park’ in Hampshire. As well as everyone’s favourite little piggy, there are plenty of other themed attractions inside Paulton’s Park, including the dinosaur park 'Lost Kingdom', 'Water Kingdom splash park' and the 'Edge' and 'Cobra' roller coasters.
Closest parks – Sandhills and Solent Breezes (both 40 mins away)
Adventure Island
Western Esplanade, Southend-on-Sea, SS1 1EE
The number one theme park in Southend, situated on the famous seafront, the park boasts lovely views of the Thames Estuary in high tide and has over 40 rides to choose from meaning there’s sure to be something for all the family. It’s also free to enter – result!
Closest parks – Steeple Bay (50 mins)
The Milky Way Adventure Park
Bideford, EX39 5RY
This award-winning theme park really does have so much to see and do for all the family, including all kinds of rides and rollercoasters, an indoor play area, sci-fi memorabilia, and shows dedicated to “Birds of Prey”. Located in North Devon, ‘The Milky Way Adventure Park’ also hosts themed events throughout the season and even welcomes your furry, four-legged friends! (Dogs, not bears)
Closest parks – Pentire (20 mins), Tarka (30 mins), Hedley Wood (30 mins),
Crealy Theme Park & Resort
Sidmouth Rd, Clyst St Mary, Exeter EX5 1DR
Home to over 60 rides, attractions, live shows and a zoo, Crealy Family Theme Park & Resort caters for most (if not, all) thrill and excitement seekers. It’s super easy to get to by car as it’s located just minutes off Junction 30 of the M5 - and has plenty of free parking, which is always a bonus!
Closest parks – Dawlish Sands (28 mins), Golden Sands (30 mins), Landscove (52 mins), Riviera Bay (52 mins), Waterside (43 mins)
Harbour Park
Windmill Rd, Littlehampton BN17 5LH
If you’re planning a family day out in Sussex, make sure Harbour Park is top of the list! Located next to a sandy beach in Littlehampton, you could even go for a quick dip in the sea after an exciting day out. Featuring both traditional and modern rides, there’s sure to be something for everyone to enjoy. You’ll also find an array of traditional seaside holiday treats such as fresh doughnuts, fish and chips, and ice cream – yum!
Closest parks – Chichester Lakeside (25 mins)
Dreamland
49-51, Marine Terrace, Margate CT9 1XJ
Located in the traditional seaside town of Margate, Dreamland originally opened way back in 1880, and has recently had a huge refurbishment. The park includes a food court and bar, plenty of rides, and a music venue which hosts big names throughout the year. There really is something for everyone to enjoy at Dreamland, so go and make a day of it!
Closest parks – Birchington Vale (8 mins), Seaview (28 mins), Alberta (30 mins)
Diggerland
Diggerland has four locations:
Medway Valley Leisure Park, Roman Way, Strood, Kent, ME2 2NU
Verbeer Manor, Cullompton, Devon, EX15 2PE
Langley Park, Co. Durham, DH7 9TT
Willowbridge
Lane, Castleford, West Yorkshire, WF10 5NW
If the kids (or adults) are big fans of machinery and construction, then Diggerland should be at the top of your list to visit, as you can jump in the driver’s seat of actual diggers, dumpers and other full-sized construction machinery! But if machinery’s not your thing, fear not, as there are 20 thrilling rides to explore including 'Spindizzy', 'Groundshuttle', 'Go-Karts' and 'Dodgems', to name just a few.
Closest parks to Kent location:
Alberta (35 mins),
Harts (38 mins),
Seaview (40 mins),
Birchington Vale (50 mins),
New Beach (50 mins)
Closest parks to Devon location:
Dawlish Sands (38 mins),
Golden Sands (40 mins),
Waterside (50 mins),
Tarka (54 mins)
At Park Holidays UK, we even have exclusive discounts especially for our holiday guests for selected attractions, so you could save yourself some pounds! Which amusement park will you and the family visit next?
Caravan Holidays & Short Breaks
We're one of the largest providers of caravan holidays in the UK, with more holiday parks along the south coast of England than anyone else.
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