10 best theme parks near London

Planning a weekend of adventure or looking for a fun day out with the kids?  Luckily, there are plenty of brilliant theme parks near London that are perfect for thrill-seekers, families, and little ones alike.  From record-breaking roller coasters for adrenaline junkies to gentle character rides for younger kids, these are some of the best theme parks in the UK to visit and some of our favourite places to go with kids.

Whether you’re after fast rides, water flumes, or fun-filled family rides, there’s something here for everyone and all within reach of the capital.

So come with us and discover the best theme parks near London, many of which we’ve visited as a family for years.

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Thorpe Park is one of the UK’s most popular theme parks, especially with teenagers and it’s easy to see why.  It’s home to some of the fastest and biggest rides not just in the UK, but in Europe, including Hyperia, Stealth, and Nemesis.  If your kids (or you!) love adrenaline-fuelled roller coasters, this is one of the best them parks in the UK to visit.

Just 20 miles from London, it’s one of the easiest thrill-packed days out from the capital.  Luckily, it’s just up the road from us, so always number one on the list whenever there’s a school inset day.  As it’s such a popular park, especially during school holidays, it’s definitely worth getting your Thorpe Park tickets online in advance, as it’s usually much cheaper online.

Located just 35 minutes from central London, Chessington World of Adventures is another one of the best theme parks near London for families. What makes Chessington stand out is that it’s not just a theme park, but has a zoo and Sea Life Centre too.

There are plenty of rides for younger children, alongside bigger attractions for older kids, making it a really good option if you’ve got children of different ages.  It’s a lovely mix of rides and animals, all in one place.

Hobbledown, located in Surrey, is a hidden gem popular with families in the area.  It’s less about big rides and more about imaginative play, climbing, animals and exploring.  It was a firm favourite of ours when the kids were little.

If you’re looking for something more relaxed than the bigger theme parks near London, Hobbledown is a lovely option, especially for toddlers and primary children.  There’s also a new one in Hounslow, but we haven’t been to that.

Although it’s further from London, Alton Towers is one of the best theme parks in the UK to visit, so definitely one to add to your list.  It’s about 151 miles from London, so while it can be done in a long day, we’d recommend staying over if you can.

Set on the edge of the Peak District, it’s a great option if you want to turn your visit into a proper family break.  The park is a big hit with older kids and thrill-lovers thanks to rides like The Smiler, Oblivion, and Wicker Man, but it’s also brilliant for younger children.  CBeebies Land has gentle rides and imaginative play, and with two on-site hotels plus a fantastic indoor waterpark, it’s an easy choice for a family weekend away.

For families with younger children, LEGOLAND® Windsor is a magical experience, with over 55 rides and attractions themed around LEGO®.  It’s actually just up the road from us in Windsor, so we took advantage of an annual pass when the kids were little, and they loved it.  We also stayed at the LEGOLAND® resort, which gives you early access to the rides.

Highlights include LEGO® Ninjago World, the Dragon coaster, and the brand-new LEGO® Ferrari Build & Race experience, as well as live shows.

If you’re planning a visit, it’s definitely worth booking your tickets in advance, as it’s usually much cheaper than buying on the day.  If you’re thinking of taking a short break in the LEGOLAND® resort, you can get your 2^nd day for free.

Located on the South Bank near the London Eye and London Aquarium, Shrek’s Adventure! is a great option if you’re visiting central London and want something fun and weather-proof.  It’s an interactive, walk-through attraction based on Shrek and his friends, with live actors, a 4D bus ride, and meet and greet characters.

Shrek’s Adventure! is best suited to younger children and works well if you are on a day trip or weekend out in London.

Just outside London in Leavesden, Harry Potter World UK is a must for fans of the films.  While it’s not a traditional theme park, it’s one of the most popular family attractions in England and well worth including.

The experience offers an immersive behind-the-scenes tour of Hogwarts.  Follow the tour guides to discover the magic at the Great Hall, Diagon Alley, and Platform 9¾.  It’s the perfect experience for fans of all ages and one of the best things to do with kids near London.

If you’re visiting with younger children, Paultons Park is hard to beat.  It’s one of the most family-friendly and relaxed theme parks in England, and perfect for toddlers and pre-schoolers as well.

For little children the big attraction is Peppa Pig World, a themed area with 9 rides based on the popular tv pig and friends.  This award-winning destination also has a dinosaur-themed Lost Kingdom, Critter Creek, water rides, slides, and a small zoo.

Located near the New Forest, Paultons Park is a great choice if you’re planning a family break in the South of England.

Although it’s not a traditional theme park, The London Dungeon is one of the city’s best themed attractions and it’s sure to leave you quaking in your boots.

Based on London’s dark and gruesome history, the London Dungeon is an interactive experience that combines live actors, special effects, and immersive sets to bring notorious stories to life.

You’ll come face-to-face with infamous characters like Jack the Ripper and Sweeney Todd in a series of spine-tingling scenes.  It can be quite scary, so it’s best suited to older kids, teens, and adults, but if you enjoy a thrill, you’ll love it.

We thought it was awesome and would definitely recommend the London Dungeon as one of the top places to visit in central London.

If your kids love diggers, dumpers, and anything with wheels, Diggerland is hard to beat.  It’s one of the most unique theme parks in the UK, letting children (and adults!) drive and ride real construction machinery.

It’s particularly popular with younger kids and makes a brilliant family day out if you’re looking for something different from roller coasters.  It’s hands-on, a bit mucky and great fun.

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