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 and top places to go with kids.  Whether you’re after fast rides, water flumes, or family coasters, there’s something here for everyone.

So come with us and discover the best theme parks near London for a day out you won’t forget.

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If you love high-adrenaline roller coasters, the best theme park near London is Thorpe Park in Chertsey, Surrey.

Home to some of the UK’s most thrilling rides such as Hyperia, Stealth, and Nemesis, Thorpe Park is not for the faint-hearted but promises a full day of fun.  It’s always a hit with the teenagers and one of their favourite days out.  Just 20 miles from London, it’s one of the closest high-adrenaline theme parks to visit.

Located just 35 minutes from central London, Chessington World of Adventures is a top choice for families with kids of all ages. It makes a fantastic day out, as not only is it a theme park with over 40 rides and attractions, it has a zoo, and SEA LIFE centre too.

Younger children love the Gruffalo River Ride Adventure, while thrill-seekers head straight for the Vampire and Dragon’s Fury roller coasters.

A hidden gem in Epsom, Hobbledown is a unique blend of theme park, adventure playground, and mystical fantasy land.

It was one of our favourites when the kids were little, so I wanted to include it on our list.  Hobbledown is best suited for younger children and offers indoor play barns, animal encounters, and imaginative play areas.

Although further afield, Alton Towers is one of the top-rated theme parks in the UK, so definitely one to add to your list.  It’s about 151 miles from London, so if you leave early, you could be there in around three hours by car or train.  Another option is to stay overnight in one of their themed hotels.

Alton Towers is worth the trip for older kids and thrill-lovers, with world-class rides like The Smiler, Oblivion, and Wicker Man. But it’s not just for adrenaline junkies. CBeebies Land offers plenty of imaginative play and gentle rides for preschoolers, making it great for younger families too.  Add in a fantastic indoor waterpark and themed hotels, and you’ve got the perfect spot for a weekend getaway.

For families with younger children, LEGOLAND® Windsor is a magical experience.  With over 55 rides and attractions themed around LEGO®, it’s a fun, family day out.  It’s just up the road from us, so we took advantage of an annual pass when the kids were little, and they loved it.

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

As well as rides, this theme park has shows with all your favourite LEGO® characters.  If you want to make the most of your visit, book a short break in the LEGOLAND® resort and get your 2^nd day for free.

Located on the South Bank near the London Eye and London Aquarium, Shrek’s Adventure! London is an interactive, walk-through attraction based on the film of Shrek, everyone’s favourite ogre!

With 10 live shows, a 4D bus ride, and meet-and-greets with characters like Donkey, Kung Fu Panda, and Toothless, Shrek’s Adventure! is one of the best family attractions in London for little kids.

Just outside London in Leavesden, Harry Potter World UK offers an immersive behind-the-scenes tour of Hogwarts.  It’s one of the most magical theme parks in England, and a must-visit destination for any Potterhead!

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.

Younger kids will love Paultons Park, as it’s home to Peppa Pig World and has 9 rides based on their favourite cartoon characters.  This award-winning destination is among the best theme parks in England for younger kids, with gentle rides, themed areas, and a dinosaur-themed Lost Kingdom.  It’s perfect for toddlers and we took the boys when they were three and they absolutely loved it.

Located about 90 minutes from London, Paultons Park is consistently rated as one of the top family theme parks in the UK.  As well as Peppa Pig World, there’s Tornado Springs with roller coasters and rides, the dinosaur-themed Lost Kingdom, and a small zoo featuring  penguins and lemurs.

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 you have construction-obsessed kids, Diggerland in Kent is a must-visit.

It’s the UK’s only construction theme park, where children and adults can drive and ride real diggers, dumpers, and construction machinery.  It’s a fantastic day out for families with younger kids.

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