Best Theme Parks Around The UK For Every Type Of Visitor
It’s the time of year when many theme parks in the UK are re-opening after the winter break in time for the upcoming Easter holidays. No doubt children up and down the country will be looking forward to some fun days out as the weather finally perks up and the days lengthen.
It’s a fabulous family day out, and classic school trip with coach hire to ensure everyone arrives safely. However, theme parks are not just for the kids: they can be enjoyed by people of all ages, as a group of pensioners in Staffordshire has recently proved.
Drayton Manor celebrates its 75th anniversary
Drayton Manor Resort near Tamworth in the West Midlands is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year. It opened in 1950, and has since grown into one of the best-loved attractions in the UK. The resort is popular among all generations, some of whom have grown up alongside the theme park.
As part of the celebrations, the theme park will be holding a fireworks display on the first weekend of every month, starting from 1 April. It has also invited a group of 70 year olds to take part in the celebrations, proving that theme parks really are for everyone, BBC News reports.
Among the group of 50 pensioners was Trevor Dawson, 71, from Coventry. Speaking to BBC Radio WM, he said: “I got my first car in the early 70s, and we went to Drayton Manor and have loved it ever since. I’ve been going there for more than 50 years. I love the adrenaline of it; it’s all perfectly safe because you’re strapped in, so it’s really good. It’s a bit of a rush.”
Barry Moore, 75, said: “I first came to Drayton Manor as a schoolboy in the 1950s. I’ve always loved going on the rides there and am pleased to say that I still do. As a family, we brought our kids here as they grew up, and now we’re thrilled to share the experience with our grandkids.”
Drayton Manor was originally a petting zoo with boat rides and a few simple fairground rides. It has evolved into an 180 acre site that has over 50 rides and attractions, including Europe’s first stand-up roller coaster, Shockwave, which was built in 1994, and Stormforce, which was added in 1999.
Europe’s only Thomas Land was launched in 2008, based on the children’s programme Thomas & Friends. The site also features a zoo and a hotel. Other favourite rides include the Bounty Pirate Ship and the Wave Swinger.
Victoria Lynn, managing director at Drayton Manor Resort, said: “When we asked if there were any over 70s who wanted to join in our celebrations, we couldn’t believe the number of people who wanted to be involved. It really does prove that age is just a number.”
Other great family theme parks
Peppa Pig World at Paultons Park
Peppa Pig World at Paultons Park is on the edge of the beautiful New Forest in Hampshire, and is one of the UK’s best-loved family theme parks. There are over 70 rides and attractions set with 170 acres of parkland, and it is the home of the UK’s only Peppa Pig World, with nine fun rides and life-sized characters for little ones.
LEGOLAND Windsor
LEGOLAND Windsor is geared towards younger children under the age of 12. There are currently offers for discounted Easter tickets for families, so don’t miss out. There are over 80 rides and attractions, and an incredible 80 million LEGO bricks to keep creative minds and hands engaged!
There are also thrilling rides for kids, including the Minifigure Speedway, the world’s first LEGO themed duelling rollercoaster. There’s also adventure golf, fun live shows, interactive learning zones, a miniature driving school, a haunted house, a model making studio and a games zone, amongst many more.
Alton Towers, Staffordshire
Alton Towers is offering kid’s rides at half price this Easter, with great package deals for short family breaks in the resort set within 500 acres of parkland. There’s a CBeebies Land hotel for tots, stargazing pods, a water park, crazy golf, and more terrifying rides for older thrill seekers such as The Smiler and Oblivion.
