Favourite Theme Parks For A Fun Family Day Out This Easter

Theme parks up and down the UK are set to reopen this weekend in readiness for the Easter school holidays, which are coming up at the end of March. These make great days out for families or groups of friends. You could even organise a day out within your local community or social group and hire a coach to get everyone there safely.

There’s a theme park to suit everyone, whether you enjoy the heart in mouth thrill of a rollercoaster, or prefer a gentle stroll around a lake, here are some favourite days out to enjoy this Easter. 

Best theme parks for little ones

Paultons Park, Hampshire

Paultons Park is located in the heart of the New Forest in Hampshire, and is home to the popular Peppa Pig World. It features over 70 rides and attractions that are set within 140 acres of parkland bordering the New Forest. The ticket price includes entry to Peppa Pig World, which is especially designed for young children and toddlers.

There is the opportunity to meet the life-size cartoon characters and pose for photographs, and there’s nine fun rides including the Big Balloon Ride, George’s Dinosaur Adventure, Grampy Rabbit’s Sailing Club, and more. 

There’s also four other themed worlds to explore, including Tornado Springs, set in an American midwest desert resort town; and the Lost Kingdom Dinosaur Theme Park featuring all manner of prehistoric creatures and themed family rides.

Critter Creek is full of curious plant and animal life and featuring a miniature train ride; and the Wild Lands, which is home to a variety of exotic animals including the Fennec Fox, Slender-tailed meerkats, yellow mongoose, the Cape porcupine and a walk-through aviary with a unique mixture of bird species. 

Legoland Windsor

Legoland is one of the most visited theme parks in the UK, and it’s all geared towards families. There are 11 themed lands to discover, including Knight’s Kingdom, Lego City, Pirate Shores, Heartlake City, and Miniland. There’s also adventure golf, over 55 rides and attractions, and shows and entertainment.

There’s also accommodation for short breaks, dining facilities and free carparking and WiFi. This Easter, there’s a new Minifigure Speedway attraction opening, offering the chance for kids to get behind the wheel at the LEGO City Driving School.

Sundown Adventureland Park, Nottinghamshire

Sundown Adventureland is a theme park that is specifically designed for the under tens. There are over 30 rides and attractions across 50 acres of flat ground in a variety of indoor and outdoor settings. There’s also eight separate play areas, including the Noah’s Ark under-fives play area, Captain Sandy’s Play Cove, Crash Landings, Fort Apache, and Angry Birds.

Best theme parks for thrill seekers

Alton Towers, Staffordshire

Alton Towers is the UK’s most visited theme park, and it has over 40 rides and attractions. These include The Smiler, the world’s first 14 loop roller coaster and definitely not for the faint hearted. New this year, there’s also Nemesis Reborn, an intense roller coaster that takes passengers on a terrifying encounter into Forbidden Valley. 

Thorpe Park, Surrey

Thorpe Park is the ultimate roller coaster experience, with some of the UK’s fastest and tallest rides. These include the Stealth, which reaches 205ft at 80mph in just 2.5 seconds. There’s also horror shocker The Saw, which features a 100ft drop. Tidal Wave and Storm Surge add the opportunity to get drenched as you defy the laws of gravity. 

It’s a favourite destination for short breaks, with Easter overnight packages available now. Visitors can stay in the resort’s Shark Cabins or a themed hotel, and will have two-day park entry and a buffet breakfast. 

This Easter, there’s a Mardi Gras theme to bring a taste of New Orleans with authentic street foods, dazzling costumes, a royal parade featuring the battle for the Crown, and a variety of live entertainment. Tickets are available to book now.

Blackpool Pleasure Beach

Blackpool Pleasure Beach is the UK’s oldest theme park and has a huge choice of white-knuckle rides full of stomach churning drops, twists, and turns. Ride The Big One, the Icon, The Grand National, Revolution, Infusion, and the classic Big Dipper. There’s also family rides and Nickelodeon Land that is aimed at younger children.