London is already a pretty exciting place to live, but if you want even more thrills and excitement, you can enjoy the amusement parks in the vicinity!
Today, I'm taking you to the main ones.
Here we go!
Amusement park London : article summary
London theme park: Thorpe Park
The kick-off to this list of the best theme parks near London is undoubtedly one of the most popular attractions. in the UK.
Thorpe Park is known for its breathtaking attractions, with key rides including "Stealth", a 62-meter-high metal monster that propels you to 50 km/h in less than two seconds. You'll also find "The Swarm", a unique winged roller coaster.
Other rides of note here include "Saw The Ride", the first roller coaster on the theme of one of the world's horror films, with a breathtaking vertical drop.
Detonator: Bombs Away is a 30-meter-high tower that brings you back to earth at 30 km/h. They also have the UK's tallest roller coaster in the pipeline for 2024.
LEGOLAND Windsor Resort
More specifically designed for young thrill-seekers, LEGOLAND Windsor Resort is a theme park dedicated to the famous toy.
Operated by Merlin Entertainments, the park comprises 12 different zones:
- A mix of rides
- Models
- Lego-themed construction workshops
More than 55 million Lego bricks were used to create the park, and some of the iconic rides include:
- The Dragon, a roller coaster that winds its way around a Lego castle at speeds of up to 20 km/h.
- The DUPLO Dino Coaster, the world's first DUPLO-themed ride.
- The Magic Forest, home to a myriad of magical Lego creatures
Theme park London: adventure island
Free admission and located right on the edge of the North Sea, Adventure Island offers awe-inspiring views, thrills and scares for people of all ages.
The star attraction here is undoubtedly Rage: a 20-metre-high roller coaster with three loops.
Other thrill rides at this London theme park include:
- The Sky Drop
- The Axis
- The Dragon's Claw
- The Screature
Fasten your seatbelts and enjoy this breathtaking experience!
Dreamland Margate
Both concert venue and theme park, Dreamland Margate is a fantastic theme park located right on the seafront in trendy Margate.
Considered the UK's oldest theme park, it was restored to its former glory in 2017.
It now offers a whole range of fun rides and attractions, including :
- The Scenic Railway, the UK's oldest roller coaster
- Ziggy's Rooftop Bar, a rooftop terrace with unrivalled views
- An intimate ballroom for events and concerts
London theme park: Chessington World of Adventures
Chessington World of Adventures is theme park, zoo and aquarium. Rides include :
- The Dragon's Fury
- Tiger Rock log flume
- The thrilling 25-metre-high Croc Drop plunges visitors into the mouth of a crocodile.
You'll also find ZUFARI Ride into Africa, a combined safari and adventure theme park.
As you make your way along the trails, you'll encounter wonderful African animals such as the white rhinoceros, giraffes and Grevy's zebra. you'll embark on an exciting off-road truck trip.
In 2023, the brand-new Jumanji section arrives at the park. Here you'll find the only roller coaster on the theme of Jumanji.
London Dungeon
To complete this list of the best theme parks near London, let's talk about the London Dungeon.
It's more of an interactive horror attraction than a traditional theme park per se. Recreating various gruesome historical events in London, it's a really fun place with dedicated shows :
- To Jack the Ripper
- At the Great Fire of London
- Guy Fawkes' Gunpowder Plot
In terms of rides, the London Dungeon also offers a boat ride, a ride designed for make you feel like one of the convicts in Newgate prison.
There are plenty of theme parks in London. During your visit, you'll be able to test out the city's main attractions and enjoy a thrilling vacation.