10 Darwin Escapes theme park breaks
- family-friendly
- holidays
Sometimes there is nothing better than a day out to a theme park, right?
So, why not incorporate a trip to a theme park on your next Darwin Escapes break? You’ll be surprised about how many resorts are within or just over an hours drive away from a theme park. And luckily for you we have done all the research and put it into this handy blog. Below you’ll find all the most popular theme parks across the UK and the closest resort to it to help make your decision of where to go next on holiday.
1. Alton Towers
where? Farley Ln, Alton, Stoke-on-Trent, ST10 4DB
closest resort? Rivendale Lodge Retreat – 31 min drive
Alton Towers has something for everyone and makes the perfect day out for families, friends, and large groups. With the main theme park for all the larger roller coasters perfect for real thrill seekers as well as the CBeebies Land for those with younger children. Enjoy rides like the Wicker Man and The Smiler or check out what shows are on in CBeebies Land throughout the day. There is also plenty to choose from when it comes to places to eat and drink from Woodcutters Bar & Grill to the UK’s first Rollercoaster Restaurant. You’re bound to have a fun filled day at Alton Towers!
2. Paultons Park Home of Peppa Pig World
where? Ower, Romsey, SO51 6AL
closest resort? Wareham Forest Lodge Retreat – 51 min drive
The perfect theme park for families with young children, Paultons has over 70 rides and attractions set within 140 acres of parkland in Hampshire. The main theme park has plenty to keep you busy all day with rides like the Farmyard Flyer, Cobra, Windmill Towers and Storm Chaser. For the Peppa Pig lovers in the family you can enjoy the world’s largest and first Peppa Pig World at Paultons. There are 9 fun rides suitable for young children and get the chance to meet Peppa Pig and George along with other seasonal appearances from other characters.
3. Flamingo Land Resort
where? Kirby Misperton, Malton, YO17 6UX
closest resort? Kilnwick Percy Resort & Golf Club – 44 min drive
Flamingo Land Resort has everything you can think of to make a fun-filled day out for all. With a theme park consisting of over 30 different rides, an award-winning zoo with over 60 different animals, various events and shows throughout the day, and plenty of choice for food and drink throughout the day. For the adrenaline junkies try out roller coasters like Sik and Mumbo Jumbo and for younger children help Peter Rabbit and Pig Robinson in the Peter Rabbit Adventure. In the zoo find animals like tigers, lions and hippopotamus or enjoy the amazing sea lion show that is on daily.
4. Thorpe Park
where? Staines Rd, Chertsey, KT16 8PN
closest resort? Tilford Woods Lodge Retreat – 51 min drive
With thrilling rides, live events and attractions, Thorpe Park is one of the most popular theme parks in the UK. Home to the UK’s fastest roller coaster Stealth and the world’s first horror themed roller coaster SAW – The Ride, it’s the perfect day out for adrenaline junkies of all ages. There are over 25 rides including the brand-new Ghost Train that is opening in Spring 2023. As well as plenty of rides to choose from you will also have a great choice of places for food and drink like the Vibes Bar & Kitchen and Inferno’s Pizza & Pasta Buffet. Keep an eye out on the events page as Thorpe Park has plenty on throughout the year from Fright Nights to Carnival.
5. Drayton Manor Resort
where? Drayton Manor Dr, Fazeley, Mile Oak, Tamworth, B78 3TW
closest resort? Stratford-upon-Avon Lodge Retreat – 47 min drive
There is so much to see and do whilst you’re at Drayton Manor Resort from the incredible rides to Thomas Land and even 15 acres of open plan zoo that you can explore. There are rides to suit everyone in the family from Thor, Shockwave and Maelstrom for adrenaline junkies and Jormungandr, drunken barrels and Thomas Land for younger kids. The zoo is home to over 500 animals including meerkats, tigers, red pandas, and monkeys. You can easily spend the whole day here especially because there are a wide range of food and drink options on the resort too from fish and chips to Italian style pizzas and everything in between.
6. Chessington World of Adventures Resort
where? Leatherhead Rd, Chessington, KT9 2NE
closest resort? Tilford Woods Lodge Retreat – 43 min drive
Whether you’re looking for animal experiences, climbing up high into the treetops or the thrill of a roller coaster you can have it all at Chessington World of Adventures Resort. There are over 40 rides and attractions across 11 lands so you will definitely find something for everyone. The zoo has over 1,000 animals including tigers, monkeys, lions, gorillas and more. And there are plenty of places to stop for a quick drink or bite to eat from a Smokehouse BBQ & Bar to The Coffee Hut.
7. LEGOLAND Windsor Resort
where? Winkfield Rd, Windsor, SL4 4AY
closest resort? The Springs Resort & Golf Club – 53 min drive
Earn your first driving license at the LEGO City Driving School, take flight with Maximus the Sky Lion, and create unbeatable memories at LEGOLAND Windsor Resort. With over 55 different rides and attractions across the park you will find something for everyone. There are also various shows on throughout the day from live action and theatre to 4D experiences. And make sure you refuel throughout the day at one of the many restaurants and grab & go stalls across the resort.
8. Blackgang Chine
where? Ventnor, PO38 2HN
closest resort? Woodside Bay Lodge Retreat | Woodside Coastal Retreat – 32 min drive
Known for being the oldest theme park in the UK, Blackgang Chine can offer you a magical family day out in the Land of Imagination. With various rides to suit all ages including their brand-new ride for 2023, Extinction, there is plenty for thrill seekers and younger children at Blackgang Chine. Keep an eye on their events calendar too for when you visit as they have some amazing events throughout the year from a Summer Fest to Terror Island. And you can stop throughout the day at one of their restaurants or cafes for a bite to eat or drink.
9. Crealy Theme Park & Resort
where? Sidmouth Rd, Clyst St Mary, Exeter, EX5 1DR
closest resort? Hawkchurch Resort & Spa – 40 min drive
The biggest family theme park in Devon, Crealy Theme Park & Resort makes a great day out for the whole family. With over 60 rides and attractions across the whole park you can enjoy things like The Twister, Tidal Wave Log Flume, and the Flying Dutchman. Head over to Sooty Land with your little ones and enjoy various rides and indoor attractions. Or keep an eye out on their events calendar and see what’s on during the time you are visiting.
10. Gulliver’s World Theme Park
where? Shackleton Cl, Old Hall, Warrington, WA5 9YZ
closest resort? Talacre Beach Resort – 1hr 11min drive
Enjoy a full day out at Gulliver’s World Theme Park, with 26 rides, attractions, and events perfect for the whole family. From The Wriggler, The Antelope Wooden Coaster, the Pirate Ship, and Tree Top Swings you will find the perfect ride for all. And if you’ve done all the rides you can try out things like the crazy golf or the various outdoor play areas. Make sure you refuel throughout the day too with the different food options around the park like Costa Coffee, Big G Diner or Gully’s Grill.
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