Amusement Parks In the UK
Alton Towers
Part of the Merlin Entertainments family, Alton Towers opened as a theme park back in 1980 with Britain’s first double-loop roller coaster, the Corkscrew.
Located in the Staffordshire countryside, Alton Towers Resort is home to three themed hotels, as well as Stargazing Pods and an Enchanted Village. Alton Towers is the largest theme park in the UK, with ten themed areas across 910 acres. The attraction boasts more than 40 rides and attractions, including ten record-breaking coasters and 20 family-friendly offerings.
As well as Gangsta Granny: The Ride, the David Walliams land includes Raj’s Shop, the Royal Carousel and Raj’s Bouncy Bottom Burp.
Blackpool Pleasure Beach
Blackpool Pleasure Beach first opened to the public in 1896 in Lancashire. The theme park is home to 10 roller coasters, including ICON, the park’s newest and fastest.
Additional thrill rides include Valhalla, The Big One, Revolution, Ice Blast and The Big Dipper, and the UK’s only Nickelodeon Land. Family-friendly offerings at Blackpool Pleasure Beach comprise Wallace & Gromit’s Thrill-O-Matic, an Alice in Wonderland-themed ride and the Flying Machines.
Thorpe Park
Thorpe Park Resort in Surrey is operated and owned by Merlin. Opened to the public in 1979, Thorpe Park is home to more than 30 exhilarating rides, including the UK’s fastest roller coaster, Stealth.
Major attractions at Thorpe Park include the UK’s first virtual reality (VR) dark ride and coasters based on The Walking Dead and SAW. The park also hosts live events and recently launched the UK’s first live Black Mirror experience with Black Mirror Labyrinth.
Amusement Parks In Ireland
Funderland
Funderland is an annual event, opening during the Christmas holidays in Dublin.
When it is in the capital, it is handy for everyone as there are tons of amenities and hotels nearby.
Iconic in its community, Funderland is one of the largest travelling amusement parks in Europe and is considered one of the best theme parks in Ireland.
Expect endless thrills, hair-raising rides, carnival fun, and entertainment for all ages. Funderland also visits Cork, Belfast, and Limerick throughout the year.
Funtasia
Funtasia is home to one of the largest theme parks in Ireland. There are two locations: Drogheda in County Louth and Bettystown in County Meath. However, surveys say the former packs a better punch!
Bursting with activities, Funtasia offers a little something for everyone, from outdoor carnival rides to an indoor games arcade.
Expect bowling, crazy golf, ziplining, an indoor waterpark, and an adults-only casino!
