We all need a thrill every now and again. And save from becoming an astronaut or a stunt car driver, what better thrill is there than the 90-odd seconds you spend strapped in to a metal cart and being flung around at break-neck speed? Who doesn’t want to swing on a 60 foot high pirate ship, or feel like they’re flying on the chair swings? Well, me, but I’ll be sure to try my hand at some dodgems and maybe brave the tea cups. Whichever camp you fall into, a day out at the theme park is one of the best ways to spend a weekend, and there are so many to choose from just a stones throw away from Birmingham. Here are some of the best.
40 Minute Drive: Drayton Manor
If you grew up in or around Birmingham, it’s likely that your school, club, or family took your to Drayton Manor as a child. As one of the largest theme parks in the UK, it boasts over 100 attractions for all ages and dispositions. The Adventure Cove includes the famous Shockwave ride, as well as other nautical themed rides and restaurants. The Vikings area is the newest zone in the park, which is inspired by the Norse legends, and has the first Zamperla Nebulaz in the UK and the brand new Disk’O Coaster gives you a weightless rush. The little ones will love Thomas Land, which has smaller rides perfect for train lovers, plus interactive singalong live shows. As if that’s not enough, there is also a 4D cinema and a zoo that stretches across 15 acres.
Drayton Manor Dr, Fazeley, Mile Oak, Tamworth B78 3TW
50 Minute Drive: WMSP Adventure Theme Park
Did you know that only a few miles from Birmingham, there is an African safari? Okay, yes, you probably did. But did you also know that, in addition to seeing lion, giraffes, and elephants, you can also spend the day at a theme park? The Adventure Theme Park at West Midlands Safari Park is full of rides and attractions centred around the safari theme. On the Congo Carousel you can ride zebra instead of horses, the Slippery Snake Slide is their take on a traditional Helter-skelter, and who needs cars when you can ride the dodgems on a jungle cat? If you’re feeling brave, try out the Venom Tower Drop or take a spin on the Black Fly, an hold onto your stomachs! The only catch is that you’ll have to wait until February, because the park is closed for the winter!
West Midland Safari Park, Spring Grove, Bewdley DY12 1LF
60 Minute Drive: Waterworld
Whoever told you that theme parks have to be land-based has obviously never been to Waterworld. By the name, you would be forgiven for thinking it was just a slightly larger than usual swimming pool with a wave machine and maybe the odd slide, but it is so much more than that (although there is a wave machine too). It is the UK’s number 1 tropical indoor aqua park, and has over 30 attractions as well as an outdoor pool for the summer time. If you want the adrenaline of a rollercoaster but without all the faff of harnesses, then the rides here are perfect for you. The Thunderbolt is the country’s first ever trap door water flume, where the floor opens from under you and drops you into a water flume, in which you will be travelling at 25 mph! The longest ride in the park is the Stormchaser, which will dizzy you with flashing colour lights as you slide freely into the pool. The Space Bowl will make you feel like a penny in one of those coin donation funnels as it spins you around the bowl until you plunge into the deep water below, and the Nucleus, the original water coaster in the park, is 375 feet of slide that runs above and around the main pool. Don’t let anyone tell you that you need rollercoasters to enjoy a theme park!
Festival Park, Festival Way, Stoke-on-Trent ST1 5PU
80 Minute Drive: Alton Towers
If you want to have the ultimate rollercoaster experience in the UK, where else would you go but Alton Towers? It is the biggest theme park in the country, holding over 40 rides and attractions. That may not sound like much, but once you see the size of them, you will understand how impressive it really is. For the space travellers amongst you, Galactica offers the world’s first VR-integrated rollercoaster, so you can experience the thrill of a flight through the stars. The Wicker Man ride brings special effects and classic wooden coaster technology together to create a jaw-dropping visual that is best experienced when the sun goes down. Speaking of dropping, try out the world’s first vertical freefall drop rollercoaster with Th13teen, or the almost 90° dive on Oblivion. Or if you’re really loopy, get on the Smiler and experience a record-breaking 14 loops on just one ride. But don’t worry, there’s something for everyone here. Over in CBeebies land, the rides are small and perfect for kids, and they have boat rides and live shows too. And there’s always the waterpark, although this is a separate area so make sure to get specific tickets before you get your swimsuits out!
Farley Ln, Alton, Stoke-on-Trent ST10 4DB
90 Minute Drive: Twinlakes Park
A family trip and fun for all – that’s what you’ll be getting from Twinlakes Park. Designed for kids and parents, the age restrictions are flipped on their head, with adult-only parties not being allowed in without children in order to protect the ethos of the park. Twinlakes is separated into various zones that cater to all the fantasies of a child. The Excalibur Adventure zone is full of Arthurian excitement, from the Excalibur Swing to the Black Knights Castle. The Canada and USA zones don’t just have rollercoasters, but also a park-spanning train and even a beach! Get to the Buccaneers Island zone for a swashbuckling spin on the Rum Runner or a laze on the Wind in the Willows river. The Labyrinth Venture zone boasts a roller rink, mirror maze, and indoor rides and play areas, and come summertime, the Waterpark is open for business too! They even have a bird of prey centre and the Red Rooster farm, if your child prefers animals to rides. Finally, come Christmas, you’ll even have a chance to meet Santa at his grotto!
Melton Spinney Rd, Melton Mowbray LE14 4FF
