Looking for a thrill-seeking day out with kids this summer?
We’ve rounded up the best theme parks near London, with rides ranging from gentle ones for toddlers to heart-racing rollercoasters for older kids and teens.
There are dinosaur-themed, digger-filled and even seaside classics on our list.
Most are within 1–2 hours of the city and make for brilliant day trips. We’ve also included a section with theme parks that are further afield in case you’re planning a weekend break.
LEGOLAND Windsor
Distance from London: 1 hr by car or train
Ages: 2–12 yrs
Where: Windsor, Berkshire, SL4
Prices: from £34.00 per person
With over 55 LEGO-themed rides, shows and creative play zones, this is a dream day out for young builders. There’s also a pirate stunt show, splash area and a miniature world built entirely from LEGO bricks.
It can get busy so we recommend getting there early.
Diggerland Kent
Distance from London: 1 hr 10 mins by car or train
Ages: 4 yrs+
Where: Chatham, Kent, ME2
Prices: from £25.95 per person
A one-of-a-kind park where kids can drive real diggers and construction vehicles.
There are also go-karts, sky shuttles, soft play and plenty of hands-on fun.
Old MacDonald’s Farm & Fun Park
Distance from London: 1 hr 10 min by car | 1 hr 22 min by train
Ages: 2 yrs+
Where: Brentwood, Essex, CM14
Prices: from £14.45 per adult
Combines a traditional petting farm with rides, tractor tours and soft play.
Ideal for toddlers and young children looking for a gentle, animal-filled day out.
Chessington World of Adventures
Distance from London: 1 hr by car | 46 min by train
Ages: Ideal for 0.9m+ tall
Where: Chessington, Greater London, KT9
Prices: from £32.00 per person
A full-on family adventure with rollercoasters, zoo animals, a SEA LIFE aquarium and soft play. Great for mixed-age families who want thrills and animal encounters in one place.
Thorpe Park
Distance from London: 1 hr 10 min by car or train
Ages: Ideal for 1.2m+ tall
Where: Chertsey, Surrey, KT16
Prices: from £33.00 per person
One of the UK’s top parks for thrill-seeking teens, packed with fast rides and big drops.
Also includes water rides and seasonal events like Fright Nights.
Adventure Island
Distance from London: 1 hr 30 min by car | 1 hr by train
Ages: All ages
Where: Southend-on-Sea, Essex, SS1
Prices: from £25.00 per person
A free-entry seaside park with over 40 rides, soft play, and family attractions.
Pay-per-ride wristbands mean you can choose how long (and how much) you want to play.
Gulliver’s Land Theme Park Resort
Distance from London: 1 hr 40 min by car | 1 hr 20 min by train
Ages: All ages
Where: Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, MK15
Prices: from £18.00 per person
A family-run theme park made for 2–13 year olds, with mini coasters and themed lands.
Also features a dino park, splash zone and indoor play for rainy days.
Further Afield: Best Theme Parks for Short Breaks
Alton Towers with CBeebies Land
Distance from London: 3 hr 22 min by car | 3 hr 49 min by train
Ages: All ages (some height restrictions apply)
Where: Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, ST10
Prices: from £34.00 per person
One of the UK’s biggest and best theme parks with huge coasters and plenty for younger visitors. CBeebies Land is perfect for toddlers, and there are themed hotels for overnight stays.
Peppa Pig World at Paultons Park
Distance from London: 2 hr 6 min by car | 1 hr 51 min by train
Ages: All ages
Where: Romsey, Hampshire, SO51
Prices: from £45.00 per person
Nine Peppa-themed rides, character meet-and-greets and lots of interactive fun.
Part of the larger Paultons Park which also has rollercoasters, gardens and animal attractions.
Clacton Pier
Distance from London: 2 hr 10 min by car | 1 hr 40 min by train
Ages: 0.85m+ tall
Where: Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, CO15
Prices: from £22.50 per person
A traditional British seaside pier with funfair rides, bowling, arcades and a Seaquarium. Perfect for combining classic amusements with fish and chips and a beach day.
Drayton Manor Resort
Distance from London: 3 hrs 10 mins by car | 2 hrs 15 min by train
Ages: All ages
Where: Tamworth, Staffordshire, B78
Prices: from £27.50 per person
Includes Thomas Land for little ones, plus rollercoasters, a zoo and a Dino Trail. A great option for an overnight trip or theme park weekend.
Dymchurch Amusement Park
Distance from London: 2 hrs by car or train
Ages: All ages
Where: Dymchurch, Kent, TN29
Prices: Free admission
A small, vintage-style amusement park with gentle rides and a relaxed coastal feel. Right by the beach and perfect for younger kids who don’t need big thrills.
Palace of Fun – Brighton Palace Pier
Distance from London: 2 hr 15 min by car | 1 hr 20 min by train
Ages: All ages
Where: Brighton, East Sussex, BN2
Prices: from £26.00 per person
This iconic pier offers arcades, fairground rides and food stalls right over the sea. Ideal for a beach day with a side of seaside fun and candyfloss.
Each of these parks offers something different, whether it’s hands-on diggers, animal encounters or big thrill rides. Most have height or age restrictions, so it’s worth checking those in advance, along with ticket prices and travel times. Some parks also offer free entry with pay-per-ride options, which can be useful for shorter visits or younger kids.
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