Theme parks are the ultimate fun day out for families and thrill-seekers alike. But by nature, they tend to be in wide open spaces in the countryside. That makes them a little tricky to reach by train, as railways tend to connect towns and cities.
Fortunately, there are many great options if you're looking for the best UK theme parks to visit by train. We've compiled a list of amusement parks accessible on the Avanti West Coast network.
What is the best theme park in the UK?
There are many great contenders when considering the best adventure parks in the UK.
We’ve compiled a list of the best theme parks in England and Scotland you can reach by train. The best park for you will depend on your age, interests, and how much of an adrenaline rush you’re looking for.
Discover our list of top UK theme parks to visit by rail and start planning your next thrill-seeking adventure!
Alton Towers, Stoke-on-Trent
When discussing the top theme parks in the UK, Alton Towers is one of the first names that comes to mind. It’s the largest theme park in the UK, which always ranks highly in lists of the top 10 theme parks in the UK.
Alton Towers opens from March until November, plus some special festive opening dates in November and December.
The park’s most famous rides include Nemesis, Wicker Man, and Oblivion. It also has family-friendly attractions, from an indoor water park to CBeebies Land.
Those travelling from afar or wanting to spend more than a day at the resort can stay in the on-site accommodation options. There are three hotels, pods, lodges, and treehouses to choose from.
Information about Alton Towers
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Nearest station: Uttoxeter. If you’re travelling to Alton Towers by train, get a ticket to Uttoxeter station. From there, hop on a bus or taxi to the theme park, which takes about 20 minutes.
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Tickets cost from: £18 for a Waterpark Pass or £29 for a 1 Day Pass, if booked in advance
Thorpe Park, Surrey
Adrenaline junkies won’t want to miss a chance to ride the thrilling coasters at Thorpe Park.
It’s the second biggest theme park in the UK, home to Nemesis Inferno, SAW: The Ride, Stealth, Colossus, and more. If you’re a fan of water rides, you’ll love Tidal Wave, Storm Surge, and Rumba Rapids.
Thorpe Park opens seasonally from March through November. It hosts spine-chilling Fright Nights every Halloween if you're looking for a scare.
Information about Thorpe Park
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Nearest station: Staines. You can conveniently reach Thorpe Park by train. Staines railway train station is 5km away from the park. Buses from the station run every 15 to 20 minutes after 9:00 am.
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Tickets cost from: £29 for a 1 Day Ticket, if booked in advance
LEGOLAND, Windsor
Want to visit the UK’s most visited amusement park? Plan a trip to the LEGOLAND Windsor, which attracted 2.4 million visitors in 2022. Fans of the iconic building bricks get to see Lego come to life through awe-inspiring creations and rides.
Legoland opens seasonally from mid-March to early November. It also opens its doors for a two-week Christmas extravaganza in December.
Visit world-famous landmarks made from Lego at Miniland. Get your licence at the Lego City Driving School. Ride the Dragon roller coaster!
If you want to experience Legoland for more than a day, stay in one of its two hotels. These kid-friendly hotels offer themed rooms and fun activities.
Information about LEGOLAND Windsor
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Nearest station: Windsor & Eton Central or Windsor & Eton Riverside. To get to LEGOLAND by train, buy a ticket to either Windsor & Eton Central or Windsor & Eton Riverside railway stations. Both stations are around three miles from Legoland. From there, you can take a shuttle bus or taxi to the theme park.
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Tickets cost from: £29 for a Day Ticket, if booked in advance
If you travel to LEGOLAND by train with Avanti West Coast, enjoy our 2-for-1 offer on LEGOLAND tickets!
Chessington World of Adventures, Surrey
Suppose you’re looking for a wide variety of rides and experiences all in one - head to Chessington World of Adventures in Surrey. Here, the whole family can enjoy the theme park, zoo, SEA LIFE aquarium, and on-site accommodation.
The resort’s main season runs from March to October, but it remains open for selected events throughout the year.
Fancy a minibreak? Stay in one of the animal-themed hotel rooms or camp out in the on-site glamping area.
Information about Chessington World of Adventures
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Nearest station: Chessington South. Chessington World of Adventures is one of the most convenient theme parks to reach by train. To get there, take the train to Chessington South railway station and walk 10 minutes to the theme park.
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Tickets cost from: £29 for a 1 Day Ticket, if booked in advance
Blackpool Pleasure Beach, Blackpool
Blackpool Pleasure Beach dates back to the end of the 1800s. It remains one of the UK’s top theme parks today. The Big One is one of the most famous rides in UK theme parks. It was the highest coaster in the world in 1994.
If you’re planning a visit with young children, there are plenty of family-friendly rides to keep the little ones entertained. Other attractions include Nickelodeon Land, the miniature railway, and the themed Ghost Train.
The Pleasure Beach occupies a large area towards the south of the town and has its own railway station, named after the park. It opens in late March through November and hosts festive events around Christmas.
Information about Blackpool Pleasure Beach
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Nearest station: Pleasure Beach or Blackpool North. If you’re heading directly to the theme park, get a ticket to Blackpool Pleasure Beach station and change at Preston. If you’re exploring the whole resort, going up the tower, and taking a stroll along the promenade, get on a train to Blackpool North.
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Ticket cost from: £28 for Juniors (11 and under), £33 for Adults/12+ for Day Tickets, if booked in advance
Gulliver’s World, Warrington
This one’s designed for kids up to about 14 and has a range of rides from toddlers upwards. It’s what makes it such a beloved destination for locals, but it’s a magical world for kids and parents alike.
There is more than just playground rides, though. There’s a log flume, a river rapids ride, and a speedy wooden roller coaster called Antelope. You’ll also find fairground rides like dodgems, roundabouts, and a pirate ship.
Gulliver’s World closes for the winter except for special Christmas openings. The park fully reopens in February. Want to stay for more than a day? Book a stay at the Gulliver’s Hotel & Lodgings.
Information about Gulliver’s World
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Nearest station: Warrington Central Station. Gulliver’s World is just north of Warrington and the nearest station is Warrington Central Statio.
From the train station, walk a few minutes to Warrington Bus Station where you can hop on bus 17. The bus will take to the top of the Gulliver’s World drive with a short walk to the entrance.
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Tickets cost from: Free for visitors under 90cm, £16 for Concessionary, £22 for Seniors, and £24 for Adults, for Park Day Tickets if booked in advance
Gulliver’s Land, Milton Keynes
Another place for the little ones, Gulliver’s Land, is just on the edge of Milton Keynes, near Willen Lake. You’ll find a range of rides and amusements, from gentle ones for the tiniest tots to more exciting coasters where you’ll pull a few Gs, perfect for older kids.
There’s also a maze, climbing park, and water rides to entertain the family at any pace. Gulliver’s Land also has accommodation in pods and campsite pitches. Thanks to this, you can spend a few days here.
Gulliver’s Land typically opens from February to December, with festive events in the run-up to Christmas.
Information about Gulliver’s Land
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Nearest station: Milton Keynes Central. Catch the train to Milton Keynes Central and hop in a taxi for a 10-minute trip to the Gulliver’s Land gate.
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Tickets cost from: Free for visitors under 90cm, £15 for Concessionary, £20 for Seniors, and £22 for Adults, for Park Day Tickets if booked in advance
M&D’s Scotland Theme Park, Motherwell
Scotland’s biggest theme park is in Motherwell, southeast of Glasgow. It’s full of thrills, with a complete range of rides for every family member. From the rattling runaway train to the delightful flying jumbos, it’s easy to see why it's one of the best theme parks in the UK.
You can also get wet on the water rides or test your nerves and your balance on the Walk the Plank Sky Trail. There are plenty of eateries and shops to keep your energy levels high and buy a souvenir or two.
The theme park opens seasonally from mid-March to October. However, the Amazonia tropical rainforest, bowling, and restaurants are open year-round.
Information about M&D’s Scotland Theme Park
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Nearest station: Motherwell. Hop on the train to Motherwell Station. From there, you can reach the park in less than 10 minutes by taxi.
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Ticket cost from: £21.95 for an All Day Wristband, if booked in advance
Drayton Manor, Tamworth
Right in the heart of England is Drayton Manor Resort. It’s jam-packed with thrill rides and plenty of family entertainment. The park opens in March and hosts special events for Halloween, Fireworks Night, and Christmas.
The park has a clear Viking theme, with rides with names like Thor, Loki, Maelstrom, and Jormungandr. Fans of Thomas the Tank Engine can visit the world-famous Thomas Land inside the park.
If you want to spend more time at the park, you can book a room at the four-star Drayton Manor Hotel. The Thomas & Friends-themed rooms will delight little ones!
Information about Drayton Manor
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Nearest station: Tamworth. Travel to Drayton Manor by train from anywhere in the country by getting a train ticket to Tamworth. From there, you can ride the shuttle bus which runs every 30 minutes during park opening times. Alternatively, you get there by taxi in about 10 minutes.
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Ticket cost from: Free for 0-23 months, £15 for two to three years, £24.50 for all aged four and up, for a Day Ticket if booked in advance.
Ride the rails to the best theme parks in the UK
Now you’ve seen how straightforward it is to reach these theme parks by train, save money on your journey by checking out our Ways to Save page. You’ll find plenty of advice like booking early, buying a Railcard, and getting group tickets.
If you’re planning your journey to any of these fantastic UK theme parks, make that page your first stop.
