As the school holidays approach and families look for ways to keep the kids entertained, one UK theme park has been named the best in the country for family fun, according to new research
Research has revealed the UK’s top theme park for families looking for excitement. The attraction is brimming with thrilling rides, gets rave reviews from guests and delivers more bang for your buck compared to its more well-known competitors.
Experts looked into entry fees, ride counts, TripAdvisor endorsements and accommodation costs to identify which parks really come through with crowd-pleasing fun. As the school holiday draws near, this underrated gem retains its title for another year as the go-to spot for thrills suited for every family member without emptying wallets.
Situated in Staffordshire, Drayton Manor bags the coveted first-place position, racking up an impressive 7.14 out of a possible 10 based on research from kids’ play experts at Outdoor Toys.
Boasting 45 attractions and a glowing four-star review on TripAdvisor, Drayton Manor has silently become a favourite for parents and their little ones.
Lined with nine eateries and featuring everything from mellow rides perfect for the tiny tots to electrifying experiences for daring teens, Drayton Manor is a hit, reports the Express.
Smart savers can snap up advance junior passes at prices that undercut several other theme parks, especially during packed-out summer Saturdays.
Runner-up Paultons Park, the home of Peppa Pig World, takes silver again this year, scoring 6.75 out of 10. It hosts 36 rides, 12 dining spots, and receives reviews like “excellent” on TripAdvisor.
However, its £45 junior entry fee is the highest in the study, and it has seen a slight dip in ride count compared to previous years.
Still, anticipation is building ahead of the park’s brand-new Ghostly Manor ride, set to open later this year.
Meanwhile, Blackpool Pleasure Beach has surged into third place, overtaking Sundown Adventureland, thanks to its variety of rides and coastal location.
Among other notable mentions, Playland Fun Park in Worcestershire stands out as the only UK theme park offering free entry for children, making it a budget-friendly choice for families.
Woodlands Family Theme Park in Devon leads the list in terms of ride numbers, boasting an impressive 50 attractions.
And for those looking to cool off this summer, Oasis Fun Pools in Newquay was named the UK’s top-rated waterpark.
With a wide range of attractions across the country, it’s clear families are spoilt for choice – but for the best balance of value, fun, and nationwide appeal, Drayton Manor stands tall as the UK’s ultimate family theme park for 2025.
Top 10 family theme parks across the UK
- Drayton Manor, Tamworth
- Paultons Park (Peppa Pig World), Hampshire
- Blackpool Pleasure Beach, Blackpool
- Lightwater Valley, Ripon
- Sundown Adventure, Nottinghamshire
- Fantasy Island, Skegness
- Alton Towers Resort, Stoke-on-Trent
- Woodlands Family Theme Park, Devon
- Camel Creek Family Adventure Park, Cornwall
- BeWILDerwood, Cheshire
