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Theme Park Thrill Seekers

With holidays and warm weather, thoughts immediately turn to theme parks – a great way to entertain kids on school holidays and a must for those in search of the next adrenaline fix.

We have tips on making the most of your visit. Plus there's a round-up of the coolest rides around Britain – all you need do is bring the noise.

The Pepsi Max Big One at Blackpool

Making the most of your theme park trip

Getting there
If you're an AA Member, you can benefit from a range of discounts.

Planning your day
It pays to know what you want to do and a rough order of when you want to do things so you don't waste time wandering around your chosen park.

  • Check height restrictions
    Some theme park rides have minimum heights imposed, so check before you travel to avoid disappointment.
  • Get a map of the park
    • Work out what everyone fancies beforehand
    • Plan a route round the attractions

Once you're there
To avoid disappointment and stress, here are a couple of theme park must-dos.

  • Head for the virtual queue kiosks early on
    – that way you can book your slot on popular rides and you get a fast-track to the front when your time comes – saves queuing for hours
  • Agree a central meeting point
    – so if anyone gets lost, you have a central place to meet up if it all goes wrong

There are loads of other tips aimed at making the most of your day. Log on to your chosen venue's website for more details.

Rita Queen of Speed at Alton Towers And remember, pace yourself. Arrange pit-stops along the way or you'll burn out – and try to avoid the heavy-duty rides just after lunch!

Round-up of rides

Talking of heavy-duty rides, here's a high-speed tour of some of the best of British.

Alton Towers

There's a healthy mix of rides for all ages. For big kids, highlights include Oblivion with its 200ft drop, Rita Queen of Speed, and Air.

Everyone's got their favourites, but here at AA HQ, the overwhelming winner has to be Nemesis. As one person on the team puts it, 'it's pure adrenaline – straight to the point, and no dull points'.

Sadly after carrying 43.5 million people, the iconic Corkscrew's 30-year rollercoaster ride through history has come to an sharp end. But the new bit on the block for 2009 is Cloud Cuckoo Land aimed at young kids. There's also a new SEALIFE aquarium by the name of Sharkbait Reef.

Address and information

Barry's Amusements

All the staples take pride of place, such as the classic dodgems, but look out for the 360-degree Looping Star. On the whole though, this is an ideal destination for young audiences.

Address and information

Blackpool Pleasure Beach

We couldn't write about Blackpool without mentioning the big one – and, by that, we mean the Pepsi Max Big One. This rollercoaster is literally on the sea front and the views are amazing, not that you hang around spectating for long. And if that's a bit passé for you, then check out 'Europe's first 360-degree rollercoaster', in the shape of the Irn Bru Revolution.

New for 2009, there's a water show set to music. You can watch the fountains dance from the comfort of the onsite Bean Street FY4 restaurant.

Address and information

Chessington World of Adventures

Rameses Revenge at Chessington World of Adventures Talking of water, if the rain doesn't get you on the day then Rameses Revenge will.

And don't think we're joking – at one point you'll be suspended upside down above water fountains. Top tip: take waterproofs or a change of clothes!

And for when it all gets too much, there's a family centre in association with the Early Learning Centre.

As well as the theme park, there is a zoo attached, which has a range of shows on offer including the feeding of various animals from owls to otters and squirrel monkeys.

And while we're on the subject of primates, 2009 sees the arrival of the world's smallest breed of monkey, plus the Amazon comes to Surrey in the shape of seven exotic breeds at the SEALIFE centre, which include piranhas. Keep an eye out for events planned around Hallowe'en too.

Address and information

Gulliver's World

Fans of Indiana Jones may want to beat a path to the Tomb Raider ride in the Adventure World section of this Cheshire theme park. It's your chance to imagine you're Indy for a day.

In 2009, the park the celebrates its 30th year, so before you visit, be sure to check if there are any special events planned.

Address and information

Legoland Windsor

The Jungle Coaster may be tame by others' standards, but it can still top 60mph. Throw in a 16ft-drop and it should still satisfy those of you hooked on adrenaline out there.

The Kingdom of the Pharoahs is home to Laser Raiders, which was new for 2009, and Rocket Racers has made a comeback due to 'popular demand'.

Address and information

M&Ds Strathclyde Country Park

Stick to the safe and sedate options, such as the Big Wheel for views out onto the nearby loch and the Scottish landscapes. At the time of going live, there was no information of new attractions planned, so watch this space.

Address and information

Oakwood Theme Park

'Because it's wood, it feels really scary – it rattles', says one of the customer reviews on the website for Megaphobia – Oakwood's rollercoaster.

Address and information

Paultons Park

Paultons Park Down near the south coast, this is another park that's ideal for younger kids. There's a raft of rides for little ones, plus family rides too.

A special mention goes to the rabbit ride at this Southampton theme park. It's a laid-back way to travel and rather less 'ferocious' than the other rides we've mentioned.

That said, the Cobra does look pretty cool for all the thrill seekers among you…

Address and information

Thorpe Park

Nemesis Inferno got the most votes here in the office, but Stealth crept up on the inside. It was such a close-run thing that it's best you decide which one does it for you.

New for 2009, fans of horror films may want to check out Thorpe Park's homage to the Saw movies. SAW – The Ride promises to 'provide the ultimate test to all who dare ride it, placing them at the mercy of the film's master manipulator "Jigsaw" to endure a series of nerve-shredding challenges guaranteed to set pulses racing'. Oh and there's a 'beyond vertical' 100-degree 100ft drop thrown in to really get your blood pumping.

Address and information


Plan your journey

Before you leave


– Plan your route
– Check the traffic
– Read our Satnav guide
– Do some simple car maintenance checks
– Stock your car with essential accessories from the AA Shop
– Find and book a place to stay

En route


– AA Members save 20% at Moto
– Keep the kids entertained
– What to do if you break down

For when you get there


– Find a pub or restaurant
– Plan walks and bike rides
– Check out our travel guides



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Updated September 2009