UK Theme Park Recommendation?

[joolz1910]

Ok, I'm off to a UK theme park with the kids in June.They have an INSET day which falls on my day off. We have been to Drayton Manor and Alton Towers in the past. I wanted some recommendations from theme park experts, so thought I'd ask here.

I have three DD's
DD(10) is tall enough for all thrill rides and loves them.
DD(6) is quite tall and loves traditional coasters and 'story' rides.
DD(2) likes all little children's rides and animals.

We live in the Midlands. As I am always on a tight budget, we will be packing a picnic for the day. Any ideas, personal preferences etc will be greatly appreciated.

I posted my first ever poll. Whoop whoop!

 

[irongirlof12]

we have a small park near us called Twin lakes- my dd's love it. migth be to far away for you but it's a nice day out and lots for little ones to do - no major thrill rides tho.

http://www.twinlakespark.co.uk/

if you take a picnic it's a nice day out.

 

[Danauk]

Based on your chidlrens likes I would go to Chessington as you have already been to Drayton Manor and Alton Towers. Chessington has animals as well which your youngest would like as well as a few coasters for your eldest, plus some nice story rides for your middle one!

 

[ukstitch]

This is a tricky one...

Alton Towers has the best collection of thrill rides around, so will keep DD1 happy. It's also got a nice selection of rides for younger children, which should keep the other two happy as well.

Chessington has plenty for DD2/3, but it's lacking a little in the thrills department, so DD1 might not enjoy it so much. There's a few "family" coasters, but nothing really extreme.

Legoland would again be best suited to DD2/3, with little in the way of thrill rides for DD1.

Thorpe Park on the other hand is more biased towards DD1, with lots of big thrill rides / coasters. Having said that, there are a few rides for younger children and also a beach which (weather permitting) should keep DD3 happy. DD2 should also be ok here.

of the three, I'd be inclined to pick either Alton Towers or Thorpe Park. In your position (having been to Alton Towers before), I'd opt for Thorpe Park

 

[natalielongstaff]

Thorpe park gets my vote

 

[silver apple]

Probably too far for you, but Paultons Park near Southampton is great for younger children (under 12ish). It is also very reasonably priced.

 

[A Small World]

Chessington has plenty for DD2/3, but it's lacking a little in the thrills department, so DD1 might not enjoy it so much. There's a few "family" coasters, but nothing really extreme.

And I thought I was so brave riding Vampire

Seriously Joolz- DD who was 9 at the time loved Chessington last yr when I took her

 

[lilo68]

I would have to go with Chessington, it's a good all rounder. Unlike Thorpe park it has some nice grassy areas for picnics, well it did last time we went.

 

[Jets fan]

I love Thorpe Park, but voted for Legoland as it's more suited to the ages of your children.

Tina

 

[ukstitch]

Just a slight after thought - Keep in mind that by going in June, you're going to be visiting during the "school trip" season I think.

Some of the parks (particularly Alton Towers, but most of the others to a certain extent as well) will be quite busy with school groups.

Depending on your taste of ages of mass crowds, you might want to keep this in mind...

Legoland and Chessington will probably have the younger classes visiting, while Thorpe Park and Alton Towers will be the older classes.

I'm not sure about Drayton Manor - it's not a "major" park, so schools might skip it in favour of Alton Towers

 

[Danauk]

I'm not sure about Drayton Manor - it's not a "major" park, so schools might skip it in favour of Alton Towers

We take our year 4, 5 and 6 to Drayton Manor every year. The smaller kids can ride quite a few rides and enjoy the zoo and the bigger kids can still do the major thrill rides. I would love to take my kids to Alton Towers but many would not meet the height restrictions.

 

[Dimplenose]

That's a difficult age range to choose from. I think Thorpe Park would have a good mix of rides. But the animals at CHessington are always interesting for younger children.

Don't discount Legoland - although it does have tame rides it also has a unique feel that makes it very a very different day out from other theme parks.

 

[Chilly]

For your kids ages i'd say Chessington.

 

[LoodlesNoodles]

I've got a 2 other suggestions if you'd like to hear them...
Your younger 2 would enjoy Gulliver's Land - though not so sure about your 10yo as it is predominantly a kids park.
http://www.gulliversfun.co.uk/gullivers.php?parkname=Milton_Keynes
There is also Wicksteed Park, which I loved from the age of about 6-10. They have aviaries a playground a train going around a lake and a nature trail which your 2 yo might enjoy.
http://www.wicksteedpark.co.uk/default.aspx
Hope this gives you something to ponder.

 

[torsie24]

Another chessington vote for me. I think it has the best options for your 3 DDs.

 

[PoppyAnna]

I voted for chessington, I took my girls (4 & 7) last week and we had a blast.
The new wild asia area is wonderfully themed, quite a bit of investment seems to have occured over the winter
We find Legoland too babyish and very expensive now (although the girls still love it) and Thorpe Park too teenage for us, although nobody can deny the rides are good there for a mixed group we just always seem to get bothered by inconsiderate teenagers pushing and shoving and smoking in queues whenever we go.
Good luck with your choice

 

[janiebubble]

I've not been to Thorpe Park so can't comment, would have thought that for the ages of your children Chessington would be better, although I didn't like it as much as Alton Towers

 

[joolz1910]

Thanks everyone. It looks like Chessington is coming out on top at the moment. I'm going to have to abandon the idea of staying in the hotel though as I've just had a quote for my 5 year service for my car. The Renault garage quoted me £1000. I thought he was joking. Apparently Grand Scenics need the timing belt changed every 5 years - hence the expense. My local garage has quoted me £400 which is slightly more appealing. Sorry, I'm hijacking my own thread - the short version is that my family outing will not include an overnight stay.

 

[BrerSam]

I would say Alton Towers really, its the most fun for all ages, thorpe park has some good thrill rides but is also full of chav's and annoying people!

Alton is spread out and feels more like a enjoyable day on my visits. I have not been to the others though