For thrill-seekers a theme park is the chance to test their mettel on nerve-shredding rollercoasters.
However, when you are queuing for rides during peak season, it can feel like the whole country decided to visit on the same day.
If you are someone who often visits the most popular attractions like Thorpe Park, Alton Towers and Chessington World of Adventures, you might be keen to try out somewhere a little more off the beaten track so that it is not the equivalent of a gladiatorial duel for every ride.
Read on below to check out some of the cheapest theme parks across the UK – which are ones that you have probably never heard of.
Diggerland
A must for children or adults who are fans of heavy machinery – Diggerland allows you to drive real JCBs and diggers on site
A must for children or adults who are fans of heavy machinery – Diggerland allows you to drive real JCBs and diggers on site.
Other rides include the Skyshuttle which takes you 50ft in the air, as well Spindizzy, where you are repeatedly spun around in a digger bucket.
Another ride is the so-called ‘Dig-a-round’ – an adapted JCB 8060 digger that has been transformed into turned into a carousel.
There is also an indoor soft play too in case of bad weather – with Diggerland benefitting from four locations in Kent, Devon, Durham and Yorkshire.
Wicksteed Park
While there were previous fears that the park would have to close after entering administration, Wicksteed Park has been free to enter since re-opening in 2020
While there were previous fears that the park would have to close after entering administration, Wicksteed Park has been free to enter since re-opening in 2020.
However, guests do have to pay to go on attractions inside the park’s three sections that are split across Adventure, Thill and Splash.
Splash Zone has a water chute ride as well as lake boats, while the largest ride is at Thrill Zone, the Dinosaur Valley rollercoaster.
The Wicksteed Park Railways take you on a quaint journey around the park, which also includes including crazy golf, farmyard and theatre attractions.
Should you want to stay for more than one day, you have the advantage of being able to camp at the park too.
Blackgang Chine
The UK’s oldest theme park, Blackgang Chine first opened to visitors in 1843
The UK’s oldest theme park, Blackgang Chine first opened to visitors in 1843.
Known as the Land of Imagination due to its focus on real-life fun and a lack of technology, attractions include Cowboy Town, Underwater Kingdom, Fairyland and Nursery Land.
New ride Extinction opened in 2023, and features views over the cliff edge, while new beach and pirate-themed rides opened in 2024 too.
Vectis Ventures Park Director Dominic Wray previously said: ‘A lot of parents and grandparents have fond memories of sitting on a giant toadstool, exploring Cowboy Town or going inside the Mouth of Hell – they bring their children or grandchildren because they want to create those intergenerational memories.’
Milky Way Adventure Park, Devon
While TripAdvisor gave it the accolade of being among the five best theme park in the world, you could be forgiven for never having heard of Milky Way Adventure Park
While TripAdvisor gave it the accolade of being among the five best theme park in the world, you could be forgiven for never having heard of Milky Way Adventure Park.
A former dairy farm, the park celebrated its 40th anniversary this year, and celebrated the occasion by opening a new nine-hole mini-golf course.
There also numerous different rollercoasters to choose from: Cosmic Typhoon, with speeds up to 40mph, or the smaller Cosmic Caterpillar.
For the inevitable bout of bad weather, there are indoor ninja courses, adventure parks, bumper cars and live shows.
Playland Fun Park, Worcestershire
Last but by no means least is the cheapest theme park in the UK, with this honour falling to Playland Fun Park in Worcestershire
Last but by no means least is the cheapest theme park in the UK, with this honour falling to Playland Fun Park in Worcestershire.
Rides cost as little as 20p, while even larger rides are just £2.
Elsewhere – smaller attractions come in the form of go karts, safari trains, bumper boats and trampolines, along with a paddling pool and skate park.
