Things to do

All theme parks in Britain have cafes, restaurants, picnic areas and gift shops, so you’ll still have plenty to see and do when you and the kids have been on enough rides. There are usually smaller ‘funfair’ rides and games as well, so younger children won’t get bored. Several theme parks also have other attractions next to them e.g. waterparks, often open all year round, unlike the theme parks.  

Wherever you are in Britain, there’s likely to be a theme park within one or two hour’s drive, bus ride or train journey. Several theme parks even have accommodation so you can stay for a day or two if you want to make a trip into a short holiday.

Prices

Prices for UK theme parks vary considerably; some have an entrance price which allows you to go on all the rides, whereas in others you have to pay for every ride individually. It can also make a difference whether you go during peak time or not. For example, tickets tend to cost more during school holidays and weekends than they do during the week.

Theme parks tend to get very busy during the summer months, so if you don’t like crowds it’s usually a good idea to go earlier or later in the year, but check they are open before you travel!

Special offers

If you’re thinking of visiting a UK theme park, it’s worth having a look for special offers on tickets. Products such as chocolate bars and cereals sometimes have ‘buy one get one free’ offers on theme park tickets, so keep a look out in shops and supermarkets. Booking tickets in advance online can often be cheaper, and some bus companies run day trips to theme parks if you don’t have a car.


By Jennie Musgrove

USEFUL WORDS

park map
rides = large machines that you ride on for fun or excitement
attractions = interesting or enjoyable things to do
entrance fee
annual pass = a ticket which is valid for a year – you can enter the park as many times as you like
roller coaster = a track which goes up and down very steep slopes and that people ride on in a small train for fun or excitement
adventure playground = an area where children can play, with large structures, ropes, etc. for climbing on
fun fair = a type of entertainment at which people can go on rides and play games to win prizes
gift shop = a shop that sells souvenirs and presents
restaurant
thrill seeker = a person who enjoys experiences which give a strong feeling of excitement or pleasure

GRAMMAR SPOT

Superlatives
Use adjective and adverbs to say that people and actions have the most or least of a quality. Put the most or the least before long forms and add the + –est to short forms:

It’s the biggest theme park in the UK
That’s definitely the wettest ride here!
We have the longest roller coaster in Western Europe at our park
Patrick is the biggest thrill seeker I know
I think it’s the most dangerous attraction I’ve seen
The gift shop is the least interesting place for some people
The park also has some of the most beautiful gardens in the area

Note the special forms for good/well (best), bad/badly (worst) and far (farthest/furthest)

After superlatives we use in or on (not of) before singular words for groups or places:

It’s the best park in the country
That’s the scariest ride in the park
I think those are the best attractions on the island