subject: Can't Make It To Alton Towers? Check Out These 3 Alternatives Instead [print this page] Arguably the best theme park in the whole of the UK, Alton Towers has something for everyone. From toddlers to thrill seekers and foodies to water babies, Alton Towers is much more than simply a park full of rides.
The problem is that whilst it's located fairly centrally in the country, visiting it is not often possible if you don't live in the nearby area. For instance, coming from the north east, it's going to take you around 3 hours to get there, which is fine if you're staying over, but not so good if you want a full day at the park and then have to drive home.
Furthermore, it can also be particularly busy during the summer months and therefore if you make the journey to Alton Towers in the middle of the school holidays, you might find that you have to wait an hour to get on a ride. Again, this is fine if you're staying over and can access the park for 2 days, but it's not great if you've only got a few hours to spend.
Due to this reason, whilst a visit to Alton Towers is always recommended, if you can't make it, check out these 3 very suitable alternatives that are spread throughout the country.
1. Pleasure Beach Blackpool - according to official visitor statistics, Pleasure Beach Blackpool is the most visited theme park in the whole of the UK. This is largely thanks to the theme park having the Pepsi Max Big One roller coaster, which although now is still the UK's tallest roller coaster, it was the fastest, steepest and tallest roller coaster any where on earth when it was first opened on 28 May 1994.
Located right on the Blackpool coast line, Pleasure Beach Blackpool makes for a great day out, as you can also take in all of the town's attractions and the beautiful sandy beaches.
2. Thorpe Park - located in Surrey, Thorpe Park is only a short drive from the centre of London, making it a great theme park to visit if you're staying for a few days in the capital.
Whilst the park does have something for everyone, including a great water park and artificial beach, it does cater largely for the younger market and the thrill seekers, with the latter group in particular able to take advantage of rides such as Nemesis Inferno and SAW: The Ride.
3. Flamingo Land - what makes Flamingo Land different from Alton Towers, Pleasure Beach Blackpool and Thorpe Park is that you don't need to like roller coasters or thrill rides to enjoy it as Flamingo Land is also a fantastic zoo (although it does have it's fair share of great rides, including Mumbo Jumbo, a roller coaster which features the steepest drop of any roller coaster in the world).
Situated in Malton, North Yorkshire and only a short drive from the beautiful coastline, spend a week in the area and not only can you sample the delights of Flamingo Land for at least 2 or 3 full days, but you've also got a whole host of attractions nearby that you can visit.
