Best UK Theme Park Named, and It's Not Alton Towers

With the May half-term break just a week away, families across the UK are searching for exciting ways to keep their children entertained. A theme park visit is a classic choice, and the country is filled with numerous options. To help parents decide, outdoor play specialists Outdoortoys have conducted a study analysing admission costs, ride quantities, hotel rates, and TripAdvisor scores to determine the ultimate theme park for youngsters.

Paultons Park Takes the Crown

Surprisingly, neither Alton Towers nor Drayton Manor claimed the top spot. Instead, Paultons Park secured first place with an overall score of 6.85 out of 10. Located within the New Forest National Park, this attraction is also famous as the home of Peppa Pig World. It features 38 rides and 12 food outlets, making it ideal for hungry children. Moreover, an impressive 71% of its TripAdvisor reviews are rated 'excellent'. However, it is the most expensive option on the list, with child entry tickets costing £46.75.

Joint Second Place: Blackpool Pleasure Beach and Drayton Manor

Sharing second place for 2026 are Blackpool Pleasure Beach and Drayton Manor, both achieving a score of 6.48 out of 10. Blackpool Pleasure Beach is one of Britain's most iconic coastal attractions, offering 32 rides, 14 food outlets, and countless other activities in the nearby vicinity. Drayton Manor, meanwhile, boasts the highest ride tally in the rankings, with an impressive 47 rides available, alongside reasonable ticket prices at £29.50.

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Fourth Place: Alton Towers

Coming in at fourth place is Alton Towers, with a score of 6.11 out of 10. The Staffordshire theme park features 40 rides and 12 food outlets, and is renowned worldwide for its thrilling roller coasters.

Free Entry Option

For those seeking free entry, only one park in the study offers a cost-free day out. Head to Playland Fun Park in Worcestershire, which provides mini golf and rides without charging an admission fee, making it a brilliant option for families on a budget.