The top UK theme parks in terms of number of visitors annually include Blackpool Pleasure Beach, Alton Towers and Drayton Manor. Here's a brief look at what each park has to offer.
For Blackpool Pleasure Beach, Drayton Manor and Alton Towers opening times on specific days of the week, as well as for information about scheduled attractions, you can call the park. But, generally speaking, the parks are open for your enjoyment by 10am.
Blackpool Pleasure Beach
With an estimated 6 million visitors annually, Blackpool Pleasure Beach may be the UK's most visited theme park. Located on the outskirts of the park's 42 acres is the Big Blue Hotel, one of the highest awarded hotels in North West England.
Visitors can enjoy roller coasters, thrill rides, water rides, shows and games. Dozens of restaurants dot the landscape along with a "traditional" family pub. The pub hosts performances by some of the UK's newest pop bands.
The operating season typically runs from February through November, although the hotel and the ice skating rink are open year round. A small section of the park is open to the public during the weeks leading up to Christmas, as well.
Alton Towers
Like Drayton Manor and other theme parks, Alton Towers opening times vary throughout the year. But, unlike other parks, much of it is open year round. Attracting over 3 million visitors in 2008, it is the 11th most visited theme park in Europe and the second most visited in the UK, according to the Themed Entertainment Association's "Attraction Attendance Report".
With two hotels and a Conference Centre, the resort truly offers something for everyone. The roller coaster enthusiast will find Europe's first inverted coaster, the world's first vertical drop coaster and the world's first B&M flying roller coaster.
For everyone else, there are 500 acres of rides, attractions and historic areas, including the ruins of a stately manor for which the park is named.
Drayton Manor
With over a million visitors per year and 280 acres, Drayton Manor is one of the UK's top theme parks and has been a popular "inland pleasure resort" since 1949, when it was first opened. The rides and themed areas are open from March to November. The 15 acre zoo, home to 100 species from around the world, is open year round.
Located near Tamworth in Staffordshire, England, it is now the home to Thomas Land, with rides and attractions featuring characters from the popular kid's TV series Thomas and friends.
With Drayton Manor, Blackpool Pleasure Beach, Alton Towers and many other parks to choose from, there is no shortage of thrill rides in the UK.
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