Family Theme Parks: An Indian Summer and Exciting Autumn at British Themeparks

Summer may have been largely a wash-out, but there’s still time for a last ‘hurrah!’, in the sun or the rain, at some of the UK’s world-class themeparks – and you’ll avoid the queues and crowds of the school holidays.

Don’t forget that many themeparks have their own hotels offering accommodation and park entry packages (see our feature on themepark hotels) – very good deals are available as the season draws to a close.

Legoland, Windsor, Berkshire
After a big year that saw the introduction of a whole new land, the Kingdom of the Pharaohs, with rides including Laser Raiders and Scarab Bouncers, Legoland hosts its most exciting event of the year on Oct 24th, 25th, 30th and 31st, and Nov 1st and 7th  – Lego Indiana Jones Fireworks, comprising full days of Indy-inspired activities followed by a fireworks spectacular.
Legoland closes on Nov 9th.

Thorpe Park, Chertsey, Surrey (about 30km from central London)
This year’s headlining new attraction at Thorpe Park was ‘Saw the Ride’, a horror-themed rollercoaster, and from Oct 12th to Nov 1st adrenalin junkies can get their kicks at Fright Nights late-night openings, featuring rides-in-the-dark and live-action horror mazes. Advance online booking is necessary.
Thorpe Park closes on Nov 9th.

Chessington World of Adventures, Surrey (about 18km from central London)
Chessington Park’s autumn offerings also focus on Halloween, with a Hocus Pocus event (Oct 23rd to Nov 1st) including rides in the dark and a new Black Forest Haunt Walk.
Chessington closes on Nov 3rd, although the Zoo and Sea Life Aquarium are open on weekends and selected other days.
For staying over at Chessington, see our review of the Holiday Inn.

Alton Towers, Staffordshire
Perhaps the best of Britain’s themeparks, Alton Towers is extending a ‘Thrill Challenge’ to those who stay over at one of its themed hotels in Sept or Oct, daring visitors to ride all four of its thrill rides (Oblivion, Nemesis, Air, and Rita: Queen of Speed). There’s also a big Halloween event, the Scarefest (Oct 17th–Nov 1st) – and, if you stay over during this time, Trick or Treat rooms with hidden forfeits and prizes plus free spooky movies.
Alton Towers closes on Nov 7th.

Drayton Manor, Staffordshire
Drayton Manor’s main autumn event is its 60th anniversary Diamond Jubilee fireworks and audio-visual spectacular based around its lake (Oct 31st and Nov 1st).
Drayton Manor closes on Nov 2nd. See also our feature on Drayton Manor

Gulliver’s World, Milton Keynes, Matlock Bath (Derbyshire), and Warrington (Cheshire)
These smaller themeparks are hosting Halloween fireworks weekends.  This will also be your last chance to enjoy Dora & Diego’s Great Gulliver’s Adventure, a trail around the parks. Parks are closed for almost all of Nov but open on many days in Dec for Christmas events.