Top 6 Theme Park destinations for the Summer 2012!

As we know, the days are finally getting longer, nature is turning a new leaf and everyone is slowly coming to the end of a tiring first half of the year.
Students are looking forward to the end of exams and the way the weather has been recently it seems there’s not long to go till the summer holidays! About time to.
This is of course exciting news for millions of people who can’t wait to ditch their massive thick coats and umbrellas for some good ‘ol sun tan and flip flops.

The recent recession has meant that the number of holidays taken abroad by UK residents has dropped by good 17% in the first half of 2009, stated by the Office of National Statistics. This was a massive drop and the numbers are still dropping in 2012. Saying this, there has been a massive increase in the amount of holidays within the UK. Trips to the beach or countryside are becoming more common. People are ditching expensive trips to their villas in Spain and elsewhere and looking to spend on a more ‘wallet-friendly’ holiday in their own country, whether it be camping out in Cornwall or visiting the beach in Blackpool. This may be the case for many families out there but what else exciting is there to do in the UK?

Well my fellow British travellers, I have compiled and collected a list of the Top 6 Theme Park Destinations for summer 2012!
Maybe it’s not for those looking to spend a couple of peaceful nights watching the sun set but for those adrenaline seekers looking for a good time during the summer break – put your seatbelts on as I take you through the Top 6 theme parks of 2012!

Starting at #6 – Legoland

Okay, so this is one of those theme parks that would probably interest the young at heart.
It may not be the best place to go for thrill seekers but those fond memories of a time when you were much younger does tend to flood right back when you see those plastic red and yellow bricks. Admit it, we’ve all tried to build a Lego house when we were younger.
Lego land is perfect for the whole family and there’s so much to do, so much to eat and you can even book a couple of nights there in the newly opened hotel for as cheap as £62.

#5 – Drayton Manor
This may not always be the most talked about theme park but I can assure you it is well worth a visit, at number 5 it is Drayton Manor. The UK’s largest family owned theme park. It has a zoo for all those animal lovers and it’s also packed with many rides that can give you those adrenaline rushes you crave for. For those who would want to spend a few nights there to be able to experience the whole theme park can do so at their 75 bedroom hotel which was open on 15 August 2011.
If you want all round family entertainment Drayton Manor is certainly the place to go.

#4 Chessington
Here we have a classic theme park that opened in 1987 although it was originally just a zoo at first. This park is actually split into 10 separate themes, each having its own location.
The entire park has a lot of attractions, again for the whole family and there is a wide selection for all ages. Don’t forget that the atmosphere is a major part of theme parks and I can assure you that Chessington is the perfect place for a change of atmosphere. The look and feel of the place is just as nice as dining and going on the rides.

#3 Blackpool Pleasure Beach:
The Blackpool amusement park has really got it all! It’s a trip you will never forget with rides including Europe’s tallest rollercoasters, and with an entertainment brand for kids. Nickelodeon land is brilliant for popularising kids with the TV characters whom they know and love. No matter what the weather they have it all up their sleeves with indoor attractions. The fun never stops!

Blackpool Pleasure Beach #3

#2 Thorpe Park
Famously known for Saw, Nemesis, Stealth and more, this theme park has it all!
The most thrilling of all theme parks, it is not for the faint at heart. You need your inner adrenalin ego to come out and say heck yeah! There is a new ride for 2012, ride winged roller coaster The Swarm! I have to stress that the queues may be as long as a hour or two, but do not let that put you off, every ride is well worth it!

Thorpe Park #2

#1 Alton towers
Why not escape to the fabulous world of the Alton Towers Resort. This is the UK’s most popular theme park, with great kids attractions, white-knuckle roller coaster rides, special events and much, much more, Alton Towers Resort is the perfect destination for the whole family! The theme park is open for the main season between 24 March – 4 November 2012 – that means 225 action-packed days of the year. seriously what are you waiting for. Book your tickets now!

Alton Towers #1

[For all theme parks packages and deals may vary]

Top Tips:
Book early online! – If you are looking to visit some of these theme parks it is best to check their websites and book early to save some money, rather than paying at the door which could be double the amount you pay.

Fast Track Tickets! – It would be wise to invest in some ‘fast track’ tickets , to places like Thorpe park, to make the most of your money that day, I would recommend this for those adrenaline seekers who want to experience the top rides and avoid long queues.

Get there early! – don’t take too long to get to the theme park, you need the whole day for this trip. Otherwise you’ll spend more time queuing up for the rides rather than enjoying them.

Do not take valuables!
Things may get damaged, lost or stolen. You wouldn’t want you high tech camera to stop you from enjoying the water splash ride now would you, I suggest a disposable.

Take a packed lunch!
sometimes the food there may be inconvenient and pricey, by taking a sandwich or two, you save a few pennies and can spend more in the souvenir store.

Be prepared!
Make sure you take advantage of the maps they may have to offer, you want to know where rides are rather than spending time having to look for them.