Theme Parks

In the 1990s this iconic building was the ultimate destination for kids and teenagers before it was abruptly abandoned, and it’s now set to get one of the city’s largest

If you were a child in the 90s, or just a kid at heart, then there was one place you would have no doubt wanted to visit on a trip to the capital. London Trocadero, an iconic building set at 30 Shaftesbury Avenue has had many different uses over the years, but among millennials it’s perhaps best known for its time as the ultimate indoor amusement park.

From 1996 to 2011, the Trocadero was home to SegaWorld, later renamed to Funland, a sprawling seven-floor, neon-lit complex that was accessed by a long enclosed ‘Rocket Escalator’. It’s perhaps best remembered for the huge indoor drop ride in the centre, and the floor after floor of coin operated arcade machines from the golden era of gaming.

However, after closing, the venue’s future remained uncertain, and the building lie abandoned for many years. The space had a variety of uses over the years, until 2025 when the Zedwell Piccadilly took over a large part of it, creating a pod hotel with 728 windowless rooms and a large rooftop bar.

Now, there are plans to turn part of the building into a giant branch of JD Wetherspoon, creating one of the largest branches in the capital, and the pub chain’s first-ever venue in London’s Theatreland.

The new pub will be called Piccadilly Hall, taking its name from a historic hall which gave Piccadilly Circus its name back in the 17th-century. It’ll span over 3,600 square feet, offering a massive 280 covers, and will open from 7am until midnight seven days a week.

The venue will serve Wetherspoon’s breakfasts and all-day food and drink menus, and is expected to attract theatre audiences, tourists, and locals thanks to its central location. At the moment, there’s no confirmed opening date for this new London branch.

Earlier this year, Wetherspoon opened its first branch outside of the UK, offering British pub food and Spanish favourites to travellers passing through Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport near Benidorm. The chain also expanded its portfolio with four new branches opening within Haven holiday parks.

Other upcoming openings for the brand include The Sir Ronald Wates in Guildford, which will have the distinction of being the first university-owned Spoons set on a University of Surrey campus. A large branch will also open in Edinburgh in September named The William Chambers, in a building that was once a multi-storey bar and club.

Founder and chairman of JD Wetherspoon, Tim Martin, said: “We are delighted to be opening our first venue in Theatreland in partnership with Criterion Capital. The West End is one of the world’s great hospitality destinations, attracting millions of visitors each year, and we believe this site is exceptionally well suited to the Wetherspoon model of offering good-quality food and drink at reasonable prices in well-managed and historically interesting buildings.”

He added: “We look forward to becoming part of this vibrant area of the West End.”

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IF you’ve got any theme park fanatics in the family, you’ll want to read on.

While the UK’s biggest theme parks are home to some world-class rollercoasters and rides, they aren’t always the kindest to your bank balance.

Once you add up entry for the whole family, parking, and a place to stay for the weekend, sometimes you’re looking at spending hundreds.

But we’ve mapped the most affordable theme parks in the UK, plus cheap hotels and holiday parks nearby.

Research from credit card brand Aqua has found the UK’s top 10 most affordable theme parks.

The rankings are based on factors like the price of a peak-season weekend adult ticket, and bang for your buck when it comes to the number of rollercoasters at the park.

10. The Milky Way Adventure Park / Twinlakes Family Theme Park

In joint-10th place for the best-value theme parks are The Milky Way Adventure Park in North Devon and Twinlakes Family Theme Park in Melton Mowbray.

Both parks have an average adult ticket price of £20, with just three rollercoasters in each park; however, they have plenty of other attractions and lots to do for younger children.

All rides at The Milky Way Adventure Park are included with the cost of your entry, and include the Gravity Rider tubing slide, the Cosmic Caterpillar coaster, and the Milky Way Train, which takes you around the scenic countryside grounds.

Twinlakes Family Theme Park is an all-weather option with indoor activities like soft play and the Davy Jones indoor water ride, plus outdoor fun like a splash park and live falconry performances.

Another plus of both attractions is that you can park for free.

However, when it comes to a place to stay, Twinlakes is drastically cheaper.

A hotel stay near Twinlakes averages £172 per night, whereas it averages £260 for a stay near Milky Way.

For an affordable stay just five minutes down the road from The Milky Way Adventure Park, opt for Parkdean Resorts Bideford Bay Holiday Park.

A two-night stay in June in a Bronze caravan, which sleeps up to six, starts from £141.

If you stay as a group of six, that works out to £11.75pp per night.

For an affordable stay near Twinlakes, try their heated pods. You can stay two nights in a lodge that sleeps up to six, with theme park tickets included, for £199 total.

If you fill the lodge, that works out to just over £33pp for two nights’ accommodation, theme park entry and all of your rides already paid for.

9. Paultons Park

Paultons Park in the New Forest ranks at number nine, with an entry ticket costing a pricey £46.75pp – but there are 10 thrilling rollercoasters here to enjoy, plus plenty more, including a brand new theme park land.

The new £12m Viking-themed land, Valgard – Realm of the Vikings, which opened on May 16, will feature an inverted rollercoaster called Drakon.

The theme park has plenty more to see and do, such as the spooky Ghostly Manor ride and family-friendly, dinosaur-themed coaster Flight of the Pterosaur.

Even though the entry cost is steep, kids under 1m in height go free – plus the cost per coaster, if you ride them all, works out to an affordable £4.68.

When it comes to accommodation, a nearby hotel averages at £234 per night, which brings this theme park down in the rankings.

However, we’ve found an affordable stay at the nearby Sandy Balls holiday village.

A three-night stay in a six-berth luxury caravan from June 29 costs £296 total – working out at £16.44pp per night.

8. Adventure Island

Southend-on-Sea‘s Adventure Island ranks at number eight, and is a free-admission theme park, meaning it’s free to walk around. But to access the rides, you’ll need a £25 wristband.

There are more than 40 rides and attractions to choose from here, including seven rollercoasters.

Popular rides and attractions include Axis, the huge pendulum swing ride, and Rage, a thrilling, twisting rollercoaster.

The cost per ride averages at an affordable £3.57, according to Aqua, making this seaside theme park a wallet-friendly choice.

As for accommodation nearby, the average hotel would set you back £196 per night.

However, a stay at the Premier Inn Southend On Sea (Eastern Esplanade) starts at just £68 a night.

7. Alton Towers Resort

Popular theme park Alton Towers in Stoke-on-Trent comes in at number seven, with an average adult ticket price of £38 for 19 rollercoasters – some of which are world-famous.

Younger children will love the new Bluey coaster and Peter Rabbit Hippity Hop ride, while adrenaline junkies can take on The Smiler or Oblivion.

The average cost per coaster here is £2, so it’s fair to say that you get some great bang for your buck at this theme park.

However, it is worth noting that the cheapest parking available is £13, and the average cost of a nearby hotel is £171 a night.

For a budget-friendly base, opt for the Weathervane Hotel by Greene King Inns, where you can bag a double room for two nights for just £125.

6. Drayton Manor Resort

Drayton Manor in Tamworth offers a great-value family day out, with entry tickets averaging at £30, 12 rollercoasters, and over 50 rides and attractions.

Family favourites include Thomas Land, a Thomas the Tank Engine-themed area with 25 rides and attractions of its own, and adrenaline zones, Vikings and Adventure Cove.

Some of the park’s most popular coasters are The Wave, an inverting coaster, and Gold Rush, the wild west-themed ride that opened in 2024.

The average cost per rollercoaster works out to £2.46. Parking costs a reasonable £10, and the average nearby hotel costs £141 per night.

Stay at the nearby Travelodge Tamworth M42 with double rooms from £28.99 a night.

5. Codona’s

Codona’s Amusement Park in Aberdeen is a traditional beachfront amusement park with seven exciting rollercoasters.

There are several ticket options to choose from, which include various perks like food and rounds of mini golf, but the average adult ticket costs £25.

Popular rides include the Dead Man’s Drop, a tower ride that launches you into the sky before sending you plummeting back down, and the refreshing White Water Log Flume.

There’s also karting, bumper boats, adventure golf and a Ferris wheel that offers spectacular views of the city skyline. The average cost per rollercoaster based on ticket price works out to £3.57 per coaster.

The average hotel cost nearby is £149 per night, but you can stay in a double room at the Holiday Inn Express Aberdeen City Centre from £51 per night.

4. M&D’s Scotland Theme Park

M&D’s in Strathclyde is an all-singing, all-dancing attraction known as Scotland’s Theme Park, and it has an affordable entry cost of £20.

There are both fairground-style rides and thrill coasters here, making M&D’s a fantastic option for a family day out or staycation.

The Runaway Mine Train is a fan-favourite and takes riders through twists and turns through a mining town on an adorable miniature train.

For something more adrenaline-pumping, there’s Freak Out – a spectacular, spinning pendulum ride that can be seen (and heard) from the other side of the park.

The cost per coaster works out to just £2.49, and there’s plenty more weather-proof things to see and do, like 10-pin bowling and exploring one of the largest indoor amusement arcades in Scotland.

The average cost of a hotel in the area is £174 per night, but you can stay 3 minutes away in a double room at the Holiday Inn Express Strathclyde Park from £69 per night.

3. Fantasy Island / Gulliver’s Land

Coming in joint-third for the UK’s best-value theme parks are Fantasy Island in Ingoldmells near Skegness and Gulliver’s Land in Milton Keynes.

The average adult ticket price for both parks is £26. Fantasy Island has 10 rollercoasters, and Gulliver’s Land has just seven.

Fantasy Island offers colourful and thrilling loop rides right on the beach front of seaside town Ingoldmells, plus classics like water rapids, bumper cars and a log flume.

The big three thrill rides at Fantasy Island are The Odyssey, a looping coaster, Millennium, a high-speed ride and The Volcano, a tower ride that shoots you high into the sky.

Gulliver’s Land, on the other hand, focuses on rides and attractions for primarily younger children.

There are rides like The Wriggler, a caterpillar coaster, and the Rockin’ Tug, a gentle pirate boat ride.

Mini thrill seekers can also enjoy the tall Tree Top Swings, or soar into the skies on the 360° ride Dragon Siege.

There’s also a dinosaur sculpture area, and a farm park where you can meet the animals.

The average cost per rollercoaster at Gulliver’s Land is £3.71, whereas at Fantasy Island it works out to £2.61.

But Gulliver’s Land takes the edge when it comes to parking, as you can park for free, whereas parking at Fantasy Island starts at £8.

The average cost for a hotel near both theme parks is £135.

For a cheap place to stay near Fantasy Island, book a Silver Caravan at Coastfields in Ingoldmells – three nights over a weekend in a six-berth caravan starts from £205 total in June.

And for somewhere to stay near Gulliver’s Land, go for the Holiday Inn Express Milton Keynes, where you can bag a double room with a hot breakfast included from £86 per night.

2. Lightwater Valley Family Adventure Park

Lightwater Valley in North Yorkshire ranks as the second best-value UK theme park, with an average adult ticket price of £25.

With a lineup of 11 family-friendly coasters to choose from, riding each works out to just £2.23 per ride.

There are wholesome, family-friendly coasters like the Ladybird and Spin Bug, and fun extras like a Jeep Safari as well as several miniature train rides.

Plus, 2026 brings a new ride, the Spinning Racer, to the park, a colourful, curving rollercoaster that looks like a giant Scalextric track.

While you can park for free, which is a plus, the average cost of a hotel nearby is a hefty £222 a night.

Luckily, we’ve found a much cheaper option. You can book a double room at the Premier Inn Thirsk hotel from £57 per night.

1. Blackpool Pleasure Beach

The best-value theme park according to the data is family-favourite Blackpool Pleasure Beach.

While the average adult ticket price is £32, there are a whopping 26 coasters to have a go on – that works out to a cost of £1.22 per ride.

Rollercoasters include the Big One, with a 235ft drop, and Launch Pad, which shoots you to speeds of 80mph.

There are also dark rides like the Ghost Train and Valhalla, plus Nickelodeon-themed rides like SpongeBob’s Splash Bash and the toddler-friendly Bikini Bottom Bus Tour.

Plus, there’s a major new ride coming this year – the £8m Aviktas, a record-breaking gyro swing ride, is set to become the tallest in the UK, at 138ft tall, and is set to open this month.

The cheapest available parking nearby is £15, and the average price for a hotel in the area is £121.

For a budget-friendly base for your Blackpool staycation, stay at Haven Marton Mere, where four nights in a saver caravan which sleeps four starts at £49 this June.

One iconic Disney movie now has its own official area at Disneyland Paris, and we got to enjoy the incredible opening ceremony as well as enjoying the brand new ride that Disney fans have been long anticipating

It’s difficult to believe that 13 years have passed since Frozen first graced our cinema screens. The adventures of Elsa and Anna soon became one of the most commercially successful animated pictures ever made, with its follow-up arriving in 2019. This means virtually every parent with primary school-aged children will, at some stage, find themselves able to reel off every word to Let It Go.

My seven year old daughter has kept the Frozen films on constant repeat on Disney+ for years. There’s something about the heartwarming stories of the two sisters that proves utterly captivating for her generation, even though she wasn’t born when the films originally came out. So when the opportunity arose to visit Disneyland Paris for the launch of Disney Adventure World featuring the World of Frozen – previously known as Walt Disney Studios Park – I responded with an enthusiastic yes.

The attraction forms part of ambitious expansion schemes for Disneyland Paris, and features stunning landscaped gardens surrounding a lake, brand-new dining venues and retail outlets, and arguably most importantly, the opportunity to enter Arendelle itself and become immersed in the magic. Not only was this my maiden voyage to Arendelle, it was also a first Disney adventure for both myself and my daughter, which made it all the more exciting.

Before the official opening back in March, we were treated to an exclusive preview, allowing us to explore the town at leisure, and it’s genuinely breathtaking. While Frozen is set in an imaginary kingdom, it draws heavily on Norwegian influences, and the park has recreated this flawlessly.

Against the striking backdrop of an enormous artificial North Mountain — where you can spot Elsa’s frozen palace shimmering in the distance — charming wooden structures are dotted throughout, packed with little nods to the film that will thrill Frozen fans.

Following a stroll around the lake soaking up the scenery, we kicked off our day with a visit to get my daughter’s hair styled. There’s a rustic wooden cabin beside the lake where children can select from an array of Scandinavian-inspired hairstyles including plaits and updos, finished with Frozen-themed hair embellishments. Face painting and flower crowns are also available for that authentic Arendelle style.

We also had a look inside the new Nordic Crowns Tavern, a welcoming spot at the heart of the park offering fast-service dining choices. The menu featured meatballs, fish, and other foods that complement the overall Scandinavian atmosphere of Arendelle.

But the star attraction is undoubtedly the World of Frozen ride, and so climbing aboard a boat, we set off into the unknown. The experience perfectly retells the story from the first film, guiding you through various scenes where you’ll spot familiar faces from the trolls, or love experts, to Sven, before going up a steep incline towards Elsa’s frozen fortress.

As the melody of Let It Go echoes around you, your boat suddenly hurtles backwards at pace, before you’re hurled from the North Mountain by the fearsome Marshmallow down a dramatic plunge. One tip for riders – don’t leave anything you don’t want soaked on the floor. I ended up having to use a hairdryer on my passport after my backpack got drenched through.

You then enjoy a firework display accompanied by delightful Frozen songs. My seven year old absolutely adored the experience, and it proved to be a trip highlight. And yes, we took a second spin — it would have been rude not to.

Time your arrival well and you can catch a Celebration in Arendelle, where beloved characters perform a spectacular show on boats across the water, and naturally, you can arrange a meet and greet with Anna and Elsa – although advance booking is required for this.

For those wanting to enjoy more Disney princess encounters without the lengthy waits, the new Regal View Restaurant is essential. I must confess, it feels somewhat strange stepping into an upscale restaurant after a morning spent at a theme park, and I felt rather underdressed compared to the elegant interior adorned with oil paintings and Disney-inspired ceramics.

That said, the staff were nothing short of delightful. As we settled in and enjoyed a three-course French meal, complete with charming nods to Disney princesses — from edible rose petals to dainty crowns — the princesses strolled between the tables to meet guests.

We were lucky enough to meet four princesses from the comfort of our seats, including Jasmine and Mulan, and each one was brilliantly professional and wonderfully engaging. My little one can be on the shy side when meeting characters, but they soon had her chatting away and practising princess twirls, and we had ample time to snap plenty of photos.

It’s certainly not a budget option, at €100 for adults and €50 for children for the set menu (roughly £86 and £43), but it made for a thoroughly relaxed and enjoyable experience — one that’s truly worth saving for a special occasion.

Amid all the buzz surrounding the World of Frozen, the brand-new Tangled ride was somewhat overlooked, though it’s an absolute gem for younger children. On Raiponce Tangled Spin, you gently drift around on spinning boats beneath a canopy of lanterns, making it the ideal attraction for little ones.

That evening, we made our way to the opening ceremony, where in a spectacular burst of glitter and confetti, the gates were flung wide open. Much like the iconic moment in the original film when the gates of Arendelle parted, there was an electric rush of excitement as we followed a brass band belting out beloved Frozen tunes.

French singer Santa took to the stage to perform Let It Go, amongst other songs, officially marking the park’s opening, with visitors making a beeline for the new ride and the chance to meet the princesses.

Rounding off the experience at the World of Frozen is a brand-new night-time spectacular, Disney Cascade of Lights, set on the lake. Combining drones, fireworks and pyrotechnics, it’s a breathtaking achievement and the ideal way to close the day for any Disney fan.

All in all, World of Frozen made for a magical experience and stands as one of the crown jewels of Disneyland Paris. As a first-time visitor to Disney, expectations were high, and the extraordinary attention to detail and outstanding entertainment on offer in Arendelle more than delivered. But above all else, watching my daughter wander around wide-eyed with wonder throughout the entire visit made every moment of the journey absolutely worthwhile.

Find out more on disneylandparis.com.

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Parents who are wondering how to fill the six week holidays should take a look at this offer on Merlin passes, which not only offer unlimited park visits, but also other passholder perks

Merlin has launched a summer sale that slashes the cost of annual passes and monthly memberships in time for the six-week school holidays.

The sale, launched today by the owner of a number of theme parks and attractions across the UK, means theme park fans can enjoy discounts on both Gold and Platinum passes, as well as monthly memberships, giving them unlimited access to over 20 UK attractions. These include Thorpe Park, Alton Towers, LEGOLAND, and Chessington.

Best of all, if you opt for a Gold membership at the discounted price of £16.99 a month, this works out cheaper than a monthly Netflix Premium subscription, which costs £18.99 a month. So, you can enjoy lots of days out with the kids and screen-free time over the summer without worrying about entry fees.

You can currently buy an annual pass at Gold or Platinum level with £50 off the total price. This brings Gold membership down from £239 to £189 a year, and Platinum down from £299 to £249. If you prefer to pay monthly, the sale has slashed Gold from £19.99 a month to £16.99, and Platinum from £24.99 to £20.99.

Gold memberships, whether annual or monthly, include 364 days’ entry to over 20 Merlin attractions, free parking, and 20% off food, drinks, and shopping. Platinum members get these perks with no exclusion dates, four bring-a-friend passes, a free one-shot Fastrack per visit, and other extras.

While it’s not included in the sale, there’s also the cheapest Merlin Essentials pass for £139 a year, which offers unlimited access for 339 days of the year. However, parents should note that exclusion dates include Saturdays in August, at the peak of the school holidays.

Merlin’s parks are set to be popular with families this summer thanks to the addition of some major new rides aimed at the younger crowd. The brand-new World of PAW Patrol at Chessington World of Adventures Resort opened in early May, and includes four pup-themed rides, play areas, and meet and greets. Over at Alton Towers, CBeebies Land also recently opened Bluey the Ride: Here Come The Grannies!, a must-visit for fans of the Heeler family.

In addition to its well-known theme parks, Merlin also operates a range of family-friendly attractions that make perfect school holiday days out. These include the London Eye, SEA LIFE centres, Madame Tussauds, and Cadbury World, meaning it’s easy to make the most out of your pass.

For comparison, booking a day ticket to Alton Towers starts at £34, so if you live near a Merlin theme park or visit a lot, you could soon get your money’s worth.

If you’re planning a one-off visit, then Cadbury is currently running a promotion on selected packs offering half-price tickets. Simply pick up an eligible product and visit fun.cadbury.co.uk to enter your barcode to receive a discount code and a link to book your tickets at 50% off.

The Merlin Pass Summer Sale ends June 28. For more information or to purchase, visit the Merlin website.

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A FAMILY attraction said to be “one of the best attractions in Scotland” is getting a major upgrade.

Landmark Forest Adventure Park in Carrbridge, Scotland is to open a new toboggan-style ride in time for summer.

The ride will be in the Forest Adventure Zone at the amusement park and feature six lanes ideal for family races.

The first of its kind experience will weave through the ancient pinewood forest, with both open-air and undercover sections.

And it won’t be the only new arrival at the ‘all inclusive’ amusement park, where all attractions both indoors and outdoors are included in the ticket price.

Kids eager to let off steam will be able to jump on new bouncing pillows and tackle an obstacle course.

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There will also be a new hexagonal swing, climbing frame and an accessibility roundabout.

For little kids, there will be musical instruments and a sand pit too.

Landmark Forest Adventure Park opened back in 1970 and has over 22 indoor and outdoor attractions including Wild Water Coasters, a Butterfly House and Dinosaur Kingdom.

There have been several new additions over the past five years as well, including an aerial net adventure and treetop trail.

One recent visitor said: “An absolute must for anyone visiting anywhere around Carrbridge.

“There is something for all ages to enjoy and everything is the very best quality.

“Landmark is easily one of the best attractions in Scotland and it never ever disappoints.

“Rain or shine, this is the place to be for wholesome family fun.”

Tickets cost from £34 per adult and £32 per child over three-years-old.

Nowhere on earth parties like they do at Universal Studios. Writer Ali Graves went to discover the biggest fiesta in Florida, and fell in love with theme park celebrations

If you’re anything like me, theme parks typically conjure up images of drizzle, uninspiring grub and middling attractions that leave you feeling a bit green around the gills… until now.

Enter Universal Studios Florida, which blew away all my preconceptions with their Mardi Gras celebration. Wave goodbye to lacklustre hot dogs and say hello to succulent grilled steaks (yes, actual steaks!), delicious Chinese dishes and sophisticated cocktails… and that’s only scratching the surface.

Universal Studios Florida excels at delivering brilliantly themed seasonal celebrations — from festive cheer at Christmas to their spectacular Halloween Horror Nights — there’s consistently something to get excited about. I experienced their Mardi Gras event first-hand, which takes place each year between February and April (exact dates vary annually, but there’s ample opportunity to organise your visit for next the next one), reports OK!.

This is when the entire venue transforms into a dazzling display of gold, purple and green, with 13 food and beverage stations scattered throughout to help you embrace the carnival spirit in proper style. Additionally, there are numerous other entertainment offerings to suit all tastes, regardless of age. Better still, the majority of these bonus attractions are covered by your standard park admission ticket. And just wait until you discover what else…

Mardi Gras at Universal Studios is Florida’s ‘biggest party’ The dazzling, lively and captivating Mardi Gras parade takes place every evening (weather permitting), showcasing the most stunning New Orleans-style floats, enthusiastic dancers and performers, and the finest bead tosses – thrown by you, the park visitors.

The floats boast remarkable authenticity, having been designed, styled and decorated by Kern Studios, the very same firm responsible for crafting many of the grandest and most iconic floats seen in the New Orleans Mardi Gras parades.

For those wanting to elevate their parade experience, why not ride aboard a float through the park? That’s right – you can actually hop on and throw beads for fellow guests to catch below. It’s a guaranteed way to feel like a celebrity while soaking up the electric atmosphere from high above.

How to get the best views at the Mardi Gras parade

I found myself aboard the Bayou float with Mardi Gras jazz music pumping and swamp-like fog billowing from the sides as I hurled purple and green beads to eager fans below – it’s an absolute must-do if you get the chance.

There are two ways to secure your spot – once you’re inside the park, it demands quick thinking and a bit of luck via the Studios app. Check around 2pm and 5pm, searching for Mardi Gras parade. Virtual queue slots appear randomly and disappear within the hour. If you’ve not managed to bag a place by 5pm, head over to the Animal Actors on Location theatre – occasionally they release unclaimed slots.

The guaranteed route, however, is through the park’s new-for-2026 Float Ride and Dine Experience. It’s a paid option costing $94.99, but it secures your place and includes a three-course meal at a participating Universal restaurant – Lombard’s Seafood Grille, Café La Bamba or selected Citywalk venues.

Bear in mind that experiencing the parade from street level can be equally thrilling. Be amongst those catching armfuls of beads as you groove to the music and soak up the spectacular sights and sounds from the ground. For prime viewing, position yourself outside The Mummy or The Bourne Stuntacular to witness the floats in all their magnificence. Alternatively, if you’ve got youngsters under 10 in tow, settle in front of the Brown Derby Hat Shop – a clear viewing area specifically designated for children which opens an hour before the parade kicks off.

The best food to find when you’re at Universal Studios

Long gone are the days when theme park fare was boring and uninspiring. This event showcases authentic Southern and Cajun flavours, with dining choices to suit every member of the family.

Scattered throughout the park you’ll discover food stalls themed around various countries. The shrimp fried rice and milk boba tea at China, alongside jerk chicken and Rasta Pasta at Jamaica were personal highlights, though you’ll also encounter premium steak cuts in Brazil and wild salmon in Chile. Each food item comes with a price tag, so grab yourself a special dining card for $65, which gives you $75 worth of food and drinks. The added perk is that any leftover credit can be rolled over and spent elsewhere around the park.

Free gigs are included in the tickets

Your entry includes access to live concerts right inside the park. The 2026 line-up was absolutely brilliant, featuring the likes of Kaskade, Joey Fatone and AJ McLean (of noughties groups N Sync and Backstreet Boys) and The All-American Rejects. I spent one evening watching Bebe Rexha and another catching world-acclaimed DJ, Zedd. The atmosphere was absolutely buzzing at both performances, and they play for roughly an hour, so make sure you get yourself a drink beforehand and head over to the Music Plaza Stage.

How to book your trip to Universal Studios Florida

All Parks ticket prices start from £430pp based on June arrivals, for 14 days unlimited park-to-park admission (Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, Epic Universe and Volcano Bay). Book at floridatix.com or call 0330 100 3130. Fly with Norse Atlantic Airways, from £196 one-way. For Premium Business class flights from £925 return.

UNIVERSAL is opening a brand-new ‘kids resort’ theme park dedicated to families with younger children.

It will open seven different worlds around popular TV and film characters like Shrek, Spongebob Squarepants and the Minions.

Universal announced yesterday that it will open its Universal Kids Resort in Frisco, Texas, on July 1.

Sharon Parker, Director of Marketing and Sales for Universal Kids Resort, told NBC 5: “This is a theme park built with kids in mind.

“At the end of the day, we think that the inner child in all of us is going to brought to life once those families come to the park.”

Inside will be seven-themed lands inspired by Shrek, SpongeBob SquarePants, Jurassic World, Minions, Trolls, Puss in Boots, and Gabby’s Dollhouse.

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As it’s designed for children between 3-8, the experiences will be ‘kid-sized’ and will include immersive attractions.

Activities include a Trolls dance party, Puss in Boots-themed puppet show, sensory gardens, character meet-and-greets and water play.

In its social media post about the grand-opening – other rides include rollercoasters, swing rides, a playground, lazy river ride and splash park.

Along with the park, a new Universal Kids Resort Hotel will open just a few steps away from the entrance.

It will have a colourful exterior and inside will be 300 rooms and family suites, three restaurants and a swimming pool.

The hotel will accept stays that start on June 30 – the day before the park officially opens.

Rooms include Standard Queen, Deluxe Queen, and Signature Queen rooms, which can sleep up to five guests, and the Family Suites, which can sleep up to six guests.

Staying at the hotel means guests get early bird admission one hour before the park opens, and access through a dedicated entrance.

When it comes to shopping, whatever hotel guests buy will be delivered the room so they won’t have to carry it around during the day.

Tickets to the park are now on sale – there are one and two-day admissions.

One-day tickets start from $54.99 (£40.98) and two-day admissions start from $73.99 (£55.15) – this pass must be used in two consecutive days.

There’s also an annual pass option too for entry all year costing $129.99 (£96.88).

The resort is launching packages too – for example, a package would include a two-night hotel stay, early park admission and a ‘1.5-Day’ admission ticket.

Universal has finally shared an opening date for its highly-anticipated theme park complete with lands inspired by Shrek, Jurassic World and the Minions

Universal is set to open its huge new theme park later this year, with seven lands including attractions inspired by Shrek, Jurassic World, SpongeBob SquarePants and the Minions.

Universal Kids Resort will open this summer in Frisco, Texas, and the theme park giant has finally revealed its opening date; July 1, 2026. It’s the brand’s first ever ‘theme park specifically designed for kids’, and will be aimed at families with younger children, although there will likely be plenty that grown-ups can enjoy too.

The new theme park will be divided up into seven themed lands; DreamWorks’ Shrek’s Swamp, Jurassic World Adventure Camp, Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants Bikini Bottom, Illumination’s Minions vs. Minions: Bello Bay Club, DreamWorks’ TrollsFest, DreamWorks’ Puss in Boots Del Mar and the Isle of Curiosity featuring DreamWorks’ Gabby’s Dollhouse.

That also includes a brand new Universal Kids Resort Hotel complete with 300 rooms and suites, restaurants, an outdoor pool and “other family-friendly amenities” although the resort is remaining fairly tight-lipped about exactly what will be on offer.

You can already book tickets and hotel packages at universalkidsresort.com. For Brits who want to visit, the nearest airport is Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), with airlines including British Airways and Finnair both offering direct routes from London Heathrow. According to Skyscanner, you can find fares from £393 in July if you’re keen to be among the first to explore the new theme park!

Of course Universal already has some world-famous theme parks in the USA including Universal Studios Hollywood, and its Orlando resort with various theme parks, including the new Epic Universe offering. If you’re looking to visit on a budget, the likes of AttractionTix and FloridaTix both offer a series of deals including combo tickets if you’re also planning to visit Walt Disney World during your Florida getaway. You can also find out more at universalorlando.com.

There’s good news for Brits too, as plans for a UK theme park are on the way. The theme park, which will be located at the site of a former brickworks, is expected to employ around 8,000 people once complete, with around 20,000 construction jobs during the build, and is expected to represent a £50billion boost to the UK economy.

Last year, the UK government gave the go-ahead for the complex to be built in Kempston Hardwick in Bedfordshire. Universal has confirmed that the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) had approved the plans.

At the time, Universal published a letter saying the update was an important milestone. The company said: “In the months ahead, we are committed to sharing progress as well as what to expect including job opportunities and how local businesses and suppliers can potentially work with us. The interest and support we’ve already seen from both local companies and residents has been incredibly encouraging.”

Over the summer, Universal said the theme park will be “unlike anything that exists in the UK” as it could feature the tallest rides in Europe – with height limits reaching up to 115m.

A HUGE water attraction launching in the UK for the first time has revealed plans for five more attractions across the country.

Therme Manchester – a giant water attraction with pools, saunas and beaches – is currently under construction and now new plans have been revealed to build more Therme attractions in the UK.

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According to Spa Business, David Russell, CEO of Therme UK explained that new locations under consideration include Glasgow in Scotland; Cardiff in Wales,Bristol; London and possibly Birmingham.

The first of these to open would be Glasgow, where the site would be around the same size as Therme’s attraction in Bucharest, Romania, spanning 2,787sqm.

The site would be between the Kelvin and Clyde rivers, opposite Glasgow’s Transport Museum.

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The site is only in the early stages with Therme currently working on the lease for the location.

The plans are part of Therme’s ’90:90′ aim – 90 per cent of the UK public being within 90 minutes of a Therme attraction.

Therme also has a number of other attractions planned for the rest of the world, such as in Toronto, Canada; Washington and Dallas, America; Seoul, Korea; Singapore; Dubai, UAE and Frankfurt, Germany.

It comes as more details have been revealed about Therme Manchester which is currently under construction and is set to open in late 2028.

The £500million attraction is set to host up to 2.8million people each year, with a maximum of 6,500 to 7,000 at the attraction at any one time.

Inside visitors can expect a large-scale waterpark split into three zones (Play, Relax and Restore) heated to 33C, with numerous spa and wellness facilities.

In the Play zone, visitors will find ‘next-generation’ water slides, as well as a wave pool, warm water pool, steam rooms, saunas and lounging and family dining experiences.

This zone will boast an outdoor beach too.

In the Relax zone – which will be adults-only – there will be a “focus on premium wellbeing experiences”, which includes indoor and outdoor pools, waterfall showers, mineral baths, steam rooms, saunas and casual dining.

In the Restore Zone – which is also an adults-only area – there will be “industry leading health, nutrition and wellbeing therapies”, “sauna rituals”, experience showers, wellbeing consultations and dining.

Therme Manchester will also have some of the latest technology including robots that will take guests’ belongings and store them away.

Guests will get a wristband which they scan each time they want paid-for experiences inside Therme, as well as food.

Russell even shared that visitors will be able to get a discount if they arrive at Therme by public transport.

Visiting the new attraction is set to cost £48 per person.

Russell said: “There won’t be anywhere in this country that has the facilities we have in terms of slides, pools, thermal pools, cryotherapy, snow rooms, heat rooms – like 30 saunas.

“We want to do it through volume and that’s brave because it’s a challenge. But it’s a leap of faith.”

WITH the sun shining brightly across the country, many families are itching to get out to a waterpark and cool off from the soaring spring heat.

And there’s no more fun way to cool off than in a waterpark – and the UK is home to plenty of world-class ones, with thrilling slides, rides and even their own spas.

Whether you want to try an adrenaline-fuelling trap-door waterslide, tackle a Total Wipeout-style obstacle course, or let a lazy river do all the work – we’ve got you covered.

From indoor tropical waterparks with adults-only spas, to the UK’S largest wave pool and water rollercoaster, we’ve rounded up the top waterparks for families of all ages.

And to top it all off, the entry prices start from £5.31pp – proving you can have an action-packed summer day out on a budget.

Here are some of the best on offer across the UK…

Waterworld, Stoke-on-Trent

Crowned the UK’s number one indoor tropical aqua park, Waterworld is a massive water wonderland packed with over 30 different rides.

The top attraction for adrenaline junkies is Thunderbolt – the UK’s very first trap-door drop waterslide.

You stand inside a capsule, wait for the floor to drop beneath your feet, and plummet straight down a vertical flume at a staggering 25mph.

For more thrills, you can tackle Hurricane, a high-speed slide that hurls you down at 17mph through glow-in-the-dark neon lighting.

For something a little more family-friendly, the newly refurbished Python ride has plenty of slithery twists and turns that are gentle enough for toddlers.

You’ve also got a classic wave pool and fast-flowing rapids that swirl you around the tropical temperature waters.

Plus, if you visit when the weather‘s hot, you can soak up the sunshine outside.

The park has an outdoor pool and sun loungers where parents can relax while kids splash around.

You can also wind down in the calming bubble pools and relaxation areas, or hit the on-site restaurant to refuel the family on fresh pizza, bubble waffles, and thick milkshakes.

Single tickets start at £17.50 online for adults and children, including spectators. Baby tickets cost £7. Make sure to book online in advance, as walk-in tickets will cost you up to £8.50 extra.

Sandcastle Waterpark, Blackpool

Sandcastle Waterpark is the UK’s largest and home to Britain’s longest indoor water rollercoaster and 18 thrilling rides.

If you want to feel like you’re on holiday abroad, head here for a 29C tropical climate.

The Masterblaster holds the record for the UK’s longest indoor rollercoaster waterslide, with a 200m stretch of water tubing fun.

Meanwhile, the Sidewinder is the world’s first indoor half-pipe waterslide, resembling a giant, slippery skating ramp.

For the little ones, there’s the Treetops Water Chutes, multi-lane slides perfect for racing, and the HMS Thunder Splash – a giant pirate ship packed with water activities.

Another kid-friendly favourite is the Caribbean Storm Treehouse, a massive water climbing frame complete with a giant coconut that dumps 600 gallons of water onto unsuspecting swimmers every few minutes.

If you need a breather from the screaming and splashing, grown-ups can escape to the Sea Breeze Spa.

For an extra £7, adults can spend three hours unwinding in the sauna and steam room while making use of the foot spas and aromatherapy room.

And for the ultimate VIP treatment, you can upgrade to a Tiki Cabana experience.

For £60pp, adults get access to a private oasis with their own hot tub, a flatscreen TV, a fridge packed with cold drinks, and a dining and seating area.

You also get full-day admission to the waterpark and a meal deal included in the price.

Tickets start at £25.50 for ages 8+, £16.50 for children aged 3 -7, with under 3s going free. Make sure to book online in advance, as same-day tickets can cost you £2 extra.

Alton Towers Waterpark, Staffordshire

You don’t need to brave the theme park’s rollercoasters for an action-packed day out at Alton Towers.

The Alton Towers Waterpark at the Splash Landings Hotel is a massive, tropical-themed park with Caribbean-type temperatures in the middle of the Staffordshire countryside.

The Wacky Waterworks Treehouse is a sprawling interactive play area packed with more than 70 interactive features, including water cannons, pull-cords, and buckets.

Thrill-seekers can twist and turn down the Rush ‘N’ Rampage waterslides, or slip down the outdoor Flash Floods slides into a giant pool – perfect for a sunny day.

And if you just want to take it easy, you can drift along the lazy river or laze on a lounger while the kids hit the slides.

When you want something to eat, head to the Calypso Cave for lunches like burgers and chicken tenders, or grab an ice cream float or sundae from the Ice Cream Shack.

Tickets start at £18 online for adults and children, with those under 90cm going free. There are also parent and toddler tickets from £23. Make sure to book online for the best rates.

Dorset Adventure Park

If you prefer muddy knees, fresh air, the sun on your back and giant outdoor obstacles, Dorset Adventure Park is for you.

Set across two massive lakes on the grounds of Corfe Castle, Dorset Adventure Park is home to an action-packed outdoor inflatable course.

The Total Wipeout-style floating playground has huge trampolines, balance beams, wobbly bridges, and high-flying slides that launch you straight into the lake.

Plus, little ones even have their own inflatable, Splash Castle, manned by lifeguards and designed for kids aged 2 to 6.

If that isn’t muddy enough for the kids, the park is also home to a legendary Mud Trail.

On this 2km assault course, you can tackle mud pits, climbing walls, cargo nets, and tyre crawls that guarantee nobody leaves clean.

Back on dry land, the grounds have plenty more to see and do. There’s everything from axe throwing to relaxing woodland sauna pods.

For a bite to eat, the Snack Shack and Watering Hole have hot food, ice-cold drinks and ice creams with views of Corfe Castle.

The park provides wetsuit and buoyancy aid hire too, so you don’t need to worry about bringing anything other than a towel and a change of clothes.

Tickets start at £22pp for waterpark admission, £11 for the Mud Trail and £5 per child for Splash Castle.

The Wave, Coventry

Home to the largest wave pool in the UK which cycles 20 million litres of water per day, The Wave in Coventry is a high-tech indoor waterworld.

Above the huge pool are six speedy waterslides, including the colourful Cascade with its bright lights and The Rapids water coaster, described by the park as the ‘Big Dipper’ rollercoaster on water.

There’s also The Riptide, a rubber-ring ride that launches you down an exhilarating 90-degree angle.

The Cyclone, on the other hand, hurls you around a massive open bowl before dropping you out of the bottom.

Families with toddlers can head straight to The Reef, a colourful splash zone packed with mini-slides and water jets away from the big flumes.

Adults can slip away to the dedicated lane-swimming pool, work out at the fitness centre, or book into the luxurious Mana Spa to use its steam room, sauna, or enjoy a relaxing massage.

Tickets start at £15 per adult, £13 for ages 11 and under with under 1’s going free.

Time Capsule Water Park, Scotland

The Time Capsule Water Park in Coatbridge, Lanarkshire is an affordable option with plenty of activities for mixed-age families.

Plus this waterpark is attached to an indoor ice rink, making it an ideal spot to visit and cool off on a hot day.

Inside you’ll find a lazy river, splash zones and waterslides, plus water cannons and a giant tipping bucket.

The most unique attraction here is the Tornado Tantrum – a setup of 10m-high Storm Chasers, thunder and lightning effects and twisting water flumes.

For families with young children, the Cove Island area has plenty of splash play zones for toddlers.

There’s also a Tiny Tots Play Zone on site, a soft play area for children aged 5 and under.

Head to the Tsunami Café for poolside burgers or a sit down with a cold drink.

The Time Capsule Water Park is one of the most affordable on the list, costing £6.50 per adult to enter and £4.50 per child. There is also free parking available.

LC Swansea Waterpark, Wales

LC Swansea is Wales‘ biggest water park, packed with exciting rides, relaxing pools and even an indoor surfing machine.

Try out surfing or body-boarding on the Boardrider – a never-ending wave machine built for those who want to learn to ride waves like a pro.

Here you’ll also find the MasterBlaster water coaster, launching rubber ring riders uphill before gravity plummets them back down into the pool.

Younger kids can make a splash at Volcano Bay, an interactive zone with fountains, a smaller slide and tipping buckets.

For a slower pace, you can drift along the peaceful, lazy river or soothe your muscles in the bubbling whirlpool.

There’s a range of sessions to book, including Toddler Splash early mornings, women’s only and evening splash sessions.

To burn off some energy outside of the pool, there’s a water-themed Climb and Play area with four storeys of obstacles plus a 30ft climbing wall.

There’s also a Costa Coffee on site, plus a shop where you can pick up any extras you might need like swim hats and goggles.

Tickets start at £5.31 per adult or child for a General Splash session, with infant tickets for ages 1 to 3 starting at £2.97 and under 1s going free.

A BRAND new aquapark is coming to a UK town just in time for the summer holidays.

Featuring slides, climbing walls and a splash zone, the inflatable waterpark will be open until the autumn.

Located at Hinchingbrooke Country Park in Cambridgeshire, the brand new aquapark will be open to the public from July 18.

The inflatable park promises a day out of full of water-based fun, including slides, balance beams, climbing walls and splash zones.

Aimed at visitors aged six and over, the temporary water attraction will be open in time for the summer holidays and remain in place until September.

Visitors are able to pre-book online now, and the park expects demand to be high throughout the summer.

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Tickets cost £19 per person and include a buoyancy aid, helmet and wetsuit hire.

From mid-July, the aquapark will be open from 10am to 5pm, with each session lasting an hour.

The new inflatable is part of a larger ongoing investment into Hinchingbrooke Country Park, improving its leisure activities and encouraging more visitors to the park’s large natural surroundings.

Executive member for Parks and Countryside, Waste and Street Scene, Cllr Julie Kerr, said: “We’re thrilled to be bringing this exciting new attraction to Hinchingbrooke Country Park.

“It’s a fantastic addition for residents and visitors alike, and part of our ongoing commitment to improving and evolving the park to enhance leisure and outdoor opportunities for users now and in the future.”

Hinchingbrooke Country Park even wants the community to get involved in an important aspect of the opening of the park.

In a post on Facebook, the park called upon residents to submit ideas for a new name for the aquapark, with the winner receiving a free visit for the entire family.

“Think adventurous, fun, family-friendly or inspired by Hinchingbrooke and the local area – we can’t wait to see your ideas,” read the post.

Entries for the competition close on Friday, June 5, and the winner will be announced shortly afterwards.

Some concerns were raised on the Hinchingbrooke Facebook post regarding the local wildlife of the area, but the park revealed they had worked “closely with an independent ecologist to understand how this could impact the wider park”.

An Ecological Impact Assessment was conducted and the park confirmed that their project team is now “working closely” with park rangers to “ensure all recommendations and any appropriate ecological mitigation is completed”.

The park will also be designating specific lake zones purely to wildlife and “adding an additional tern raft”.

The nearby car park is also currently undergoing works, but the park has confirmed this is expected to be complete by the time the aquapark opens.

A POPULAR aquapark is reopening for the summer – and it’s coming with a brand new attraction.

Families will be able to enjoy the thrill-seeking ride alongside other water activities

Hangloose Adventure Bluewater, based at Bluewater Shopping Centre in Kent, has reopened for the summer season with a new towering attraction – a six-meter mega slide.

Named ‘El Jefe’ – the boss in Spanish- the super slide marks the latest addition to the park’s floating inflatable course.

Families can now navigate over 15 obstacles, climb balance beams, and complete the course on ‘El Jefe’, which will see them soar into the water below.

Described as an ‘exhilarating experience’ by the park, children as young as seven will be able to take part – as long as they reach the minimum height requirement of 1.2 meters.

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Alongside the relaunch of the aqua park, Hangloose Adventure is also introducing a Thursday-only zipline offer.

Those who book a zipline ride will be able to have a second ride for free on the same day, with the promotion running until June 25.

The water park operates for seven days a week during the summer season, from 10am to 5pm.

Located in The Domes, Greenhithe, the park has been highly rated online.

The area also features a host of big attractions, including England’s longest zipline, Europe’s biggest swing, and the UK’s only outdoor indoor skydive tunnel.

For your chance to try out ‘El Jefe’ in person, a day out at the waterpark costs just £67 for a family of four.

A THEME park in Europe often compared to Disneyland is launching a new ride.

Opening this winter,Dutch theme park Efteling will launch Ravenring in the Raveleijn themed world, which was recently upgraded.

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According to Efteling, the ride will be “a rotating, floating experience where visitors will feel like they’re flying along on the raven’s wings”.

In total the ride will feature 18 winged vehicles, able to hold up to 36 riders.

To go on the ride, each passenger will have to be at least one-metre tall.

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The new ride will be found just outside of the walls of Raveleijn and at the centre of the ride there will be the Raven Medallion.

Across the ride there will also be banners with the five elements featured in Raveleijn.

At the end of the ride, visitors will find out which of the five elements matches them, from either water (blue), fire (red), wood (green), earth (brown) or metal (purple).

The transformation of Raveleijn was announced back in August last year, and will include a fully renewed show with a new storyline and special effects.

The new show will also open this winter.

Guests have previously compared Efteling to Disney, with one saying: “If you are travelling to the Netherlands, we highly encourage visiting Efteling. I prefer it now to Disney because of the variety it offers.”

Another said it was a “European twist” on Disney.

Koen Sanders, director of product, market, and image at Efteling previously said: “In keeping with our vision for complete immersion, we’re considering the entire area surrounding the park show for this development.

“The Raveleijn story lends itself perfectly to this. By placing the new attraction outside the open-air arena, we’re expanding the themed area.”

The best way to get there is to fly to Eindhoven, and Ryanair has flights from both Manchester and London Stansted from £14.99, taking just over an hour.

A MAJOR cruise line is launching a new ship later this year and it will have a first-of-its-kind outdoor theme park onboard.

MSC World Asia is the third ship in the ‘World Class’ series, and will start sailings in December.

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Called The Harbour, the ‘open air’ theme park will be found on the top deck in the Family Aventura District – and it’s the first ship in Europe to have one.

Here is where guests can try out the Adventure Trail rope course and the longest dry slide at sea.

It will also have Europe‘s first over-water swing called Cliffhanger which will hang over the ocean.

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Families can also try out both the Twin Racer dueling waterslides and U Drop too.

For younger guests, there’s the a new playground called The Play Deck which is a relaxed space with comfy seating.

Rides can be enjoyed well into the evening as when it’s time for sunset as The Harbour lights up in the dark.

Luna Park is an interactive area with immersive game experiences – which isn’t found on any other MSC cruise ship.

It has three original game shows, Code Breakers, Labrinth and Chart Toppers.

The Family Aventura District also has The ClubHouse and Doremiland, a 10,000-square-foot kids club with dedicated spaces for each age group.

Inside Doremiland are two rooms dedicated to LEGO and another that’s Formula 1-themed.

MSC Cruises Vice President of Entertainment Steve Leatham said: “As a family-owned company, MSC Cruises knows what it takes to keep the whole family happy on holiday, with tailored family entertainment activities and facilities for guests of all ages.

“On board MSC World Asia, family entertainment will reach new heights – bigger, bolder and more innovative than ever.

“Featuring our widest range of programs yet, alongside immersive, interactive and personalized experiences for everyone from toddlers to teens, families can expect truly extraordinary moments at sea.”

MSC World Asia is expected to enter service in December 2026, offering 7-night itineraries to Mediterranean destinations across Italy, France and Malta.

Around the ship will be seven themed neighbourhoods, like the AquaDeck, Family Aventura, Galleria, MSC Yacht Club, Promenade, The Terraces and Zen Area.

On the Aqua Deck will be seven pools and 13 whirlpool baths, including two newly designed pools; the outdoor Manila Bay pool and the indoor Coral Cove pool.

MSC World Asia is part of the ‘World Class’ series – the first two ships were MSC World Europa, delivered in 2022 and MSC World America in 2025.

MSC Cruises is the world’s third-largest cruise line with 23 ships that sail across five continents and over 300 destinations.

THE UK’S tallest spinning pendulum ride has officially launched at Blackpool Pleasure Beach, and I was lucky enough to climb aboard before it opened to the public.

Called Aviktas, the £9million attraction made its debut on 21 May after more than a year under construction.

Spinning riders 138ft in the air, it is the biggest gyro-swing in the UK — nearly double the height of the previous record-holder, Maelstrom at Drayton Manor, Staffs, which tops out at 74ft.

The ride has been built on the former site of the Bowladrome, a popular arcade and bowling spot that had been part of the Blackpool seafront since the 1960s before closing last year.

Now that space is home to four enormous legs, each weighing 16 tons, which anchor Aviktas’s towering structure.

At the end of a swinging arm sits a circular gondola, where 40 riders are strapped into outward-facing seats.

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From there, the pendulum swings up to 120 degrees over the Blackpool coastline.

So what did it actually feel like to ride?

Aviktas was far more intense than I was expecting.

As you are strapped in, a thumping soundtrack composed especially for the ride pumps out from all directions, helping to build the suspense.

But what sets Aviktas apart is the lack of over-the-shoulder restraints — the only thing holding you in here is a lap bar, which really ramps up the fear factor.

Before you know it, the floor below you drops to leave your feet dangling, and the swinging begins.

It is gentle at first, but as each swing climbs higher than the last, so does the G-force — with the rush of air pushing your cheeks back as you plummet between arcs.

But the best bit comes right at the top.

For a few seconds at the peak of each swing, you feel weightless, as if floating in mid-air, while the crowds stare up at you from below.

Then you whoosh back down and do it all again on the other side.

It is terrifying but exhilarating — made worthwhile by the views, which offer glimpses for miles down the coast, right down the promenade to Blackpool Tower and beyond.

This is a proper stomach-churner but, if you are anything like me, you will be eagerly queueing up to ride it again before your feet hit the ground.

It is surely the best ride of its type in the UK right now — but it is also just one of many reasons to head to the Lancashire coast this summer.

The new ride arrives during a big year for Pleasure Beach, which celebrates its 130th anniversary as the UK’s oldest amusement park, having first welcomed visitors in 1896.

It has remained family-owned ever since.

Earlier this year, it was named one of the world’s best theme parks by Tripadvisor, the only UK park to make the top ten.

Last season saw the revamp of Launch Pad (formerly Ice Blast), and River Caves is also on the list for an overhaul soon.

What is more, the Pleasure Beach is one of the cheaper big theme-park days out in the country, with standard prices starting from £28 for kids and £30 adults.

For those who like to keep their feet on the ground, there is a new ticket type called Flex Pass.

Costing £18, it is aimed at non-riders and includes park entry, a ride on the Pleasure Beach Express, and the option to buy individual ride tickets as you go.

Looking for somewhere good to stay nearby?

The award-winning Boulevard Hotel sits right under the massive drop of the Big One coaster.

Just a one-minute walk from the park, it boasts rooms with sea or park views.

They start from £85 a night and even include free Pleasure Beach tickets.

With overseas travel looking a bit less certain this summer than it has in recent years, more of us are looking for staycation fun at the British seaside.

Trains from London run to Blackpool in just over three hours.

From Manchester, it is barely more than an hour.

There is also the Sandcastle, the UK’s largest indoor waterpark, which celebrated its 40th birthday earlier this year with a £500,000 refresh.

Inside are a dizzying 18 slides and a huge wave pool, kept at an inviting 30C no matter what the weather is doing outside.

Tickets start from £24.95.

Throw in Blackpool’s Tower, the Illuminations, and fish-and-chips for good measure, and you have a budget break for the family that can more than match any excitement abroad.

AS THE hot weather continues, you might want to find somewhere to cool off and what better place to do it than an aqua park.

Whether you want one that features tonnes of obstacles and adventures or something a little calmer with splash zones for younger kids, the UK is home to many spots ideal for a refreshing day out.

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Aqualand, Cliff Lakes near Birmingham

Around a 25-minute drive from Birmingham, you’ll find Aqualand at Cliff Lakes – often considered one of the biggest inflatable courses in the UK, with eight parks in one attraction.

And a new attraction has just been launched at the site – a mega-slide, which is “officially the UK’s first tower of its kind”.

Called The X Tower, it stretches 12 metres tall and has six slides ideal for visitors to race each other.

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Across the eight inflatable obstacle courses, visitors can experience climbing walls, crossings and more slides.

Part of the course is also called Aqua Chimp, which features 14 obstacles and a bell that visitors have to ring at the end.

Admission costs from £25 per person and visitors get 80 minutes to explore the attraction.

Plastic Playground, Wake Park near Windsor

Found not too far from London, Plastic Playground features a number of different water-based experiences including knee-boarding, water-skiing and wakeboarding.

And it doesn’t matter if you are a beginner or a pro.

Sessions cost from £35 per person.

Aqua Park Rutland, East Midlands

Aqua Park in Rutland features a number of different attractions for visitors to explore including the Rutland Mammoth, which is the UK’s tallest inflatable obstacle with a 5.5 metre drop slide.

There’s also Tornado Tower – a 3.5 metre tower that visitors can flip off of into the water.

Other features of the aqua park include launch bags and slides.

A one-hour session costs from £22.44 per person.

Sheffield Cable Waterski & Aqua Park, South Yorkshire

The Aqua Park in Sheffield features one massive inflatable obstacle course.

Visitors can explore the inflatables across a 50 minute session where they will experience giant trampolines, inflatable climbing walls, launch bags and a loop design to race around.

There’s also a Wake Park where visitors can try out knee-boarding, water-skiing or wakeboarding.

Sessions at the Aqua Park cost from £22 per person or a session at the Wake Park costs from £20 per person.

Adrenalin Quarry, Liskeard in Cornwall

At Adrenalin Quarry in Cornwall, there are a number of attractions for all age groups.

Visitors over the age of six can head to the aqua park where they will be able to climb, slide and bounce on obstacles on the water.

On dry land there is also a go- karting track and a zip wire that runs for 490 metres.

Sessions at the attraction cost from £25 per person.

North Yorkshire Water Park

One of Yorkshire‘s largest lakes is ideal for those who want to extend their time in the water as not only does it boast an aqua park but a campsite too.

On the campsite, there’s a mix of hard-standing pitches, grass pitches, glamping pods, a lodge and even two helicopters that have been converted into glamping accommodation.

When it comes to the lake though, visitors can try out three different aqua parks.

The first is The Warrior Aqua Park, which has climbing walls, slides, balance bars and trampolines.

The second is The Wipeout Aqua Park with stepping stones, jumps and swings.

And thirdly, there’s Splash Kingdom, which is ideal for smaller kids.

Other water-based activities include stand up paddleboarding and kayaking.

There are many activities on dry land too, such as laser tag, escape rooms, climbing walls and axe throwing.

The Wipeout and Warrior aqua parks cost from £20 per person and Splash Kingdom costs from £15 per person.

Camping costs from £20 per night.

SUNNY weather in the UK often makes you want a refreshing swim – and there is one spot that families are claiming is the best in the country to do this.

The Wave in Coventry is no normal indoor waterpark.

Follow The Sun’s award-winning travel team on Instagram and Tiktok for top holiday tips and inspiration @thesuntravel.

Instead visitors can expect the biggest wave pool in the UK.

The further into the pool you go, the bigger the waves get, reaching a total height of up to half a metre and will operate at specific times during a swim session.

How do you know the waves are coming? A warning signal will blast out.

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During the 10:15am to 12:15pm session, the waves will run at 10:30am, 11am, 11:30am and 12pm, for 10 minutes at a time.

During the 1pm to 3pm session the wave pool will run at quarter past and quarter to each hour for 10 minutes at a time, which is the same for the 4pm to 6pm session.

And across these sessions, the wave pool churns around 20 million litres of water, everyday.

But visitors get more than just waves when they visit as the waterpark also has six slides.

These include The Torrent, where – rather scarily – the floor disappears from beneath you, making you plunge into a pool below (though this is currently closed for the foreseeable due to technical issues).

There’s also The Crestar, which has two giant enclosed spheres you whirl around in as lighting effects flash around you.

And like any good waterpark, there’s a water coaster – The Rapids – which hurls riders up the ride before dropping them through a series of tunnels.

Other rides include The Cyclone, which is one of the fastest at the park and The Riptide.

For those who aren’t a fan of waterslides and rides, then there are other attractions too including a lazy river with bubbles and water jets.

Little kids are included as well, with The Reef splash zone, which includes mini slides, tipping buckets, jets and fountains.

One person on TripAdvisor even said: “Wow, I’m blown away, that is the best waterpark I have ever been to.”

Another added: “This was the best water park I’ve ever been to!

“It had a great DJ, loads of amazing slides and lots of fun for the whole family.

“The facility and how it is run is very slick. Would definitely recommend!”

Off- peak tickets cost £15 per adult and £13 per child and peak tickets cost £19.70 per adult and £15 per child.

If one parent fancies a little R&R while the other enters the waves with the kids, there is also the Mana spa onsite with a swimming pool, aromatherapy room, steam room, sauna and foot spa.

A three hour pass costs from £35 on weekdays, or £45 at weekends and on bank holidays.

If you do want to have a treatment, options include facials, pedicures and back massages.

There’s also a gym onsite.

What’s even better is that The Wave is just a 10-minute walk from Coventry train station.

If you’re looking for a family day out without breaking the bank, this hidden gem adventure park offers free entry for the whole family and most rides start from just £1.

With the Spring Bank Holiday fast approaching on May 25, families up and down Britain will be on the hunt for thrilling yet budget-friendly activities to enjoy with their little ones.

Sorting out plans for a bank holiday weekend can quickly become an expensive business, and parents are constantly seeking ways to keep costs down while still guaranteeing the whole family has a brilliant time.

A trip to a theme park is a fantastic way to mark the occasion, but these outings don’t come cheap.

Entry tickets typically start at upwards of £30 per person, meaning a family of four could be looking at around £120 minimum just to get through the gates – and that’s before you’ve even thought about food and drinks.

Tucked away in Stourport-on-Severn, Worcestershire – just an hour’s drive away – lies a little-known adventure park that could be the perfect day out for families with children. The best part? Admission is completely free for everyone, with rides starting from as little as £1, reports Gloucestershire Live.

Playland Fun Park is a hidden gem of a family-run theme park in the West Midlands, which regularly features on lists of the ‘most affordable adventure parks in the UK’. According to its official website, it boasts ’20 fantastic attractions’ for visitors to enjoy.

Open from March through to October, at weekends and throughout school holidays, this charming theme park is the ideal destination for those looking to keep the pennies in check while making sure the kids – and let’s face it, the grown-ups too – have an absolutely cracking time.

Perched on the banks of the River Severn, this riverside funfair boasts a fantastic array of attractions, including the Junior Pirate Ship, Go Karts, Moto GP Bikes, F1 Cars, Pony Ride, Safari Train, Bumper Boats, Trampolines, Quad Bikes, and Crazy Caves, as well as Bouncy Castles and the brand-new safari-themed Crazy Golf.

Visitors can also treat themselves to a river steamer ride, drifting gently past the hidden treasures of Stourport-on-Severn as they glide leisurely along the water.

The budget-friendly theme park operates without a standard entry fee, embracing a ‘pay as you play’ approach. Rather than charging a blanket admission price, guests can buy ‘tokens’ on the day and spend them only on the rides that take their fancy.

The theme park’s official Facebook page states: “The tokens are £1 each and rides vary from 1-4 tokens with the majority being 1 token. We also have petrol go karts which have a special £4 token.”

This oft-underrated attraction has recently given its fairgrounds a fresh update, introducing new rides such as the thrilling Dino Tours, where visitors can “drive your own explorer jeep through our dinosaur-themed track”.

A dedicated Farmyard area, complete with ride-on animals, tractors, Pony Adventure, and a Farmyard Bounce and Slide, adds even more fun to the mix.

Families can also hire one of the park’s self-drive boats, taking the helm and cruising at a relaxed pace along the River Severn entirely at their own leisure. Playland Fun Park sits right alongside the breathtaking riverside meadows of this picturesque town, where families can stop for a relaxing picnic or simply soak up the stunning scenery.

It’s equally perfect for a lively family kickabout, giving both children and adults the chance to burn off some energy in gorgeous open-air surroundings.

One glowing Tripadvisor review reads: “Went with our son and our 3 year old granddaughter . She loved it. Loads of electric cars and bikes for her to drive. She was very happy there and on way home.

“Queues very small even on a sunny Saturday, every ride 1 or 2 pounds. Only negative is you need cash. The pictures don’t do it justice. There’s more than crazy golf. Driving, bouncing on castles, plenty. 2 hours of great fun for a toddler.”

Another delighted visitor added: “We went to a birthday party here today. Not too crowded, excellent value for money as the rides are just one token each, and there’s plenty to do for all ages (adults included!) Definitely coming back soon!”

Opening hours may differ over bank holidays, so it’s worth ringing ahead to double-check before you set off.

DRAYTON Manor Resort is my family’s happy place. 

We go almost every school holiday as we are lucky enough to live just a 15-minute drive away, and there is always something different to explore. 

So Wilf, nine, and Jasper, six, were mega-excited to visit the theme park to have a go on their favourite rides and see what is new for summer. 

This visit marked an exciting milestone for Jasper as he is now tall enough to go on all the rides, except two. 

We have been coming to the resort since our eldest was just a baby, as regardless of a child’s height, there is loads to do at Drayton Manor. 

When the boys were tots and loved Thomas the Tank Engine, their minds were blown as the theme park has the only area in Europe dedicated to the little blue train. 

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And for kids who like a break from the rides, the playgrounds at Drayton Manor are top notch and give parents a great excuse to sit down and enjoy a coffee from one of the many cafes. 

The playgrounds are really exciting and not — the dreaded word — “babyish”. 

Tidal Towers is the lads’ favourite, as the climbing frames are high enough to make it exciting and far from run-of-the-mill. 

Alongside more than 50 exhilarating rides and attractions at the Staffordshire park, in the heart of the country, there is also a zoo you can visit. 

This is included with your entry ticket and is home to more than 100 animals in a 15-acre section of the grounds. 

We always love visiting the cheeky and talkative cockatoos. 

Drayton Manor is the perfect place to take primary-aged kids who feel too grown up for “baby parks”. 

Brilliant family bonding time was achieved as we got to blast around the River Rapids, chill out on the retro Carousel and bash each other about on the Dodgems Ahoy bumper cars. 

As we belted along the tracks of ride The Wave, which reaches speeds of 53mph, Jasper declared it was the highlight of the trip and couldn’t wait to tell his mates he’d been on a proper rollercoaster. 

The Vikings area is also a huge people-pleaser with my lot, as the four rides in that section look enormous and terrifying, but everyone can ride them. 

We ended our visit spinning at high speed along the tracks of the (to be perfectly honest, terrifying) Thor ride, where you are spun in a giant wheel across a track and are left feeling weightless. 

This was the highlight of Wilf’s day . . . he said he will never stop laughing at how much I screamed. 

MILLIONS of families will be able to enjoy discount meals and days out this summer, the Chancellor announced today.

From June 25 to September 1 the Government is temporarily cutting the VAT on attractions and children’s meals in restaurants from 20% to just 5%.

The cut will apply to theme parks, zoos, museums, soft play, fairs and even cinema tickets.

The full list of businesses participating has not yet been announced but several major firms including Merlin Entertainments and Odeon Cinema have confirmed they will be taking part.

If a business chooses to pass on the full benefit then the total saving for a family of two adults and two children could be: 

• £20 off the family’s tickets to a theme park  
• £2 off entry to soft play  
• £6 off the family’s tickets to a farm attraction 
• £17 off the family’s tickets to a wildlife park
• £1.50 off the children’s tickets to the cinema 
• £9 off the family’s tickets to the circus 
• £2 off the children’s meals on a lunch out 
• £11 off the family’s tickets to the aquarium

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The Government said it expects qualifying businesses to pass these savings on to families by lowering the prices people pay on eligible children’s meals and tickets.

As a result, the VAT cut will be directly reflected at the till.

It added that passing on the full saving should help businesses attract more customers over the summer, which could increase footfall and support local economies.

The reduced rate will apply in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

The plans are part of a package to help households with the cost of living.

Meanwhile, throughout August all children aged between five and 15 in England will be able to travel for free on any local bus service.

Among the attractions taking part are Alton Towers, Legoland Windsor, Warwick Castle and Cadbury World.

Fiona Eastwood, chief executive officer of Merlin Entertainments, said: “Merlin will be applying this VAT cut to both admission tickets and children’s meals, adding more value to days out and short breaks at our 20 UK attractions.”

Meanwhile, Mark Way, president AMC Europe & managing director at Odeon Cinema Groups, said: “We’re excited that our guests will be able to enjoy the big screen for less over this blockbuster summer.”

MAY half-term is almost here and if you’re looking for a fun way to fill the days, there are a wide range of new theme park rides open across the UK.

Whether your little one is a thrill seeker or a Paw Patrol fan, you won’t be stuck for something to entertain them.

A number of new rides and attractions will be open across the UK’s biggest theme parks during the school break, including nine new additions.

Some of these exciting worlds and rollercoasters are already open to customers.

And there are even themed rooms available at some of these sites for the full experience.

So get planning now for a thrilling and memorable half term break.

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Alton Towers

The world’s first Bluey rollercoaster, Bluey the Ride: Here Come The Grannies!, opened at Alton Towers’ CBeebies Land at the end of March.

This kid-friendly coaster features Bluey and Bingo dressed as Janet and Rita, a fun call-back to fan-favourite episode, and you can even book a Bluey-themed room at the park’s hotel this half term.

Blackpool Pleasure Beach

Blackpool Pleasure Beach will open its £8.72 million gyro swing ride Aviktas this Thursday (May 21).

Measuring a whopping 138 feet, the ride will be the tallest of its kind in the UK.

Chessington World of Adventures Resort

Chessington recently opened its highly-anticipated PAW Patrol land, which features four exciting new rides, and also has themed rooms available nearby.

Chase’s Mountain Mission is a rollercoaster suitable for young kids, while Skye’s Helicopter Heroes takes kids on a high-flying mission, and Marshall’s Firetruck Rescue lets kids take a ride on a shiny red truck, and Zuma’s Hovercraft Adventure offers the UK’s first “drifter” ride.

Crealy

Crealy in Devon recently opened an 80-foot drop tower called Pirates’ Plummet last month.

Previously located in Paultons Park under the name Magma, it has been rebuilt at Crealy, where the inverting air race ride Rotor is also set to open.

Paultons Park

And Paultons Park is not at a loss for attractions, with the new themed land Valgard: Realm of the Vikings officially opening its gates today (Saturday, May 16).

The exciting new land will feature new rides, Drakon, the park’s first inverting rollercoaster with a dramatic vertical lift and Vild Swing, which will swing riders 39 feet into the air.

WE were tucking into mouth-watering Mickey waffles soaked in syrup when in popped the Mouse himself.

It was just after 8am and our amazing Walt Disney World adventure had kicked off with a bang — plus a load of bangers and bacon.

The delicious food at Tusker House restaurant in the Animal Kingdom was as plentiful as the special guests.

Goofy, Donald Duck and Daisy waltzed in, too, and there was just no containing the grandkids’ excitement.

Nine-year-old Albie’s impersonation of Mickey had the mouse in stitches and there were hugs from Mila, seven, and Lois, four.

The scrumptious character breakfast buffet isn’t cheap, at around £45 an adult and £25 a child.

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But, as in all the snack bars and restaurants in Orlando’s four Disney parks, the quality of food is excellent and there’s always plenty of it.

One way of saving cash is the Disney Dining Plan, just launched again for next year and even free on selected holidays.

Depending on the package, each day you get the choice of quick- service or table-service meals and snacks from 170 locations.

If staying at a Disney hotel for a week, the plan saves families hundreds of pounds.

A Disney experience is as much about the great food and drink options as it is the rides.

Themed restaurants are hugely popular, so we made bookings on the Disney app as soon as reservations opened — 60 days before arrival.

Our choices, with kids’ menus and main courses between £12 and £26, turned out winners.

Magic Kingdom’s Jungle Skipper Canteen, for a touch of African and Asian flavours, and The Plaza for club sandwiches and milkshakes.

At the Fifties-style Sci Fi Dine-In Theater, in Hollywood Studios, we sat in retro cars to eat burgers and fries while watching old movie clips.

And our favourite, at Epcot, was Teppan Edo, where the Japanese chefs juggle cooking utensils as they chop and stir-fry dishes at your table.

Our party of five adults and three kids also did a lot of snacking — extra-large iced doughnuts for less than a fiver, chocolate-chip cookies, Mickey’s ice-cream bars and multi-coloured iced drinks.

But, in our defence, we were often in the parks from dawn until dusk and even later when we saw spectacular night shows.

I reckon Fantasmic! at Hollywood Studios is one of the most thrilling ever.

Its half an hour of pure magic ­— lights dancing on the water, fireworks flying from Mickey’s hands, lasers and all your favourite characters setting sailing on boats around the lagoon.

Magic Kingdom’s parade and the Happily Ever After fireworks spectacular at Cinderella Castle are a must-see, but then every Disney show is a treat.

You name it, we saw it — including The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast, the hilarious ­Frozen Sing-Along Celebration, Finding Nemo and the new ­Villains: Unfairly Ever After.

Like we did, use them for a breather, and certainly after a meal, before going back to the thrills and spills of some of the best rides in Orlando.

We hurtled up and down on the Tower of Terror and sped around a track on the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and Expedition ­Everest.

We spun 360 degrees, too, on Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind — the first ever reverse launch on a Disney coaster — and were whisked through the universe on Avatar Flight of ­Passage and Soarin’.

The imagination, hi-tech design and special effects are simply breath-taking.

“Wow!” is the only word when you come face to face with legions of stormtroopers in Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance — or witness the sheer genius of being shrunk down to the size of a rat on Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure.

We blasted our way around Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, just re-opened with new interactive targets, and got very wet on the Kali River Rapids.

Slow the pace by hopping on a Kilimanjaro Safari truck, to see 34 species of African wildlife in their natural habitat, and take a boat to Elsa’s ice palace in wonderful Frozen Ever After.

Disney has hotels with pools and entertainment to suit all budgets — and these include the fabulous Animal Kingdom Lodge, where animals roam free on the ­savannah.

Of course, we ate there — at The Mara where we had a grab-and-go breakfast before catching the free shuttle for early entry into the parks, and at Boma for a buffet dinner.

Oh, there was one more treat — Mickey biscuits filled with oozing, toasted marshmallows — around the firepit. Yum! It just had to be done.