10 Best Theme and Amusement Parks in London

To enjoy the best things to do in London be sure to book time for its theme parks. From the famous Harry Potter Studios to a trip to Far Far Away, London has a wide variety of things to do. You can also venture into horror experiences or ride roller coasters for all ages.

The British capital is known for its themed worlds dedicated to endearing characters such as Peppa Pig and Paddington Bear. In general, there are many options and here are the highlights.

Many Harry Potter fans visit London with the illusion of immersing themselves in the film locations. Even those who are not fans of the saga are curious about the tourist attractions and secrets of this successful film franchise. I suggest you consider tickets to Harry Potter Studios Park and get a behind-the-scenes look.

This theme park has everything you need for a family getaway. Admire the Hogwarts Great Dining Hall up close and touch real objects, costumes and sets from the saga. You can also climb on a quidditch broom, like a wizard, or discover which house you belong to and visit the platform that recreates Platform 9 ¾.

The fun is endless and you can enjoy the Forbidden Forest with exhibits of magical creatures that appear in the movies. If you are interested in knowing how the elements, special effects and sequences were created you have to go through the interactive exhibits at Stage 48. In general, the park is quite large and so for some people it may be more comfortable to book a guided tour.

Being one of the most visited theme parks it is possible that they are sold out, but you can always opt for resale tickets.

Details of interest

• Price: from 119 €.
• Hours: daily from 8:30 am to 10:00 pm, last admission is around 6:30 pm.
• Location: in Watford, on the outskirts of London.
• How to get there: some tickets include transfers, for example you can book tickets to the park with transfers from Victoria Station. But if you go on your own you can get to the Harry Potter Studios by train or bus to Watford Junction, then you will have to take another connection to the facilities.
• What is usually included in the ticket is access to all attractions, as well as transfers to and from London (if selected). You can also pay for an audio guide or request a guided tour in advance.

Immerse yourself in a haunted house and live an experience that combines history and terror in the same format. London Dungeon tickets allow you to enjoy more than 10 interactive shows for at least two hours. You can experience historic events that paralyzed the world through live performances, interactive attractions and special effects.

You can travel to medieval London in its main attractions that include:

• A medieval elevator that descends to the most terrifying events in London's history.
• A visit to the court of Henry VIII.
• A re-enactment of the Black Death.
• A musical show featuring Jack The Ripper.
• A trial that ends on a gallows in 1783 where you will be judged.
• An escape from the Great Fire of 1666.
• A terrifying simulation of a boat ride that ends at the Tower of London, where you will be introduced to the history of betrayal and execution of characters such as Anne Boleyn.

Details of interest

• Price: from 32 €.
• Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday from 10:00 to 18:00; Thursday from 11:00 to 18:00 and Saturday from 10:00 to 19:00.
• Location: in the Riverside Building, you can consider tickets for the London Eye because they are very close.
• How to get there: you can get there by subway or bus. If you plan to book the Big Bug tourist bus you should know that it is close to one of its stops.

You have to visit the oldest scientific zoo in the world and discover more than 15,000 animals. It was created in 1828 and is one of the best entrances in London to see attractions such as:

• Penguin Beach: you will find penguins from different parts of the world in a habitat adapted to their needs. You can interact with them and attend feeding sessions.
• Land of Lions: travel to India and discover Asian lion species, which enjoy a climate-controlled habitat according to their needs. You will be able to see them up close thanks to an observation bridge.
• Tiger Territory: discover the endangered Sumatran tigers.
• Butterfly Paradise: explore a greenhouse full of butterflies of different species.

Details of interest

• Price: from 37 €, usually cheaper if purchased online.
• Hours: open every day of the year with different opening hours depending on the season.
• Location: in Regent's Park.
• How to get there: there are several bus and subway lines. If you are staying in the center you can get there on foot.

If you're visiting London with kids you definitely need to buy tickets for Shrek's Adventure. It's an interactive experience for the whole family that allows you to discover the world of Shrek and other DreamWorks movies.

At Far Far Away you can see characters like Donkey, Princess Fiona and Puss in Boots. You're also likely to find Cinderella and Pinocchio. Overall, it's a park with everything you need to have a great time and:

• Ride the magic bus that takes you to iconic locations from the movies, such as the verdant swamp. The experience includes special effects of wind, water and unexpected movements.
• Become a real Viking or rescue Pinocchio on an adrenaline-filled mission.
• Discover your future in a magic crystal ball.
• Walk through the hall of mirrors to meet Princess Aurora.
• Gather ingredients and puzzles to help Shrek return home.

As you can see, this park mixes different tales to create a fun and unexpected experience.

Details of interest

• Price: around 25 €.
• Hours: generally daily from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.
• Location: in the Riverside Building.
• How to get there: the nearest subway stations are Waterloo and Westminster, but you can also get there by bus or suburban train.
• What is usually included in the ticket: access to more than 10 attractions and the magic bus, professional guide and photo with the characters.

If you prefer intense thrills and immersing yourself in adventure activities in London, you can check out Chessington World of Adventures. This theme park has more than 40 rides for the whole family and its roller coasters are among the best in the UK, with different speeds and unexpected twists and turns.

Here you can take advantage of a boat ride to immerse yourself in The Gruffalo, an English children's story that will grab your attention. If you are interested in zoos and aquariums in London you have a zoo with more than 1,000 animals. In addition, there is an aquarium known as SEA LIFE Centre that takes you on a journey through the most interesting sea creatures.

Details of interest

• Price: from 38 €, but there are free tickets for children and discounted family tickets.
• Hours: daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
• Location: in Chessington, on the outskirts of London.
• How to get there: it is best to go by car or take a direct train from London Waterloo to Chessington South Station, then you will have to walk to the park.
• What is usually included in the entrance fee: access to more than 40 attractions.

Legoland Park is a must-see attraction for those looking to immerse themselves in the creative world of a well-known toy brand. Walk among architectural creations made of building blocks and take advantage of some 55 attractions. You can't miss an exhibition of London monuments and models of other cities around the world made with millions of small LEGO pieces.

You can also take advantage of a car circuit and a water park for children. Or get lost through haunted houses and forests. In addition, if you want to take advantage of attractions full of adventure you can't miss:

• LEGO Mythica: immerse yourself in an immersive experience that recreates a magical world with magical creatures made of LEGO pieces in The Magical Forest. In addition, here you can enjoy a flight simulator and an aquatic war against an evil mythological creature.
• Pirate Shores: enter a pirate safari to climb its walls and take advantage of a boat ride, but be careful! The river is full of dangerous pirates.
• Knight's Kingdom: transport yourself to the medieval era and ride a roller coaster that travels through a burning castle and offers a ride on a rustic vehicle through a prehistoric adventure.

Details of interest

• Price: from 90 €.
• Hours: daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, may change during some seasons.
• Location: on Winkfield Rd, on the outskirts of London.
• How to get there: getting to Windsor from London is relatively easy and it is best to take the train. Some tickets may include transfers to facilitate the experience.

If you're looking for a park for the whole family, you need to consider a visit to The Paddington Bear Experience. Paddington Bear is a character from British literature and has his own themed world in the capital. You will be able to move through different rooms to enjoy his stories and adventures.

Even if you haven't read his books, you will have a great time because it offers fun-filled attractions such as:

• Helping Paddington Bear prepare his favorite jam.
• Discover Paddington Station, an iconic location featuring a statue of the bear.
• Board Paddington's train carriages to tour the facilities.
• Explore a magical Peruvian jungle.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately 40 €.
• Hours: open daily, but opening and closing times may vary.
• Location: in County Hall.
• How to get there: easy to reach by subway, bus or train.

Peppa Pig's World awaits you at Paulton's Park with 9 rides and 3 playgrounds that combine fun and adrenaline. It is perfect to enjoy one of the most emblematic characters on television and during your visit you can't miss it:

• The hot air balloon: a mechanical attraction that rises gently at a comfortable but thrilling distance.
• The helicopter flight with Miss Rabbit: for which you will board a themed merry-go-round.
• A ride on George's dinosaur: Peppa's brother's favorite toy.
• Grandpa Pig's train through the facilities.

Paulton's Park has other attractions such as the Lost Kingdom that offers a trip to the Jurassic era. Here you can enjoy 27 life-size dinosaurs, as well as intense roller coasters and water experiences. Don't miss Critter Creek World, which has a terrarium with insects and unlimited fun aboard a Victorian merry-go-round. You can also ride a Viking ship or a pirate ship.

Details of interest

• Price: from 43 €. By buying tickets online you can save up to 15 € per person as they are more expensive at the door.
• Hours: daily from 10:00 to 17:00, but may change according to the season.
• Location: in Ower, Hampshire, near the New Forest National Park.
• How to get there: You can stay there to enjoy the park in comfort or take a train from London Waterloo to Totton and then a cab or bus to the park.
• What is usually included in the entrance fee: access to 9 themed attractions and around 70 adventure rides.

If you want to fly through the air and swing over the treetops I invite you to visit Go Ape. This adventure park has several locations and most of them are in wooded areas. Here you will find circuits for children and adults with different levels of difficulty. Among their experiences you can enjoy treasure h unts and biking through the forest, riding a segway and climbing the hanging bridges.

Of course, the zip line jumps are something you can't miss. You have the option of joining a circuit where you will have to overcome 7 consecutive zip lines and it also has tree houses with net platforms, where you can walk without any real risk. Please note that the most adrenaline-pumping attraction is only available at the Cockfosters, Sherwood Pines and Thetford locations.

Details of interest

• Price: from €39, but you can select different types of adventure activities.
• Hours: Every day from 10:00 to 18:00, although it has several locations and times may vary depending on location and time of year.
• Location: it has several locations, you can select the one that best suits you.
• How to get there: most are accessible by subway or bus.
• What is usually included in the entrance fee: safety equipment such as harness and helmet.

Fans of roller coasters can not miss Thorpe Park, a park where adrenaline is always guaranteed. It has attractions for all ages that include mechanical games and aquatic experiences. You can also enjoy themed shows and some of the best escape rooms in London.

The park has innovative proposals such as a roller coaster combined with virtual reality and special effects. You can also ride one of the fastest coasters in Europe or take a dip in the Tidal Wave water ride. Here you can enjoy teatime, as you will get on a mechanical game in the shape of a teapot that spins unexpectedly.

Details of interest

• Price: from 31 €, with discounts when buying in advance and for family groups.
• Hours: daily from 10:00 to 18:00.
• Location: in Surrey, on the outskirts of London.
• How to get there: the best option is to take the train from Waterloo station to Staines and then take the shuttle bus that connects directly to the park.
• What is usually included in the ticket: access to attractions, shows and events. If you select it you can enjoy queue-free entry, parking and unlimited buffet.