The list includes some of the bigger theme park names like Chessington World of Adventures Resort and Legoland Windsor but it also recognises the smaller ones too like Flamingo Land and Paultons Park.
Alton Towers Resort and Drayton Manor Theme Park, both in Staffordshire and less than a two-hour drive from Worcester, feature in the list.
Let’s take a look at why the two theme parks are among Blooloop’s top 14 in the UK.
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What did Blooloop say about Alton Towers and Drayton Manor?
Alton Towers
Alton Towers, part of the Merlin Entertainments family, opened in 1980.
The publication said: “Part of the Merlin Entertainments family, Alton Towers opened as a theme park in 1980 with Britain’s first double loop roller coaster, the Corkscrew. Located in the Staffordshire countryside, Alton Towers is home to three themed hotels, as well as Stargazing Pods and an Enchanted Village.
“Alton Towers is the largest theme park in the UK, with 10 themed areas across 910 acres. The attraction boasts more than 40 rides and attractions, including 10 record-breaking coasters and 20 family-friendly offerings.”
A new dark ride was opened in March 2023. “The Curse at Alton Manor is no ordinary dark ride,” said Kate McBirnie, Alton Towers’ head of product excellence.
She added: “It has all the components of a supernatural tale – it’s dark, compelling and promises some thrilling and scary moments along the way. Fans of eerie rides will certainly appreciate this one.”
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Blooloop continued: “Nemesis Reborn opened in 2024 after an 18-month project to transform the iconic coaster. This has replaced the 716-metre-long track and updated the ride station, while adding new storytelling elements and a redesigned mythical beast. The £10 million ride offers a thrilling experience with a g-force of 3.5 and top speeds of 50 mph.
“In February 2024, Alton Towers submitted a planning application for a new 18-metre-high attraction known as ‘Project Ocean’.”
“As Europe’s first-ever inverted roller coaster, Nemesis rightly holds legendary status among thrill-seekers,” said Bianca Sammut, Alton Towers’ divisional director.
She added: “Reaching this latest milestone in the transformation of Nemesis is a proud moment for everyone involved in the project.”
Alton Towers is still popular with visitors today and some have left reviews on the theme park’s Tripadvisor page where it’s rated four stars.
One said they “really enjoyed” their stay at the Resort while another their visit was “good value for money”.
You can see the full list of the UK’s top 14 theme parks at the Blooloop website.
Drayton Manor
This theme park also offers a zoo for visitors, 1.5 million of which go there annually.
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Blooloop said: “Drayton Manor is a theme park and zoo, located on the grounds of the former Drayton Manor in Staffordshire, UK. The attraction covers 180 acres and hosts approximately 1.5 million visitors annually.
“The park is owned by the Looping Group, which also operates West Midlands Safari Park and Pleasurewood Hills in the UK.
“Drayton Manor includes family favourites such as Flying Dutchman and Accelerator, thrill rides such as Maelstrom, and coasters including Stormforce 10. The 15-acre zoo is home to many animals, from meerkats to Sumatran tigers.
“In addition, Thomas Land boasts more than 25 rides and attractions following an expansion in 2015. Drayton Manor Resort’s new Vikings land opened in May 2022, and its new Wild West-themed land debuted in March 2024.
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“The park’s new coaster ‘The Wave’ was unveiled in spring 2024. The ride is an updated version of Drayton Manor’s iconic Shockwave coaster and includes many of its original features, with top speeds of 53 mph and a level 4 g-force at 12 feet high. With this update it is now a sit-down ride suitable for younger guests, and features four inversions, a unique zero-gravity roll, and a double corkscrew.
“Gold Rush, Drayton Manor’s latest coaster, opened in July 2024. One of Europe’s most innovative family coasters, the attraction was made by Intamin, a creator of record-breaking amusement rides.
“The first coaster to be added to Drayton Manor since 2011 is part of a multimillion-pound investment plan, continuing the park’s development under the ownership of the Looping Group.”