The best British theme parks near London, and the travel routes to each one from Pimlico

Do you want to climb aboard hair-raising rollercoasters, journey through London’s dark and haunted past, or seek out the magic of Diagon Alley while immersing yourself in all things wizard and witchcraft?

Ahead of your next staycation in London, use our guide to plan your next adventure. Whether it is in search of that next adrenaline rush, or family-friendly fun, we’ve put together a list of the best theme parks near London, all of which are conveniently accessible from Dolphin House Serviced Apartments.

For each attraction, we have outlined a travel route to each one via train. Discover the action right here.

Best theme parks near London for thrill-seekers

Thorpe Park

Branded as the UK’s most thrilling theme park, Thorpe Park in Chertsey has a history of being one of the most loved attractions. The theme park is home to over 30 exhilarating rides including Stealth - the UK’s fastest rollercoaster, Swarm, Nemesis Inferno, and Tidal Wave for those who don’t mind an 85ft plunge into the wet and wild side of things.

With plenty of discounts and perks on offer, grab yourself an Annual Pass to enjoy the fun all year round. Pass holders can make use of ‘a year of THRILLS’, entry to seasonal events, free parking, discounts on food and drink, discounted Thorpe Park MERCH, and can bring their mates on select dates for just £20pp. Grab your tickets here.

How to travel to Thorpe Park from Pimlico:

• At Vauxhall Train Station, jump on the Chessington South (Service run by South Western Railway) to Clapham Junction.
• Switch at Clapham Junction to Staines (Reading Route).
• At Staines Railway Station, take the bus (950) to Thorpe Park.

(image credit: Jeremy Thompson)

Drayton Manor

Owned by French company Looping Group, Drayton Manor is a multi-award winning theme park dedicated to families. Guests of the park are welcomed to enjoy the thrills and spills from March to October. During this time, families can revel in attraction favourites such as The Carousel and The Bounty Pirate Ship, while thrill-seekers can feel the full throttle of Shockwave - a stand-up rollercoaster that will take your breath away.

Located in the grounds of the former Drayton Manor, in Drayton Bassett, Staffordshire, England, the theme park is home to Drayton Manor  Zoo, a fascinating place to explore over 100 animals from all over the world including endangered species. Each year, the theme park welcomes around 1.5 million visitors. Discover tickets and pricing right here.

How to travel to Drayton Manor from Pimlico:

• Take the tube from Pimlico to Euston before heading to London Euston Train Station.
• Jump on the Westmidlands Trains to Crewe and get off at Tamworth.
• Take the bus (6 Kingsbury) from Victoria Road Bus Interchange to Brook End.
• Arrive via a short walk to Drayton Manor.

(image credit: altontowers.com)

Alton Towers

Ok, so this one might be a little more out of the way, but we had to include it. A world-renowned haven for fun and adventure, Alton Towers is the largest theme park in the UK. It boasts an incredible 910 acres of land in central Staffordshire and is the home of more than 40 rides and attractions which include the vertical sensations of Oblivion, Rita (Queen of Speed), Galactia, and the gravity-defying Nemesis among many others. 

Not only can you enjoy some of the most thrilling roller coasters and rides in the world, Alton Towers theme park includes a water park, spa, mini-golf, and a hotel complex. Plan your visit and book your tickets here.

How to travel to Alton Towers from Pimlico:

• Take the tube from Pimlico to Euston before heading to London Euston Train Station.
• Jump on the Avanti West Coast to Manchester Piccadilly and get off at Stoke-on-Trent.
• At Stoke-on-Trent Railway Station, take the bus Biddulph (9 Yellow) to Hanley.
• At Hanley, jump on the bus (32X) to Alton Towers, arriving at Farley Gates.
• Arrive via a short walk to Alton Towers.

Chessington World of Adventure

If you’re looking for Britain’s wildest adventure, look no further than Chessington World of Adventure theme park. With over 40 rides and attractions to choose from, there is something for everyone. During your visit, soar through the skies on Vampire, ride the dizzying twists of Dragon’s Fury, or brave the Croc Drop - a jaw-dropping new ride for 2021.

Elsewhere, family and friends can meet over 1,000 incredible animals at the Chessington Zoo and SEA LIFE. Head down to Penguin bay and waddle with the Humboldt Penguins, give a wave to their Western Lowland Gorillas, or find out who can roar the loudest as they come face-to-face with the Asiatic Lion. Plan your visit and book your tickets here.

How to travel to Chessington World of Adventure from Pimlico:

• Take the bus (360) from Pimlico Academy & Library (Stop D) to Vauxhall Bus Station (Stop J).
• Jump on the train to Guildford (South Western Railway) at Vauxhall Train Station and get off at Surbiton.
• At Surbiton Station Victoria Road, take the bus (71) to Chessington, World of Adventures.

(image credit: Dave Catchpole)

LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort

At the LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort, there are over 55 rides and attractions to choose from ensuring families and children have an action-packed experience. The theme park has lots to offer and the attractions are some of the best in the country. Ride LEGO® MYTHICA as you soar into a mystical realm powered by imagination. Or buckle up and enjoy the UK’s first flying theatre ride as you discover the immense and hidden powers on Flight of The Sky Lion, Fire & Ice Freefall, and Hydra’s Challenge.

When the park closes, the action continues as guests can spend the night in fully-themed LEGO bedrooms at the LEGOLAND resort hotels. Ever wanted to sleep in a LEGO bed? This is your chance to fulfil that dream. Book your tickets in advance here.

How to travel to LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort from Pimlico:

• Take the bus (360) from Pimlico Academy & Library (Stop D) to Vauxhall Bus Station (Stop J).
• Jump on the train to Windsor & Eton Riverson (South Western Railway) at Vauxhall Train Station.
• Head to Theatre Royal (Stop G) and take the bus (703) to Bracknell, getting off at Staff Entrance.
• Arrive via a short walk to LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort.

Best family theme parks near London

Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter

Arguably the most magical adventure in the UK, the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter theme park is an experience like no other. Packed full of life-size sets, props, costumes, visual and special effects, create effects, and the art department, feel immersed in the world of Harry Potter like never before.

Join wizards and witches in the Great Hall, head over to the Forbidden Forest as seen in the Philosopher’s Stone, Catch the Hogwarts express on Platform 9¾, or pick up your wizarding wand and books in Diagon Alley. Get set for an adventure and an experience of a lifetime, plan your visit here and discover the filmmaking magic. Don’t forget to pick up your essentials at the Harry Potter shop.

How to travel to Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter from Pimlico:

• Take the tube from Pimlico to Euston on the Victoria Line​​.
• At London Euston Train Station, take the train to Northampton (West Midlands Trains) and get off at Watford Junction.
• At Watford Junction, take the bus (10) to Woodside and get off at Ashfields.
• Arrive via a short walk to Warner Bros. Studio Tour London.

Shrek’s Adventure London!

This children’s theme park was developed by Merlin Entertainments Group alongside DreamWorks Animation, the Shrek’s Adventure theme park in London is worth shouting about. Family and friends can visit this hilarious fun-filled experience that incorporates 10 fairytale themed live shows. Board the flying magical bus and team up with Puss in Boots, Donkey, and Princess Fiona on a magical journey. 

The fun doesn’t stop there, check out the DreamWorks play zone where you get a chance to have fun with plenty of DreamWorks characters from Kung Fu Panda, Madagascar, and How to Train your Dragon. Find your fun at Shrek’s Adventure London and book tickets here.

How to travel tpo Shrek's Adventure London from Pimlico:

• Take the bus (C10) from Pimlico Academy & Library (Stop D) to Canada Water and get off at St Thomas’ Hospital / A&E Department.
• Arrive via short walk to Shrek’s Adventure London.

KidZania

The KidZania theme park is where kids go to dream big. Children can follow the White Rabbit Trail, adventure down the rabbit hole and proper for the Queen of Hearts Garden Party in the Kidzania Wonderland. Or scale the city replica of real-life and learn through interactive role-play as a pilot, firefighter, or even a tv presenter. KidZania really is the indoor city and wonderland run by kids.

Based in Westfield London, Shepherd's Bush, KidZania London is the perfect indoor adventure for kids aged 4-14 years old. All activities are for kids only, but parents can relax in the Grown Up’s Garden Shed. Book your kids’ tickets here.

How to travel to Kidzania from Pimlico:

• Take the tube from Pimlico to Oxford Circus Underground Station on the Victoria Line.
• Switch over from Oxford Circus Underground Station to White City on the Central Line. 
• Take a short walk to KidZania located in Westfield London Shopping Centre Ariel Way.

(image credit: Steve.)

The London Dungeon

A uniquely thrilling attraction that will whisk you way back to the capital's most perilous past, the London Dungeon theme park is one of London’s most visited attractions. Immerse yourself in the ‘bad old days’ as you take the Tyrant Boat Ride to experience the full force of Henry VIII’s wrath. Scurry down rat-infested tunnels that wind beneath the city like Guy Fawkes did during the Gunpowder plot. Or how about a haircut with Sweeney Todd who will be more than happy to give your hair the chop.

A must-see in London, The London Dungeon welcomes all guests to indulge in its dark secrets. Find out more about pricing and get your tickets here.

How to travel to The London Dungeon from Pimlico:

• Take the bus (C10) from Pimlico Academy & Library (Stop D) to Canada Water and get off at St Thomas’ Hospital / A&E Department.
• Arrive via a short walk to The Dungeons.

Recharge at Dolphin House

London is brimming with endless exciting adventures for the whole family. Wherever your next adventure takes you, you’re going to need somewhere to recharge. Serviced apartments boast all the creature comforts you miss when you’re away from home. They’re convenient, spacious and offer great value for money.

Want to learn more about the benefits of staying in a serviced apartment? Don’t just take our word for it; read our guest reviews. Or if you’re ready to book your stay, check the availability and prices of our various apartment types.