Five affordable and popular theme parks across Britain that you’ve probably never heard of

For thrill seekers, a theme park is the chance to test their skills on nerve-wracking roller coasters.

However, when you’re queuing for rides during peak season, it can feel like the entire country has decided to visit on the same day.

If you’re someone who often visits the most popular attractions such as Thorpe Park, Alton Towers and Chessington World of Adventures, you might want to try something a little more off the beaten track so that it isn’t the equivalent of a gladiator duel for every ride.

Read on below to see some of the cheapest theme parks in Britain – which you’ve probably never heard of.

Diggerland

A must for children or adults who are fans of heavy machinery: Diggerland allows you to drive real JCBs and excavators on site

A must for children or adults who are fans of heavy machinery: Diggerland allows you to drive real JCBs and excavators on site.

Other rides include the Skyshuttle which takes you 15 meters into the air, and Spindizzy, where you are spun around repeatedly in a digger bucket.

Another ride is the so-called ‘Dig-a-round’ – a modified JCB 8060 excavator converted into a carousel.

There is also indoor soft play in bad weather, with Diggerland taking advantage of four locations in Kent, Devon, Durham and Yorkshire.

Wicksteed Park

Although there were previously fears that the park would have to close after coming under management, Wicksteed Park has been freely accessible since it reopened in 2020.

Although there were previously fears that the park would have to close after it came under management, Wicksteed Park has been freely accessible since it reopened in 2020.

However, guests must pay for rides in the park’s three sections, divided between Adventure, Thill and Splash.

Splash Zone has a water slide and boats on the lake, while the biggest ride is at Thrill Zone, the Dinosaur Valley roller coaster.

The Wicksteed Park Railways take you on a scenic journey through the park, also visiting mini golf, farmyard and theater attractions.

If you want to stay longer than one day, you have the advantage that you can also camp in the park.

Blackgang Chine

Britain’s oldest theme park, Blackgang Chine, first opened to visitors in 1843

Britain’s oldest theme park, Blackgang Chine, first opened to visitors in 1843.

Known as the Land of the Imagination due to its focus on real-life fun and a lack of technology, attractions include Cowboy Town, Underwater Kingdom, Fairyland and Nursery Land.

The new Extinction attraction opened in 2023 and offers views over the cliff edge, while new beach and pirate themed attractions also opened in 2024.

Vectis Ventures Park director Dominic Wray previously said: ‘Many parents and grandparents have fond memories of sitting on a giant mushroom, exploring Cowboy Town or entering the Mouth of Hell – they bring their children or grandchildren because they intergenerational memories.’

Milky Way Adventure Park, Devon

Although TripAdvisor gave it the honor of being one of the top five theme parks in the world, you could be forgiven for not having heard of Milky Way Adventure Park

Although TripAdvisor gave it the honor of being one of the top five theme parks in the world, you could be forgiven for not having heard of Milky Way Adventure Park.

The park, a former dairy farm, celebrated its 40th anniversary this year and marked the occasion with the opening of a new nine-hole miniature golf course.

There are also numerous different roller coasters to choose from: Cosmic Typhoon, with speeds up to 65 km/h, or the smaller Cosmic Caterpillar.

For the inevitable bad weather, there are indoor ninja courses, adventure parks, bumper cars and live shows.

Playland Amusement Park, Worcestershire

Last, but certainly not least, is the cheapest theme park in Britain, with this honor going to Playland Fun Park in Worcestershire

Last, but certainly not least, is the cheapest theme park in Britain, with this honor going to Playland Fun Park in Worcestershire.

Rides cost just 20p, with even larger rides costing just £2.

Elsewhere there are smaller attractions in the form of go-karts, safari trains, bumper boats and trampolines, along with a paddling pool and skate park.