They’re loud, they’re bright, they’re busy and we looove them. We can only be talking about theme parks. What is it about the mix of towering rollercoaster rides, head-spinning attractions, and candy-scented foods that get us so excited? We’re a nation of thrillseekers and adrenaline junkies. From splashing waterslides and zero-gravity drops to family-friendly carousels and dodgems, there’s something for everyone! So, buckle up, as we ride through the best theme parks near Birmingham.
1. Alton Towers
There can be no mention of theme parks near Birmingham without talking about Alton Towers first. It’s the biggest theme park in the UK and, about halfway between Stoke-on-Trent and Derby, is only an hour from here. It’s a rite of passage for local teenagers who’ve passed their driving test, but Alton Towers offers thrills and spills for all the family.
There are over 40 heart-racing rides at Alton Towers – including the world’s first 14-loop rollercoaster, The Smiler; the infamous, 180-feet vertical drop of Oblivion; and the iconic flying rollercoaster, Galactica. Meanwhile, the nightmarishly immersive, Wicker Man, is the UK’s first wooden coaster built in over 20 years. And these barely scratch the surface at one of the best theme parks near Birmingham.
Elsewhere, discover live shows as you explore the Alton Towers Dungeons, the spooky ride of The Curse at Alton Manor, and the history of the grounds at Alton Towers – which first opened to the public in 1860. You and your little ones can also check out CBeebies Land, which is home to many child-friendly rides, as well as some of your favourite CBeebies friends like Bluey! To get your tickets to Alton Towers head here.
Alton Towers, Farley Ln, Alton, Stoke-on-Trent ST10 4DB
2. Drayton Manor Resort
After something nearby? Drayton Manor is one of the closest theme parks to Birmingham. The star of the show has to be The Wave (a rebrand of the former Shockwave), which features high speeds of 53 mph and level four G-Force at 12 feet high while still being accessible to all “thrill-seeking families.” The track also consists of four inversions, a unique zero-gravity roll, and a double corkscrew structure.
There are over 50 rides and attractions to explore the family-friendly theme park, however, including a 15-acre zoo and Europe’s only Thomas (the Tank Engine) Land. Meanwhile, the brand-new Wild West-themed area offers an immersive cowboy experience like no other. And if that wasn’t enough of an excuse to visit, Drayton Manor was also recently crowned the best value theme park at the UK Theme Park Awards.
Drayton Manor Resort, Drayton Manor Dr, Fazeley, Mile Oak, Tamworth B78 3TW
3. Cadbury World
This chocolatey adventure is basically Birmingham’s very own Willy Wonka Factory. While rides aren’t anywhere near as big as other places, they’re just as sweet. The latest addition, Cadbury Chocolate Quest, is an immersive trackless ride that sets guests on a choc-tastic mission to collect all the ingredients of Cadbury Dairy Milk. Elsewhere, you’ll journey through an Aztec Temple to discover the origins of the cocoa bean; catch a movie at the multi-sensory cinema; interact with digital displays and demonstrations; and learn about Cadbury’s 200-year history.
Cadbury World, 69 Linden Rd, Birmingham B30 1JR
4. West Midlands Safari Park
A visit to West Midlands Safari Park – to see giraffes and tigers, and stay with lions and elephants – is always a thrill. But did you know it’s also home to one of the best theme parks near Birmingham? At the Adventure Theme Park, you’ll find child-friendly rollercoaster rides, dodgems and jungle swings; a rocking Pirate Ship; and Dr. Umboto’s Catacombs – where the mad scientists combine exciting experiments and gruesome mysterious creations.
West Midlands Safari Park, Spring Grove, Bewdley DY12 1LF
5. The Bear Grylls Adventure
Okay, so it’s not a “theme park”, but if you’re looking for thrills in Birmingham then there’s no better spot (especially) than The Bear Grylls Adventure. At this adrenaline-pumping experience in the NEC, scale Europe’s highest outdoor free-roam ropes course and defy gravity with thrilling indoor skydiving. Elsewhere, try your hand at axe throwing, archery and climbing. There are no rollercoaster rides, but you’ll feel all the same excitement. To get your tickets to The Bear Grylls Adventure head here.
The Bear Grylls Adventure, National Exhibition Center, Halls, Marston Green, Birmingham, B40 1NT
6. Inflata Nation
Inflata Nation describes itself as an “inflatable theme park”, so we had to include it. In one huge indoor arena, you are free to bounce between an array of fun-filled inflatable activities. The Birmingham site is a ball pit paradise – with ball pit blasters, an obstacle assault course, and a giant slide into the UK’s largest ball pool. You’ll also find a dedicated under 4’s area and adults-only sessions, so every age can enjoy the fun. To learn more about Inflata Nation head here.
Inflata Nation, Unit E, Stechford Retail Park, Flaxley Pkwy, Birmingham B33 9AN
7. Twinlakes
Back to some real theme parks near Birmingham. Near the town of Melton Mowbray, about an hour and a half from Birmingham, is the East Midlands’ best theme park. Twinlakes offers an array of classic rides and attractions – including a log flume, bumper boats, a swing ride, a merry-go-round, a drop tower and countless other exciting rides. But, some pretty unique activities make it stand out too.
Twinlakes has its very own manmade beach, where you can sunbathe or build sandcastles; a bird of prey centre to watch soaring displays of falcons and owls (you can even sign up to handle one!); and a zoo farm – where you can meet rabbits, guinea pigs, actual pigs, sheep, llamas, donkeys, wallabies and more. Better yet, you can also go glamping in one of Twinlakes’ onsite luxury pods.
Twinlakes Family Theme Park, Melton Spinney Rd, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire LE14 4FF