The Best Theme Parks and Amusement Parks Near Manchester

Are you looking for some proper thrills near Manchester? Good news! While the city itself isn't exactly overflowing with massive theme parks, there's actually a nice selection within easy reach. Whether you've got little ones who just want to bounce around or teenagers craving white-knuckle rides and a giant adventure, I've got you covered. Let me walk you through the best  places for an amazing day out.

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Alton Towers – The Big One

Distance from Manchester: About 44 miles (around 1 hour 10 minutes by car)

Let's start with the heavyweight champion, shall we? Alton Towers is the UK's largest amusement park, and honestly, it's the one everyone thinks of when you mention theme parks. I do want to point out though that if you are thinking huge U.S style amusement parks like six flags Cedar Point, you will be slightly disappointed as the rides aren't quite as big or death defying.

Alton Towers is down in Staffordshire, and while it's not exactly on Manchester's doorstep, the drive is pretty straightforward via the M6.

What makes Alton Towers such a great place? It is massive and has some of the most iconic roller coasters in the country. We're talking about The Smiler with its record-breaking 14 inversions, the legendary Nemesis (which recently got a rebuild), Oblivion with its vertical drop into the ground, and the Wicker Man wooden coaster that quite literally goes through flames. If you're an adrenaline junkie, this is your paradise.

But it's not all about terrifying rides. No matter the age group, everyone can find something they like here. The park has many other fun things such as CBeebies Land for the little ones, with gentler attractions based on their favorite characters. There is also an impressive water park on site. You will need at least an entire day but if you want to make it a weekend trip, there are also hotels and loads of dining options. The grounds themselves are stunning too, set around the ruins of an old Gothic mansion. Fair warning though, it gets absolutely packed during school holidays, so book ahead and maybe consider going during school days if you can. At least go during the week if you are there in the summer. 

Blackpool Pleasure Beach – Seaside Classic

Distance from Manchester: Roughly 50-53 miles (about an hour by car)

Blackpool Pleasure Beach is an absolute institution. It is right on the seafront at Blackpool, so you get the full seaside experience along with your theme park thrills. The journey takes about an hour by car or you can hop on a train from Manchester Piccadilly, which takes around 90 minutes with a transfer.

This place has been entertaining families since way back, and it's got that classic British seaside charm mixed with some properly exciting modern rides. The Big One used to be the tallest roller coaster in the world, and while it's lost that crown, it's still an absolute beast. Then there's ICON, their newest coaster that adds some major excitement with loops and launches. The Grand National wooden coaster is a proper old-school experience that rattles your bones in the best way possible.

What I love about Blackpool Pleasure Beach is the variety of fun activities. You've got Nickelodeon Land for kids, where they can meet SpongeBob and friends. There are classic rides like the River Caves that have been there for generations. Plus, being right next to the beach means you can combine the theme park with a walk on the promenade, some fish and chips, and maybe even a trip up the Blackpool Tower. It really is a wonderful day out.

Gulliver's World Theme Park– Perfect for Young Children

Distance from Manchester: About 20 miles (roughly 25-30 minutes by car)

Here's a gem that often gets overlooked, but it's the perfect destination for families with younger kids. Gulliver's World is in Warrington, which is basically between Manchester and Liverpool, so it's very accessible. You can drive there in under half an hour, or get the train to Warrington and then a short bus or taxi ride.

What makes Gulliver's World special is that it's specifically designed for children 2 to 13 years of age. That means everything is scaled appropriately, the queues are generally shorter, and the whole atmosphere is just more relaxed than the mega parks. The friendly staff do everything they can to make sure your day is perfect. The park has different themed areas including Lilliput Land, Safari Kingdom, and Gully Town, with over 40 rides and attractions spread across them.

The Antelope wooden roller coaster is a real crowd-pleaser, giving kids their first taste of proper thrills without being too scary. There's also the Splash Zone water park right next door, which is perfect for cooling off in summer. And if you want to make a weekend of it, there's an on-site hotel. The pricing is reasonable too, which is always a bonus when you're taking the whole family out.

Southport Pleasureland (Now Adventure Coast Southport)

Distance from Manchester: About 37-44 miles (around 50 minutes to an hour by car)

Southport is a lovely little seaside resort north of Liverpool, and its theme park recently got a makeover and rebranded as Adventure Coast Southport. It's about an hour's drive from Manchester, or you can take the train which takes around 90 minutes.

This park has a fascinating history, going back over 100 years, though it's had its ups and downs over the decades. The current incarnation is split into four themed lands: Viking Landings, Pirate Cove, Cartoon Boardwalk, and Steampunk Bay. It's smaller than Alton Towers or Blackpool, but that's actually part of its charm – it feels more manageable and less overwhelming.

The rides include a proper log ride, a couple of roller coasters, bumper cars (called dodgems in the UK), Tilt-A-Whirl (called waltzers in the UK), and a ghost train that has live actors popping out to scare you. What people really love about Adventure Coast Southport is that the lines are generally much shorter than the bigger parks, and it's got free entry – you just pay per ride or get a wristband for unlimited rides. Plus, being right on the seafront means you can combine it with a walk along Southport Pier (the second-longest in Britain) and enjoy the beautiful Victorian gardens.

Indoor Options in Manchester Itself

If the weather's being typically British and you want something closer to home, Manchester has some decent indoor options that are perfect for letting the kids burn off energy.

LEGOLAND Discovery Centre at the Trafford Centre is fantastic for LEGO fans. It's got rides, a 4D cinema, play zones, and Miniland which recreates Manchester landmarks in LEGO bricks. It's aimed at younger children mainly, but they do adult nights if you're a big kid yourself.

Inflata Nation Manchester, in Trafford Park, is basically a massive inflatable theme park - an arena filled with inflatable obstacles, slides, and courses perfect for family days. It's very tiring but so much fun. They've got everything from giant slides to gladiator arenas where you can have inflatable weapon fights. Because it is indoors, it is a wonderful option for rainy days or a kids party. 

Bounce Central is another indoor trampoline park if you want the kids (or yourself) to literally bounce off the walls for an hour or two. They've got over 65 interconnected trampolines, foam pits, and even offer fitness classes.

Head Over Heels is an award-winning indoor play and party venue in Chorlton, Manchester, designed for babies and children up to 1.55m tall. The center combines an exciting play experience for children with a wholesome family restaurant and comfortable viewing areas for adults. The facility features a large play frame with sports court, LED disco room, music and sensory zones, plus a separate enclosed area for children aged 3 and under with a baby sensory room and soft play. There's also a Sky Terrace Cafe Bar with 2000 sq. ft. of seating and a mini role-play village, making it an ideal destination for family outings and children's parties. 

Making the Most of Your Visit

Here are a few tips to make the most of your time at any of these theme or amusement parks. Always book tickets online in advance because you'll usually save a fair bit of money. Check the park's calendar before you go because some of them have restricted opening times, especially outside of school holidays. And if you're going to Alton Towers or Blackpool, consider getting there early – those lines can get a bit crazy by mid-morning.

Weather-wise, Manchester's not exactly known for sunshine, so pack a light waterproof jacket or umbrellas just in case. Most parks are open in the rain (unless there's lightning), and actually, some of the best days to visit are when it's a bit drizzly because the queues are way shorter.

Also, make sure to check for exclusive discounts as many of the parks have special offers such as discounts for kids when accompanied by a paying adult. 

The Verdict

If I'm being honest, each of these parks has its own vibe and works for different situations. Alton Towers is the one for the full-on theme park experience with world-class rides, but you need to commit to the journey and probably a whole day. Blackpool Pleasure Beach combines thrills with that classic British seaside atmosphere. Gulliver's World is unbeatable for younger kids and convenience and Southport offers a more laid-back, old-school fairground feel with the added bonus of a beautiful coastal town to explore.

The brilliant thing about living in or visiting the greater Manchester area is that you've got all these options within an hour or so. You're not stuck with just one choice – you can pick based on your mood, who you're with, and how far you want to travel.  Whichever of these theme or amusement parks near Manchester you choose, you are sure to have a great time.

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