Best Holiday Parks Near the UK’s Top Theme Parks
The UK is home to some of Europe’s most visited theme parks, attracting families, couples and thrill seekers each year. For many visitors, choosing where to stay is just as important as choosing which park to visit.
This guide explores the best theme parks in the UK and highlights HARPA holiday parks nearby. Holiday parks offer a flexible alternative to hotels, combining high-quality accommodation with on-site facilities ideal for short breaks and longer stays.
Alton Towers Resort
Alton, Staffordshire
Alton Towers is known for its mix of high adrenaline rollercoasters and family-friendly attractions. There are more than 40 rides and attractions to experience, including The Smiler which holds the record for the most loops in the world!
Younger members of the family can enjoy themed areas and meet and greets with their favourite TV characters. Live performances, restaurants and shops complete the fun-filled day out.
Why Stay Nearby?
Alton Towers occupies nearly 550 acres of grounds, meaning you’ll need more than a day to take it all in! Spend the first day of your trip tackling the rides. You can then enjoy the house, gardens and waterpark on subsequent days.
HARPA Holiday Parks Near Alton Towers
Callow Top Holiday Park – Ashbourne, Derbyshire
Travel time to Alton Towers: 20-minute drive
Callow Top is situated on the edge of the Peak District National Park and close to the quaint market town of Ashbourne. It offers an idyllic countryside escape with plenty of scenic walks accessible from the park.
There is a range of accommodation to choose from, including touring pitches, holiday cottages and a self-catering apartment. Families will enjoy a heated swimming pool, adventure playground, shop, pub, games room and fishing lake.
Lower Micklin Touring Park – Uttoxeter, Staffordshire
Travel time to Alton Towers: 5-minute drive
Lower Micklin is one of the closest caravan parks to Alton Towers, making it a convenient base for anyone visiting this much-loved theme park. There’s a variety of touring and camping pitches as well as a fully furnished bell tent.
Hales Hall Caravan & Camping Park – Cheedle, Staffordshire
Travel time to Alton Towers: 30-minute drive
Hales Hall is a peaceful park well suited to couples and families. It welcomes caravans, tents and motorhomes as well as visitors looking to stay in the yurt or glamping pods.
In the summer visitors can make use of the outdoor swimming pool. There is also a fishing lake on-site.
Rudyard Vale Caravan Park – Leek, Staffordshire
Travel time to Alton Towers: 30-minute drive
If you want a small, quiet park to retreat to at the end of your trip to Alton Towers, Rudyard Vale Caravan Park is the perfect option. It is situated in a peaceful countryside location overlooking 2-mile lake with opportunities for boating and fishing.
Glencote Caravan Park – Leek, Staffordshire
Travel time to Alton Towers: 20 minute drive
Glencote Caravan Park occupies a level, sheltered location in the Churnut Valley. It has a range of hardstanding touring pitches and benefits from a fishing lake on-site.
Quarry Walk Park – Cheadle, Staffordshire
Travel time to Alton Towers: 15-minute drive
Quarry Walk is set in a spacious woodland location with plenty of walks nearby. It’s conveniently located for a day trip to Alton Towers.
Thorpe Park
Chertsey, Surrey
Thorpe Park is one of the premier theme parks in the UK. It’s best known for its interesting mix of thrilling roller coasters, including ‘The Big 6 coasters’ which includes the UK’s tallest, fastest and most weightless rollercoaster!
The park is in Surrey, just outside of London and has a compact layout making it easy to navigate with young people. There are more than 25 rides to check out over the course of a day or weekend.
Why Stay Nearby?
Staying nearby allows visitors to make the most of their time at the park while avoiding long journeys home at the end of the busy day. Holiday parks in the surrounding area provide a convenient base with a wide range of accommodation options on offer.
With easy access to other attractions in the area, staying in a holiday park close to Thorpe Park makes it easier to combine a theme park visit with wider exploration of the Southeast.
HARPA Holiday Parks Near Thorpe Park
Tilford Woods Lodge Retreat – Farnham, Surrey
Travel time to Thorpe Park: 45-minute drive
Escape the hustle and bustle of the city with a stay in one of the luxurious log cabins at Tilford Woods Lodge Retreat. Soak up the outstanding scenery at the end of a busy day at Thorpe Park. Explore the enchanting woodland and open countryside.
Long Acres Caravan & Camping Park – Lingfield, Surrey
Travel time to Thorpe Park: 45-minute drive
Long Acres is situated within easy reach of London and perfect for anyone looking for a country retreat. The well-maintained park welcomes tourers and campers. There’s also a varied selection of quirky glamping accommodation, including bell tents, pods and shepherd’s huts!
Drayton Manor
Tamworth, Staffordshire
Drayton Manor is geared towards families, particularly those with younger children. It has more than 50 rides and attractions as well as Europe’s only Thomas Land – a themed area dedicated to Thomas the Tank Engine and friends. It’s focus on younger visitors makes Drayton Manor an excellent choice for holidaymakers looking for school holiday attractions.
One of the things that sets Drayton Manor apart from other UK theme parks is the 15-acre zoo, where you can see species from around the world!
Why Stay Nearby?
There is a small selection of HARPA member parks within easy reach of Drayton Manor. Staying nearby will allow you to have a more relaxed visit and the flexibility to explore the park over multiple days.
Holiday parks close to Drayton Manor offer an excellent standard of accommodation and family friendly facilities.
HARPA Holiday Parks Near Drayton Manor
Kingfisher Holiday Park – Burton on Trent, Staffordshire
Travel time to Drayton Manor: 25-minute drive
Kingfisher Holiday Park is situated in the heart of England and close to historic Stratford Upon Avon. It occupies a unique location next to a canal junction, where two canals meet.
On site there is a heated swimming pool and café. Regrettably, the park does not accept tourers or tents.
Oakland Holiday Park – Brewood, Staffordshire
Travel time to Drayton Manor: 35-minute drive
Oakland Holiday Park is situated on the banks of the Union Canal, close to Brewood. It’s rural Staffordshire location affords visitors easy access to a host of scenic walks.
It is ideally located to enjoy points of interest in addition to Drayton Manor. These include Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site and Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
LEGOLAND Windsor Resort
Windsor, Berkshire
We highly recommend a trip to LEGOLAND if you’re visiting the Windsor area with children aged 3-12. This family focused theme park promises hours of entertainment across the 150-acre estate.
There’s a wide selection of immersive LEGO-themed rides and experiences that will leave little ones in awe. Highlights include Miniland, LEGO City Driving School, the Magical Forest and a host of animatronic sculptures in themed areas.
Why Stay Nearby?
Make a short break out of your trip to LEGOLAND and stay at a holiday park nearby. Extending your visit will give time for little legs to recover after a busy day exploring the park.
Being close to the park allows for greater flexibility. Arrive early, leave late or spread your visit over multiple days if you’d prefer.
Holiday Parks Near LEGOLAND Windsor
Hurley Riverside Park – Maidenhead, Berkshire
Travel time to LEGOLAND Windsor: 20-minute drive
Hurley Riverside Park offers spacious touring and camping pitches within easy reach of LEGOLAND. The park benefits from direct access to the River Thames, where you can enjoy kayaking or paddleboarding if you have your own gear.
It’s hard to believe this quiet haven is just an hour outside of London!
Blackpool Pleasure Beach
Blackpool, Lancashire
Blackpool Pleasure Beach is one of the UK’s most iconic theme parks, known for its impressive seafront location. It can be accessed via Blackpool’s famous promenade and offers a mix of white-knuckle rollercoasters, live entertainment and family friendly rides.
It is free to enter and works on a pay per ride basis.
Why Stay Nearby?
Staying near Blackpool allows visitors to combine a classic seaside experience with a longer seaside break. Visit multiple times throughout your holiday to make the most of your favourite ride!
Holiday parks in and around Blackpool offer high-quality accommodation and excellent facilities, ensuring a comfortable stay.
Holiday Parks Near Blackpool
Marton Mere Holiday Village – Blackpool, Lancashire
Travel time to Blackpool Pleasure Beach: 15-minute drive
Marton Mere is part of the Haven Group and well suited to families looking for a holiday park in Blackpool. The park is situated on the outskirts of town and set around a peaceful nature reserve. There’s a wide range of facilities onsite and a host of entertainment.
Pipers Height – Blackpool, Lancashire
Travel time to Blackpool Pleasure Beach: 10-minute drive
Pipers Height welcomes touring caravans, motorhomes and campervans to their family-owned park in between Blackpool and charming Lytham St Anees. The site is immaculately maintained and in a lovely setting. There is a children’s play area and zip wire.
Eastham Hall Holiday Park – Lytham St Annes, Lancashire
Travel time to Blackpool Pleasure Beach: 20-minute drive
Eastham Hall Holiday Park is situated on the outskirts of Lytham St Annes, a chic coastal town with plenty to see and do. The park welcomes touring caravans and motorhomes.
The countryside location provides easy access to scenic walks – the perfect opportunity to distress after a fun-filled day at Blackpool Pleasure Beach.
Little Orchard Caravan Park – Preston, Lancashire
Travel time to Blackpool Pleasure Beach: 20-minute drive
Little Orchard Caravan Park has been designed to retain the look and feel of the countryside whilst providing all the facilities for a comfortable and stress free stay.
Chessington World of Adventures
Chessington, Surrey
Chessington World of Adventures is a popular family theme park in Surrey, offering a unique combination of rides, animal attractions and themed areas. It is specifically geared towards families with primary school age children. It’s offering and manageable size make it a great ‘first park’ to introduce little ones to the theme park experience.
Once you’ve finished taking on the rides, you can dive into an underwater world at the SEA LIFE Centre. Encounter sharks, rays and tropical fish in the various underwater habitats.
Why Stay Nearby?
Day trips with little ones can be daunting and things don’t always go to plan. Staying nearby gives you the chance to time your visit around naps and snack time!
Holiday parks in the surrounding area offer a quiet escape to relax and unwind at the end of a busy day.
Holiday Parks Near Chessington World of Adventures
Long Acres Caravan & Camping Park – 35 minutes (mentioned above)
Tilford Woods Lodge Retreat – 45 minutes (mentioned above)
Paultons Park
Romsey, Hampshire
Paultons Park is the UK’s number one family theme park on Google. It has 70 gentle rides and attractions as well as the only Peppa Pig World in the UK, which brings the much-loved children’s programme to life.
When you’re in need of a slower moment, there are plenty of shops, restaurants and animal enclosures to explore. It’s focus on younger families makes Paulton’s park the perfect family day out.
H3: Why Stay Nearby?
Paultons Park is situated on the edge of the New Forest National Park, a scenic area with plenty of charming villages to explore.
Being based locally, makes it easy to enjoy a relaxed park experience, while allowing time for countryside walks and cycling. If you’re lucky you might get to see one of the famous New Forest ponies.
Holiday Parks Near Paultons Park
Sunnydale Farm Touring Park – Southampton, Hampshire
Travel time to Paultons Park: 25-minute drive
Sunnydale Farm Touring Park is open year-round making it the perfect base for off-peak visits to Poultons Park. There are around 40 level pitches with electric, water and grey water with a seperate camping field.
The park is conveniently located for exploring the New Forest and Southampton City Centre should you want to indulge in some retail therapy.
Hoburne Bashley – New Milton, Hampshire
Travel time to Paultons Park: 30-minute drive
Hoburne Bashley occupies a 100-acre country estate close to the New Forest. There are plenty of on-park activities to entertain all ages, including a 9-hole golf course, beauty treatment rooms and craft activities for kids.
There’s a wide variety of premier accommodation to choose from, including caravans and lodges. There are even hot tub options available.
Green Hill Farm Holiday Village – Salisbury, Wiltshire
Travel time to Paultons Park: 15-minute drive
Green Hill Farm offers a quiet escape with direct access to the New Forest. It is open year-round and boasts a range of accommodation types, so you’re bound to find something to suit your preferences.
On-park activities include archery, segways, fishing and the popular Ranger programme. There’s also a café, shop, playground and splash pad.
Shorefield Country Park – Milford on Sea, Hampshire
Travel time to Paultons Park: 40-minute drive
If you’re looking for something a bit different, stay in one of the award-winning treehouses at Shorefield Country Park. These unique glamping options with hot tubs offer a luxurious alternative to camping. The perfect place to recuperate after a busy day at Paultons Park.
Frequently Asked Questions About UK Theme Park Breaks
What are the best theme parks in the UK?
There are many award-winning theme parks in the UK. Some of the best include Alton Towers Resort, Thorpe Park, Blackpool Pleasure Beach, Drayton Manor, Chessington World of Adventure and Poultons Park.
Are there holiday parks near UK theme parks?
Yes, there are a wide range of holiday parks near UK theme parks. Holiday parks offer an excellent alternative to hotels, especially if you are travelling with children. We recommend choosing a HARPA member park.
Which UK theme parks are best for families?
Paultons Park and Chessington World of Adventures are geared towards preschool and primary school aged children. They are both a fantastic introduction to theme parks thanks to their gentle rides and compact park layout.
When is the best time to visit UK theme parks?
Holiday parks get busy during the school holidays and weekends. If possible, we recommend visiting mid-week for a more pleasant experience with shorter queue times.
Choosing a HARPA affiliated park near a UK theme park makes it easier to enjoy flexible stays, high quality accommodation and memorable family days out. With member parks close to some of the country’s best loved theme parks and attractions, holiday parks provide a convenient base for short breaks and longer stays.