In this section we have listed famous London attractions and theme parks that charge an admission. Some places like Buckingham Palace, the London Eye and The Tower of London we have put in Landmarks, as the exterior is just as important as the interior. The same rationale goes for places like the London Aquarium and London Zoo, where we have put them in the Animals section. Anyway, ..... you get the picture. If it's big, fun and paid for you'll find it here!
Gullivers Theme ParkGulliver’s Milton Keynes is set in beautiful parklands. It has lots to offer to children from the hustle and bustle of Main Street to the miniature world of Lilliput Land to the excitement of Adventure Land and Discovery Bay. Enjoy the delights of Lilliput Castle and treats of Toyland. Gulliver is running special events on Oct 6th – 7th (Gulliver’s charity Week-end) and Oct 26th –27th (Spooky Halloween week-end)Ages: allOpening time: 10.30am – 5pm (check web for special event opening times)Admission: check web for pricesAddress: Gullivers Theme Park, Gulliver's Land, Livingstone Drive, Newlands, Milton Keynes, MK15 0DTTel: 01925 444 888Web:www.gulliversfun.co.uk
Adventure Island
With over 30 rides and its “pay as you go” policy it offers a great day by the sea for families. There is something for everyone, from rides suitable for younger children to white knuckle rides such as the Green Scream Roller Coaster and RAGE!
Age: allOpening time: 11-5pm or 11-8pm (check web) Admission: free (you only pay if you play, ride bands are sold according to height, prices from at £8.50 to £17 with online booking saving (check web for more info.)Address: Adventure Island, Sunken Gardens, Western Esplanade, Southend-on-Sea, Essex SS1 1EETel: 01702 443 400Web:www.adventureisland.co.uk
Thorpe Park
Closed for winter from November
This park is aimed at older children, teens and adults, as its sister park (Chessington) is fairly nearby and caters for younger ones. Saying that, there are still a number of rides for smaller children and you can check the Thorpe Park website for ride listings and height restrictions if unsure. This has some great rides for the more adventurous including Stealth, Colossus, Detonator and Nemesis Inferno!
Ages: all (ideal for 12+)Opening time: 9.30/10am - 8/10pm (check web)Admission: Family ticket (2+2) £82 online or £92 on the door. (Adult £28, child £18 online)Address:Thorpe Park, Staines Road, Chertsey, Surrey, KT16 8PNTel:0870 444 44 66Web:www.thorpepark.comTip:check out the rides online!
HMS Belfast
HMS Belfast is the largest surviving (up to 950 crew) example of Britain's twentieth century naval power. Retired from active service in 1965 it was moored on the Thames between Tower and London Bridge in 1978 and is now a floating museum. She was the first ship to be saved for the nation since Nelson's HMS Victory due to her historical importance. Best known for her role in supporting the advancing Allied troops as they made their way onto Gold and Juno beaches on the morning of D-Day, 6 June 1944, HMS Belfast is now a naval time capsule, providing nine decks of living history to explore. Group bookings for up to 52 children to `Kip in a Ship' are available at £25 PP per night with up to 6 accompanying adults.
One of London's most famous tourist attractions has a host of wax effigies of celebrities such as Brad Pitt, Wayne Rooney, Robbie Williams, Jennifer Lopez, Kylie Minogue and many more. You also get access to the Stardome, which replaced the Planetarium after it closed in 2006. It features a 360-degree show `The Wonderful World Of Stars', produced exclusively for Madame Tussauds by Oscar-winning animators Aardman (Wallace & Gromit, Chicken Run). Other featured attractions include Big Brother and Pirates of the Carribean. Pushchairs not permitted, but storage available. Wheelchair users welcome, but should ring in advance due to limited capacity (0870 400 3000).
Can be found below London Bridge Station, Southwark. With over 40 exhibits this horror attraction covers some of the more gruesome bits of London's 2000 year history, ranging from the the plague and the great fire to Jack the ripper! The dark and eerie atmosphere might prove a little overwhelming for younger children.
Since it opened in 1996, Legoland Windsor has been providing lots of hands on entertainment for children. Plenty of theme park rides for children aged 2-12, who can take to the road, soar through the skies and sail the seas in complete safety. There are over 50 interactive rides, live shows, building workshops, driving schools and a number of new attractions for 2007, all set in 150 acres of parkland. On site you'll find a broad selection of meals and snacks available, ranging from pizzas to mexican and you could always take a picnic. Overall Legoland provides an enjoyable day out for kids and a relatively stress free day for adults. The lego-racers 3D movie is great, as are the shows. Current deals include free entry on return visits in May & June when you purchase a ticket before the end of April (check their site for details) The annual pass also offers good value.
Open: 17th March 10am-5pm Admission: Adult: £33.30 Child/Senior: £25.20 Tube: Windsor & Eaton RiversideAddress: Winkfield Road Windsor Berkshire SL4 4AY Phone: .08705 04 04 04 Website:www.legoland.co.uk Email:
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Facilities: A, C, WC, BCF, S
Chessington World of adventures
Chessington World of Adventures has a real emphasis on families and fun (with Thorpe park aimed at an older teen/adult market). It combines the attractions of a theme park with a zoo and live shows for a really great family day out! Rides include Bubbleworks, Dragon's Fury and the Vampire ride. In the zoo you will see gorillas, big cats, monkeys, birds, Sea lions and many more exciting animals. On site you'll also find a broad range of food to suit most tastes, a good picnic area and plenty of places to get a coffee for adults when they start to flag. Be warned; you will have to queue when it is busy. Ideal for an in service training day!
Open: 10th March 10am-5pm Admission: Family of 4 £66 (£92 on the door) or adult £24, child £17 online Tube: situated on the A243 & 10 mins from Chessington South StationAddress: Chessington World of Adventures Chessington Surrey KT9 2NE Phone: 0870 999 0045. Website:www.chessington.co.uk Facilities: A, C, WC, BCF, S
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HMS Belfast is the largest surviving (up to 950 crew) example of Britain's twentieth century naval power. Retired from active service in 1965 it was moored on the Thames between Tower and London Bridge in 1978 and is now a floating museum. She was the first ship to be saved for the nation since Nelson's HMS Victory due to her historical importance. Best known for her role in supporting the advancing Allied troops as they made their way onto Gold and Juno beaches on the morning of D-Day, 6 June 1944, HMS Belfast is now a naval time capsule, providing nine decks of living history to explore. Group bookings for up to 52 children to `Kip in a Ship' are available at £25 PP per night with up to 6 accompanying adults.
Since it opened in 1996, Legoland Windsor has been providing lots of hands on entertainment for children. Plenty of theme park rides for children aged 2-12, who can take to the road, soar through the skies and sail the seas in complete safety. There are over 50 interactive rides, live shows, building workshops, driving schools and a number of new attractions for 2007, all set in 150 acres of parkland. On site you'll find a broad selection of meals and snacks available, ranging from pizzas to mexican and you could always take a picnic. Overall Legoland provides an enjoyable day out for kids and a relatively stress free day for adults. The lego-racers 3D movie is great, as are the shows. Current deals include free entry on return visits in May & June when you purchase a ticket before the end of April (check their site for details) The annual pass also offers good value.
