Theme parks in Britain

1. Alton Towers, Staffordshire
Alton Towers is one of the world's leading theme park resorts, with a host exhilarating rides and attractions set in 500 acres of countryside, and makes a truly fantastic day out or break. It's home to some of the most terrifying theme park rides around, including Rita - Queen of Speed: faster than a shuttle take-off and with more lift than a plane, Rita will blow your mind. Brace yourself as a massive G-force of 4.7 courses through your body as you hurtle from 0-100 kph in a terrifyingly fast 2.5 seconds.
Price: Adult £32.00, Child £22.00, Under 4's free, Family tickets from £89.00.
Web:Alton Towers (www.alton-towers.co.uk/themepark/)

2. Chessington World of Adventures, near London
Chessington World of Adventures, just 12 miles outside of London, has something for all the family - thrilling rides and attractions, its own zoo and live shows, as well as shops, kiosks and restaurants. Don't miss the famous Rameses Revenge ride, where you'll spin till you can't think straight… and be careful of the water, there's very little chance you'll come off this ride dry! If you don't fancy getting wet, grab your garlic and dare to ride the fang-tastic Vampire roller coaster.
Price: Adult £29.00, Children £19.00, Children under 1 metre go free, Family tickets from £58.00.
Web:Chessington World of Adventures (www.chessington.co.uk/)

3. Drayton Manor, Staffordshire
Drayton Manor is set in 280 acres of parkland and is packed with a host of great rides and attractions. The theme park features some of the fastest, wettest and scariest rides around, and there's also family entertainment, a zoo, Dinosaur Land, museums and shops. Don't miss Apocalypse, the world's first stand-up tower drop which hoists you skyward on a half ton launch shuttle, then puts you at the mercy of gravity as you hurtle towards the ground at over 4Gs. And if you're brave enough, take a ride on Shockwave, Europe's only stand-up rollercoaster.
Price: Adult £20.95, Child £16.95, Under 4’s free, Family tickets from £66.00.
Web:Drayton Manor (www.draytonmanor.co.uk/)

4. Loudoun Castle Theme Park, Ayrshire, Scotland
Loudoun Castle, Scotland's family theme park, is set in 500 acres of magnificent parkland. The imposing ruins of Loudoun Castle create a stunning backdrop to the magnificent rides, live shows and other great attractions on offer. Don't miss your chance to ride the Brainstormer, the 40m shoot and drop tower, and the only one of its kind in Scotland. Children will love the daily Big Top Circus Theatre, where you'll see trapeze acts, acrobats, and amazing circus skills.
Price: Prices are based on height. Over 1.3m £13.99, 1-1.3m £11.99, Under 1 metre free.
Web:Loudoun Castle Theme Park (www.loudouncastle.co.uk/home.html)

5. Oakwood Theme Park, Pembrokeshire, Wales
Oakwood Theme Park is one of Wales' biggest tourist attractions, and with over 60 rides and attractions, it's not hard to see why. Among the world-class white knuckle rides is Megafobia, the famous wooden rollercoaster that was recently voted the best ride in the UK and the third best ride in the world by enthusiasts. Take a ride on Speed, 2,000 feet of fast, furious fun where you'll climb, plunge, roll, twist and turn at 95kph.
Price: Standard (10 years +) £14.75, Junior (3-9 years) £13.50, Under 3's free, Family tickets from £53.00
Web:Oakwood Theme Park (www.oakwoodthemepark.co.uk/home/default.asp)

6. Blackgang Chine, Isle of Wight
Overlooking the spectacular South West 'Heritage Coast' of the Isle of Wight, Blackgang Chine is an eccentric mix of exciting rides, goblins and fairies, dinosaurs and nursery rhyme characters all set within rambling Victorian gardens. Don't miss the Cliff Hanger, a thrilling rollercoaster that climbs to 400ft above the sea before dropping nearly 40ft.
Price: £8.95 per person, Saver ticket (4 people) £33
Web:Blackgang Chine (www.blackgangchine.com/index.asp)

7. Thorpe Park, Surrey
Thorpe Park is one of the most popular theme parks in Britain. At Thorpe Park you'll find an attraction to suit everyone - from the thrill seekers to youngsters. Adventure thrill-seekers mustn't miss Stealth - Europe's fastest launch rollercoaster, which accelerates 0-80mph in under 2 seconds, taking you 250ft in the air. And young thrill seekers will love the Flying Fish - a fun, fast first-time rollercoaster.
Price: Young thrill seeker (1 metre-11years) £20, Thrill seeker (12years +) £32, Family tickets from £88
Web:Thorpe Park (www.thorpepark.co.uk)

8. Crealy Adventure Park, Devon
Devon's Crealy Adventure Park has six huge realms of fun, magic and adventure for you and your family to explore. The Adventure Realm is home to some of the South West's most exciting rides and more than 75,000 sq ft of indoor play. In the Animal Realm there's a whole host of animals to feet, pet, milk, stroke and cuddle. And don't miss the Action Realm, where you can battle your family with water balloons in Water Wars.
Price: Ticket prices vary according to date - see website for details.
Web:Crealy Adventure Park (www.crealy.co.uk/index.aspx)

9. Adventure Wonderland, Bournemouth
This Alice in Wonderland-inspired theme park has something for everyone - from the would-be pirates, intrepid explorers and orbiting astronauts, to the mad hatters and plain old fun-lovers. Don't miss the Maze, the largest theme hedged maze in the south, where you can spot your favourite characters from Alice in Wonderland.
Price: Adults £9.75, Children (3 years +) £9.75, Under 3's free, Family ticket £37
Web:Adventure Wonderland (www.adventurewonderland.co.uk/)

10. Fantasy Island Theme Park, near Skegness
Take your family to Fantasy Island, Britain's first themed indoor family resort and amusement park. There are white-knuckle thrills, water rides, rollercoasters and much more to keep the whole family entertained. Don't miss the Absolutely Insane ride, where you and your cart are propelled 240ft vertically in the air.
Price: Free admission
Web:Fantasy Island Theme Park (www.fantasyisland.co.uk/)