The summer holidays are upon us and it's the time of year when many families go on days out looking for a fun way to spend time together.
Around Nottinghamshire there are many family theme parks on offer as well as a few just a short distance away from its boarders. It can be hard to decide which one to pick and which is most suitable to your family.
Below is a list of five local theme parks in and around Nottinghamshire and their TripAdvisor ratings from recent visits.
Read more: Plans for 'Skeg Vegas' amusements to replace cafe
Sundown Adventureland
The children's theme park in Rampton, Nottinghamshire has over twenty rides and attractions on its site as well as onsite accommodation. It is designed for under 10s and features themed areas including Angry Birds, Pirates and Robin Hood.
Sundown Adventureland was ranked the fourth best theme park in the UK in 2020 according to TripAdvisor. Visitors have ranked the theme park 4.5 out of 5 on the site with the majority saying it was excellent.
One reviewer said: "We have just returned from our second trip to Sundown Adventureland in the last 12 months and I have to say this is turning into one of my favourite parks in the UK."
Another added: "Visited today with our 11 month old. Had a brilliant day. So much for kids, she was too small for a lot of it but really enjoyed what she could go on. Really clean and well looked after. Definitely recommend for young kids."
Gulliver's Kingdom Matlock Bath
The Derbyshire theme park is aimed at children aged three to 13 and has plenty of rides including a roller-coaster, water canyon ride and a log flume. The park is nestled into the hillside over looking Matlock Bath.
Toy Land caters for under fives with interactive rides and attractions. There is also an indoor play area on site as well as eateries and picnic areas.
The park is ranked 4 out of 5 on TripAdvisor with most reviews calling it excellent. One reviewer said: "Yes it is dated (extremely dated in places) and it is super hilly! (Pushing a pushchair up by the haunted house in particular was hilarious. I've needed climbing shoes with toe picks lol)
"But in all seriousness this place was ace. Perfect for our nearly 5 year old and lots for our nearly 2 year old. Price is very reasonable (we had a springer ticket) Queues were short, 10mins max. Compared to Alton Towers, Drayton Manor, Paultons this was really refreshing and ideal for littlies. Staff were nice. Great day out!"
Twinlakes Park
Twinlakes near Melton Mowbray is a family friendly park that caters for young children. Attractions include a small zoo, roller coaster, log flume, go karts and a boating lake.
A miniature railway runs between various parts of the park, taking visitors to different areas. The theme park has been ranked 4 out of 5 on TripAdvisor with most calling it excellent.
One reviewer said: "Brilliant day out for young children. Parked easily and straight in no queue. Park was clean. Not a single queue. We spent 5 hours there and didn’t get everything done.
"Farm animals were great and very tame, take your own picnic as the food places didn’t look great but the rest of the place was way above our expectations."
Robin Hood's Wheelgate Park
The family theme park in Farnsfield includes two large indoor play centres, a farm and a water park. There are lots of animals onsite including rabbits, goats, ponies and llamas.
The park has the largest outdoor water park in the UK with five water slides. Wheelgate has been ranked 4 out of 5 on TripAdvisor and has recently received mixed reviews.
A reviewer said: "What do you expect? Kids love it. The running cost must be massive. The water park is great and you can say all day, just take your own food and drink and enjoy your kids having a good time. Don't be overly critical or you may lose what's a little gem just on the doorstep for Nottingham."
Another added: "Nearly didn’t go when I read the 1 star reviews but glad we did as we had a lovely day. Yes it’s a bit tired in places but so many fun things to do! My children (8 & 4) loved the amazing playgrounds the best! I appreciated the picnic tables and indoor options in case of rain. All staff lovely and helpful without exception."
Sherwood Forest Fun Park
The pay as you go fairground in Edwinstowe has been run by the same family for over 60 years. Sherwood Forest Fun Park operate a token system for their rides which cost £1 each.
Attractions include tea cups, Jumping Jack as well as an onsite café and ice cream parlour. The park has twenty reviews on TripAdvisor with a rating of 4 out of 5.
One reviewer said: "We visited today whilst at Sherwood forest. The children really enjoyed themselves. The slide was definitely their favourite ride. £1 per token isn't too bad, but when you bring 4 children with you it soon mounts up. We loved that there was some 2p machines, hook a duck and traditional arcade games to play. We'll definitely come back."
READ NEXT:
