Top six UK theme parks you can easily reach by train this summer – and how to find the cheapest family fares

The Sun

15-07-2025

A DAY trip to a theme park is part of what makes up the summer holidays for most families.
So Trainline has revealed where you can find the top six amusement parks whether you're looking for big rollercoasters or small thrills - and they're all easily accessible on train.
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First up is Chessington World of Adventures which is just outside of London in Chessington.
The park has it all, over 40 rides, a zoo and SEA LIFE centre.
Some of the best rides include the Barrel Bail Out, as long as you're not standing nearby, because the aim of the game is to soak bystanders.
It's also home to Mandrill Mayhem the largest rollercoaster and themed around Jumanji.
Travel Editor (Digital) Caroline McGuire visited the theme park to try out the Jumanji rollercoaster when it first opened - and here's her verdict.
You can get to the theme park by getting the train to Chessington South then walking 14 minutes to the main entrance.
The second theme park is Blackpool Pleasure Beach in Lancashire.
Blooloop.
Blackpool Pleasure Beach Resort first opened in 1896, and has been kept in the family since it opened.
Blackpool Pleasure Beach has 38 rides, 10 rollercoasters and five water rides.
I was one of the first to try Blackpool Pleasure Beache's 'new' ride
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Some of the most popular include The Big One, Icon, Valhalla, and the Grand National.
The park also has Nickelodeon Land with rides for younger visitors.
To get to park, take the train to the Blackpool Pleasure Beach Station, then a five minute walk.
Adventure Island is a firm favourite with families because of its free entry policy – you only pay for the rides you go on.
The colourful theme park is right on Southend's seafront and has over 40 rides and attractions.
You can go start slow with the spinning teacups or get hit the big rides like the Gerstlauer Eurofighter that has a vertical drop and loop.
The park also has arcades, a sea-view café strip, and a small aquarium.
To get there, take a train to Southend Central, then it's a 10-minute walk to the park gates.
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Diggerland in Kent isn't everyone's cup of tea, but for digger fans, it's a dreamworld.
Here, kids can operate real JCBs, ride on dump trucks, and dig holes with their digger of choice.
There are hands-on driving experiences too like go-karting, and there's a soft play on-site.
Pre-booked tickets to Diggerland cost £25.95pp plus a £4 booking fee - or £38pp on the day.
Take the train to Strood, then take a 15-minute walk to the Diggerland entrance.
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For fans of retro, head to Dreamland in Margate - otherwise known as the UK's trendiest seaside town.
The beachside amusement park is full of restored vintage rides, a roller disco, summer concerts and art shows.
It's where you'll find the UK's oldest wooden rollercoaster, the Scenic Railway which first opened in 1920.
In July 2025, Dreamland opened its first ride in 25 years - a log flume water ride called Wild River.
The new ride has two "high-thrill" drops with both a 50ft plunge and 30ft plunge along the way.
It also has nearby water guns that guests can use to spray riders as they go past, with coin-operated pistols.
Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey took a trip to Dreamland to try out some of its best attractions.
To get there by train, take one to Margate, then it's just a four-minute walk to the Dreamland entrance - it's across the road from the beach.
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Of course, we cannot forget about Barry Island Pleasure Park.
The classic British fairground is right by the beach, and recognisable to fans of the BBC series Gavin and Stacey.
It has the classic dodgems and ghost trains as well as helter-skelters and candy floss stands.
It's the best of both worlds really as once you're dizzy from the rides, head down to the golden sands of Barry Beach for an ice cream.
To get there, take a train to Barry Island, then follow signs to the seafront which is less than five minutes on foot.
For any families taking the train this summer, follow these handy tips to save on tickets...
Save with Railcards: Get discounts on off-peak fares using digital Railcards. Families can make big savings by using a Family & Friends Railcard, which gives 1/3 off adult fares and 60% off kids' tickets. Other options like the 16–25 Railcard or Two Together Railcard are perfect for friends or couples planning a fun park day out.
GroupSave perks: If you are travelling in a group of 3–9 you can save up to 1/3 on tickets when you book together. One person just needs to book for the whole group to unlock GroupSave - for eligible journeys a pop-up message in the Trainline app will prompt you to 'Apply discount' .
Save with Advance Fares: Many long-distance routes to theme parks – especially popular ones like Southend, Blackpool or Margate – offer Advance train tickets that can be significantly cheaper than buying on the day. Book early for the best prices, especially during summer weekends or school holidays when demand can be higher.
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