Guide to the best theme parks in and around London

Conveniently located in the heart of Camden, Babylon Park is a cosmic-themed amusement park that caters to all ages, from little ones to grown-ups. The colourful indoor park encompasses a variety of attractions, ranging from roller coasters and bumper cars to coin-operated machines, classic carnival games, video arcades, and more. Admission is free and you pay by the ride or game.

Flip Out, a group of indoor trampoline and adventure parks, provides fun for kids of all ages, making it an excellent choice for a family day out or a birthday party venue. The neon parks feature fun zones such as trampoline areas, obstacle courses, laser tag, and themed party rooms that come with various package options. Food and drinks are also available.

Fairgame is an adults-only funfair, the only one of its kind in the capital. You can play classics such as whack-a-mole and shooting games while downing alcoholic slushies, cocktails, craft brews, and other things that grown-ups usually yearn for when taking the kids to a theme park. Street food such as pizzas, hamburgers, and tacos are available as well, as are sweets – including candyfloss laced with prosecco.

It's only around for a couple of months each year, but it's hard to imagine the festive season in London without it. Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park draws thousands of visitors from all over the world each year with its rides, games, food and drink vendors, stalls, ornaments, and general abundance of holiday spirit and festive cheer in the air.

The Warner Bros. Studio Tour isn't a theme park in the traditional sense of the word, as you won't find any roller coasters or funfair games here, but if you're a fan of Harry Potter, there's no better place to be. The film studio was home to the “Harry Potter” films for more than ten years and contains original sets, animatronic creatures, props, costumes, and all the other sprinkles of movie magic that went into the famous franchise.

The Beach Brent Cross is a mobile amusement park that transforms the Brent Cross Shopping Centre car park into a beachside haven each summer. Operating from mid-May to September, weather permitting, it provides over 20 varied rides suitable for all age groups, paddle pools, a sand beach, refreshments, and other sun-soaked entertainment.

Spanning 52 hectares an hour's drive from Central London, Chessington World of Adventure Resort is a combined animal-amusement park with a zoo and a sea life centre. It hosts over 40 attractions, ranging from adrenaline-pumping roller coasters to more tranquil rides, themed zones, more than 1,000 animals, different shows, and other entertainment. The resort also provides both hotel and glamping lodging.

Assemble your loved ones and prepare for hours of fun at Legoland Windsor. Especially popular among children, this Lego-based theme park offers numerous attractions, from exciting roller coasters to Lego construction zones, live performances, and various food and retail areas, including the country's largest Lego store. The resort also offers different accommodation options for those looking to extend their stay.

A favourite destination among UK thrill-seekers, Thorpe Park Resort boasts a wide range of exhilarating attractions, including immersive themed experiences, spine-chilling horror rides, splashy water rides, and other breathtaking roller coasters, including the fastest one in the country. The amusement park is located about an hour's drive from Central London and also offers overnight accommodation.