The best theme parks in and near Manchester

The Manchester branch of the Legoland Discovery Centres is a dream come true for fans of the iconic bricks. This indoor amusement park boasts a variety of Lego-themed zones and attractions, such as exhilarating rides, a 4D cinema, a miniland constructed from over 1.5 million bricks, and numerous chances for imaginative brick-building. Primarily aimed at children and families, the park also offers regular Adult Night events, allowing grown-ups to join in the fun.

Inflata Nation Manchester is a lively, inflatable theme park brimming with fun activities perfect for a family day out. This colourful venue includes an inflatable ballpark, giant slides, a challenging obstacle course, and a dedicated area for toddlers. The park also hosts adults-only nights and SEN-friendly sessions. Additionally, Inflata Nation offers kids' party packages for an unforgettable birthday party.

Gulliver's World Theme Park, located in Warrington, is a fantastic resort offering fun for the entire family. The park features a variety of themed areas with exciting rides, numerous outdoor play spaces, and a host of other attractions, all enhanced by a dynamic events programme. Visitors can enjoy food stalls scattered throughout the park and stay at the on-site hotel, with the park being easily accessible by car or train from the centre of Manchester.

In a little over an hour, you can drive to Southport, where all sorts of family-friendly pleasures await at one of the oldest seaside theme parks in the country. Situated by the beach, Southport Pleasureland was established in the late 1800s and features four themed lands with numerous rides and attractions. Families can enjoy a fun-filled day exploring the amusement park and creating lasting memories.

Alton Towers, one of the UK's favourite theme parks, spans 500 acres in Staffordshire and offers a wealth of attractions for thrill-seekers. With over 40 exhilarating rides and rollercoasters, day tickets or weekend breaks provide endless fun. The park also features shows, a waterpark, attractions for young children, and a spa for relaxation, along with numerous shops and eateries on-site. It's just 90 minutes by car from Manchester City Centre.

About an hour's drive from Manchester you can get lost in the Bewilderwood, an outdoor adventure park full of exciting activities and attractions. The whole family can spend an active day immersed in nature, with the theme park offering slippery slides, rope bridges, zip lines, boat rides, treetop mazes, and more. Children can enjoy exploring the park's wonders before grabbing a snack and relaxing at a crafts workshop.

Wild Shore has two locations within easy reach of Manchester. These adventure hubs boast a giant floating playground with a Ninja Warrior-style obstacle course, wakeboarding, and stand-up paddleboarding. Additional attractions include open-water swimming and the thrilling Ringo ride, making it the perfect destination for water sports enthusiasts and families. Conveniently, both locations are only around an hour's drive from Manchester.