Father’s Day Gift Guide: Take On The UK’s Best Theme Parks – Alton Towers, Chessington World of Adventures, LEGOLAND Windsor & Thorpe Park

As dads, or men in general, are notoriously difficult to buy for, it means you need to think further afield than the High Street otherwise your old man is going to find himself with some Werther’s Originals and a bottle of wine. He deserves Father’s Day gifts that he will remember for a longtime, not 3 minutes!

Well, we have the best option you can give him and that’s the chance to revert back to his childhood with huge amounts of laughter, tummy turning thrills and eye watering adventures… the gift of theme parks.

That’s right, all thanks to Merlin Entertainments, the UK’s biggest provider of theme parks, you’ve got a choice of locations and experiences depending on what kind of day out your dad would love most.

Theme Parks at a Glance

Alton Towers
Best for thrill-seekers. The UK’s biggest theme park, packed with iconic rollercoasters and set within scenic gardens.
Location: Staffordshire | Price: £78 for 2

Chessington World of Adventures
Best for families. A mix of rides, zoo and SEA LIFE centre, giving you plenty to do across the day.
Location: Greater London | Price: From £76 for 2

LEGOLAND Windsor
Best for younger kids. A more relaxed, playful park with interactive rides and impressive LEGO builds.
Location: Berkshire | Price: From £90 for 2

Thorpe Park
Best for adrenaline lovers. Fast, intense rides with a more grown-up feel and plenty of big coaster moments.
Location: Surrey | Price: From £78 for 2

Alton Towers

Where: Staffordshire
How Much: £78 for 2
Best For: Thrill seeking dads who still think they’re 25

Tucked away in the Staffordshire countryside, Alton Towers is the UK’s largest theme park and easily one of the most iconic. Packed with famous rides, from the intense twists of Nemesis to the stomach dropping plunge of Oblivion, there are also newer favourites like Wicker Man that blend thrills with storytelling.

What makes Alton Towers stand out is that it’s not just relentless coasters. The park is built around historic gardens, which gives it a completely different feel compared to your typical theme park. 

You can go from full on adrenaline to a quiet plod around the grounds in minutes, which is ideal for pacing the day and giving your dad a chance to recover between rides. Alton Towers tickets a great Father’s Day gifts pick for dads who want a mix of excitement and a bit of scenery thrown in.

Chessington World of Adventures

Where: Surrey
How Much: From £76 for 2
Best For: Family days out with something for everyone

Chessington has something to keep everyone happy, which is no small win when you’re planning a Father’s Day out. It blends a theme park, zoo, and SEA LIFE centre all into one, so there’s always something different around the corner. One minute you’re on a ride, the next you’re spotting giraffes or watching big cats laze about in the sun.

The rides are more family friendly than extreme, but that’s part of the charm. It’s less about chasing the biggest thrill and more about spending proper time together, with plenty to see and do throughout the day. If you’re celebrating with younger kids or want something a bit more relaxed without losing the fun factor, Chessington World of Adventures tickets are a solid choice.

LEGOLAND Windsor

Where: Windsor, Berkshire
How Much: From £90 for 2
Best For: Dads with younger kids 

LEGOLAND Windsor is all about fun, imagination and not taking things too seriously, which is exactly what Father’s Day should be about, all while being surrounded by huge LEGO creations.

Aimed more towards families with younger children, it swaps high speed rollercoasters for interactive rides, creative play areas and plenty of activities that keep everyone involved. One of the standout areas is Miniland, where famous landmarks are recreated in incredible detail using millions of LEGO bricks. It’s one of those things you don’t expect to be that impressed by, until you see it.

The whole park has a laid back atmosphere, making it ideal for dads who’d rather enjoy a playful day out than queue up for the most intense rides going.

Thorpe Park

Where: Surrey
How Much: From £78 for 2
Best For: Adrenaline loving dads who want proper thrills

Thorpe Park is the one you pick when Father’s Day gifts needs a bit of edge to it. It’s all about big rides, fast launches, and that moment where you question your life choices just before the drop. Stealth is the one everyone talks about, firing you off at serious speed in seconds, while The Swarm gives you that flying sensation that feels completely different to your usual coaster.

There’s a more grown up feel here, and that’s part of what makes it such a good shout for dads. It leans into the thrills, keeps the energy high, and doesn’t try to slow things down too much. If your idea of a great day out involves a bit of adrenaline, a lot of laughs, and maybe a quiet debate over who’s brave enough for the front row, Thorpe Park is right up there.

Father’s Day Theme Park FAQs

What is the best theme park for Father’s Day?

It depends on what your dad enjoys. For big rollercoasters and adrenaline, Alton Towers and Thorpe Park are top choices. If you’re planning a family day out, Chessington World of Adventures and LEGOLAND Windsor are better suited.

Are theme parks good Father’s Day gifts?

Yes, especially if you want something more memorable than a traditional gift. A theme park day out gives you time together, plenty of laughs, and a shared experience rather than something that gets used once and forgotten.

Which UK theme park is best for young children?

LEGOLAND Windsor is ideal for younger children, with interactive rides and play areas. Chessington World of Adventures is also a great option thanks to its mix of rides and animal attractions.

Which theme park has the biggest rides in the UK?

For high intensity rides, Thorpe Park and Alton Towers are known for having some of the fastest and most thrilling rollercoasters in the UK.

How much do UK theme park tickets cost?

Prices vary depending on the park and package, but for two people, you can typically expect to pay between £58 and £90. Booking in advance or choosing experience vouchers can sometimes offer better value.

Can you buy theme park experiences as a gift?

Yes, many providers offer vouchers that can be redeemed at different parks. This gives your dad flexibility to choose when and where he wants to go, making it a more practical and thoughtful gift.