AS PLANS for a £3.5 billion resort dubbed the UK’s answer to Disneyland fall-through, we have pulled together a list of five theme-parks in the North East that you can visit.
The North East has a lot to offer when it comes to the many ways people can enjoy a sunny day out, from beautiful countryside walks to the greatest outdoor, living museum – Beamish.
However, what is probably less known about the North East is that it also has some great theme parks that families can enjoy.
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This list looks at all the theme parks in the North East with reviews and ratings and descriptions from TripAdvisor.
As we make our way into summer, despite recent unsettled weather, there couldn’t be a better time to get out and about to a theme park or campsite this year.
1. North Yorkshire Water Park, Scarborough
North Yorkshire Water Park is home to one of the largest natural water sport lakes in North Yorkshire, according to its TripAdvisor description.
The site spans 250 hectares and says it offers a range of “fun filled activities suitable for the whole family.”
Featuring stand up paddle boarding, kayaking, open water swimming and fishing, the park isn’t short of activities great for a summer’s day.
Although it hasn’t received many reviews, the site has received 74 “excellent” five-star reviews out of a total of 99 reviews all together.
One person said: “A great weekend spent at the park doing paddle boarding, kayaking and a go on the zip line.
“All this and then a fantastic meal in the cafe. Great friendly staff and it’s dog friendly too.”
2. Diggerland, Riverside Industrial Estate Durham, Langley Park
Diggerland gives adults and children the opportunity to operate real diggers and also features digger-fied versions of classic theme park rides.
According to its description on TripAdvisor “Diggerland is the perfect destination for action, fun and thrill-packed family days.”
The theme park sports 20 different rides and drives and an array of additional activities as well.
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Visitors can get to grips with real JCBs and take a ride on the Spindizzy and the Skyshuttle.
The site has picked itself up a TripAdvisor 2021 Travellers Choice award and has received 410 “excellent” five-star reviews and 124 “very good” reviews out of a total of 602 reviews all together.
One person said: “Great day for all ages, despite being half term there was always something ready to go on if there was a little queue elsewhere.
“Staff were friendly and helpful. It’s not cheap but we think it’s a memorable day.”
3. Flamingo Land, Malton
This well-known theme park offers visitors the opportunity to ride rides as well as visit and see animals.
Flamingo Land features theme park rides, a zoo, a holiday and short break area and sometimes holds events.
The site has had its share of controversy and is one of the worst reviewed theme parks on this list.
In August 2020, a worker at the theme park was injured on a ride after which he was airlifted to hospital to receive further treatment.
The site has received just 1,331 “excellent” five-star reviews out of a total of 4,473, giving it an overall score of 3.5 “bubbles” out of 5.
One person said: “Visited on a really cold day to see the animals. Was stopped by one of the keepers who was about to feed the hippos, who was very informative about the zoo animals and made our day.
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“He went out of his way to provide information at all feeding times & we really enjoyed our visit. It’s not cheap to visit but when you think of what the zoo has to do to look after these animals & so we can see them it’s well worth it.
“Make sure you go to all the feeding & talk time and you’ll have a fab day!”
4. Ocean Beach Pleasure Park, South Shields
This theme park is a free to enter and located on the sea front in South Shields and sports over 40 rides and attractions for visitors to enjoy.
It also features amusement arcades, game stalls and rides for the “young and old” according to the description on Trip Advisor.
Ocean Beach Pleasure Park has received 145 “excellent” reviews and 181 “very good” reviews out of a total of 488 reviews all together.
One person said: “This place is such a good day out, well worth a visit. Lots of different rides and stuff to do.
“Not too expensive and very clean. Honestly couldn't fault the place. Highly recommend.”
5. The Forbidden Corner, Coverham, Middleham
This park, best enjoyed on summer days, has received a TripAdvisor 2021 Travellers’ Choice Award and is the best reviewed theme-park on this list.
Praised by reviewers for appealing to adults and children, The Forbidden Corner, offers visitors a labyrinth of tunnels, chambers follies and surprises.
Reviewers have also praised it for its “outstanding picnic area” as well as mazes which “had us adults bamboozled too.”
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The site has received 2,420 “excellent” five-star reviews out of a total of 3,310.
One person said: “Amazing place to visit for all ages, we were a group of adults and found ourselves having as much fun as the kids!
“Hard to put into words what you can expect here and pictures really don’t do the place justice as I found the real experience to be even better.
“Make sure you go round a few times as you will almost certainly come across something new.
“We will definitely be coming back when we get the chance and I hope there is plans for expansion. A true hidden gem!”
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