The best theme parks and attractions

For thrills and spills head for the Jungle Coaster, Pirate Falls and Dragon Coaster but expect to queue. To keep the wait down, pick your favourite rides in advance, get there for when it opens and dash straight to the front of the queue - or leave the most popular rides until late afternoon when the park starts to get quieter. Alternatively, the new "Q-bot" (which replaces Fastrack) allows you to reserve a place on most rides without queuing. Available online (limited numbers).

There is plenty to do without queuing including a new spectacular stunt show Revenge of the Aztec Queen. Legoland Live on 19 July features Bob the Builder and friends plus fun activities. There are plenty of restaurants/cafés - opt for an early lunch to avoid queues - or pack a picnic. There is also a huge free car park - pay £6 to park near entrance.
In the know: Buy tickets online and save £3 per person (print at home, scan at turnstiles - saves queuing). Online price: adults £32, children 3-15 £23, under threes free. (Annual pass: adults £67, children £51). Q-bot £10 per person.
Getting there: Winkfield Road, Windsor, Berks SL4 4AY. Drive 50 mins' from central London: M4, J6. Train: Paddington/Waterloo to Windsor (30mins) then shuttle bus.
Further info: Open daily 10am. Closing times vary, check beforehand. See website for ride details/height restrictions.
legoland.co.uk

Thorpe Park
Geared towards teenagers, this is a paradise for thrill seekers. Many rides have a minimum height of 1.4m, although there's plenty for younger children too. Top rides include Stealth, Nemesis Inferno and a ten-loop rollercoaster Colossus. (Note Rush is currently closed - check website.) There are water rides too, but be prepared to get wet. New for 2008, Time Voyagers, an eight minute 4D movie experience ride.
In the know:Save 30 per cent by booking online: adults £24, under-12s, £16. Limited Fastrack tickets on selected 1.4m rides.
Getting there: Staines Road, Chertsey, Surrey KT16 8PN. One hour's drive from central London: M25 J11 or J13 (no access from J12).
Train: Waterloo to Staines (30-40mins) then 950 shuttlebus.
Further info: Open daily 9.30am-6pm in July, other dates vary, check beforehand. thorpepark.com

Chessington World of Adventures
Something for all ages here-theme park, zoo and a new Sea Life aquarium. The food choice has improved too. Top rides include Dragon's Fury, Bubbleworks, Vampire and Tomb Blaster. Height restrictions apply. Land of the Dragons and Toy Town are family favourites (bring socks for soft play area). Arrive early and save the zoo for later.
In the know: Save by booking online: 12+ £23, under-12s £16, under 1m free. Express Pass £7 extra with pre-allocated times on top six rides - details on website.
Getting there: Leatherhead Road, Chessington, Surrey KT9 2NE. 50 mins' drive from central London: A3 to Hook, then A243 (or M25 J10 or J13). Train: Waterloo to Chessington South station (30+mins) and 10min walk.
Further info: Open daily 10am, closing times vary, check website. chessington.com

Alton Towers
There's so much to do that there's even a spa and two hotels onsite. If you stay overnight you can enter the park earlier at 9am. Mutiny Bay has three new attractions - the Battle Galleons water adventure is the highlight. The Flume and Congo Rapids also combine speed with a good soaking. Young ones love the Runaway Mine Train, Willy Wonka and the Dung Heap. But if you've come for an adrenalin rush, head for Rita-Queen of Speed, Nemesis and Oblivion - still a stomach-churning favourite. See website for details/height restrictions. Queues are long so arrive early and leave popular rides until end of the day. There's also a single ride system, provided you don't mind who you sit next to. And for some watery fun visit the Cariba Creek Waterpark - separate entry price, see website. (Don't forget your swimwear).
In the know: Save by booking online: adults £28, under-12s £26, under-4s free. Family of four £78 (saves £20). Limited Fastrack tickets on some rides.
Getting there: Alton, Staffordshire, ST10 4DB. Three hours' drive from London: M1, J23a. Car park £4.
Further info: Open daily 10am, closing times vary.
altontowers.com

Drayton Manor Park
It hasn't got the wow factor of other theme parks but the new Thomas Land means many children will be clamouring to get on board. It features 12 themed rides, café, indoor play area and a shop devoted to Thomas merchandise. Elsewhere there's enough to keep thrill-seekers amused, including Apocalypse and G-Force with speeds up to 70kph. There are gentler rides too, plus a zoo. It's smaller than other parks (with less queues) but if there's a Thomas fan in the family, don't miss it!
in the know: Save by booking online: 12+ £18, children £15, under-4s free. Food available but bring a picnic.
Getting there: Tamworth, Staffordshire B78 3TW. Two-andahalf hours from central London: M1, M6 then M42 J9 and A4091.
Further info: Open daily 9.30am, rides 10.30am-5 or 6pm.
draytonmanor.co.uk

Adventure Island
Located by Southend's sandy beach, Adventure Island includes rides for all ages. It's compact but there's enough here for several hours. The wristband system means you only "pay if you play" and it's cheaper to book online. Mini band: under 1m £8.50, Junior: 1-1.2m £12 and Big Adventure: over 1.2m £17. Over-14s can accompany Juniors/Minis on rides for free. Combine it with a trip to the seaside.
In the know: Discounted rail travel - see website. Half-price wristbands from 6pm. Ocean Beach is the coolest restaurant/bar around (20 min walk). 01702 611363 or ocean-beach.co.uk
Getting there: Sunken Gardens, Western Esplanade, Southend, Essex SS1 1EE. One-and-a-half hours' drive from central London: A13 (or M25 junction 30/A127). Train: Fenchurch to Southend Central/ Liverpool Street to Southend Victoria (50mins).
Further info: Open daily 11am during summer hols. For closing times and other dates, check website.
adventureisland.co.uk

Diggerland
The chance to ride and drive real dumper trucks, mini and giant diggers and it's not as easy as it looks. There are also rides including go- karts and new digger dodgems (£1 surcharge). Fun for all ages, including adults. Check height/age restrictions beforehand. Wear sturdy shoes and bring a change of clothes/shoes.
In the know: Book online up to two days in advance, min three people: £39 (saves £2 per person). Under-threes free. Note: some activities are coin operated.
Getting there: Roman Way, Medway Valley Leisure Park, Strood, Kent ME2 2NU. One hour's drive from London: M2, J2 then A228 towards Rochester. Train: Charing Cross to Strood (70mins) or Victoria to Rochester (40mins) plus short taxi ride.
Further info: Open 10am-5pm daily in summer hols.
diggerland.com

Coral Reef Waterworld
Children love this tropical haven with three giant water slides, wild water rapids, an erupting volcano and a pirate ship with water cannons. There's also a beach area and small slides for toddlers. An air-conditioned restaurant/bar overlooks the pool. One adult to two children under 8. Adults £6.95, children £4.80, family £18.25.
In the know: The Family Slide is currently closed for maintenance (check website to see if it is open when you visit). If you want to make a day of it you can visit the Discovery Centre opposite as well (details right).
Getting there: Nine Mile Ride, Bracknell, Berks RG12 7JQ. One hour's drive from central London: M3 J3 or M4 J10, follow brown signs. Train: Paddington to Bracknell (1hr) then taxi.
Further info: Times vary when families can swim so check beforehand. bracknell-forest.gov.uk/be

The Look Out Discovery Centre
Combine a visit here with a swim at Bracknell's other attraction Coral Reef (situated opposite). Over 70 interactive exhibitions, including regular shows, plus adventure play park set within 1,000 acres of woodland and organised nature trails. Bike hire available weekends and school hols.
In the know: Half price after 4pm.
Getting there: See Coral Reef, above. Free parking.
Further info: Open daily 10am-5pm. Adults £5.70, under-16s £3.80, under-4s free. Shows £1.75, nature trails £1.50 per person.
bracknell-forest.gov.uk/be