7 Top-Rated Theme Parks in Wales
Centuries-old castles and chocolate-box towns aren’t the only draw in Wales. If you’re looking for thrills, you’ve come to the right place. Wales is packed with theme parks that promise fun for the whole family. Whether you’re looking for stomach-flipping rollercoasters or kid-friendly rides, you’ll find it at these top-rated theme parks in Wales.
1. Oakwood Theme Park in Pembrokeshire
When it comes to size, you can’t beat Oakwood Theme Park. It’s one of the biggest theme parks in Wales and is packed with rides and attractions for the entire family. Set in the heart of Pembrokeshire, Oakwood is home to Megafobia, one of the most iconic wooden roller coasters in the UK. You can also buckle up for Speed, one of the fastest thrill rides in Wales. The steel coaster hits speeds of up to 59mph. Don’t be surprised if you step off feeling a little queasy!
There’s plenty for younger visitors at Oakwood Wales, including the exhilarating downhill bobsleigh run. Take a spin through the canopy on the family-friendly Treetops coaster and climb aboard the swinging Pirate Ship.
Travelling with a pet? Oakwood Wales offers free dog kennels. They’re first come first served, so it’s best to call ahead if you plan to drop off your furry friend. Don’t forget to bring a water bowl and lots of treats! Looking for dog-friendly accommodation in Wales? Self-contained holiday cottages often welcome pets and make it easy to travel with Fido in tow.
2. The Dinosaur Park in Tenby
Walk with giants at The Dinosaur Park in Tenby. Tucked away in West Wales, this park is dotted with enormous dinosaurs. Get up close with a ferocious T-Rex, look into the eyes of a Velociraptor and gaze up at a majestic Brachiosaurus. Follow the Dinosaur Trail through the woodlands and come face-to-face with dozens of prehistoric giants. Some are easy to spot, and others are hidden in the trees. Keep your eyes peeled!
Naturally, life-size dinosaurs are the star attraction. But you’ll also find plenty of rides and attractions at The Dinosaur Park. Test your skills on the brand-new footgolf course, splash down the tube ride and let the kids burn off steam in the netted adventure playground. If you love dinosaurs, this is one of the best theme parks in Wales.
3. Heatherton World of Activities in Pembrokeshire
Who says theme parks should feature rollercoasters? Certainly not the crew at Heatherton World of Activities in Pembrokeshire! Take aim on the paintball course, race around the go-kart track and swing your way through the treetop obstacle course. These are just some of the activities on offer in the Adrenalin Zone. Or if you have little ones, head to the Family Fun Zone. Bounce on the giant trampolines, test your aim on the archery course and navigate your way through the hedge maze.
There’s even a dog agility course if you’re travelling with a pet. This makes it one of the best theme parks in Wales for animal lovers. Cheer on your four-legged friend as they make their way through a series of obstacles, including a bridge, runnel, jumps and zigzags. This one is guaranteed to get tails wagging!
Looking for more days out with your furry pal? Don’t miss our guide to the best dog-friendly beaches in Wales. From Monkstone Beach in Pembrokeshire to Scott’s Bay in Carmarthenshire and Kenfig Sands in Port Talbot, you’ll find dog-friendly stretches of sand across Wales. You just need to know where to look.
4. Folly Farm in Pembrokeshire
Get ready for a dose of nostalgia at Folly Farm in Pembrokeshire. It started off as a working Welsh dairy farm but has since grown into one of the best theme parks in Wales. Meet more than 750 animals, including one of the only giraffe herds in Wales. Watch lions prowling through the grasslands and marvel at magnificent rhinos. It’s essentially a zoo, with a farm-inspired twist.
The park has a huge 120-acre footprint, which means you could easily spend the whole day here. Teleport to South America in the Penguin Coast exhibit, where you can see adorable Humboldt penguins waddle along the beach.
If you’re interested in rare breeds, Folly Farm is one of the top theme parks in Wales. Learn about the park’s rare Exmoor ponies and visit the friendly Saddleback pigs. The park is also home to iconic local breeds like floppy-eared Welsh pigs, Balwen Welsh Mountain Sheep and Welsh Harlequin Ducks. You can also see Badger Face Welsh Mountain Sheep. Yes, these cuties resemble badgers!
All this is just the beginning. The vintage fairground will delight you with old-world charm. These pay-as-you-go rides are a blast from the past and appeal to both young and old. Take a spin on the 25-metre-tall Pembrokeshire Wheel and enjoy sweeping views over the park and surrounding countryside. Pick a horse and ride the 100-year-old Golden Gallopers carousel and zoom around the dodgems track. It’s an original and dates to the 1950s! You’ll also find crowd favourites like the swinging chairs, spooky ghost train and lots of arcade games and novelty mirrors.
5. GreenWood Forest Park in North Wales
Heading to North Wales? You won’t want to miss GreenWood Forest Park. Regularly voted one of the top family attractions in North Wales, the park promises thrills and spills in a beautiful natural setting. As the name suggests, there’s a big focus on sustainability and eco-friendly practices. Lots of the energy used to power the park is produced using solar and hydro technology.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the rides on offer at GreenWood. For starters, there’s the signature Green Dragon rollercoaster. It’s one of the only people-powered coasters in the world and features 250 metres of stomach-flipping fun. Yes, you read that right. It’s powered by people – just one of many reasons it’s one of the best theme parks in North Wales.
Other highlights include Solar Splash, one of the only solar-powered rides in Europe. The enormous water slide features a pair of 60-metre-long wave chutes, plus a 90-metre-long spiral tube chute. You’ll start at the top of a 12-metre-high tower, where you can enjoy stunning views across Snowdonia before takin the plunge.
The Giant Quest combines family fun with a dash of Welsh culture. As you make your way through the interactive ride, you’ll learn about ancient Welsh folk tales. Use ropes to pull yourself along the scenic Enchanted River Ride and ditch your shoes on the BareFoot Trail. This sensory experience takes you through a range of terrain, including timber, straw, sand, bark and water.
Looking for more adventures in North Wales? When you’ve had your fill of rides at GreenWood Forest Park, try ticking off some of the amazing strongholds listed in our North Wales castle guide. Discover why Conwy Castle is a treasured UNESCO World Heritage Site or walk in the footsteps of King Edward I at Caernarfon Castle.
6. Adventure Parc Snowdonia
Dive into one of the world’s first surf lagoons at Adventure Parc Snowdonia. It’s set in the beautiful Conwy Valley and features an enormous lagoon complete with head-height waves. Consistent, perfectly shaped waves roll through the lagoon every 90 seconds. No need to wait for the ideal wave. They’re guaranteed at Adventure Parc Snowdonia. You have to see it to believe it!
Sign up for surf lessons or rent a board and paddle out. With beginner, intermediate and advanced zones, there’s something for every skill level. Looking for thrills? The most powerful wave travels at around seven metres per second and delivers an impressive 12 second ride. It’s great for practicing advanced maneuvers and pulling off air tricks if you have the experience.
Of course, Wales boasts some of the best surf beaches in Europe. If the weather is cooperating, make a beeline for legendary surf beaches like Manorbier in Pembrokeshire and Llantwit Major in Glamorgan. The beginner-friendly waves at Porthcawl in Glamorgan are ideal if you’re learning to surf. Newgale in Pembrokeshire is another terrific place to dip your toes into the world of surfing. Looking for more best surf beaches in Wales? Don’t miss our complete guide with favourites like Coney Beach in Porthcawl and Aberdaron on the Llyn Peninsula.
Not into surfing?
No problem. There are plenty more activities to choose from at this Welsh theme park. Zipline across the lagoon, scale the 12-metre-high outdoor climbing walls and hit the white-knuckle pump track on a mountain bike or skateboard. The fun doesn’t stop indoors, where you’ll find more nature-inspired activities. Tackle the Ninja Assault Course and strap on a helmet for the Indoor Caving experience. There’s also a dizzying High Ropes Course that will test your balance and your nerve.
Prefer a slower pace? Relax, unwind and enjoy the gorgeous mountain views at the Wave Garden Spa. Soak in the hydrotherapy pools, sweat out toxins in the Himalayan salt sauna or indulge in a bespoke treatment.
7. Zip World
Welsh outdoor adventure giant Zip World knows a thing or two about how to get pulses racing. The company is based in Llanrwst but operates Welsh theme parks across the country. Ready to fly? Let’s take a closer look at where you can zipline in Wales.
Zip World Penrhyn Quarry
First stop is Zip World Penrhyn Quarry in North Wales. Travel at speeds of over 100 mph on Velocity 2, one of the fastest ziplines in the world. You’ll soar over the quarry and get spectacular views over Snowdonia. At 1.5 kilometres long, there’s plenty of time to absorb the scenery. The circuit takes around two hours to complete and features two separate ziplines.
While you’re at this theme park in North Wales, why not tour historic Penrhyn Quarry and enjoy lunch at the bistro-style restaurant. You’re a short drive from Anglesey, a great base for exploring North Wales.
Zip World Slate Caverns
Over in Gwynedd, you can descend into the Zip World Slate Caverns. This subterranean adventure zipline is unlike anything else in the UK. Aboveground is Titan 2, a four-person zipline experience that kicks off with a ride in a former army truck. You’ll ride up to one of the highest points of the Llechwedd slate quarry, where you can explore a series of mills and cutting sheds. Then it’s time to clip into the zipline and begin your descent.
You’ll cover more than a kilometre as you speed down to lower ground, with breathtaking vistas along the way. The entire experience takes around 90 minutes and is perfect for families and groups. Of course, solo travellers and couples are also welcome.
Zip World Fforest
Find more adventures at Zip World Fforest. Instead of an industrial setting, you’ll find ziplines snaking through the picturesque woodland of the Conwy Valley. The park is also just a short drive from Betws y Coed, one of the prettiest villages in Snowdonia.
Speed through the trees on the alpine coaster and hit speeds of up to 25 mph. You’re in control of the brakes, which means you can go as fast or slow as you like. Zip Safari 2 takes you 60 feet into the treetops and will challenge even the most adventurous riders. Take on more than 20 ziplines, plus hanging rope bridges, suspended nets and balance boards. Allow around three hours to complete the circuit. There’s also the infamous Skyride, one of the biggest giant swings in Europe.
With so many amazing theme parks in Wales to discover, why wait any longer to plan your next adventure? Whether you’re looking for an adrenalin-fuelled theme park in North Wales or a family-friendly attraction to the south, there’s a Welsh theme park for every occasion.
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