One thing I'm always thankful that I joined a coaster club for is the amount of places and parks it's taken me to that I didn't even know existed. The larger parks like Europa Park, Efteling, Disneyland Paris and Port Aventura were all places I, and I'm sure a large portion of the general public, was aware of before taking the plunge. But it definitely has to be said that some of the best days out I've had since joining have been at places your average UK citizen won't have heard of, which is criminal in my opinion. With low cost airlines and websites like Booking.com making short breaks literally as easy as clicking a button nowadays I see no reason that people shouldn't start exploring the continent a little more. With that in mind, I've put together a little guide to help you on your way to exploring some of Europe's lesser know theme park destinations.
Nigloland is in the beautiful Champagne-Ardenne, surrounded by small French villages and vineyards. The crown jewel of the park is Alpina Blitz, a speedy little Mack Megacoaster that packs a real punch! Alongside this the park boasts an extensive mixture of coasters, flat rides, water rides and family rides. It really is the whole package, and whilst it doesn't have the budget to look as polished or well themed as the likes of Disneyland or Europa Park, Nigloland more than makes up for it in the sheer amount of attractions is has to offer. On top of this, the park recently opened the themed Hotel des Pirates and is opening France's tallest drop tower this year, even more reasons to go and visit!
When to visit: Summertime. The weather is gorgeous and the setting in the middle of the countryside is truly beautiful. The fact that the park isn't that well known means queues won't get as horrific as those found in UK parks during this period but there's enough of a crowd to give the place a lively and fun atmosphere.
How do I get there?: Honestly, drive. There isn't an airport that close by and it's a scenic and straightforward drive. If you really can't stomach it then fly into Charles de Gaulle airport in paris, served by EasyJet from London Luton, and it's a 2 hour drive East from there.
Opening in 1929,
Tripsdrill is Germany's oldest theme park and most of the theming still resembles a turn of the century Germany village. And it is gorgeous, even if you're not too into the bigger rides the park is lovely to just wander around and lose yourself in. It's the kind of park you could bring a blanket and a picnic to and just chill out. That's not to say the park doesn't boast some awesome rides too; their most recent coaster addition, Karacho, is a nippy little Gerstlauer number and arguably the most picturesque centrepiece of the park is G'sengte Sau and Badewannen-Fahrt zum Jungbrunnen - a coaster intertwined with a log flume themed to a bathhouse! The park is full of quirky little bits like this which make it perfect for anybody intrigued by the peculiar and unusual.
When to visit: Autumn. Not only is the park still fully operational during the Autumn months but it's also stocked full of haybales and pumpkins, the perfect decoration for the old German village theming. You'll also benefit from a lack of summer crowds meaning more time to enjoy the rides!
How do I get there?: Your cheapest option would be to fly to Karlsruhe Baden Baden airport, just one hour away. More often than not this hotel pops up in Ryanair's flash sales, so plenty of opportunities to grab a cheap flight!
Kind of similar to Tripsdrill but with a slightly more polished edge, Djurs Sommerland is a well-rounded family theme park for those who like a park with a slightly more premium edge. As with a lot of European parks, to compliment the larger thrills rides Djurs Sommerland is also packed full of trampolines, climbing frames and bouncy pillows (and adults are welcome to enjoy these too!). The park also has a great selection of coasters, nothing too terrifying but all pack in the thrills in their own way. From the nippy Intamin Megalite Piraten to the more family friendly Thor's Hammer, Djurs has attractions for every level of thrillseeker and then some.
When to visit: The earlier in the season the better, the park is continuing to grow in popularity with families in Denmark and visiting in summertime can mean long queues and a much busier environment.
How do I get there?: The park is just a 20 minute drive from Aarhus airport in Denmark serviced by Ryanair. You can easily do this park in a day and it doesn't event warrant hiring a car, simply jump in a cab!
Another classic European park, Liseberg opened in 1923 and is still one of the most visited parks in Scandinavia. Similarly to Blackpool Pleasure Beach here in the UK, the park maintains the beautiful classic architecture of yesteryear to this day, however it has evolved a long way from its heritage of dance halls and swimming pools. The park is home to some of Europe's best rollercoasters, including wooden giant Balder and custom Mack multi-launch coaster Helix, as well as classic attractions such as a hall of mirrors and a vintage boat ride. There's a ton to do all crammed within a beautiful architectural setting, so you get a dose of culture alongside the thrills.
When to visit: Any time Liseberg are operating their late-night opening hours. The park looks absolutely stunning all lit up for the night, and there's nothing else in this world quite like a night ride on the fabulous Helix.
How do I get there?: Situated at the centre of Gothenburg, Liseberg is easily reachable via public transport from Gothenburg airport, flights to which are pretty much always on sale with Ryanair.
Yes, there is a theme park in Ireland whose park mascot is a giant potato. I don't think they see the irony but hey! Another up-and-comer in the European theme park scene, Tayto Park planted themselves firmly on the map last year with the addition of a massive wooden Gravity Group coaster called Cu Chulainn. The park itself is very well maintained - a kind of manicured country park punctuated with the odd animal exhibit or zip-wire. The woodie was their first big investment ride-wise however there's still plenty to do alongside it as well as a Tayto Crisp factory tour!
When to visit: Off-peak season for sure. This is Ireland's first ever theme park and as such demand is through the roof and queues can get quite ugly if you happen to visit on a busy day.
How do I get there?: The park is a 30 minute drive from Dublin, whose airport is easily reachable by many low cost airlines from London from as little as £20 - cheaper than a train into Central London from most outside locations!
Of course there are a ton of others I could list, but I'll save that for another time! Thanks for reading xxx
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