Legoland Windsor

Fun for both adults and children alike, Legoland Windsor is split into different zones that you can explore, including Pirates Landing where you can learn swashbuckling skills at the Pirate Training Camp, the Land of the Vikings where you can sail and explore the Nordic maze and many others including Duplo Land for younger guests. Rides at the park include Laser Raiders – a laser gun ride, the Dragon roller coaster ride, the Vikings’ River Splash ride, the Orient Expedition train ride and many more. The latest attraction at Legoland is the Star Wars Miniland Experience recreating some of the well-known scenes of the films.

Legoland Windsor is situated outside Windsor, close to the M3, M4 and M25. It’s about a twenty minute drive from High Wycombe.

Model of Tower Bridge in Miniland, Legoland Windsor, England, UK by Cherryguy93

Thorpe Park

Another theme park option is Thorpe Park which would suit families with older children as the rides here are not to be laughed at! The latest addition to their roller coaster offering is the Swarm, the first winged roller coaster in the UK. Other favourites include SAW – a horrifying roller coaster that has a worse than vertical drop, Stealth – a super-fast ride that catapults you from 0-80mph in less than two seconds and finally, Nemesis – one of the original terrifying rides of the park.

For those who prefer to stay away from the intense, high speed, sick inducing roller coasters, there are plenty of other rides to enjoy including the Rumba Rapids, Loggers Leap log flume and tea cup rides.

Set near to Staines, Thorpe Park is close to the M25 and M3 and is only a thirty minute drive from High Wycombe.

Thorpe Park, England, UK by ThorpePark1000

Harry Potter Studio Tour

Any budding little witches and wizards would appreciate a trip to the Warner Brothers studios London to see the ‘Making of Harry Potter‘. The studios are situated in Leavesden near to Watford which is a thirty minute drive from High Wycombe. At the studios, you can see the sets used in the films including Diagon Alley, Hogwarts Castle, Hagrids Hut and the potion’s classroom. You can see props used in the films such as Hagrid’s motorbike and Harry’s Nimbus 2000 broomstick. Tickets must be bought in advance and sell out quickly, especially for popular days such as weekends and bank holidays so book ahead in order to avoid disappointment.

Harry Potter Studio Tour, England, UK by Rev Stan

If you’re planning a trip to London and are looking for a hotel in the High Wycombe area, take a look at the Holiday Inn website for great offers:  https://www.hihighwycombehotel.co.uk/

The post Family Fun on the Outskirts of London appeared first on Europe Explored.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Maxwell Hamilton

Chertsey Abbey

Chertsey was built around this abbey and was founded in 666 AD by the Bishop of London of the time. It grew to become of the largest Benedictine abbeys in England. It was rebuilt in 1110 after it was destroyed by the Danes. The building was completely destroyed after 1537 with the bricks being used to make other buildings. The monument is an intriguing historical site despite the lack of the original abbey.

Mercedes Benz World

This is one for all you petrol heads out there. An opportunity to get up close and personal with a plethora of vintage and current models form the luxury car making firm. Visitors over 1.5m tall can take advantage of a track driving experience which is guaranteed to thrill. Even the tinier members of the family can experience a Mercedes with a mini electric race track available. Once hunger calls, have a bite in the Gull Wing cafe which conveniently looks over the main race track. At the end of the day you can take home a souvenir model of a variety of Mercedes cars. Located in Weybridge, it’s a very short drive from Thorpe Park.

Great Cockcrow Railway

Following on from the transport theme, a trip on the Cockcrow Miniature Railway is a must for anyone visiting the area. It’s a 7 ¼ gauge railway and one of the most extensive of its kind. There are two routes you can take, a red route and a green route. Both are 1 mile long and pass through the most breath taking scenery. The Green route makes a stop at Cockcrow Hill for the engine to be turned around. Each route has its own queue designated by the relevant colour so you know which trip you are going on.

Photo by cockcrow.co.uk

Chertsey Museum

The Museum is situated in the centre of Chertsey in the Borough of Runnymead. The museum houses the Oliver Matthews Dress and Textiles Collection which highlights the various stages of British fashion, a history that extends over the last 300 years. Children under 5 years old can come along and meet Charlie the Chimp on the third Friday of every month. Parents are encouraged to participate with their youngsters. The charge is only £4.50 with siblings under 1 admitted for free.

Brooklands Museum

This is a must see. Brooklands was the first motor racing circuit in the world and widely acknowledged as the birth place of aviation. There is so much to see so make sure your digital camera is on full charge. Once here visitors can explore over 30 different aircraft which are housed in the museum and stand back in awe at one of the last remaining Concords on display. There are a multitude of models of all types to see. The museum is just a stone’s throw away from Thorpe Park so don’t miss out!

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by dodge challenger1

This list of things to do (besides go to Thorpe Park) was written by Thorpe Breaks; offering you exclusive deals on all Thorpe breaks hotels and tickets.

View Places to Visit in Thorpe Park (Which aren’t Thorpe Park) in a larger map

The post Places to Visit in Thorpe Park (Which aren’t Thorpe Park) | United Kingdom appeared first on Europe Explored.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Dave Smith

You have to pay to get in to the theme park itself, which currently costs £30 for children, £40 for adults (and a child over 12 is considered an adult so expect to pay full price for older kids) or £120 for a family of four for a day, so it isn’t cheap, but once inside your ticket covers all of the rides and so the only extras will be souvenirs and food and drink.

Thorpe Park is famous for some of its rides, including the new rollercoaster and live action maze based on the Saw movie series. Not all of these rides are suitable for young children and some are particularly scary, so it is a great choice for thrill seekers and teenagers but not so good for the feint hearted.

Thorpe Park has several rides, including the Logger’s Leap log flume, where you will get very wet, so unless it is a very hot day it is a good idea to buy one of the waterproof ponchos they sell at the park to try and keep your clothes dry.

Thorpe Park also has plenty of restaurants and bars where you can unwind during your visit. For further information visit their official website.

View Thorpe Park – one of England’s biggest and most popular theme parks United Kingdom in a larger map

The post Thorpe Park – one of England’s biggest and most popular theme parks | United Kingdom appeared first on Europe Explored.