Ride the Wave: Your Fun Summer Day Out at Thorpe Park
- Tuesday August 25th 2026
Summer days out at Thorpe Park bring roller coasters, water rides, and family attractions together in one visit. You don’t have to look or travel far to find one of the best day trips from London. This blog covers every bit of fun and excitement to explore, along with a few practical tips for planning ahead.
Looking for One of the Best Day Trips from London This Summer?
Not all days out require weeks of planning. Thorpe Park sits close enough to London for a same-day trip, with the option of an overnight stay if you’d like to extend the adventure. This makes it ideal for family days out near London, and for spontaneous plans with friends or a weekend away. Full details on trains, driving routes, and parking are available here.
Why Thorpe Park Is One of the Best Summer Days Out in the UK
Fun summer holiday activities should include plenty to choose from throughout the day, and enough space to switch off. Thorpe Park has both, with a full range of rides and an outdoor beach-style area at Amity Beach to relax on. It’s one of the UK’s best summer days out that guests can plan without leaving the South East.
Cool Off on the Water Rides
Water rides are where Thorpe Park earns its reputation on a hot day. Tidal Wave sends riders over a steep drop and downwards fast, ending with a super soaking. Storm Surge spins and splashes around a shorter, sharper course in a life raft. Depth Charge keeps the whole family competitively cool with four slides to race down against each other.
Between the three, there’s something for everyone to enjoy, making the water rides one of the best summer day out ideas for a mixed group.
Thrills Beyond the Water
Water rides aren’t the only draw in summer. Hyperia, the UK’s tallest and fastest rollercoaster, reaches speeds that make everything else feel calm by comparison. Stealth launches riders from 0 to 80mph in around 1.8 seconds, and The Swarm holds the title of the UK’s first winged rollercoaster, seating riders out over the track for an exposed view of the drops.
Nemesis Inferno, SAW – The Ride, and Colossus give anyone chasing more of a scare plenty to pick from. Together, they add lots of variety for thrill-seekers looking for things to do during the summer holidays.
Family Days Out
Thorpe Park isn’t just about the big rides. Amity Beach and The Playground offer gentler options for younger children, and rides such as Mr Monkey’s Banana Ride and Flying Fish are built with families in mind. For parents comparing family days out near London, you can now add new summer holiday activities and great memories to the list.
Extend the Thrills

A day visit doesn’t have to be the end of it. Thorpe Shark Cabins sit inside the park, so an overnight stay can turn a single day into a memorable short break. It suits anyone looking at places to visit this summer without a long journey to arrange. There are dedicated summer holiday offers too, useful if a two-day visit works better than packing everything into one.
Tips for a Smooth Summer Visit
Forward planning during peak season has its rewards. Book tickets in advance for a seamless arrival, and the Thorpe Park app is useful for checking ride times once inside. Pack a change of clothes for the water rides if you can’t wait to dry off, and factor in breaks to stay hydrated in the heat. Restaurants and shops across the park mean there’s always somewhere nearby to refuel. These are useful summer day out ideas you can use on every visit.
Planning Your Visit
Thorpe Park is one of the places to visit this summer, bringing together water rides, roller coasters, and family attractions – all within reach of London for a single day or an overnight stay. Booking one of the best summer days out in the UK for families and groups is simple. Check ticket and pass options or short break packages to start planning your visit.