Europe is dominated by the big theme park brands – Disneyland Paris and Port Aventura being the two best-known and the most visited by British visitors. The downside of these parks’ popularity is that they can get really crowded in summer. Nobody wants to spend their holiday standing in a queue, so if you’re desperate to give the family the theme park experience but with a more European flavour, there are some great alternatives to the big household names.

Efteling

Efteling is a Dutch theme park in the south of the country with rides based on popular legends, myths and fairy tales. Built in an existing forest, the park takes inspiration from nature, with lots of mature trees and green spaces to take breaks and enjoy the shade. There is a wide range of rides for the whole family, from child-friendly train rides or carousels to the high-adrenaline thrill rides which will delight adults and older children. There are hotels on site, and book your tickets in advance online to benefit from the best deals.

Europa Park

Germany’s largest theme park, Europa Park has themed areas based loosely on different countries in Europe. This is a very large theme park with dozens of rides and things to see, so it’s worth investing in one of the two day passes to allow you to see the attractions at a slightly slower pace. If you’re planning to be in the area for longer, an annual pass can offer even better value for money. Europa Park is in the small town of Rust, close to Strasbourg and the French border.

Parc Asterix

Asterix is one of the most famous French children’s characters, and the park dedicated to all things Asterix is in Oise, to the north east of Paris. This places it perfectly for visitors arriving from the Channel ports – it’s less than 2.5 hours’ drive from Calais, and getting there avoids the Paris traffic. This park is known for its range of roller coasters, all of which are themed around Romans, Gauls and other characters from the books and period in which Asterix is set. If you’re a real theme park fan, Parc Asterix is less than an hour from Disneyland, so it’s possible to see them both on the same visit.

Practicalities for Visiting European Theme Parks

Unlike the slick Disney experience where everything is done in English and French, many of the other theme parks have information and commentary in the local language only. Many members of staff may speak English, but this cannot be guaranteed. Deals are often available if you book accommodation alongside park tickets, and these can be great value for money if you are visiting outside peak periods. Book in advance for the best prices, and change your pounds into euros without leaving home too. Finally, don’t forget to pack your EHIC in your holiday luggage. Accidents at theme parks are very rare, but EHIC will give you access to state healthcare should you need to seek assistance.