British theme parks 'riding high'

Theme parks have proved increasingly popular among people taking ferry breaks and other trips in the UK over the past year, according to research.

Ahead of several attractions opening for the spring and summer season this month, research firm Mintel revealed that the rising popularity of domestic holidays led to three per cent of adults visiting a theme park for the first time in 2009.

People travelling from Ireland can visit one of the UK's most popular theme parks, Alton Towers, by taking ferries from Dublin to Holyhead and driving to the county of Staffordshire in the West Midlands.

Visitor numbers at themed attractions are expected to exceed 14 million for the first time in 2010, up from 12.3 million five years ago.

Mintel's senior leisure analyst, Michael Oliver, said: "The past two years have been very positive for the UK theme park industry, with the combined effect of economic recession and the weak pound actually working to its advantage because it persuaded more people to stay at home and take more day trips, short breaks and holidays."

He also revealed that operators are encouraging visitors to return year after year by investing in new rides, attractions and facilities.

People travelling from Ireland to the UK also have the option of taking ferries from Dublin to Liverpool with Norfolkline Irish Sea or P&O Ferries and heading to nearby Blackpool to visit Pleasure Beach.

Posted by Andrew Smith