Unusual theme park with own Wild West town that TripAdvisor lists among UK best

AN unusual theme park has been crowned as one of the best attractions in the UK by TripAdvisor.

The summer weather has people planning days out, with theme parks a great choice for both families and thrill-seekers.

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One place they might not have considered is Sundown Adventureland in the Midlands.

The lesser-known theme park is set near Retford in Nottingham and was named as one of the best amusement and water parks in Europe by Tripadvisor.

The park has also been shortlisted in the UK Theme Park Awards across three separate categories including the best theme park for toddlers.

Sundown Adventureland is often billed as one of the best theme parks for under 10s too.

The park gets good ratings from the public with an overall score of 4.5/5 from more than 1,900 reviews on TripAdvisor.

One person wrote: “I used to come here when I was a child with my grandparents and now visiting with my own children.

“It’s absolutely magical and I can’t put into words how amazing this place is for small children – it has everything you could want.”

Another person added: “Totally immersive from the first moment, and I loved that kiddies are encouraged to touch, move and explore everything.”

While a third said: “There’s lots to do, and the kids spent the whole time playing.”

Sundown Adventureland stretches across 50 acres and is home to over 30 unusual rides and attractions.

One of those rides is the Ostrich Safari Ride, which takes parkgoers through the African savannah.

Others include Robin Hood’s Merry Adventure, The Giddy Piggies Ride, and the Monkey Mayhem Driving School.

The theme park also has its own Christmas ride called The Night Before Christmas Ride.

While it’s only open around the festive season, from mid-November visitors will be welcomed onboard Santa’s sleigh and taken on a magical journey through an enchanted forest.

In addition to the unique variety of rides, there are also eight themed play areas including Shotgun City, a wild west town.

Fans of Westerns will enjoy the traditional saloon, complete with an animatronic sing-song show.

Other attractions include The Rocky Mountain Train Ride and a Shooting Gallery.

There’s also a soft play area, cafe, and toilets for visitors.

Another zone is the Angry Birds zone, which also has a huge outdoor soft play area complete with climbing frames, crawl tubes, swings, roundabouts, and even a giant dummy catapult.

Captain Sandy’s Play Cove is another outdoor play area complete with its own beach.

Other outdoor play areas include Smugglers Cove, Pirate Adventure, and Noah’s Ark.

There are also indoor play areas too including the gigantic Rodeo Corral and Crash Landings.

Other attractions include Lollipoppet Castle, a huge liquorice-themed fairytale castle.

There are also interactive walks and a gift shop where guests can buy a souvenir.

Holidaymakers have taken to TikTok to rave about the theme park too.

TikTok user the Travel Mum said: “If you’re looking for a fun, bizarre, day out for your under 10s, then you must check out Sundown Adventureland.

“There are lots of really fun and unique areas for the little ones to explore, and there’s this huge soft play with an area for the babies and a place to get a coffee.”

In the footage, she showcases areas of the theme park with slides, rides, and other attractions.

In the comments, users shared their own experiences of visiting the theme park.

One person wrote: “My kids loved visiting here.”

Another added: “I’ve been here it’s so good.”

While a third wrote: “My 14-year-old daughter still loves it.”

Entry for a full-paying adult and children taller than 90cm costs £22 per ticket, while all other children go free.

Meanwhile, these are the 20 best theme parks and waterparks in the world.

And this is the cheapest theme park in the UK.

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