The 10 European theme parks with the most tourists with Alton Towers only at number eight
The UK claims just two out of the list of amusement parks by visitor numbers - and some you have probably never heard of.
With Christmas gone many of us are turning our attentions to finding something fun to look forward to. And whether that means going somewhere together as a family or with friends, theme parks are always a popular choice.
Here in the UK we have plenty to choose from - but only two of them make the most visited list in Europe.
Alton Towers, in Stoke-on-Trent in Staffordshire, comes in at number eight - with 1,800,000 visitors in 2021. Next on the list is Thorpe Park, in Chertsey, Surrey which takes ninth spot with 1,700,000 in the same year.
But Disneyland Paris aside, the rest of the parks you may have never heard of, let alone visited.
Here we take you through the 10 most visited theme parks in Europe.
1. Disneyland Park at Disneyland Paris, Marne-la-Vallée, France
It opened in 1992 which means that perhaps the most famous of all theme parks in Europe celebrated its 30th birthday last year.
The vast attraction includes two theme parks, resort hotels, shopping, dining, entertainment complex and even a golf course.
A second theme park - Walt Disney Studios Park - opened in 2002 and takes a place further down the list.
2. Europa-Park at Europa-Park Resort, Rust, Germany
Europa-Park boasts eighteen themed areas with more than 100 rides.
It also includes 13 rollercoasters, six hotels, a camping site, a tepee village, a cinema and a conference center.
According to one set of data it is also the most visited seasonal theme park in the world and Amusement Today has often voted it the "best theme park in the world".
3. De Efteling, Kaatsheuvel, Netherlands
This park is fantasy-themed with the rides and attractions weaving in elements from ancient myths and legends and fairytales.
It opened in 1952 as a nature park and playground and has evolved to what it is today.
It is jam-packed full of amusement rides, has six rollercoasters and is the largest theme park in the Netherlands as well as being one of the oldest theme parks in the world.
-4. Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen, Denmark
Tivoli Gardens hugely predates the Netherlands De Efteling as it was opened in 1843.
Also known as just Tivoli it is the third oldest operating amusement park in the world.
It boasts a pretty, central location too as it’s set in downtown Copenhagen, next to the central rail station.
Don't miss...
Pretty little European town with hillside vineyards is a haven for wine lovers [REVEALED]
European city with a £4bn palace so big its electricity bill is £6m a year [REPORT]
Most relaxing city break in the world is ‘unforgettable’ European capital [INSIGHT]
-4. Port Aventura Park at PortAventura World, Salou and Vila-seca, Spain
At joint fourth place is Port Aventura Park in Spain.
The vast site has six “fun-filled worlds to explore” says its website and it was the country’s very first theme park.
6. Gardaland at Gardaland Resort, Castelnuovo del Garda, Italy
Gardaland Resort is a resort located in north eastern Italy which opened in 1975.
The resort includes Gardaland Park, Gardaland Sea-Life, Legoland Waterpark, Gardaland Hotel, Adventure Hotel and Magic Hotel and is adjacent to Lake Garda.
7. Walt Disney Studios Park at Disneyland Paris, Marne-la-Vallée, France
Walt Disney Studios Park was the second of two theme parks built at Disneyland Paris and opened in 2002.
The park was dedicated to movie themes, production and behind-the-scenes but now is inspired by iconic Disney stories.
It is represented by the Earffel Tower - a water tower with Mickey Mouse ears similar to the one formerly located at Disney's Hollywood Studios.
8. Alton Towers at Alton Towers Resort, Alton, United Kingdom
Alton Towers Resort is operated by Merlin Entertainments Group and incorporates a theme park, water park, mini golf and hotel complex.
In 2021 it ranked first for attendance among amusement parks in the UK with an estimated 1.8 million visitors. Originally a private estate of the Earls of Shrewsbury, Alton Towers' grounds were opened to the public in 1860 to raise funds.
Now it operates ten rollercoasters and offers a range of accommodation.
9. Thorpe Park, Chertsey, United Kingdom
Thorpe Park is also operated by Merlin Entertainments.
It includes rides, themed cabins, live events and this year will boast - Hyperia, the UK’s tallest and fastest rollercoaster.
10. Puy du Fou, Les Epesses, France
Although clearly not as famous as its Disney peers, Puy du Fou is still pretty popular.
It boasts more than two million visitors every year making it one of the most popular theme parks in France - and Europe too.