Lightwater Valley:
IT IS one of the UK’s leading theme parks, featuring more than 40 top attractions.
From jaw dropping big thrill rides to mini adventures for junior thrill-seekers, Lightwater Valley offers a complete day out for the family. In addition to the theme park itself there is more than 30,000sqft of retail therapy at Lightwater Shopping Village and the stunning Bird of Prey Centre. But when it comes to rides, one of the most popular is Hornets Nest, which is billed to turn your sense of thrills upside down – quite literally!
As it claims on its website: “Once this animal takes off it’ll send you spinning and hurtling in so many directions you won’t know which is up or down – you have been warned!”
The Sewer Rat, which plunges you into a dark and dingy subterranean world full of strange creatures, also pulls in the crowds. For one of Europe’s longest roller coasters head over to The Ultimate, which features near vertical drops of more than 160 feet and “stomach churning” speeds of almost 60mph. You will feel your adrenalin pumping as it twists, turns and thunders around the 2.3km track.
Alternatively, The Wave gives you the chance to see what it feels like to be weightless as you swing soaring into the air time and again. It is so big that the ride had to be hidden in the trees. Or if you want a taste of flying then check out the Skyrider. Strap yourself in to one of the 32 seats suspended by chains and feel the exhilaration as you take to the air, tilting and soaring high above the theme park.

Kinderland:
FOR good old-fashioned fun, adventure and excitement head over to Kinderland, in Scarborough’s north bay.
Set in a landscaped woodland park, Kinderland is a place for families to do things together in a well-supervised, clean, safe, family environment. The grown-ups can join in or just sit back and relax while the young ones explore. Benches and tables are readily available throughout the park.
A walkway, wide enough for prams, snakes its way around the park, giving access to the attractions. It also serves as a good viewpoint for parents who wish to keep an eye on their children. In addition, nearby boating lake, Peasholme Park is situated just five minutes from Kinderland and has been a place of entertainment for children for decades. There you will find naval warfare children’s novelty fun boats, adult rowing boats and canoes. Mini golf and a putting green are also offered.
Finally, round off your visit with a cuppa in the lakeside café before listening to a Sunday brass band or organ concert.

Hull Fair:
THE lights get switched on, the rides start moving and the bell is rung signalling the start of the event.
Hull Fair, held over a long-weekend every October, sees more than 750,000 people enjoying almost 400 attractions. Europe’s largest and oldest travelling fair is held on a 16-acre site in Walton Street, in west Hull.
It dates back to the 13th century when permission was given for it to be held in Hull the day before the feast of Holy Trinity. The changing calendar in the 18th century almost sparked a riot when Hull people thought the loss of 11 days would affect the fair. A mob charged through the streets in 1751, demanding the return of their festivities. From that year on, October 11 became the official date for Hull Fair.
In 1874, a report for the Hull and Lincoln Times said: “When another year has passed and Hull Fair comes back, there will be the same excitement, the same pushing, the same squandering of time and money. “It is surprising, indeed, how many people of every class and age seem to give themselves up to the abandon of this great carnival.”
And despite its transfer to a new site at Walton Street, west Hull, a few years later the excitement has remained the same. Last year the fair included a galloping ride, Mad Mouse Roller Coaster, Speed Flip, the Giant Big Wheel, the Pony Express, waltzers and games such as hook-a-duck and bingo.