Unusual theme park named one of the UK’s best with the only ‘people-powered rollercoaster’ in the world
A THEME park in the UK people may not have heard of is up for an award – and it’s to a record-breaking ride.
Greenwood theme park in Wales is near Snowdonia, having opened in 1993.
The theme park is home to the world’s only “people-powered rollercoaster” called the Green Dragon Roller Coaster.
The five-car train, which seats 20 passengers, using their energy to live the train before gravity takes over.
There is also the Solar Splash, a dual wave chute which is the first solar powered ride in the UK.
Otherwise other rides include go karts, adventure parks and live shows at the theatre, along with rubber ring slides and sensory trails.
In 2021, the GiantQuest woodland adventure play opened too.
Along with being named North Wales‘ Best Family Attraction, the theme park has been nominated in the 2024 UK Theme Park Awards for it’s sustainable rides.
Steve Lester, interim general manager at GreenWood Family Park said: “We have always been at the forefront of integrating sustainable techniques into the park’s operation so to receive this recognition is a great celebration of the efforts of our team over the last three decades.
“We now need Wales to get behind us, to help GreenWood win a UK Theme Park Award!”
If the weather is bad, there is also an indoor soft play, with prices between £3.50 and £6.
You don’t have to leave to get food either, with the Woodbarn Cafe having lunch options, while snacks are served at Snowdon Snacks, Theatre Snacks and the Forest and Solar Treat Shacks.
Fancy staying? There is an onsite glamping site which starts from £95, with each tipi having access to a full kitchen and hot showers.
Dogs can also be brought, with free logs for the indoor log burner and an outdoor BBQ area.
Theme park tickets range from £7 to £20 depending on height, while babies and carers go free.
Or you can buy bundle tickets for four people, which range from £75 to £95.
The majority of reviews for the theme park are positive, with families raving about it.
One wrote on TripAdvisor: “The park is immaculate and rides are great fun. All in all, the best day out we’ve had in years.”
Another called it s “beautiful secret” that’s tucked in a forest.
Here are some other theme park rides that are also up for an award this year.
And one UK attraction is known for having no technology or loud rides.
With two UK locations, BeWilderwood also has cheap tickets currently on sale – here’s how to find them.
Use these tips on your next theme park trip
Next time you visit a theme park, you may want to use our top tips to make the most of your adrenaline-inducing day out.
- Go to the back of the theme park first. Rides at the front will have the longest queues as soon as it opens.
- Go on water rides in the middle of the day in the summer – this will cool you off when the sun is at its hottest.
- Download the park’s app to track which rides have the shortest queues.
- Visit on your birthday, as some parks give out “birthday badges” that can get you freebies.
- If it rains, contact the park. Depending on how much it rained, you may get a free ticket to return.