The annual search to crown the best British theme parks and amusement parks has officially commenced.
The public nomination window for the upcoming national awards is now open, inviting feedback across dozens of distinct categories that reflect the evolving landscape of the domestic market.
Organised by independent consumer guide Theme Parks UK, the UK Theme Park Awards 2026 will celebrate excellence across both major operating groups and independent attractions, taking place at Pleasure Beach Resort, which is celebrating its 130th year of operation.
Following the public nominations, an expert judging panel will assist in compiling an official shortlist. This shortlist will then face a decisive public vote later this year, with the final results announced during a ceremony on 10 September 2026. This year’s event features headline sponsorship from booking platform AttractionTickets.com and entertainment specialists TAG Live.
New categories and industry trends
The 22 public-voted categories for 2026 present a mixture of established accolades and newly introduced titles. These additions point toward diversifying revenue streams and shifting operational focuses within the UK attractions landscape.
New categories making their debut this year include Waterpark of the Year, Scream Park of the Year, Best Landscaped Theme Park, and Best Theme Park Animal Exhibit. Organisers have also introduced awards for Best Theme Park Holiday Village and Theme Park Personality of the Year, alongside dedicated seasonal categories for Best Halloween Event and Best Christmas Event.
Contenders and digital updates
The awards regularly attract nominations from the country’s prominent theme parks. Major contenders in the running include Alton Towers and Drayton Manor in Staffordshire, Pleasure Beach in Lancashire, Chessington World of Adventures and Thorpe Park in Surrey, LEGOLAND Windsor in Berkshire, and Paultons Park in Hampshire.
Previous iterations of the event have also recognised regional destinations, including Adventure Island, Blackgang Chine, Crealy, Fantasy Island, and West Midlands Safari Park. Other past winners spanning the UK sectors include Adventure Coast Southport, BeWILDerwood, Flamingo Land, Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach, Pleasurewood Hills, Sundown Adventureland, Wicksteed Park, and Gulliver’s Theme Parks.
Additionally, the Content Creator of the Year category will find a fresh voice to join the Content Creator Hall of Fame, which currently honours all 15 previous winners.
B2B industry excellence
The event also includes categories specifically designed to highlight internal operational talent rather than consumer preference. Theme park operators are invited to submit direct nominations for two distinct Industry Excellence Awards.
These categories, titled Outstanding Achievement and Rising Star, aim to celebrate the workforce behind the scenes driving the sector forward. Nominations can be submitted directly via the official website at ukthemeparkawards.com before June 5th.
