When it comes to top-tier theme parks, names like Disney World, Universal Studios, and Busch Gardens immediately spring to mind. But what if I told you a transformed dairy farm in rural North Devon, where roller coasters take a lunch break, was once hailed as the UK’s best theme park, surpassing even Thorpe Park and Legoland? This is the story of The Milky Way Adventure Park, a place that earned the title of the fifth best theme park globally according to Tripadvisor.
Reporter Jamie Downham, intrigued by the hype, decided to take his family to experience this seemingly unconventional attraction firsthand. While comparing it to the grandeur of Space Mountain or Nemesis Inferno might seem absurd, Downham discovered a different kind of charm – a quintessentially British experience.
He described the entrance as a bit of an anticlimax, resembling a standard office building rather than the flamboyant displays you’d expect from major theme parks. There are no dazzling fireworks or flashy parades; instead, visitors are treated to daily falconry shows. But what The Milky Way lacks in grandiosity, it more than makes up for with warmth and affordability. Downham praised the welcoming atmosphere, the reasonable prices (just £18.50 for adults and £8.95 for children), and the friendly staff.
However, the real draw is the abundance of rides, particularly for younger children. The park’s highlight is the minimal wait times – a rare luxury in the theme park world. Downham highlighted this, stating that you could hop off a ride and immediately get back on, a testament to the park’s efficient operation.
While the attractions may not be as grand as their US counterparts, they were still deemed impressive enough to earn The Milky Way Adventure Park a top spot in Tripadvisor’s 2022 report. However, Dollywood in Tennessee has since overtaken them in the latest rankings.
The park offers a diverse range of activities, including a small roller coaster, a larger one named the Cosmic Typhoon, and an exhilarating suspended-rail shooting ride called Ziggy’s Blast Quest. Younger visitors will be delighted by the expansive soft play area, slides, and dodgems. Outside, there’s a maze, a mini golf course, and the Gravity Rider, a thrilling 30ft doughnut-ring slide.
Despite never having heard of The Milky Way Adventure Park before, Downham was pleasantly surprised by his family’s experience. The kids loved it, and he found himself impressed by its unique charm and efficiency. He concluded that, in many ways, The Milky Way does things better than renowned parks like Alton Towers and Disneyland Paris. While it may lack the extreme thrill rides of these giants, it offers a refreshing respite from the usual theme park hassles – long queues, exorbitant food prices, and the constant pressure to buy overpriced photos.
The Milky Way Adventure Park provides a unique blend of affordability, family-friendly attractions, and a charmingly old-school atmosphere. It’s a testament to the fact that sometimes, small can be beautiful, particularly when it comes to creating unforgettable experiences for families.
