When the sun starts to peep out from the clouds, it's time for fast thrills and spills, adrenaline-pumping rides and all the candy floss you can eat: we give you a brief guide to three of Britain's best theme parks.

Chessington World of Adventures, Surrey

Sporting animal themed rides for the younger thrill-seeker, which includes the new ferocious Dragon Fury (a rollercoaster to attempt before eating), Chessingtonoffers guests as its onsite Holiday Inn a chance to get up close with the animals in its attractions. A new African themed Wanyama village has recently opened on the site. Standard price: Over-12s, £36; under-12s, £26. An express pass is available for £8 which gets you in the fast queue for a few rides.

Alton Towers Resort, Staffordshire

Guests staying at either the Caribbean-themed 'Splash Landings' resort or at the original Alton Towers hotel will find no shortage of amusements within the vast expanse of this theme park, from £35.25 per person a night midweek (based on four sharing). The new Th13teen ride, billed as the first original free-fall rollercoaster, is a must for those who enjoy the unexpected. Adults tickets(12 and over) are £38; children (4-11), £29; under-fours free. Booking online can guarantee early entry to some of the rides - discounts are available.

Pleasure Beach Resort, Blackpool

Mixing kitsch fair-ground amusements, such as dodgems, a Kiss me Quick and what was once the world's tallest rollercoaster, with new attractions and an amazing sea-front setting, Blackpool Beach never fails to deliver. Non-riders can pay £5 just to enter the grounds, with adults (12-64) paying £30 (£25 online); juniors (2-11) and seniors (65 and over) £25 (£20); under-twos go free. The nearby Big Blue hotel has family rooms for two adults and two children, B&B, from £169, which includes unlimited wristbands for the Pleasure Beach Resort.