This theme park in North Wales is set against the stunning backdrop of the Snowdonia mountains and home to a large variety of unique rides and nature-focused experiences
This theme park with enough attractions to captivate both younger and older children is every parent’s summer wish come true. It is even more enticing with it comes with a picturesque setting that offers a touch of escapism for grown-ups as well.
There’s absolutely no question that GreenWood theme park in North Wales boasts an idyllic location – proudly eco-friendly and nestled against the breathtaking Snowdonia mountain range.
Should you be planning a family break in North Wales this year, or simply fancy a relatively straightforward day trip from Manchester, this park ranks among the finest attractions around. It comes after sunbed wars see Brits forced to queue for ‘over an hour’ just to get to the pool.
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The journey takes approximately 90 minutes by car from Manchester, but it follows one of the most uncomplicated routes possible (via the A55 beyond Llandudno and A5 through Bangor). The stress-free journey also provides magnificent coastal vistas along North Wales.
As one Manchester Evening News writer discovered, travelling with two children aged 9 and 5, the theme park provides a thoroughly packed day out with an abundance of activities – plus a genuine diversity of rides that sets it apart from typical theme parks.
Consider, for instance, its Green Dragon rollercoaster – marketed as the “world’s first people-powered rollercoaster”. It’s apparently the only theme park attraction of its type in the world- but don’t fret, it doesn’t require everyone to run Flintstones-style to power the ride.
The attraction utilises funicular technology, first introduced in Welsh slate mines two centuries ago. All passengers clamber into a carriage which descends a hill, powering the rollercoaster up the incline.
There are plenty of very unique features to encounter at this family attraction. Another is the Barefoot Trail – where you kick off your shoes and stroll through the woodland, allowing your feet to feel an invigorating variety of surfaces from water to straw and stones.
There is stilt walking for beginners, archery, and during the first week of the school summer holidays, there are virtually no queues for any of the 20+ rides across the site. The only unavoidable wait will likely be for one of the park’s more spectacular highlights – the colossal Solar Splash water ride.
Another world-first, this ride is powered by solar energy, and allows both kids and adults to zoom down two massive central chutes, or a spiral chute next to them, before making a splash landing at the end. All the wild woodland play features scattered across the site, add an extra dose of intrigue. The park is nestled against a hillside so be prepared for some gentle inclines as you explore the grounds.
The on-site Woodbarn restaurant boasts a large soft play barn inside, ensuring your little ones are kept amused while you order food and wait for it to be served at your table.
The attraction has recently introduced alpaca walks that you can book as an extra (for £20), where children aged over 4 accompanied by their parents can meet and feed the three resident alpacas on the site. You can then embark on a guided walk with these furry creatures around their enclosure.
Treetop Towers, filled with slides and climbing adventures, are situated across the park, and you can walk up to the top of the site to take in the view from the Snowdonia View Point.
Entry is £25 per person for anyone over 1m, while those under 1m pay £10. A family ticket saver option is also available, costing £95 for a family of four (saving you a bit at £23.75 each). GreenWood is offering a ‘Pay Once, Visit Twice’ deal for the summer holidays. If you visit between 19th July and 24th August, you can return within seven days at no extra cost.
Dogs are also allowed in for free, provided they’re well-behaved and kept on leads.