Lawrence Roots has reached the halfway point of his ambitious UK Theme Park Awards road trip after visiting 18 nominated parks in just seven days. The Theme Park Network founder is aiming to complete a 2,000-mile journey to all 37 nominated attractions in 15 days, a feat that could establish a new world record while encouraging public participation in this year’s awards.
The tour began on 20 July at Crealy Theme Park & Resort in Devon and has already taken Roots from family attractions and historic seaside amusement parks to some of the UK’s largest destination resorts. At every stop he has been joined by park teams and guests while carrying a ‘Vote Now’ placard linked directly to the public ballot.
During the first week, the itinerary included visits to Crealy Theme Park & Resort and Paultons Park, before moving to Blackgang Chine, Harbour Park and Brighton Palace Pier. The schedule then continued with LEGOLAND Windsor Resort, Thorpe Park and Chessington World of Adventures Resort, followed by Dreamland Margate, Adventure Island, Clacton Pier, Pleasurewood Hills, Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach, Joyland, ROARR!, Skegness Pleasure Beach, Fantasy Island and Flamingo Land Resort.
The journey has also provided an opportunity to meet operators, directors and frontline staff from across the attractions industry, highlighting the diversity of the UK’s theme park sector, from heritage rides dating back to the 1940s through to the latest roller coasters and family attractions.
Lawrence Roots said: ‘The first seven days have been an absolute whirlwind, but the welcome from teams at every single park has been extraordinary. From iconic roller coasters to historic seaside rides operating since the 1940s, the diversity and quality of the UK attractions sector is unmatched. I am well on track to hit all 37 parks in 15 days, and I want to extend a massive thank you to all the hard-working park staff who have made the first half of this journey so memorable.’
The second half of the campaign is now under way, with visits planned to the remaining 19 nominated parks before the tour concludes in early August. Public voting for the UK Theme Park Awards remains open until 28 August 2026, with the final results determined by an equal split between public votes and scores from an 11-member judging panel. Winners will be announced during the awards ceremony at Blackpool Pleasure Beach on 10 September 2026.
Image: Courtesy of UK Theme Park Awards
