Rides

Rides

What is it? 

The term "Rides" can cover a lot of activities, but at the most literal level it includes any pastime that includes moving not under your own speed. For example, riding a donkey along a beach and going on a rollercoaster both count as go on a ride. 

What does it involve?

Rides involve being moved along by the movement of something else other than you - either sitting in/on, or being harnessed to something. The specifics can vary greatly; from huge, complex apparatus such as a rollercoaster to the relatively simple set up of a zipwire. 

Why do it and what are the benefits?

You should go on a ride to have fun! Every type of ride has their own individual appeal, and there is a wide enough variety that there will be a perfect ride for every age group.

What equipment do we need?

Rides on horses/donkeys will need various specialist equipment, but this should be provided for you - there shouldn't be much equipment you need to supply for any kind of ride apart from appropriate clothing e.g. swimwear for waterpark rides. 

Who is it suitable for?

The suitability of a ride for students will depend entirely on what it is! Activities such as go-karting and rollercoasters may have age and height limits, whereas horse/donkey rides will be much more lenient! 

Costs?

Most readily accessible rides are reasonably cheap, but more specialist establishments such as theme parks and go-karting tracks may cost more to visit as they have much more complex setups.

Issues/Things to think about? (unsuitable for age groups, medical conditions etc)

Be aware of supervision of children in busy theme/waterparks and ensuring any safety and operational instructions relayed to your group are observed - younger children may not pay full attention!

How do we include?

Inclusion of all students will depend on what kind of experience you are taking them on. Bigger establishments will have a better setup for disabilites than smaller companies, so if your student group has special needs then you must consult with the specific venue concerned. 

Doing it abroad?

Some of the biggest and best rides are abroad, especially when it comes to theme parks! While they might get a little pricey, they will make for an unforgettable experience for students - make sure to check out what's around. 

Main website:

The indefinite nature of rides mean that there is no real website that covers them all, so it would be best to consult the websites of individual venues to see whats available.

Venues with this Activity

A Go Karting and Quad Biking Centre, offering Junior options for kids aged 6 and up. A fun and exhilarating day out, supervised by experienced staff. Birthday parties available, plus Junior Race Academy.

The UK's Most Action Packed Venue

Santa Pod Raceway in the UK is the home of European Drag Racing and host to the televised FIA / FIM European Drag Racing Championships. It's the fastest and loudest motorsport on earth with sensational race action from dragsters and doorslammers to beetles and bikes.

Good karting fun for kids aged 8 and over

Absolutely Karting is great to have a bit of fun and get the adrenalin going.

Budding petrol heads will enjoy trying to master the demanding track using the 270cc GT5 karts, with a range specially designed to cater for kids as young as 8.

A full safety briefing is given, which kids will be expected to take seriously.

Relax & experience the nostalgia of this unique heritage railway, winding you gently on a 5 1/2 mile round steam journey over ever changing gradients and through beautiful picturesque North Staffordshire countryside.

BHS approved facility offering lessons from around 3, an equine swimming pool, scenic hacks, cross country riding and Pony Club. Toddlers can start with led woodland pony rides.

Scenic hacks of varying lengths and cross country rides available, plus dedicated Pony Club. Absolute beginners usually start with a Walk In The Woods, a led pony or horse ride through gentle terrain.

The Oldest Water Balance Lift Still In Operation

Saltburn's famous Cliff Lift has two cars, each of which is fitted with a water tank beneath, run on parallel tracks. The car at the top of the 71% incline has its tank filled with water until it overbalances the weight of the car 120ft below and proceeds down the incline under its own specific gravity.

BHS approved facility best suited to intermediate riders, offering menage plus 3km of on-site hacking covering all terrains including walk-through streams.

Challenging Disability Through Outdoor Adventure

The Lake District Calvert Trust is a residential outdoor centre with over 35 years’ experience delivering challenging outdoor adventure holidays for people with disabilities. 

The National Trust's oldest nature reserve, and England's most famous fen

Wicken Fen, one of Europe's most important wetlands, supports an abundance of wildlife. There are more than 8,500 species, including a spectacular array of plants, birds and dragonflies.

Britain's first fully themed indoor family resort and amusement park. A magical world of fun, thrills and experiences for all the family. Now including the indoor Galactic Play Zone!

A Revolution in Road Safety

You can't get a driving licence in the UK until you're 17 but now, thanks to Young Driver, if you're 11 or over, you can learn to drive at one of our UK centres.

Symonds Yat is famous for its natural river scenery.

Join the river wending its way through Symonds Yat gorge and village, dividing it into East and West for a 40 minute boat trip with informed history and nature commentary.

 

When you visit the railway you can enjoy a unique train ride through dramatic limestone scenery, discover fossils and wild flowers, learn about the railway and stare at the vintage rolling stock!

Welcome race fans

From old skool nostalgia drag weekends to today's ultra modern modified car and motorcycle scene we'll give you the very best drag racing experience Warwickshire's Shakespeare County Raceway has to offer whatever your age. Recession what recession!

A PAULTON'S VISIT INCLUDES…

  • The chance to visit our brand-new interactive lab
  • 60+ theme park rides and attractions
  • A choice of curriculum based workshops
  • Explore gardens, birds and animals
  • Free downloadable resources
A Magical Place Which Brings Adventures to Life...

Enjoy a day full of fun at the Theme Park especially designed for the under 10s. We have Adventure play areas, Cafes, Shops, plus lots lots more including the NEW Angry Birds zone.

Your adventure begins the moment you enter the park!

Combine an educational day out with a fun-filled trip to Gulliver’s World Theme Park!

Who says learning can’t be fun? We have put together some brilliant education packs that will show you how to create a fantastic educational experience at Gulliver's.

Take the lesson out of the classroom and onto the theme park. We have topics and ideas that will really engage your group.

BHS approved all weather facility, beginners to competition riders over 10 years old welcome. Scenic hacks and BHS exam training offered.

Hacking is set within the College's magnificent 600 acre estate through woodlands and open fields and grass paths with some optional jumps.

Offering hourly rides tailored to suit you, pleasure rides, pony days, picnic rides and pony parties. Fully licensed family run centre, welcoming visitors of all ages and abilities.

The Northampton and Lamport Railway is a steam and heritage diesel operated tourist railway located in the Northamptonshire countryside just 5 miles from Northampton, within easy reach of the motorway network.

A great trip out packed with happy!

Clacton Pier is home to a whole range of attractions. It is a modern, relatively vibrant amusement park and theme park combined into one big attraction. Clacton Pier is almost unique in the sense that there are some rides as you first enter and then the rest are dotted throughout the length of the pier. So you can just dip in and out of the fairground part of the pier.

The Best Day Out in Essex!

Ride the Scorpion, navigate the Vortex and surf the Tidal wave at Adventure Island!

Set out for your big adventure even if you are under 1 metre tall as we have rides for everyone.

We have some fantastic new rides and attractions to enjoy - in any weather! And our amazing new INDOOR CENTRE OF FUN & ADVENTURE INSIDE opens this Spring!

The Pleasure Beach with its mixture of high-octane rides and traditional attractions sits at the top of Great Yarmouth’s Golden Mile dominating the seafront skyline with its famous Skydrop.

Breathe in the natural beauty of the unique Brecks landscape in Thetford Forest. Explore by bike on 40 miles of traffic free marked trails, providing safe cycling for families and access to more challenging terrain for experts.

Cliff-top showcase for military might

There has long been a military presence at Weybourne, reflecting the village’s key defensive position. The remaining Weybourne Camp buildings now house Britain's largest private working military museum. 

Exhibits date from 1782 to the present day.  Highlights include the many tanks, guns, missiles and armoured vehicles, some outside but many in large indoor galleries. 

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