Most rides were reported to be long enough but Flo 15 and Robin 12 who dared two water-based

Most rides were reported to be long enough but Flo (15) and Robin (12), who dared two water-based rides (Devil's Cascade and Falls of Terror), complained they were too short at a couple of minutes each; disappointing after an hour's wait in the afternoon. Anna thought there was almost too much for three- to four-year-olds and not enough for the daring teenager. Overall, rides were judged to be of adequate length and queues were short, just 20 minutes for the main attractions. This was attributed to the weather, which was very dull and slightly drizzly. Services at Blackpool were rated very highly, with foodoutlets, cleanliness and the helpfulness of attendants all complimented.**PLEASUREWOOD HILLS, SUFFOLKpounds 9.50 per person; children under 1m tall, free; family ticket - two adults, two children - pounds 32 (includes all rides and amusements)Theme-park veterans Reece and Donna Horncastle felt Pleasurewood Hills neither manages nor tries to compete with the big parks. Nevertheless, they thoroughly enjoyed their day there and would certainly consider visiting it again. Donna thought there was a "good range of rides for all ages" but Amy (10) commented: "The rides were smallish in length, you went round only once on each ride before you had to queue again." Donna found very good variety in the food on offer, with "plenty of sandwiches and family packed lunches; there was fast food and a small restaurant in a railway carriage." She described the general cleanliness of the park as "no worse than BR".

Russell (14) enjoyed the indoor entertainment, which included a bouncing adventure playground and a 3D cinema, but Reece complained that there was little for adults and children to do together.**LIGHTWATER VALLEY, NORTH YORKSHIREOver 1.3m tall, pounds 8.95; under 1.3m and OAPs, pounds 6.95; under-4s, free (entrance fee includes all rides and amusements)This park seemed to suffer from extremes, with a handful of very scary rides and a number of gentle ones but not very much in between. There were also amusements and shows which seemed to attract older visitors. Helen Chandler commented that although car parking was a 20-minute walk away, she was "able to amuse the group along the promenade" where there are added attractions. Once at the Pleasure Beach, Helen found that there were "plenty of rides aimed at children, as well as big attractions for thrill-seeking teenagers and adults". This explains the distinctiveness of the atmosphere at the Pleasure Beach.

It is the only pay-as-you-ride park and is located in a town as opposed to a green-field site off a motorway. Wendy was also irritated that the park, which opened at 9am, left her family and hundreds of others "champing at the bit to get going" until the rides started at 10.***BLACKPOOL PLEASURE BEACH, LANCASHIREPay as you ride; main attractions pounds 3 per personBlackpool Pleasure Beach stood out from the other theme parks our families tested for two reasons. Mike concluded: "At the end of the day, it's a place for children, and knowing they enjoyed it so much makes it worthwhile for the occasional day out."****ALTON TOWERS, STAFFORDSHIREAdults, pounds 16.50; children 4-13, pounds 12.50; OAPs and under-4s, free (entrance fee includes all rides and amusements)The Berliner family admitted to their initial bias against British theme parks but were happily suprised by our winner, Alton Towers. Jeff Berliner said: "Alton Towers is the nearest thing to Disney in Britain." Jenny (9) who has younger siblings of 7, 4 and 3, enthused: "There are things that all my brothers and sisters would have liked here." Her friend Michael (9) said: "Even when I was sitting on the Runaway Train, thinking this can't be happening, I loved it!" And Michael's mother, Wendy, said the live shows at the park would prevent even bad weather from ruining the day, though her experience was marred by some unhelpful attendants and the litter which grew with the crowds.