ALTERNATIVE THEME PARKS

Think theme park holiday and most British families will think Orlando or Paris, but there are many other options which could make for a fun add-on or weekend away, says Stuart Forster

PARC ASTÉRIX FRANCE

This family-friendly theme park, named after the comic book Gaul who resists the roman army, is under an hour's drive from disneyland paris. The four-star les Quais de lutèce hotel, a 150-room property whose theme is paris in roman times, is set to open this spring and adds to accommodation including treehouses. parc astérix has rides suitable for youngsters plus thrill rides like the oziris roller coaster. parcasterix.fr/en

EUROPAPARK GERMANY

Europapark is a great alternative to disneyland paris. it has 15 themed areas and entertainment includes live shows and 4d movies. among the 13 roller coasters is the corkscrewing blue fire megacoaster powered by Gazprom which accelerates to 62mph in 2.5 seconds. rulantica, an indoor waterpark with 17 slides and a wave pool, was added in november. and forget fast food, its ammolite restaurant has two michelin stars. europapark.de/en

EFTELING NETHERLANDS

open year-round, fairy tale-themed Efteling is near a national park 90 minutes' drive from amsterdam. a new max and moritz-themed roller coaster is set to launch this year, adding to rides like Baron 1898, which features a scream-inducing freefall. There's lots for little ones, like an enchanted forest, steam carousel, maze, and miniature world. stay at Efteling for free access to live shows like aquanura, Europe's biggest water show. efteling.com/en

LEGOLAND FLORIDA

have clients who've already visited Walt disney World resort? The vast legoland florida resort is at Winter haven, less than an hour's drive from Tampa and orlando. designed for youngsters aged from two to 12, it features more than 50 rides, including the flying school suspended roller coaster. kids can make a splash in the legoland Water park before heading to bed in a legothemed bungalow or bedroom.

legoland.com/florida