FAIR ENOUGH
Europe’s largest funfair is currently open in the UK – but you have to be quick before it closes
And the best tips for making the most of your trip to a theme park
THE LARGEST funfair in Europe opened in the UK last weekend - but it won't be around for much longer.
Thrill seekers hoping to make the most of the rides and the stalls on offer will have to head to the North East before the end of the month, or they'll have to wait until next year.
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The Hoppings opens on the Town Moor in Newcastle every summer, with 2024's fair first welcoming guests on Friday evening.
Its website boasts of having "more than 400 attractions and stalls spread over more than a kilometre" as well as "something for all ages".
Among its list of "exhilarating and magical crowd-pleasers" are more than 100 attractions that specifically cater for younger children.
They include bouncy castles, slides, spinning tea cups, mini rollercoasters and more.
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However, the more seasoned ride enthusiasts have been invited to "master the famous Magic Mouse coaster, stomach the 200ft Star Flyer or beat the G4 force of the Mach 5 Bomber".
There's also a giant observation wheel from which visitors can look out across the whole park.
This year's fair is open until Sunday, June 30, so the window of time for people to make the most of it is very narrow.
Along with the rides, there are also hot and cold food stalls and classic carnival games like hook-a-duck, with prizes on offer.
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The Hoppings is free to enter, but each attraction charges visitors individually.
The rides range in price from £1.50 to £4 for the most part, although some of the more thrilling rides charge up to £10.
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A site map can be downloaded to help people find their way around the huge site, meaning they won't be wandering around looking for the best rides.
The fair has been coming to Newcastle since 1882, as an accompaniment to the annual race week then before it grew into the giant annual event it has become since.
Now, 142 years since it first launched, it is bigger than ever and a popular fixture in the Newcastle calendar every year.
It attracts more than 400,000 visitors each year, across its short opening period.
Use these tips on your next theme park trip
Next time you visit a theme park, you may want to use our top tips to make the most of your adrenaline-inducing day out.
- Go to the back of the theme park first. Rides at the front will have the longest queues as soon as it opens.
- Go on water rides in the middle of the day in the summer - this will cool you off when the sun is at its hottest.
- Download the park's app to track which rides have the shortest queues.
- Visit on your birthday, as some parks give out "birthday badges" that can get you freebies.
- If it rains, contact the park. Depending on how much it rained, you may get a free ticket to return.
Doors are open from 1pm-11pm on Friday to Sunday, 2pm-11pm Monday to Friday and 12pm - 9pm on the final Sunday night.
Car parking is available on-site for £5 for the whole day.
Fans have been enjoying the rides over the first few days since it opened.
One user posted on X, formerly Twitter: "The Hoppings Funfair here in Newcastle is such a good time! I don’t have a favourite ride but #Apollo13 was absolutely incredible!"
Another added: "An amazing first day at The Hoppings! They’ve managed to fit so much in! Will be returning tomorrow for more action."
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Meanwhile, these coastal theme parks in the UK are all opening new rides and attractions this year.
And plans have been revealed for a massive Universal theme park in the UK.
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