Fantasy Island Review

Overall Rating

Great fun whatever the weather, activities for all ages, both gentle rides and rides for those who are more daring, free admission.

Very crowded at certain times.
Not non-smoking inside.

We went to Fantasy Island on what turned out to be a rainy day in August. We didn't really know what to expect as a day on the beach had been the plan until the weather intervened, but we were very pleasantly surprised.

We got the train to Skegness and from the station it was a very short walk to the bus station next door, from where frequent services run to directly outside Fantasy Island at Ingoldmells.

We had lunch at McDonalds, which since it was slightly away from the main complex, was not overly busy, and then we wandered back through the fairground and outside stalls to get inside again. What really appealed to us is that it is free admission, and you then buy tokens for rides. The tokens are 60p each, and most rides take two or three tokens, which I think is reasonably priced. You have to pay separately for the rollercoaster's, which we were too feeble to go on, and then we threw quite a lot of money into amusement machines and bingo - the latter paying off well since I won a number of chocolate prizes!!

We only went on two rides - so for this reason were glad not to pay admission as it means we didn't waste money. We went on the Secrets of Fantasy Island - a really nice, gentle ride in a boat along water, weaving around displays of singing fish - and we also went on a monorail ride - another indoor ride which gives you a great view of all that's going on underneath. If we'd had enough time, we also would've gone on the indoor hot air balloons! There's also a water ride which you go on in a little dinghy and that looks like great fun but the drawback is that you're unlikely to escape getting wet, even though they do provide plastic capes!

The amusements are suitable for all ages, and what will appeal to adults also is the huge outdoor and indoor markets, apparently the biggest in Europe. Lots to see and buy! If the weather is good, you can also have a break from the madness of the theme park by taking a short walk down to the beach, passing yet more amusements on the way, one of which, Planet Fun, boasts a mini ten pin bowling centre which we found to be really good fun.

All in all, we had a great day out, and barely noticed the rain. If we went again, since we didn't take any children, we'd probably choose a quieter time i.e. not school holidays! Also, for us, it was a long way to travel to not make the most of the rides, but then it would be different if it was a family going I'm sure as there are many other rides suitable for children and entertainers for the kids too.

Members' Comments onMiss B's Review

• caz86 on 16th May 2006

  I love the fact that entry into the park is free, it is nearby to all of the local amenities and has everything you have at home, close to hand! I have yet to find any problems with the place. Before we went to Fantasy Island, we'd travelled down and checked it out first. So, nothing was of suprise. For the past seven years we have been going to fantasy Island, staying at the Kingfisher Caravan Park. Each year there has been something new and appealing to all of our group to keep us interested in Fantasy Island. Even though I'm off to Tunisia in Sept, I can't miss my yearly trip to Ingoldmells to hit the massive market it posesses. Like all young women, cheap- well made designer clothes are a huge attraction, so if this is what you have in mind, GO! Also, there is plenty of evening entertainment for people of all ages, from BJ's showbar to Woody's winebar. We also have a touring caravan which we usually hook-up on Hardy's site, just a stones throw away from the attractions. Everything you could need is available within the complex and you could want for nothing more.

• djeva1 on 9th Feb 2007

  The rides are great for kids and grown ups alike, but it can be a little expensive for the amount of tokens required per person. Tokens are only OK if you only intend to stay at the Fantasy Island theme park for a couple of hours, plus to browse around the market, but they are not good value for thrill seekers wanting all day fun, whereas only an all day admission wristband would be ideal for this purpose.