Paultons Park Plans £12m Viking World, Multiple New Rides

Paultons Park, a family-owned theme park in Hampshire, UK, has announced its largest investment to date with the £12 million Valgard, Realm of the Vikings, set to open in 2026. This Viking-themed area will feature two new rides: Drakon, the park’s first inverting rollercoaster with a vertical lift hill and twists, and Vild Swing, which will swirl riders 39 feet in the air. The existing Cobra ride will be rethemed as Raven, a bobsled adventure, and there will be a themed high-capacity restaurant and a playground for younger children. Additionally, the park plans to add another major thrill ride in 2027, described only as a 'water-related experience.' Paultons Park also recently opened a £3.5 million indoor dark ride called Ghostly Manor and is known for its Peppa Pig World, which has significantly boosted visitor numbers since its 2011 opening. James Mancey, the park’s deputy managing director, emphasized the goal to provide an immersive and exciting experience for families, with rides appealing to both thrillseekers and younger children.