Exciting times lie ahead for enthusiasts of UK theme parks as they gear up for a thrilling year. Many parks are gearing up to welcome visitors for the spring season, with some unveiling new rides and entire themed areas. From heart-pounding attractions to family-friendly shows, there’s a plethora of upcoming experiences to mark on your calendar.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the UK’s most prominent theme parks and the exciting new additions awaiting visitors in 2026.
Paultons Park is set to introduce a brand-new themed section to its offerings. Valgard: Realm of the Vikings is scheduled to debut on May 16, just in time for the half-term break. This new land will feature three Viking-themed rides: Drakon, the park’s first rollercoaster with an exhilarating vertical lift, Vild Swing that swings riders 39ft high, and Raven, a revamped bobsled ride now known as Cobra coaster to match the Viking theme.
Additionally, Valgard will boast a Viking-themed playground and dining facility, providing visitors with an immersive experience. Those eager to visit can secure their spot by booking Paultons Park tickets online for the opening day.
Paultons Park, famous for being the home of Peppa Pig World, is now targeting older kids and adults with its new land, offering a mix of thrilling rides. However, families with young children can still enjoy Peppa Pig World and meet the newest family member, Evie.
Chessington will welcome the World of PAW Patrol soon, though the exact opening date is yet to be announced. Scheduled for spring 2026, this new area will feature four exciting rides, including Chase’s Mountain Mission and Skye’s Helicopter Heroes, promising high-flying adventures for kids. Visitors can also look forward to unique experiences like Zuma’s Hovercraft Adventure and Rubble and Rocky’s Playzone, with the option to book themed rooms at Chessington’s Azteca hotel for an immersive stay.
Alton Towers’ guests can anticipate the opening of Bluey the Ride: Here Come The Grannies! on March 28, just in time for Easter. This first-of-its-kind Bluey roller coaster will cater to young fans of the show, set in the Heelers’ backyard. The CBeebies Land hotel will also introduce more Bluey-themed rooms for guests to enjoy.
Thrill seekers can experience the Toxicator, a neon-green coaster offering a high-speed, adrenaline-fueled ride which opened last March.
Blackpool Pleasure Beach will unveil Aviktas, a new gyro swing ride costing £8.72 million and standing at 138ft, making it the tallest of its kind in the UK. While the opening date is unconfirmed, enthusiasts can secure VIP tickets for the launch event to be among the first to try this thrilling ride. The park will also celebrate its 130-year anniversary in 2026, offering discounted tickets for advance online bookings.
Crealy will introduce two new rides in 2026, including Pirates’ Plummet, the South West’s tallest ride, and Rotor, an inverting air race ride set to open in the summer. Visitors can book short breaks or tickets on the Crealy website for these upcoming attractions.
Pleasurewood Hills, under new ownership, plans to revamp the Suffolk park with four new rides, including Star Flyer, Spinning Coaster, Apple Coaster, and the Big Wheel, pending planning approval expected in April.