If you’re a fan of rollercoasters, thrills, family fun or new attractions — 2026 is shaping up to be a big year for UK theme parks. Here’s a look at some of the most anticipated upcoming additions across the country.
Paultons Park – “Valgard: Realm of the Vikings”
- In spring 2026, Paultons Park will unveil its biggest expansion to date: Valgard: Realm of the Vikings. The new area is themed around Norse mythology and is pitched at older children, teens, and families.
- The headline attraction is Drakon, the park’s first ever inverting rollercoaster — a custom Euro-Fighter featuring a vertical lift hill and two inversions. It promises to be the park’s most intense ride yet.
- There’s also Vild Swing, a 12-metre-high swing ride (by ART Engineering), which will be the first of its kind in the UK.
- Additionally, the existing ride Cobra will be rethemed and relaunched as Raven, a bobsled-style coaster to fit with the Viking land’s aesthetic.
- The expansion will also include a themed restaurant, a playground for younger children, and other immersive elements to round out the Viking atmosphere.
Blackpool Pleasure Beach Resort – New “Gyro Swing” Ride: Aviktas
- For 2026, Blackpool Pleasure Beach is adding a massive new ride: Aviktas, an £8.72 million Gyro Swing — a giant pendulum ride swinging 120°, reaching a height of 138 feet. When it opens, it will be the tallest ride of its kind in the UK.
- Aviktas will seat 40 riders at once; riders face outwards with legs dangling, creating a weightless “flying” sensation.
- Construction is already underway: the park has demolished the old Bowl-A-Drome building to make room. The ride’s structure has begun to take shape.
Crealy Theme Park & Resort – New Rides Including Pirates’ Plummet
Crealy has announced that Pirates’ Plummet — a new family-thrill ride — will open in 2026. The park celebrated 25 years of its first coaster, and this announcement marks a major step forward.
Alongside Pirates’ Plummet, the park teased a second new ride slated for 2026, whose details remain under wraps — though rumours hint it could be their first inverting ride, making it the first of its kind in the South West.
Crealy isn’t just about rides: the park is also a resort, offering glamping, lodges, and family-style holiday stays — which adds to the appeal for a longer getaway.
Alton Towers Bluey Ride
- In Spring 2026, Alton Towers will debut the world’s first Bluey-themed rollercoaster — the Bluey Junior Coaster — within its CBeebies Land.
- The new coaster replaces the former “Postman Pat Parcel Post” ride. The park began site clearance in mid-2025 and foundations are already in place.
- The ride aims squarely at younger children and families — ideal for fans of the animated series Bluey, offering a playful, colourful, and accessible first-coaster experience.
- In addition to the ride, Alton Towers plans to continue its Bluey-themed offerings: meet-and-greets with Bluey’s family, live stage shows, and themed hotel rooms in its CBeebies Land Hotel for a “full Bluey experience.”
From high-thrill investments like Aviktas at Blackpool Pleasure Beach to family-focused additions such as Alton Towers’ charming new Bluey coaster, parks across the country are stepping up their game for visitors of all ages.
Whether you’re planning a full theme-park road trip, searching for your child’s perfect first coaster, or simply chasing the next big adrenaline rush, there’s never been a better time to explore what the UK has in store.
