As the UK theme park season begins to wake up after the winter months, there’s plenty happening across the country this week. From major ride testing and construction updates to special events and passholder deals, here’s a roundup of the biggest news from UK theme parks for the week beginning 9 March 2026.
Alton Towers Resort – Alton After Dark Begins This Weekend
The countdown is almost over for one of the first major events of the 2026 season. Alton After Dark officially begins at Alton Towers Resort on 14 March, giving guests the chance to experience the park after sunset.
Night rides are a huge part of the event’s appeal, with major coasters such as:
taking on a completely different atmosphere in the dark.
The event also typically includes:
- Extended ride opening hours
- Special lighting across the park
With the 2026 season just beginning, the event offers one of the first chances of the year to experience the park’s biggest rides in a unique setting.
For fans planning a visit, the opening weekend on 14–15 March is expected to be busy as enthusiasts flock to the resort for the first late-night ride sessions of the year.
Blackpool Pleasure Beach – Aviktas Continues Testing
Testing continues on Aviktas, the highly anticipated new roller coaster at Blackpool Pleasure Beach.
While the park has yet to announce a confirmed opening date, recent activity suggests progress is continuing behind the scenes. Ride vehicles have been spotted cycling the track during testing sessions, an important phase as engineers verify safety systems and ride performance.
If testing continues smoothly, the park may soon reveal more details about the ride’s official debut.
Aviktas is expected to be one of the most talked-about ride openings in 2026 and represents a major investment for the historic seaside park.
Adrenaline Weekend Closures at Blackpool Pleasure Beach
Visitors heading to Blackpool Pleasure Beach for Adrenaline Weekend should note that two major attractions are currently closed:
- Grand National
- Valhalla
The temporary closures are part of scheduled ride availability during the event weekend.
While both rides are among the park’s most iconic attractions, the event still features a strong line-up of thrill rides including:
Guests planning visits may want to check the park’s official ride availability before arriving.
Paultons Park – Valgard Construction Continues
Work continues on Valgard, the major new attraction currently under construction at Paultons Park.
The park has been steadily progressing with the project over the winter, with visible construction activity continuing as the 2026 season approaches.
While official details remain limited, the project is expected to become a significant addition to the park’s growing line-up of attractions alongside areas such as:
- Lost Kingdom
- Tornado Springs
Fans and enthusiasts will be watching closely for further updates as the construction progresses throughout the year.
Merlin Entertainments – Annual Pass Spring Sale Continues
The Merlin Annual Pass Spring Sale is still running this week, offering discounted access to many of the UK’s biggest attractions.
The pass includes entry to major parks and attractions such as:
- Thorpe Park Resort
- Chessington World of Adventures Resort
- LEGOLAND Windsor Resort
- Alton Towers Resort
For regular visitors, the spring promotion is often one of the cheapest times of the year to purchase a pass before the peak summer season begins.
The UK theme park season is beginning to build momentum as we move further into March.
This week’s highlights include:
- Alton After Dark launching at Alton Towers
- Ongoing testing of Aviktas at Blackpool Pleasure Beach
- Construction progress on Valgard at Paultons Park
- Ride closures during Adrenaline Weekend at Blackpool
- Continued savings with the Merlin Annual Pass Spring Sale
With more parks reopening and major attractions preparing for debut later in the year, the next few weeks should bring even more updates for UK theme park fans.
Information in this article is based on the latest updates available at the time of writing. Ride availability, event details, and construction timelines may change. For the most up-to-date information, please check the official website and social media channels of the relevant theme park before visiting.
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