2027 is already shaping up to be an exciting year for UK theme parks, with several major new rides, themed lands and attraction refurbishments either confirmed or being planned across the country.

From a world-first Minecraft theme park land at Chessington World of Adventures to a huge new water coaster at Paultons Park, there are some major projects to look forward to.

Several other theme parks are also working on future developments, although some projects remain subject to planning approval or have yet to receive an official opening date.

Here are some of the biggest new UK theme park rides and attractions to keep an eye on for 2027.

Minecraft World – Chessington World of Adventures

Expected opening: 2027

One of the biggest UK theme park developments announced for 2027 is Minecraft World at Chessington World of Adventures.

Merlin Entertainments and Mojang Studios have announced plans for a £50 million immersive Minecraft-themed land, bringing the hugely popular video game into the theme park environment for the first time.

The new land will feature a world-first Minecraft-themed roller coaster, alongside interactive attractions, playscapes, themed retail and dining.

Chessington says visitors will be able to explore a world inspired by Minecraft’s famous biomes, mobs and items.

The project is particularly significant because it isn’t simply a single new ride. Instead, the development will create an entire themed area dedicated to Minecraft.

The park has so far kept many of the details under wraps, meaning there could be more attractions and surprises revealed before the opening.

Minecraft World is currently scheduled to open at Chessington in 2027.

What to expect

• World-first Minecraft coaster
• Immersive Minecraft-themed land
• Interactive adventures
• Block-built play areas
• Themed shops
• Themed food and drink
• Minecraft characters and theming

For fans of the game, this could become one of the most talked-about new theme park developments in the UK.

Serpent’s Curse – Paultons Park

Expected opening: 2027

Paultons Park is continuing the development of its Valgard: Realm of the Vikings area with a major new attraction for 2027.

Serpent’s Curse will be a custom-built MACK Rides water coaster, and Paultons Park describes it as one of the biggest rides ever built at the park.

The attraction will feature a lift hill, fast twists and curves and a dramatic plunge into a final splashdown.

Paultons Park has confirmed that the ride will form part of an extension to Valgard: Realm of the Vikings.

The water coaster is planned to open in 2027, although an exact opening date has not yet been announced.

That means visitors will get more than one new experience when the Valgard expansion opens.

River Caves Reimagining – Blackpool Pleasure Beach

Target return: 2027

Blackpool Pleasure Beach could bring one of its most historic attractions back to life in 2027.

The River Caves has been closed since 2024 and is currently undergoing a major reimagining.

The attraction dates back to 1905, making it one of the historic rides at Pleasure Beach.

Rather than simply reopening the existing attraction, the park is working on a substantial refurbishment and reimagining.

Some of the classic scenes are expected to remain, while other sections will be transformed.

The ride is also expected to receive improvements to its boats and ride system.

Pleasure Beach has confirmed that the River Caves is being reimagined, with the attraction currently expected to return in 2027.

For fans of traditional theme park attractions, its return could be one of the most interesting developments of 2027.

More 2027 Projects Could Still Be Announced

The attractions already announced are only part of the story.

UK theme parks regularly reveal new projects several months before a new season begins, meaning more 2027 announcements could arrive during the remainder of 2026 and into 2027.

Some parks have also been relatively quiet about their future plans, while others have projects that remain confidential.

This means the list of new attractions could grow considerably.

2027 Could Be Another Big Year for UK Theme Parks

The UK theme park industry has already seen major investment in recent seasons, and 2027 looks set to continue that trend.

Chessington’s Minecraft World stands out as a major IP-driven development, while Paultons Park’s Serpent’s Curse will add a substantial new water coaster to the Valgard area.

Meanwhile, Blackpool Pleasure Beach’s River Caves will demonstrate how a historic attraction can be reimagined for a modern audience.

And with Pleasurewood Hills planning several new rides, there is potential for further investment across the UK theme park industry.

With more announcements expected, 2027 could become one of the busiest years yet for new UK theme park attractions.

This article will be updated as new 2027 rides, attractions and developments are officially announced.

Opening dates and project details can change. Information in this article is correct at the time of publication and will be updated when new information is confirmed.