A Spanish attraction has been crowned Europe’s Leading Theme Park 2025. However, it’s not a widely known theme park, and you shouldn’t expect rollercoaster rides. Instead, it’s a unique experience that’s like stepping back in time
The park includes immersive experiences and historic shows(Image: Samuel de Roman/Getty Images)
A surprising winner has taken the title of Europe’s Leading Theme Park 2025 at the World Travel Awards. And while it’s set in sunny Spain, it’s a little-known destination that’s not typically visited by British tourists.
Puy du Fou España opened in 2021 in Toledo, and the idea is based on the French theme park of the same name. The city is approximately an hour south of Madrid, and this historic area was once the capital of Spain, making it an ideal site for an attraction that showcases the country’s past.
At Puy du Fou España, you won’t find the typical trappings of a theme park, such as rollercoasters or kiddie rides; instead, there are epic, immersive shows about history, with recreations of events on a huge scale.
During the day, visitors can enjoy shows such as “A Pluma y Espada” (With Pen and Sword), a swashbuckling show about the playwright often considered the Spanish Shakespeare. There’s also Cetrería de Reyes (Falconry of Kings), which recreates a falconry competition of the past, along with stunning bird displays.
Visitors can visit a number of villages, each one full of painstaking details that make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. There’s La Puebla Real, a medieval village where visitors can see artisanal crafts being made and try traditional food. Or visit Villanueva del Corral, a recreation of a 1544 farming village, or El Arrabal, which has a historic-style tavern.
At night, the epic El Sueño de Toledo (The Dream of Toledo) is a 70-minute show about the history of Spain, with a focus on the city of Toledo. The show brings together 200 actors, along with historic sets, fireworks, and special effects to create an unforgettable experience.
It’s also worth visiting the city of Toledo itself to see some of its historic sites. The city dates back to Roman times and has been occupied by numerous conquerors over the years, resulting in a unique and rich history. It’s sometimes called the “City of Three Cultures”, as it’s a place where Christians, Jews, and Muslims have lived together for centuries.
Visitors can see the spectacular Toledo Cathedral (Catedral Primada), one of the largest in Spain, which was built in a beautiful ornate Gothic style. There’s also the imposing Alcázar of Toledo, a fortification which once guarded the city’s walls and is now a military museum.
Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes is a Gothic monastery that often tops the lists of most beautiful temples in Spain. You can wander its vast halls and marvel at the stained glass and stonemasonry that dates back to the 15th century.
Toledo also has a vast Casco Historico (old town), with a narrow maze of winding medieval streets that are packed with independent shops, souvenir stalls, charming cafes, and town squares, which capture the historic vibe of the city.
Puy du Fou España entry costs vary but typically start around €30 (£26) for a 1-day adult ticket if booked in advance, with children (3-13) starting around €24, while on-the-day prices are higher (around €38-€39).
Have a story you want to share? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com
PARIS Hilton has been spotted wearing a disguise while on rides at Disneyland with her family, and she almost went completely unnoticed.
The Simple Life alum swapped her signature platinum blonde hairstyle for a brunette wig to keep her identity under wraps.
Sign up for the Showbiz newsletter
Thank you!
Paris Hilton attempted to disguise herself in a brunette wig during a trip to DisneylandCredit: The Mega AgencyThe DJ was photographed on rides with her two kids: Pheonix and LondonCredit: The Mega Agency
However, Paris, 44, didn’t have everybody fooled, as photos circulated of the DJ donning the getup on Sunday at the Anaheim, California, theme park.
They captured the socialite snapping photos of herself on the carousel and on other kiddie rides with her two kids: a son, Pheonix, who turns three in January, and her 2-year-old daughter, London.
She paired her new hairdo with dark blue jeans, a long-sleeved black Mickey Mouse sweater, a black hat, and thick, black-framed glasses.
Paris’s sister, Nicky Hilton, 42, joined them for the outing, along with her little ones, although she didn’t attempt to hide from the crowd, even sporting Minnie Mouse ears while taking pictures on the rides.
Hours earlier, Paris shared a sweet video of her two kids, whom she shares with her husband, Carter Reum, smiling in front of a massive Christmas tree, decorated with silver and pink ornaments.
The youngsters wore matching light gray pajamas with Santa’s face for the photoshoot, during which Phoenix adorably sat on his little sister’s lap.
Paris gushed over the duo’s adorable bond and called them “besties for life,” while recalling her close relationship with her siblings.
“Watching Phoenix and London grow up side by side is the greatest gift. Best friends from the very beginning. There’s nothing like having a sibling to laugh with, learn with, and always feel understood by,” her caption began.
“Growing up with siblings shaped my whole heart, and I’m so grateful they get to have that same bond. I love my forever built-in bestie@NickyHiltonfor showing me just how special that kind of love can be,” the This Is Paris author added.
Paris also has two brothers, Barron Hilton II, 36, and Conrad Hilton, 31.
Despite the TV star’s tight bond with her family, which includes Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Kathy Hilton, she kept them all in the dark about the birth of her eldest child until a week after he was born.
Paris welcomed her son via surrogate in 2023 but kept the news private out of concern it would leak.
“Not even my mom, my sisters, my best friend knew until he was over a week old,” the reality star confessed on her This Is Paris podcast.
“It was really nice to have that with Carter, be our own journey together. I just feel like my life has been so public, and I’ve never really had anything be just mine,” Paris continued.
“So, when we were talking about it, I really felt that I wanted this journey to be for us only.”
She also said she and Carter “made a pact” to keep the pregnancy a secret, and they followed through on it.
Paris and Carter began dating in November 2019 after reconnecting at a Thanksgiving dinner with mutual friends.
They had known each other for 15 years before that, but it wasn’t until their first date that their romance blossomed.
Paris paired the look with blue jeans, a long-sleeved Mickey Mouse shirt, a hat, and glassesCredit: The Mega AgencyShe snapped pictures of herself on the carousel, seemingly trying to go under-the-radarCredit: The Mega AgencyParis’s sister, Nicky Hilton, joined her for the outing, along with her kidsCredit: Getty
SEASIDE towns are good fun in the summer from swimming to building sandcastles, but some can be just as good in the colder months too.
From cosy pubs to stays in award-winning hotels, chilly beach walks and seal-spotting along the shoreline, this one has plenty to rave about during the autumn and winter.
Sign up for the Travel newsletter
Thank you!
Saundersfoot seaside resort can explored in all seasons and has one of Wales’ best hotelsCredit: AlamyThe waterfront town has a harbour and beach for seal spottingCredit: Alamy
The pretty seaside town of Saundersfoot sits between Tenby and Amroth in Pembrokeshire.
It’s home to around 3,000 residents and has a Blue Flag sandy beach, a picturesque harbour with cafes and shops, plenty of walking paths – but absolutely no rides.
And according to WalesOnline its “craggy coastline is amongst the most beautiful in the world and can be enjoyed year-round, especially in autumn”.
Someone on Tripadvisor described the village as a “winter wonderland” when the Christmas lights are up.
It’s a popular place for Atlantic grey seals and you can see them on boat trips – and you can see them all year round.
Saundersfoot has previously been named one of the ‘best places to live by the sea in the UK 2024’ by The Sunday Times.
The Boat House at Saundersfoot is a 2025/26 Good Food Award winner – Gold Seal.
The family-run restaurant serves up meals from curries to pastas, surf and turf, steak, and burgers.
Most read in Best of British
Meanwhile, St Brides Spa Hotel in was crowned Hotel of the Year for Wales at the AA Hospitality Awards in 2025.
The ‘Best Hotel in Wales‘ offers stays in coastal suites, cosy double rooms to superior king – some of which have impressive sea view balconies.
The town has its own Blue Flag beach for swimming in the summer and winter walksCredit: AlamySt Brides Spa Hotel was crowned Hotel of the Year for Wales at the AA Hospitality Awards
When it comes to food, the hotel has The Cliff Restaurant, a Gallery Bar & Lounge, Marine Fish & Chips and Lobster Club Outdoor Terrace.
Whether you’re a guest or not, you can book to have a tasty meal in their hotel restaurant, from Afternoon Tea to Sunday Lunch and special events like Christmas and Valentine’s Day.
Last year, research from holidaycottages.co.uk recently revealed the best spots in the UK for a festive staycation.
Destinations across the UK were ranked based on their proximity to a cold plunge or a seaside sauna – and Saundersfoot came out on top.
A team of travel experts at holidaycottages.co.uk wrote: “Topping the list of locations is Saundersfoot in Pembrokeshire, followed by Saunton in North Devon, Sheringham in Norfolk, St Andrews in Fife, and Whitstable in Kent.
“Each selected offers spectacular sea views, a great availability of eateries and pubs, and a communal swim event to make a cold-water dip all the more appealing”.
The St Brides Spa Hotel has pretty coastal rooms and suites
Speaking of, there’s a popular sauna on Saundersfoot BeachHwyl Outdoor Sauna which has incredible Pembrokeshire coastal views as well as hot and cold therapy sessions.
In recent years, Saundersfoot Harbour and other parts of the town have undergone a huge revamp.
It has new shops, event spaces, andMarine Centre of Excellencefor watersports.
Other attractions for visitors include Saundersfoot Lighthouse, which was built in 1848 to mark the entrance to the harbour.
Nearby are family attractions like Folly Farm and Blue Lagoon Waterpark.
This little village sits within the stunning North York Moors National Park and is the real-life set for a number of popular TV and film productions – but there’s more than meets the eye
Its railway station has famous ties to a major movie(Image: Edwin Remsberg via Getty Images)
Nestled within the stunning landscape of the North York Moors National Park, this charming village brims with character and boasts surprising connections to the entertainment world.
Goathland sits amid the Yorkshire Moors, crafted as a perfectly English settlement with abundant discoveries awaiting visitors. Most will instantly recognise it from its starring role in the beloved television series Heartbeat, where it’s known as Aidensfield. Debuting in 1992, Heartbeat was a British police drama set in this Yorkshire village during the 1960s. The show proved enormously popular with audiences and enjoyed an impressive television run until its concluding episode in 2010. Yet Heartbeat’s finale wasn’t Goathland’s last moment in the spotlight, as it became a key filming location for the Harry Potter movie series.
Indeed, the picturesque railway station served as Hogsmeade Station throughout the films and boasts a fascinating heritage of its own. It stands as a treasured piece of history along the North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR) heritage route, celebrated for its authentic Victorian architecture from the 1800s, drawing countless visitors eager to witness these features.
The location serves as a paradise for train enthusiasts, with the railway operator providing various steam journeys featuring breathtaking trips across the moorland. A recent visitor to the station shared on TripAdvisor: “We enjoyed travelling on the steam trains and made some very special memories. We found all the staff (many of which are volunteers) to be very friendly and more than willing to chat and share stories of the railway. We thoroughly enjoyed our time visiting and would recommend.”
Beyond the station, this charming village boasts an enviable location, nestled near Whitby whilst bordering tranquil countryside. This makes it the perfect retreat for those eager to discover the great outdoors, particularly within Dalby Forest. The park encompasses a staggering 8,500 acres of terrain that provides breathtaking vistas, countless hiking paths and cycling routes for those wanting to explore the region. Part of this includes the Dalby Activity Centre, which boasts an array of adrenaline-fuelled pursuits and several Go Ape courses to challenge your adventurous spirit.
Other delightful features of this concealed village treasure include its nearness to Thomason Foss, a charming small waterfall providing a peaceful stroll and spot for a wild dip during summer.Afterwards, when keen ramblers seek somewhere to pause for a swift drink, they’ll frequently end up at The Goathland Hotel Bar.
Alternatively, guests can unwind with a brew at the traditional village tea rooms, which one recent guest described as a “great find”. They commented: “Excellent food and service, Would thoroughly recommend to anyone visiting Goathland. Plenty of tables to accommodate all sized parties and allowing well behaved dogs is a bonus.”
FROM family-favourite theme parks to popular junior coasters – there have been some sad attraction closures in 2025.
But not all is lost as there are some terrific, and of course thrilling additions coming next year from world firsts based on beloved cartoon characters to rides that will be 138-foot tall.
Sign up for the Travel newsletter
Thank you!
Some theme parks and rides closed for good this yearCredit: AlamyBut others are planning huge new additions to their parksCredit: Unknown
Starting with the closures, there have been some big losses in 2025 from favourite attractions to whole parks…
The news was announced through a Facebook post thanking visitors for their support over the last two decades.
In a few hours the post had gained more than 1k reactions and over 500 comments.
One said: “Oh sad times. We loved spending days up there in the summer. My childrenloved the ridesand we have so many good memories. Wishing you all the best in the future.”
Some of the most popular attractions included theGo Gatorcoaster, theSnakeride, Orbiters, trampolines, and the classicCrazy Golf.
It was home to a swinging pirate ship, flume, rollercoasters and mini black taxi carts.
Earlier this year, there had been rumours for plans for a reopening it this year – these however have been scrapped.
In May 2025, hopes were reignited to reopen the park after a new leisure company called Richens Leisure Projects (RLP) stepped in to not only save the attraction but also make it bigger through a £250million project.
Those hopes were short-lived as the entire project was scrapped a few weeks later. And owners Aspro Parks, revealed they had no intentions of selling the site.
Alton Towers waved goodbye to Postman Pat’s Parcel Post rideCredit: Alamy
Found in its CBeebies Land, the ride had first opened in 2014 as part of the land’s launch – so it’s safe to say it has been a classic for any visitors with young children for years.
It closed to make way for a new ride coming in 2026, the new Bluey-themed junior rollercoaster.
Small rides like Alpine Rallye were closed at the popular amusement park in BlackpoolCredit: Unknown
Smaller Rides at Blackpool Pleasure Beach
In February 2025, Blackpool Pleasure Beach announced the closure of five of its rides.
It said on its website: “We’ve made the decision to close some of our smaller, less popular rides during the 2025 season: Eddie Stobart Convoy, Alpine Rallye, Thompson Carousel, Gallopers and Red Arrows Skyforce.”
The decision to close some of the smaller rides at the park however, is to make way for new ones – or to redesign them.
For example in 2024, the park’s ride Ice Blast closed and will soon open as Launch Pad.
It said: “Launch Pad promises to be more thrilling, immersive and dynamic than ever before as riders shoot to the clouds at high speed.
“We’re confident that once you’ve ridden it you’ll agree that its temporary downtime was worth the wait.”
The highly-anticipated World of Frozen will open in MarchCredit: Disney
Now for the more exciting news – what’s coming up in 2026 from whole new theme park lands and worlds to one-of-a-kind rides.
World of Frozen, Disneyland Paris
You might have heard that a movie-inspired land is coming to Disneyland Paris, and it’s all based around the hit film, Frozen.
It will open on March 29, 2026 with a new attraction called Frozen Ever After where visitors will bob through the North mountain to Elsa’s Ice Palace.
Of course Elsa and Ana will be around the land as will Olaf and even the troll, Mossi.
There will also be a new restaurant called Nordic Crowns Tavern, the Arendelle Boutique shop and the Fjord View Shop.
The World of Frozen is part of the newly reimagined second park,DisneyAdventure World.
Read on to find out more about the World of Frozen from Assistant Travel Editor Sophie Swietochowski, who went for a behind the scenes look in November.
A Viking realm will launch at Paultons Park with a thrilling new ride
Realm of the Vikings, Paultons Park
Family-friendly theme park, Paultons Park has revealed plans for a new £12million attraction set to open in May 2026.
The park be park which will be named Valgard – Realm of the Vikings, will be a viking-themed world with Paultons Park’s first inverting rollercoaster.
Called Drakon, it’s set to become the park’s most thrilling ride with a vertical lift hill and two twists that will take riders upside down.
There will also be Vild Swing that swirls riders 12 metres in the air, two brand new thrill rides, retheming of Cobra – a famous ride at Paultons Park, into a bobsled adventure.
The ride will be renamed Raven to complement the Viking village experience.
The new immersive land will delight children who are a fan of the PAW Patrol pups.
There will be four new rides across the land including a brand new ‘my first rollercoaster’ for the littlest of visitors.
There will also be photo opportunities and themed bedrooms for the ‘ultimate sleepover’ first opened in 2025.
Devon’s Crealy Theme Park & Resort will open a new ride as it celebrates milestone anniversaryCredit: Crealy Theme Park & Resort
Pirates’ Plummet, Crealy Theme Park & Resort
Crealy Theme Park & Resort is celebrating its 25 years since the opening of Devon‘s first rollercaoster with a new addition next year.
The rollercoaster called Pirates’ Plummet is a family thrill ride and will open in 2026.
Few details have been released on the ride so far, but there will be no doubt more updates in the New Year.
We went behind the scenes of the upcoming Frozen land at Disneyland Paris…
Assistant Travel Editor Sophie Swietochowskiwent for an exclusive look at the World of Frozen earlier this year…
“A SNOW-capped mountain towers behind an ancient clock tower, its frosty peak protruding a whopping 36-metres into a cloudy sky.
“At its foot, a wooden-rimmed postbox is waiting to receive a bundle of postcards, Arendelle’s first ever mail, while a magnificent snowflake-shaped fountain sparkles in the centre of the street.”
“I was taking an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the much-hyped area of thetheme park,scheduledto open on March 29next year with a bundle of new rides and activities based entirely on the animation blockbuster.
“Visitor postcards sent home from the fictional kingdom of Arendelle, over which Frozen characters Elsa and Ana rule, are just one small part of what makes this land so special.
“The immersion goes beyond what’s been seen at any Disney park so far, from the ornate-framed paintings of characters to the ultra-modern technology that places Disney fans actually in the story.
“The clock tower, complete with mini Ana and Elsa figurines, sparks into song every 15 minutes and flickering lanterns dangle from pastel-coloured buildings.
“There’ll be a whopping 13 other dining venues in Arendelle alone, including food stalls serving sticky cinnamon rolls and the grand Regal View, World of Frozen’s character-dining venue.
This spot is impressive enough without the meet-and-greets. Disney Princesses have been painted into fresco-like murals across the walls and curved chandeliers dangle from the ceiling.
“And of course, no trip to Arandelle would be complete without a visit to the kingdom’s impeccably dressed Elsa and Ana.
“And the duo won’t just appear on the street; they will dramatically sail across the lake via a huge wooden vessel, preparing to greet their fans at the “Royal Encounter” in the castle.
“A lifesized and hyper-realistic Olaf will make an appearance, too. But unlike every other character at Disneyland Paris, Frozen’s star snowman has been built using clever robotics that allow the character to talk and even waddle away on his stumpy snow feet.
“The highlight will most definitely be the lands boat ride, Frozen Ever After, which will carry riders through the snowy forest towards the Valley of the Trolls and Elsa’s sparkling Ice Palace.
“Animatronics promise to bring scenes to life as riders approach Arendelle Bay which will be showered in snowflake-shaped fireworks.”
