Theme Parks

THEME park fans heading to Universal’s Orlando resorts should take note as some attractions will be closed depending on when they plan to head to the tourist hotspot.

Some rides will be off-limits for a short period of time, while others will be out of action for longer.

Popular attractions set to be impacted include Revenge of the Mummy, and Jurassic Park River Adventure.

On Revenge of the Mummy, thrillseekers are plunged into darkness.

The ride will be closed between January 15 and 21, according to Inside the Magic. 

The Hogwarts Express will fall silent between February 9-26 next year.

Universal’s Jurassic Park River Adventure sees riders plunge 85 feet in a thrilling drop.

But the ride will be closed from January 5, 2026 until November 20, as per the Orlando Informer.

Universal’s Volcano Bay water park will close temporarily from October 26, 2026. 

It’s likely the attraction will reopen by the end of March 2027. 

When visiting Volcano Bay, thrillseekers can enjoy a five-person attraction, Puihi of the Maku Puihi Round Raft Rides.

Or, those wanting a more relaxing experience can enjoy the winding river.

Volcano Bay is also home to shops, bars and restaurants.

Earlier this year, Universal’s Epic Universe opened, sparking an influx of tourists.

The park opened its doors on May 21 and is home to five themed lands.

Guests can immerse themselves in the Super Nintendo World and enjoy Mario Kart-themed attractions.

Epic Universe is home to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Dark Universe.

Harry Potter fans can enjoy a Butterbeer when visiting the Wizarding World.

Guests can immerse themselves in the Viking-themed village, which is inspired by How to Train Your Dragon.

THE UK will be getting a brand new theme park in 2026 – but it won’t have your typical thrill rides.

Kynren – An Epic Tale of England, is the UK’s largest live action outdoor theatre production and next year it will launch Kynren – The Storied Lands, a new daytime historical theme park.

Set to open in summer 2026 in County Durham, the theme park will immerse visitors in multiple live shows and experiences that “span millennia”.

Phase One of Kynren – The Storied Lands will reveal The Lost Feather and four other live-action shows and immersive experiences, including Fina, a Medieval horse show, a viking show and a Victorian Adventure with characters from the past.

There will also be The Legend of the Wear which will transform a lake into a stage, where the Lambton Worm myth will be brought to life with water stunts and special effects.

In the future, the theme park will have even more shows, as well as educational content and themed experiences inspired by Robin Hood, Excalibur and the Tudors.

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As a whole, the attractions will form the UK’s first live-action historical theme park.

Anna Warnecke, CEO of Kynren – The Storied Lands, said: “2026 is going to be an unforgettable year.

“Not only will our award-winning night show return, but we’ll also open Kynren – The Storied Lands a unique new experience that brings history, heritage and myth to life on a scale not seen anywhere else in the UK.”

The news follows the announcement that Kynren – An Epic Tale of England is set to return next summer, with tickets now on sale.

Located in Bishop Auckland, the show involves more than 1,000 cast and crew members and mass choreography, combat, horsemanship, stunts and fireworks – all on a seven-and-a-half acre stage.

The show takes spectators on a journey of 2,000 years of history from Boudicca’s rebellion to Viking invasions, Norman conquests, Tudor drama and even Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee.

The show lasts 90 minutes, beginning at sunset and ending when the stars are out.

It will run every Saturday evening between July 18 and September 12, 2026.

Tickets cost from £30 per adult and £20 per child.

Children under the age of three, are free.

If visitors book their tickets now, they will also unlock an ‘Insider Pass’, which gives them priority access for tickets to the new Kynren – The Storied Lands when it opens next summer.

Travel writer Catherine Lofthouse, who visited this year’s show, said: “If you’ve never heard of Kynren in Bishop Auckland, Durham, you’re not alone.

“Over an hour and a half, scenes that tell the tale of our homeland, history and heritage come to life across the 7.5-acre outdoor stage.

“The 1,000 professionally trained volunteers might be amateurs, but this incredible cast put on one of the best shows I’ve seen, one that really has to be seen to be believed.

“My boys aged 12 and 10 were absolutely enthralled by the evening’s entertainment from start to finish.

“The whole event is epic – from Viking ships rising from the water to the recreation of a magnificent stained glass window in the spray of a fountain.

“Battle scenes, stunts, celebrations, historic moments, lines from Shakespeare – it’s sometimes difficult to know where to look at there’s so much to take in from one moment to the next.

“It was such a high-quality performance, I’d say it rivaled a live Disney show too.”

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In other theme park news, the UK’s best value theme park has been named.

Plus, the UK theme parks with the best Black Friday discounts – from extra park tickets to free waterpark entry.

BLACK Friday is just around the corner, with deals from food and gifts to holidays and flights.

So we’ve rounded up all of the Black Friday deals at some of the UK’s top theme parks, including free park tickets and cheap annual passes.

This year, Black Friday is on November 28, although many brands offer deals in the weeks before.

Here are some of the theme park deals in the UK – although be quick as you have to book this month.

Alton Towers

The UK’s biggest theme park is letting kids both stay and swim for free in a Black Friday deal.

This means that there are Free Child Places for any overnight stays.

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And the packages also include free entry to Alton Towers‘ waterpark.

A free buffet breakfast and nine holes at crazy gold are also included.

The Black Friday deal is valid when booked for stays between January 23 and March 12 next year.

You need to book by December 1, when the deal will expire.

Legoland

You can get a free day at the park in Legoland‘s Black Friday deal, with a complimentary second day.

Starting from £69pp, it means you don’t have to rush your first day and can make the most of your return.

The deal applies for 2026 short breaks, with the deal ending on December 1, 2025.

Thorpe Park

Thorpe Park is offering free Fasttrack passes for holidays in 2026 in this year’s Black Friday.

The deal includes six Coasters Fasttrack passes when you stay in the on-site Thorpe Shark Cabins.

The six big rollercoasters included are the new Hyperia, as well as Colossus, Nemesis Inferno, SAW – The Ride, Stealth and The Swarm.

The package deal also includes two-day park entry, buffet breakfast, free parking and first hour Fastrack on the second day.

The deal is for all stays from March 27 to June 20 next year ,although the deal ends on December 2, 2025.

Paultons Park

You can get a second free day at Paultons Park in this year’s Black Friday sale.

This even includes trips booked this year, such as this month or for Christmas.

The packages include an overnight stay at a hotel, as well as the second free day pass alongside breakfast and parking.

There are also savings up to £40 on Paultons Park breaks.

The deal expires on December 2.

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Drayton Manor

Drayton Manor is yet to reveal any Black Friday deals.

Chessington World of Adventures

Chessington World of Adventures is yet to reveal any Black Friday deals.

IN A lesser-known corner of Europe is an amusement park with its own mini Colosseum, a nightclub on a plane… and a helicopter observation tower.

The park has no traditional rides, replacing thrilling rollercoasters and carousels with giant building bricks, a farming village and 18-metre high slides.

Irrland in Kevelaer, Germany is a huge hit with families – with one parent who goes by thestrongmamaphysio on Instagram describing it as a “kids’ dream” and one of the “best days out we’ve ever done”.

At the park, her kids helped to build an enormous mountain with over-sized Lego-style bricks, and had a rave in a disused plane.

They also enjoyed enormous slides, sand and water play, mazes and a go-karting track.

Plenty of other parents agreed, with one saying: “Best place we have ever been to – we managed to go in the summer and spend two full days at the park.

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“I genuinely think you’ll struggle to find anywhere as good as this and for £10 per head is ridiculously cheap.”

Irrland i park is split into three parts – Irrland-West, North and South, with more than 90 different attractions.

In the West part of the park is where you’ll find the Disco Plane, it also has a huge Trojan Horse climbing frame and jumping pillows.

There’s also a waterslide and an Airport Tower with 18-metre tall slides.

Irrland North has a helicopter observation tower, a toddler play barn, and a huge treehouse.

It’s also home to the world’s largest building construction site – with enormous Lego-style bricks.

In the South is a toddlers’ farming village with pedal tractors and petting zoo, bamboo mazes, even a mini-colosseum, and a small splash park called ‘South Sea’.

The cut off in the park is for children who are 12 years old.

An online day ticket is €12 (£10.53) per person, children under two years old won’t need a ticket.

Any child’s whose birthday it is on the day of their visit can also enter for free – but they will need a form of ID to prove this.

If you’re in a large group and want to spend time together during the day, there are on-site villas which have lockable rooms and fenced areas – perfect for outdoor picnics.

These are available for the day only as the park doesn’t offer overnight stays – you can enter from 10am with the key needs to be handed in by 5.30pm.

During the summer, barbecue areas are available to book too – the cheapest spot being €25 (£21.94).

Before you look at booking a ticket, the park is closed for the winter season.

Currently, it looks like it will reopen on Saturday March 14, 2026. But check back nearer the time as it’s likely to be weather dependent.

The closest airport to Irrland is Weeze, but you can’t get direct flights to there.

For direct flights, head to Eindhoven in the Netherlands and from there it’s just an hour away by car.

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For more theme park inspo, check out the one in Europe that’s less than three hours from the UK named the best in the world – beating Disney and Universal.

Read more from one travel writer who visited one of Europe’s biggest theme parks with more than 40 attractions and record-breaking rollercoasters.

TWISTING the handles of his personal periscope around, my son Billy lets out an excited gasp.

Through the lens he’s able to catch a glimpse of the rollercoasters and colourful rides that await him at Chessington World of Adventures, right on the doorstep of our hotel.

I’m staying in one of the theme park’s new Paw Patrol-themed rooms, offered up just in time for half term.

Part of Chessington’s Safari Resort hotel, the five new pup-tastic bedrooms offer a glimpse of what’s to come when a new Paw Patrol-themed land opens next spring.

Nothing has been spared on making these spaces as immersive as possible.

Funky bunk beds have been disguised as the famous Paw Patroller truck featured in the show, with a driver’s seat at the front and a steering wheel that little ones can play with.

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A yellow periscope in the main room, that fans will recognise as a replica of that from the Paw Patrol Lookout Tower, is surrounded by coloured bean bags which kids can plonk themselves on when spying on the theme park.

And if the view from the periscope isn’t enough to impress them, the bedroom window one will be.

Rooms overlook the park’s Wanyama Reserve, and one afternoon we were treated to the sight of two giraffes munching away on their leafy dinner.

I was grateful for some tranquillity to balance out the “wow” of the all-singing, all-dancing bedroom.

The decor here is bold and bright, with huge murals of the pups showing their wacky adventures.

Rooms sleep up to two adults, in a plump double bed, and three children.

They also come with a special Paw Patrol parking outside.

Even when you’re dining at one of the two restaurants, you’re likely to bump into your little ones’ favourite character.

As Billy tucked into his junior Wanyama burger (£7) at dinner, he clocked Skye giving some of her fans a high-five and a cuddle across the room.

If you don’t get to meet your hero at the hotel, Paw Patrol guests can nab fast-track entry to daily meet-and-greets with Chase, Skye and Rubble in the park.

A night’s stay comes with a huge buffet breakfast – which has everything from a full English to pancakes and pastries and is available from 7am to 10am.

Access to the hotel’s Savannah Splash Pool means children can burn off any extra energy.

After an action-packed day here, adults will be just as grateful for the ultra-comfy beds as the kids are.

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Paw Patrol stays start from £155 for a family of four, including bed and breakfast. Stays include early ride access, a Pup Pass (meet-and-greet fast track pass) and a Reserve & Ride one-shot pass.

Guests staying before the Paw Patrol-themed land opens will have a chance to be one of the first to ride the new rollercoaster in 2026.

Want to see the most beautiful scenes in one trip? A must-do country European road trip will take you to six countries, where you will see the sea, mountains, castles and breath-taking views

Hopping on a plane and getting to your holiday destination in hours is a luxury, but one thing that everyone should do at least once in their lives is a road trip.

TikTok account Living Our Memories shared the perfect itinerary, where the key stops included France, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Germany, Luxembourg and Belgium. The total route is 23 hours and 49 minutes, non-stop.

Gathering over a million views, the couple, who shared their travels with their 5K followers, captioned the video: “An epic road trip across 6 countries you must have to do at least once in your life.”

Champagne, France

First stop, the French region of Champagne, known for its scenic vineyards. Located in the northeast of France, their sparkling white wine is what makes them so well-known. Visitors can see the cities of Reims and Épernay, as well as the villages like Hautvillers and Méry-sur-Ay.

Wine lovers can make a pit stop and tour the famous Champagne houses such as Moet & Chandon, Veuve Clicquot, and Taittinger. Those who prefer adrenaline can do some outdoor activities such as biking through the Côte des Blancs and Montagne de Reims.

Stausee Steg, Liechtenstein

Liechtenstein’s turquoise waters in the middle of the most gorgeous greenery scenes, facing the mountains. It’s the perfect place for a swim in the lake or a picnic with your loved ones.

If you’re feeling sporty or want to capture the perfect shot, you can hike the mountains and get the perfect scene. According to AllTrails, it’s best to bring water shoes for those who plan to swim or walk near the rocky edges.

Lake Eibsee, Germany

Nature lovers will love Lake Eibsee in Germany. The waters are crystal clear with views of the Zugspitze mountains.

Some of the activities for visitors are hiking the 7.5 km (4.6 miles) walk around the lake, as it provides stunning views. You can also rent a boat or a canoe to explore the lake and the surrounding islands. If you’re brave enough, you can also swim in the waters – but it’s super cold.

Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany

Located in Bavaria, Germany, in the foothills of the Alps, Neuschwanstein Castle is just the exact layout as the ones in the Disney movies. In fact, it’s best known for the inspiration behind Disneyland’s Sleeping Beauty Castle.

The 19th-century historic castle overlooks the narrow Pollat gorge, and it’s close to the Alpsee and Schwansee lakes. Therefore, it makes it an ideal place to visit on the way to the upcoming location of the road trip.

Tickets cost 20 euros (£17.36), but children under the age of 18 can access the castle completely free of charge.

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Luxembourg City, Luxembourg

Luxembourg’s tourism has increased over the years, making it the perfect place for a city break or a day trip. The city has a unique blend of history and culture, with a lot to offer to visitors and locals alike.

Its historical sites include UNESCO World Heritage sites and famous landmarks such as the Grand Ducal Palace and the Cathédrale Notre-Dame. The best thing about Luxembourg is that you can enjoy it all year round, and the public transportation is free.

Dinant, Belgium

To conclude the road trip, what better way to do it than in Belgium? A more tranquil side of the country, with beautiful scenery and history. Its most popular tourist attraction is the Maison Leffe. The town’s location is also ideal along the River Meuse, as it overlooks the water and the pastel-coloured houses.

Visitors can walk through the cobbled streets, take a boat tour and even participate in water activities such as kayaking on the nearby Lesse River.

Bruges, Belgium

Perfect for a city break, a small yet fulfilling town with a lot to offer. If you’re a fan of medieval settings, this is the place for you. However, its popularity comes with big crowds and higher costs.

Bruges is also famous for its Belgian waffles, fries, chocolate and beer – so, come with an empty stomach to indulge the best sweet and savoury flavours.

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A day out at a theme park isn’t just a summer activity. Many parks will be open for Christmas-themed fun, and you’ll find fun, festive activities to suit all ages

Looking for a festive day out for all the family? Many theme parks will be opening their doors for the Christmas season with a range of activities for all the family. In addition to themed days out, some parks will also be offering special short breaks, with extras such as Santa visits and evening entertainment and even the chance to enjoy a festive-themed sleepover at the on-park hotels. Here’s a round-up of some of the most popular theme parks in the UK and what they’ll be offering this November and December.

Alton Towers – Magical Days Out

From £18 per person

In the run up to Christmas and the New Year, Alton Towers offers Magical Days Out starting at just £18 per person. While it’s a cheaper way to visit the park, it’s worth noting that only CBeebies Land and Mutiny Bay are open, plus a couple of the bigger rides, so you don’t expect all the usual thrill rides to be available.

However, the park is set to be decked out in festive decorations, and visitors can enjoy Christmas-themed shows such as Hey Duggee Live: The Christmas Badge!, which is bound to be a hit with the younger members of the family.

Families can also book a Santa Sleepover at one of the park’s on-site hotels, starting at £91 per person. This includes a one-day theme park ticket, a visit to Santa’s grotto, a traditional pantomime, and a festive dinner and entertainment for the whole family. Booking the Santa Sleepover also gives you access to the on-site waterpark and crazy golf.

Find out more on Alton Towers’ official website.

Gulliver’s – Christmas and Land of Lights

From £27 per person

Three of Gulliver’s theme parks will be offering Christmas events: Rotherham, Milton Keynes, and Warrington, with a selection of Christmas rides and attractions open during this time. What’s available over the festive period varies by park, and some of the activities on offer include festive breakfasts, Santa’s grottos, Christmas shows, Elf workshops, and more, with a variety of packages available.

Each park will also have a Land of Lights attraction – a spectacular light trail that opens during the winter. Tickets for this attraction are sold separately and start at £13.75 per person.

For more information and dates visit Gulliver’s website.

Drayton Manor – Christmas Wonderland

From £20 per person

Drayton Manor say they’ve unwrapped their “biggest and most magical Christmas plans ever”. The Midland-based park, which is best-known for being the home of Thomas Land, will open on selected dates from November 22 to December 31 with most of the park’s rides open.

There will also be a range of themed attractions for family days out. Fans of Elf on the Shelf can enjoy Elftoria, with the cheeky creatures taking over the park and adding a mischievous touch to your day. Children can even take part in pranking workshops and enjoy a live elf show.

Kids can visit the Castle Grotto, which will include a story-time experience with Mrs Claus and a visit to the man in red, while Thomas Land will be decked out in seasonal decorations and have festive family shows. In the evening, families can board the Twinkling Express, a gentle journey surrounded by Christmas light trails.

Find out more about Christmas at Drayton Manor here.

Paultons Park – Celebration of Christmas

From £20 per person

Paultons, perhaps most famous for being the home of Peppa Pig World, will be turning their park into a Christmas wonderland. On selected dates through December, visitors can visit Peppa and friends in their festive clothing, enjoy Santa’s Christmas Wish show, or enjoy festive-themed menus in the park’s cafes.

If you prefer thrill rides, the Tornado Springs are will be also be open as well as selected rides in Lost Kingdom and Critter Creek.

Book or find out more about Christmas at Paultons here.

Chessington – Christmas Village

From £32 per person

Chessington’s Christmas village ticket will include a selection of the park’s rides, as well as access to the zoo and SEA LIFE centre. Visitors will be able to enjoy a Christmassy silent disco, wander through a snowy trail, and see the elves making toys in their workshop. Of course, there’s also a visit to Santa to give him your Christmas list.

Visitors can stay for longer by booking the on-site Safari or Azteca Resort Hotel, and there’s even a range of VIP experiences that can be added onto your package to create unique Christmas memories. Book an elf wake up call, with a small pre-Christmas gift for the kids, or take part in a reindeer encounter and see Santa’s helpers up close.

But the fun doesn’t stop once January comes round. Chessington now offer a themed Christmas Room, which will be a permanent fixture in their hotel year-round. No matter when you visit, you’ll be able to enjoy a decorated tree, Christmas crackers, hot chocolate, and even a decorated Christmas parking space. It’s perfect for the Christmas obsessive in your life.

Find out more about Christmas at Chessington and book tickets here.

Ten nightmares – one night – Kelly Williams’ favourites in a gauntlet of unforgettable hell at Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights 2025 where she screamed herself hoarse

I’d been anxiously counting down the days until the opening of Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights and finally, it had arrived.

The air in the park felt electric – thick with fog, echoing with screams and a primal promise that tonight, my nightmares would come alive.

Suddenly, I didn’t feel so brave as my heart jumped into my throat at the sound of chainsaws buzzing in the distance. Before I’d even reached the 10 haunted houses, I found myself in a hunting ground of bloodthirsty zombies as panicked victims urged me to run.

But there was no turning back…

Five Nights at Freddy’s

I started with a childhood-unravelled – the eerie animatronics of Freddy, Bonnie, Chica, and Foxy lurking at every turn of Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza. Jim Henson’s Creature Shop creations looked terrifyingly real, and when Freddy reached forward with his blazing eyes, I jolted.

The flickering cameras, the dim corridors, it was like stepping into a haunted bedtime story that always ends badly. And just as I thought I was safe, a flicker of a poster caught my eye near the exit. The design didn’t quite fit—newer, sharper, like it was whispering about horrors still to come in a sequel I wasn’t ready for.

El Artista: A Spanish Haunting

19th-century Spain never looked so menacing at this original concept house. I wandered into a country manor alive with bloody paintings, possessed by tortured spirits, where artist Sergio Navarro’s vision turned against him and dragged me into madness.

Figures chanted in candlelight, and I was swallowed by pitch-black hallways so disorienting I had to grope along the walls, certain something was right behind me (it was). The Gothic atmosphere and haunting visuals were beautiful yet utterly terrifying.

WWE Presents: The Horrors of The Wyatt Sicks

If every other house had been pure terror, this one was theatrical dread, despite the fact that my WWE knowledge is limited, to say the least. Entering, I passed through a twisted lantern-lit stage into a tunnel filled with the distorted faces of 27 WWE icons, including Bray Wyatt tributes.

The surreal realm of Uncle Howdy, Mercy the Buzzard, Abby the Witch – it was like a haunted wrestling dreamscape laced with sorrow and nightmares. I felt both unnerved and strangely reverent. This house was surprisingly one of my favourites.

Hatchet and Chains: Demon Bounty Hunters

This was raw, fiery chaos – an Old West torn apart by lava demons melting everything in sight. I dodged demonic assaults and swampy lava flows as bounty hunters hunted the chaos, while heat and horror raged around me.

Try as I might, I couldn’t look away, even though behind every corner was a scare actor waiting to spring. My heart jumped into my throat, and I laughed nervously, realising this was just the beginning.

Dolls: Let’s Play Dead

Suddenly, I was doll-sized, trapped in a nightmarish toy world as burnt, stitched, malformed dolls limped from shadows. A twisted little girl named Lyla giggled as I ran, chased by cursed playthings. The scenes were harrowing, and strangely childlike – a grotesque playroom with a dark twist.

Dolls had been tortured in a way that made Sid from Toy Story look like Willy Wonka. Pure nightmare fuel.

Grave of Flesh

I barely had time to steady my breath before I was dropped into my own funeral. In tight, cavernous tunnels, flesh-eating creatures pursued me relentlessly. The narrative is that flesh-eating zombies feast on our corpses when we die and drag our souls into a relentless world of horror.

Panic, claustrophobia, the feeling of being buried alive – it was hell incarnate, and I crawled out trembling.

Gálkn: Monsters of the North

Finally, a Norse-myth horror – ice, fjords, and ancient beasts stirring deep beneath a northern village. I raced through fjord fiends and a monstrous resurrection that felt like stepping into a brutal saga where survival was never guaranteed.

My voice was hoarse from screaming and laughing hysterically at the same time. My group huddled tighter together, knowing the scares came harder when we split apart.

Fallout

Next, I plunged into a decaying Vault 33 that opened into the blasted wasteland of post-apocalyptic Los Angeles. Rad-roaches scuttled by while Lucy’s voice echoed in my head.

Raiders, The Ghoul, even Maximus in his T-60 power armour – every element pulled me deeper into survival terrain, like a living nightmare in the world of Fallout.

Jason Universe

Here’s where I felt my heart really start pounding. Walking through the haunted woods, past the creaking lodge and into the decaying cabins of Camp Crystal Lake – Jason stands silent, relentless, a gauntlet of killers from the Friday the 13th films from 1 to 8.

It pulled me through scenes that felt cinematic, each room ratcheting up the dread, with Jason’s mum even making an appearance.

It wasn’t just nostalgia; it was a matter of being hunted. I bolted out, breathless and, somehow, triumphant that I’d survived what felt like endless corridors of hell – even though I wasn’t sure I wanted to.

Terrifier

Terrifier pushed horror into the realm of the visceral with an intense sensory overload. Art the Clown’s gruesome funhouse assaulted my senses with blood-soaked corridors and a hacksaw kill recreated in sickening detail.

Nauseating smells – faeces, bleach, salted flesh – clung to everything. With 35 bodies and six gallons of “blood” this is Universal’s first “unrated” house. I wanted to look away, but the narrow corridors kept pushing me deeper.

Victims can choose to take the ‘dry path’ or the ‘blood bath’ at the end of the maze. I chose the latter so the finale drenched me in warm, iron-scented water as I staggered out, sticky, unsettled with adrenaline crackling in my veins.

By the time I stumbled out of the last maze, I thought I’d finally be able to breathe. But instead of relief, I was plunged into more horror.

Neon lights from food stalls flickered, barely cutting through the haze. That’s when the sound hit me first—wet dragging footsteps, a low snarl, and then the unmistakable rattle of chains. Zombies appeared from nowhere, their skin mottled, their eyes glazed with hunger.

One carried a dismembered leg on a plate as he shuffled toward me. Another creature, something less human – its body twisted and barnacle-covered like it had risen straight from the depths – lurched over my shoulder.

Everywhere I turned, more figures emerged: a beautifully terrifying woman with teeth sharpened to jagged points, a gruesome gargoyle, and frantic villages begging me to turn back.

I forced myself forward, weaving between the monsters, my pulse hammering as one leaned close enough for me to feel its breath down my neck. And then – just as suddenly as it began – the creatures melted back into the fog, swallowed whole by shadows.

I found myself shaking, my skin damp with sweat and mist, and I realised Halloween Horror Nights didn’t let you escape when you left a house. No, they followed me to my bed that evening, where I relived the horrors all over again.

But in that moment, standing there under the Florida sky, with the distant shrieks of other brave souls echoing around me, I realised I’d done it. Ten houses. Ten nightmares survived. My nerves were fried, my legs ached, but I couldn’t stop grinning.

Halloween Horror Nights wasn’t just about the scares – it was about being fully alive in the middle of the madness.

Book it

Virgin Atlantic Holidays offers seven nights on a room-only basis at the Loews Sapphire Falls Resort in Orlando, starting at £1,719pp, including Virgin Atlantic flights from Heathrow and a ticket to Halloween Horror Nights. Find out more and book at virginholidays.co.uk.

The park, home to Peppa Pig World, is opening a new land in 2026 with thrill rides and a themed restaurant. Paulton’s Valgard zone is sure to be a hit when it welcomes in the public

Paultons Park, a theme park known for being the home of toddler favourite Peppa Pig World, is set to expand with a new land as part of a whopping £12 million development.

The new addition, Valgard – Realm of the Vikings, is designed for older children and teenagers and is scheduled to open in spring 2026. The Viking-themed land will feature two new adrenaline-pumping rides: the inverting rollercoaster Drakon, and Vild Swing, which will whirl riders 12 metres into the air in a first-of-its-kind ride in the UK.

A sneak peek video on the park’s official YouTube page offers thrill-seekers a taste of what to expect from Drakon, promising plenty of twists and turns. An existing ride, Cobra, is also set for a revamp and will be rebranded as Raven to align with the Viking theme.

The park also plans to add a themed restaurant and a playground for younger guests to Valgard. Further expansion of Valgard is planned for 2027, including a new water ride, although details are currently being kept confidential, according to the Express.

James Mancey, deputy managing director at Paultons Park, expressed his excitement about the project, stating: “We are thrilled to share our plans for our largest and boldest investment to date. As an independent, family-owned theme park, we’re incredibly proud of the investments we make to deliver the very best guest experience. We’ve opened two brand-new rides in the last two years and with the build of Valgard firmly underway, we’re excited to open a further three, bigger-and-better-than-ever-before rides, between now and summer 2027.

“Valgard promises an immersive, atmospheric, and action-packed experience for families and has been specifically designed to grow with our fans. The introduction of inversions and a vertical lift hill on Drakon certainly up the adrenaline levels at Paultons Park, but staying true to our roots, we haven’t forgotten about the little ones and there is something for all of the family in our new Viking village.”

The fresh Viking-themed area will join the park’s existing six themed worlds, including Tornado Springs with its American setting, and Lost Kingdom which focuses on dinosaurs.

Among the park’s most famous attractions is Peppa Pig World, inspired by the beloved children’s cartoon series, which Paultons Park has been crowned the UK’s top theme park, beating out competition from Alton Towers, Blackpool Pleasure Beach and Legoland Windsor. The Hampshire-based attraction scooped the prestigious Theme Park of the Year award at the UK Theme Park Awards 2025, as well as being named Best Theme Park for Families (Large), and Best Theme Park for Toddlers (Large).

Its Ghostly Manor ride was also voted Best New Attraction.

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Visitors have been quick to sing the park’s praises on Tripadvisor, with one reviewer, Ste H, describing Paultons Park as a “brilliant” place that is “spotlessly clean”. He added that the staff are “some of the friendliest people” he has ever encountered at such a venue, and that “[G]enuinely everyone we met made it perfectly clear they love working there, which is great to see.”

Another visitor, Lizzie L, shared her experience of visiting midweek, writing: “All the rides in Peppa Pig world were a walk on and the only time we queued was to meet Peppa. The theming is great and perfect for little ones.”

PAULTONS Park has finally revealed the opening date for its much anticipated Viking Valgard land.

Valgard: Realm of the Vikings will be a “fully immersive Viking world bursting with all new adventures, epic discovery, and legendary rides”.

And the new £12million development is set to open on May 16, 2026.

Visitors will be able to head on Drakon – Paultons’ most thrilling rollercoaster yet with two inversions and a “beyond-vertical drop”.

There will also be Raven, which is the park’s Gerstlauer Bobsled ride reimagined and Vild Swing, which swings 12 metres high and is a first of its kind in the UK.

There will also be a themed playground.

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After exploring the attractions, visitors can head to the Feasting Hall where they can chose from a range of hearty dishes.

Valgard: Real of the Vikings will be located next to Lost Kingdom.

According to Paultons’ website, the land will be suitable for parents, older children and teenagers, with the new rides not for the faint-hearted.

James Mancey, deputy managing director at Paultons Park, previously said: “We’ve opened two brand-new rides in the last two years and with the build of Valgard firmly underway, we’re excited to open a further three, bigger-and-better-than-ever-before rides, between now and summer 2027.

“Valgard promises an immersive, atmospheric, and action-packed experience for families and has been specifically designed to grow with our fans.

“The introduction of inversions and a vertical lift hill on Drakon certainly up the adrenaline levels at Paultons Park, but staying true to our roots, we haven’t forgotten about the little ones and there is something for all of the family in our new Viking village.”

Once Valgard: Realm of the Vikings opens, the theme park will boast over 80 rides and attractions across six themed worlds.

In March of this year, the park also submitted plans to build a new holiday village with a resort offering.

It would be located next to Valgard: Realm of the Vikings and would feature between 85 and 95 lodges, parking and its own entrance.

In May, the park then also released a 26-second trailer on YouTube for 2027.

The video doesn’t show much other than a wave washing over a giant ‘2027’ sign standing on a rock, but many fans have speculated that the park will be getting a new water ride.

One person commented: “It’s gonna be the long rumoured water coaster.”

Another said: “Judging by the clue being water, I think that the new investment for 2027 will be a Mack Rides Water Coaster.”

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Paultons Park was also named the best theme park in the UK – scooping up 10 awards recently.

Plus, it is the UK’s best value theme park also has the shortest queue times in the country.

Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights is scaring the life out of punters with Terrifier. Kelly Williams decided to give it a go and left with goose bumps and utterly horrified

Despite having never been to Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights before, I knew the Terrifier was going to be bad, but I didn’t expect it to feel like my stomach – and nerves – were being tested with every step.

The smell hit me before anything else – putrid rot, bleach, coppery blood, even the stench of faeces. It stuck to the back of my throat so thick I nearly gagged. The house started deceptively dry, as if lulling me into thinking I’d make it through clean. That didn’t last.

Within minutes, I was in the middle of a full-on blood bath. Red splattered walls, dripping ceilings, and warm droplets spraying across my arms. They say it uses six gallons of blood and 35 bodies – the most ever – and I believe it. Every corner I turned was another slaughter.

And then there was Art the Clown. Not just once, he appeared everywhere, each guise worse than the last. He came at me dressed as a sick parody of Santa, revving a chainsaw and plunging it gleefully into a victim’s back with that same, mocking grin.

A few rooms later, I caught him mid-kill, snapping someone’s jaw with a crunch that echoed through the hall. The squelch of him disembodying someone else was another gruesome scene that still haunts me.

In another chamber of hell, he stood behind a screaming man, dragging a blade across his throat as blood sprayed into the air, and I had to turn my face away. The worst was the bathroom scene. It stank of mold and sewage, and the sinks were clogged with guts.

There were bodies piled in the bathtub and a mirror streaked with gore. I wanted to close my eyes, but Art was there too, standing so still it made me wonder if he was waiting for me specifically. Then came the familiar warped jingle of the Clown Café, cheerful and wrong, like a lullaby for nightmares as Art danced nonchalantly along.

By the finale, I was lightheaded from the smell and the sights, practically stumbling toward the exits where I was faced with a choice – dry path or blood bath (of course, I went for the latter). My stomach lurched with every step, I came so close to throwing up. But I made a run for it, and when the warm spray of blood (water really) finally hit me in the last corridor, I felt it on my skin long after I’d escaped.

I staggered out laughing, but it was the kind of shaky laugh you let out when you’re not sure if you survived or just got broken. Terrifier wasn’t just a haunted house. It was being dragged into Art the Clown’s world – unrated, unrelenting, and almost too much for me to handle.

Book the holiday

Virgin Atlantic Holidays offers seven nights on a room-only basis at the Loews Sapphire Falls Resort in Orlando, starting at £1,719pp, including Virgin Atlantic flights from Heathrow and a ticket to Halloween Horror Nights. Find out more and book at virginholidays.co.uk.

More info at visitorlando.com and universalorlando.com/hhn/

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A THEME park in France, often dubbed as a ‘Disney-alternative’ is set to undergo a huge makeover.

At a cost of £218million, it will get new thrilling attractions, restaurants, and a four-star hotel, and it’s all in the works to open by 2030.

Parc Astérix is the second largest theme park in France and yet it’s barely visited by Brits.

Instead, visitors from the UK tend to head to Disneyland Paris, but there Parc Astérix is worth the visit, and is about to get bigger.

The theme park is based on a comic book series that has over 50 attractions across six themed worlds like the Roman Empire, Greece, and the Vikings.

And there’s a new land being added to the portfolio which will make Brits feel like they’re right at home.

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In 2028, Parc Astérix is opening a new British-themed land called Londinium.

It will feature a major immersive roller coaster, an interactive family dark ride, a vertical playground, a pub and shops.

Some concept art has even revealed it to have a Helter Skelter and a queue themed to the UK’s own Camden Market.

Another themed area which will change is the Egypt area, its Oxygénarium attraction, which will become The Descent of the Nile.

The park will open its fourth hotel called The Odyssée Hotel, a new 300-room hotel that is set to open in 2027. 

The addition will mean that the total number of hotels at Parc Astérix will reach 750.

The park’s Les Chaises Volantes attraction will become the Flight of Ibis, and the Le Cirque Restaurant will be redesigned as Le Comptoir d’Epidemaïs.

In 2027, Parc Astérix will open a renovated Greek zone with a two new family attractions, a playground and a restaurant.

The park also revealed that the new development will create 20 per cent more capacity, and two thirds of it will be indoors so it won’t have to rely on good weather.

The theme park is 21 miles north of Paris, and in fact is just an hour’s drive away from Disneyland Paris.

Parc Astérix is significantly smaller than Disneyland Paris. Disneyland Paris is approximately 140 acres, while Parc Astérix is about 83 acres.

In terms of numbers, Parc Astérix welcomed a record 2.9million visitors in 2024, whereas Disneyland Paris averages 12million – so the French theme park will be much quieter.

It’s award-winning too, earlier this year, it’s attraction Cétautomatix  won the ‘Top European New Attraction’ prize at the Parksmania Awards 2025.

Cétautomatix is Europe’s first spinning family roller coaster.

Tickets to Parc Astérix cost €49 (£42.89) per person.

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Plus, here’s more on the massive European theme park less than three hours from the UK named the best in the world – beating Disney and Universal.

And here are the top six UK theme parks you can easily reach by train – and how to find the cheapest family fares.

One Sun Writer visited the theme park with her family, and here’s what she thought…

When EuroDisney — now Disneyland — arrived to take on France’s beloved Asterix theme park back in 1992, they had a huge battle on their hands. And, in all honesty, I couldn’t see how the French would win.

But unlike in many other countries, Parc Asterix might just have pipped Mickey Mouse to the post in France.

Disney certainly has the monopoly on world-renowned characters and a blow-out budget to create that real wow factor, all of which seems impossible to compete with — yet somehow Parc Asterix does.

he tickets are cheaper, the food is better, the shows are spectacular and the rides are a total revelation.

Add in a sprawling protected countryside backdrop just 30km outside Paris, with three separate hotels within the grounds at very reasonable prices, and you’ve got yourself a winner.

It’s pure escapism, based all around the cherished world of Asterix — the man who, in famous French comics, protected France from the Romans.

And what better way to embrace your inner Gaul than by screaming your head off on a super-fast ride?

At the last count, there were nine hardcore rides, as well as all the more child-friendly ones.

And with a guarantee that they will launch something new pretty much every year, you can return in the knowledge you will never be bored.

Our favourite rollercoaster here, reaching speeds of 110km per hour, is the fastest in France and apparently holds the record for the most “air time” — the amount of time your bum leaves the seat (a whopping 23 times apparently!).

Under a two-hour flight from the UK is a ‘magical’ and ‘beautiful’ theme park, boasting 30 rides and attractions that offers a great alternative to Disneyland – and it’s much cheaper

Disneyland has long been dubbed ‘The Happiest Place on Earth’, but with that comes a hefty price tag, particularly if you’re taking the whole family. Thankfully, there’s a cheaper alternative for a fraction of the price, and it’s even been said to have been inspired by Walt Disney itself.

Less than a two-hour flight from the UK is Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen, Denmark, known for its “cosy, wholesome and magical atmosphere.” It claims to be the second-oldest amusement park in the world, having opened in 1843, and boasts around 30 fun-packed rides and attractions for the whole family to enjoy.

Located in the heart of the city and set within the stunning backdrop of the Danish capital, it has been labelled “the most beautiful park” by one avid traveller and content creator called Emily. And one of the most appealing qualities about this theme park is that tickets start from as little as £11.10 per person.

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Sharing details of the beloved and overlooked Disneyland alternative, Emily posted a TikTok video on her page, @upfoldadventures, during a family day out. At the start of the video, she told her 10.9K followers, “If Disneyland Paris is out of your budget this year, I have the next best thing, and no, it’s not Efteling.

“If you love Disney but you hate the crowds and you want the magic but at half the price, well this park has those Disney magical storybook vibes but without the chaos and when it gets dark and all the lights come on, you will understand why this is called ‘Europe’s hidden Disney.'”

She added: “It is one of the world’s oldest theme parks and it is truly magical – it is honestly like stepping foot into a storybook.

“The rides are classic and stunning, the park is spotless, there’s live music, there’s shows and the food is phenomenal – don’t just think this is gonna be theme park junk, no, it is genuinely some of the best food I’ve ever eaten in my life.”

One of the main attractions at Tivoli Gardens is the giant Ferris Wheel that was built in 1943. It also offers views 63m above the ground on the Golden Tower, and a thrilling ride on its wooden Roller Coaster, which was erected all the way back in 1914.

In addition, visitors can whiz around on their bumper cars and carousel rides, or admire the picturesque surroundings in the Hanging Gardens. And that’s not all, as the theme park is also packed with shops, stages, theatre spaces and a food hall to keep the family happy.

While the savvy saving mum is a huge fan of Disneyland Paris, she was left delighted after a day out at Tivoli Gardens. In the video she added: “So if you love the Disney vibe, well then you’re gonna fall in love with it, because it is such a cosy, wholesome, magical atmosphere at a fraction of the cost of Disneyland Paris – and before Disney even existed, this park was creating all the magic.”

Standard weekday tickets for Tivoli Gardens start from just £11.10 for children aged 3-7, while a standard adult ticket costs just £22.21. A weekday ticket and ride pass, offering full access to all the attractions, will set you back £25.01 for children aged 3-7 and £50.14 for an adult ticket.

Children under 3 are free at Tivoli Gardens. Prices can vary, so it’s best to check their website for more details.

“HOCUS POCUS!” my son shouts, swirling me around in bubbling water and casting pretend spells as he goes.

He is cackling with delight in his very own bubbling cauldron — OK, it’s a hot tub, but that’s the joy of a child’s imagination.

We’re at Sandy Balls holiday park in the New Forest, checking out the UK’s first-ever “haunted cauldron” hot-tub experience — as part of Away Resorts’ spooky ­getaways.

The special cabin-in-the-woods-style Knightwood lodge has been transformed into a Halloween haven, decked out with touches such as cobwebs and creepy crawlies.

Our stay comes as research reveals 63 per cent of Brits love Halloween more than ever, with 55 per cent now preferring it to Guy Fawkes Night.

I, for one, am part of those stats. Me and my kids — Jude, five, and Eva, three — along with my partner’s children, Ronnie, eight, and Hugo, three, absolutely adored our ghostly lodge.

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But the scary fun didn’t end there. The haunted hot tub was just the start.

Away Resorts goes all out with its 31 Days of Halloween, offering spooky decorations, arts and crafts, and eerie entertainment for the whole family.

From a Trick or Treat treasure trail to a Franken-SLIME laboratory, the kids were kept busy with all kinds of festive chaos.

Even outside the lodge, the park was decked out with giant pumpkins and a glow-in-the-dark slime machine that the children could operate by pushing a big red “caution” button — naturally, they pressed it a lot.

As night fell, skeletons projected on to huge screens gave us a proper fright while we sipped hot chocolates topped with cream.

Saturday night saw a giant fire pit at the centre of the park, where we bought marshmallows from a food van and toasted them.

A skeleton violinist played spine-chilling tunes as the kids danced under trees twinkling with fairy lights.

It was utterly magical, like stepping straight into a movie scene.

Then DJ Bones took over with a glow-stick rave.

Watching them go wild, I switched my hot chocolate for mulled wine — because let’s face it, parenting is thirsty work.

Food-wise, the on-site farm shop had everything from Halloween treats to the essentials . . . but it wasn’t cheap. I popped in for a few bits and somehow walked out £100 lighter on the very first night.

The kids, of course, were busy shoving Halloween sweets into the basket, while I grabbed necessities like tea bags, milk, bread . . .  and booze.

With four youngsters between us, frankly, it was a survival essential.

But, of course, you can always stock up at home and bring essential supplies, like wine, with you.

Our lodge was kitted out with great cooking facilities and equipment, so we mostly prepared food at our lovely holiday home.

But, if you did want to treat yourself, the site has two restaurants: Aubrey’s Forest Kitchen serving pizzas, steaks and pastas, and the Woodside Inn for classic pub grub. Main meals averaged £18, beer £7, and prosecco £10.

There’s plenty for kids too — a free soft play directly across from the bar meant we could grab a drink while they burned off some energy.

Other highlights included ghoul school, pumpkin carving, and Junior Off-Road Land Rover Discoveries (£15 for 30 mins).

Terrifying and thrilling

The older children drove themselves while we sat in with the little ones — terrifying and thrilling in equal measure.

There’s also a great swimming pool, free to use, though it can get quite busy.

Beyond the park, the New Forest is beautiful. On the drive down, the kids loved spotting wild Shetland ponies and horses.

We also found cosy country pubs with fantastic outdoor play areas for the little ones.

Back to our stay, our lodge slept eight with two bathrooms, a king-size room, a bunk room, a cosy lounge with a smart TV, and outdoor seating with heaters.

After a day of spooky chaos, we all fell asleep watching Ghost­buste­rs with hot chocolates.

Our only gripe? Our stay wasn’t long enough.

As we closed the door on our weekend, the kids begged: “When can we come back?”

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After seeing what Sandy Balls did for Halloween, we can’t wait to discover what it has in store for Christmas.

Something tells me it will be just as magical.

IT’S that time of year when theme parks go from shouts of joy to screams of terror – and none more so than Universal Studios, where its Halloween Horror Nights return for their 34th year.

I am a big Universal Studios fan — having been to Orlando, Florida three times this year alone, and racked up 12 visits in my lifetime.

But this is the first time I’ve felt brave enough to try the spooky events that take over the parks from the end of August until November 2.

To up the ante, I decide to swap the Sunshine State for Los Angeles and Universal Studios Hollywood.

Here, in the daytime, you’ve got much-loved characters such as Shaggy and Scooby-Doo, and Glinda from Wicked roaming the park.

But as the sun sets and evening descends, to mark the reopening of the park for Halloween Horror Nights, these cute characters vanish.

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And in their place come killer clowns such as Art from the film Terrifier, and towering crows who plays tricks on innocent attendees.

The overall experience involves eight haunted houses, four scare zones, two live shows and one terror tram.

My one piece of advice? No amount of preparation will have you ready for what Universal has in store for you.

The creative teams excel at putting you front and centre of some of the biggest movies and shows, including Terrifier, Five Nights At Freddy’s, Fallout, Friday The 13th, WWE: The Wyatt Sicks, Poltergeist — and their own creations, Monstruos 3: The Ghosts Of Latin America, and Scarecrow with music by Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash.

The Poltergeist house returns as a fan favourite, which first appeared in 2018.

Only this time, as you walk through a room that resembles the inside of a brain, your senses become overwhelmed by a strong musky smell.

The haunted houses are packed with more jump scares than ever before and, despite having become slightly desensitised to the frights, I don’t think it’s possible to ever become accustomed to a demonic scarecrow running at you.

Just when I thought it was safe, numerous versions of serial killer Jason Voorhees (from Friday The 13th) leapt out to grab me as I headed for the safety of the exit.

It might not sound like fun, but trust me when I say the laughs come later as you recall your hilarious reactions and those of your pals.

When you’re not being tortured in the haunted houses, you can venture through various scare zones located around the park.

My best tip for those who are most fearful is to act confident, as the actors prey on the weak. If you clock them coming towards you, they will most likely choose another target.

For Horror Nights, The Studio Tour has been overtaken by the Terror Tram, which transports guests to the middle of the sound stages where they’ll be faced with the villains of Blumhouse movies including The Exorcist, The Purge, Happy Death Day, M3GAN and more.

This was a highlight of the event for me, as I felt all-consumed by the smoke, lights, music and actors jumping out from behind hidden doors.
After all that horror, you’ll have deserved a well-earned break.

There are plenty of themed drinks and food options to calm your nerves, whether it’s a Jason mask s’more, Art sunflower cookie sunglasses, or Fallout’s RadAway non-alcoholic concoction that’s served in a blood bag.

If the scares become too much, there’s plenty else to keep visitors busy in LA at this time of year.

Golden era of film

Take a hike with Bikes and Hikes up to the Hollywood sign and hear the tales of the area while you climb.

Or you can visit the Hollywood Walk of Fame to see landmarks such as the Chinese Theatre, and stop for a spot of lunch or dinner at the Shirley Brasserie situated inside the Roosevelt Hotel.

Just down the road from here is the Hollywood Museum, which is filled with thousands of costumes, props and sets from the golden era of film.

If you want to see some of the movie magic, then take a trip to Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood.

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This is a brilliant journey around popular TV show and film sets, from Friends to Gilmore Girls, and you can get close to costumes and props from the likes of Harry Potter and Batman.

Keep your ears tuned in wherever you go though. If you listen hard you may still hear the distant screams from Universal Studios.

Halloween is a big deal in the UK, and one of the most famous pumpkin patches is Tulleys’ Pumpkin Farm, which plays host to a pumpkin festival each year

Halloween certainly feels different now that I’m on the cusp of 30, but my memories of past celebrations vary greatly. As a child, I spent Halloween trick or treating around my village, while my university years were marked by celebrating a Halloween birthday, reports the Express.

Now, in my mature years, it’s all about recreating a sense of nostalgia. I’ve never been particularly drawn to the Americanised version of Halloween, even less so as an adult (what on earth is a Boo Basket?). However, one tradition that remains constant is the art of pumpkin carving.

Last weekend, I embraced the Halloween spirit slightly more than usual, visiting one of the UK’s most renowned pumpkin patches and festivals. Tulleys’ Pumpkin Farm in West Sussex has a rich history of embracing all things autumnal and Halloween-related. Each year, it hosts Tulleys’ Pumpkin Festival, Tulleys’ Pumpkin Nights, and Shocktober Fest.

Shocktober Fest was a big deal during my teenage years, along with Thorpe Park’s Fright Night, with hordes of friends making the journey across county borders to scream into the night. Tulleys’ Farm has been around for quite some time, because when I mentioned to my mum that I was heading to the Pumpkin Festival, she gasped, recalling that it was a place she used to visit with her parents when she was younger. That surely means it’s legendary.

Two Irish mates were keen to embrace the Halloween spirit, and as their London tour guide, I was more than happy to whisk us away from the city with their Golden Retriever, Millie, for a soggy afternoon in a muddy field brimming with pumpkins. The relentless downpour and heavy grey skies only added to the autumnal atmosphere.

The Pumpkin Festival is a blend of traditional British farms and Colonial America – think Salem Witch Trials – teeming with hundreds, if not thousands, of different types of pumpkins and squash. Ever seen a star-shaped pumpkin? Well, now’s your chance.

You’ll encounter knobbly ones, wrinkled ones, green ones, white ones, big ones, small ones, striped ones. They’re absolutely mad about pumpkins.

There’s an entire field dedicated to capturing that perfect pumpkin patch Instagram snap, with row upon row of vibrant orange pumpkins. Over 600,000 seeds are sown across 100 acres of land to yield one million pumpkins and gourds for the festival.

It’s the ideal spot to wear out kids or four-legged friends while you wander amongst the field. Personally, I enjoyed perusing the plethora of pumpkins in the garden centre/pumpkin-village.

You can purchase as many as you like, and plenty of people were carting them around in wheelbarrows. Prices vary depending on size, and the most unusual variety could set you back as little as £1.

We acted like proper Millennials, ensuring that Millie was the centre of attention, snapping pictures of her like mums and dads do with their little ones and tots. She adored it, I’m certain.

Next to the pumpkin patch sits the American-style village, complete with typical Yankee street grub, a dive bar plastered in memorabilia that screams “USA! USA!”, a big wheel, and a mock cemetery showcasing cringe-worthy spooky dad gags.

The entire setup is part of the charm, designed to whisk you away from dull West Sussex to Salem, Massachusetts, 1692. You’ve got to chuckle at it. But honestly, it’s all part of the entertainment.

The Pumpkin Bar serves as an excellent refuge, and believe me, you’ll likely need it. There are also loads of food choices, though my selection of chips with cheese sauce probably wasn’t the wisest pick. I should have opted for the build your own crumble or DIY s’mores. It’s the ideal spot to get you and the clan in the spirit for spooky season.

Tulleys provides a complete experience for young and grown-up children alike. It was my first experience at a pumpkin patch as an adult, and despite resembling a soaked rodent from the instant we turned up, it was the perfect way to spend a weekend.

Tulleys left my mates so impressed that they’re keen to tackle the two other Halloween attractions next year. There’s something extraordinary for the whole family to enjoy, even the four-legged variety.

Daytime tickets for Tulleys Farm’s Pumpkin Festival, for adults (over 14) and children (from aged two to 13), are priced between £8 and £13.95, with carers admitted free of charge. For the Pumpkin Nights at Tulleys, prices range from £11.95 to £19.95 for both adults and children.

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Most people know that a trip to Disneyland doesn’t come cheap. However, one couple have shared a money-saving hack to anyone who is visiting Disneyland – head to the Primark that is just 10 minutes away from it

Quite a few parents may be planning to take their kids to Disneyland Paris now that’s it’s half term in the UK. With many children getting a two-week half term break from school, it’s the perfect time for a holiday to the magical destination in Paris to celebrate Halloween and have some Autumn fun.

However, most parents know that a trip to Disneyland doesn’t come cheap – especially when you’re spending out on accessorises in the park. However, one couple have shared a money-saving hack to anyone who is visiting Disneyland – head to the Primark that is just 10 minutes away from it.

Sofia and Arran, known as @sofia.and.arran on TikTok, shared the tip with their 119,000 followers on the app.

The video began with Sofia seen outside the Primark as she said: “The Disneyland Primark is unreal, it’s huge… let’s go see what they’ve got.”

Sofia then told her followers that she “really wanted some Mickey ears”, which will set you back around €25 (£22) inside Disneyland.

Arran then said the Primark had “so much Disney stock” due to the fact that it’s so near to Disneyland. “We always come a day before a visit,” he said.

The first Disney product Sofia spied was some Stitch character slippers, as Aran said he’d ‘never seen them in the UK’. Sofia exclaimed: “I need them.”

However, they later revealed that there was a “whole wall” of Stitch products, what with the Lilo & Stitch film recently being released.

Sofia also saw some cute pyjamas based on the film ‘Up’, as the pair said they “loved” the movie.

The next product was some Halloween-themed Mickey ears and pyjamas.

Some Mini Mouse slippers were also available in the shop, as were some Flinstones pyjamas.

The pair then grabbed some Mini Mouse ears as well as some more Halloween-themed Mickey ears.

The couple didn’t reveal the prices that the products were, however, they did say the ears were only €5 (£4.35).

Many people were excited about the products, as one person wrote: “I love the Halloween ears.”

While another added: “Wait, I never knew this, I just left Disneyland.”

A third chimed in: “Yes love the Primark! I got a bag when I went in October.”

However, not everyone was as enthralled, as one person moaned: ” I was there in March and they had nothing good.”

While another added: “The majority of this stuff (excluding the ears) can be bought at UK Primarks.”

The Primark the couple are referring to is located in the Val d’Europe shopping centre, which is a short 7-minute walk from the park.

The Val d’Europe centre is located directly next to Disneyland Paris and is accessible from the resort.

A HEART-SHAPED lake in one of the UK’s most loved beauty spots is set to become an underground attraction.

Located in the Lake District, Elterwater Quarry will be getting a new ‘Cavern Explorer’ experience.

As part of the attraction, several steel staircases and platforms will be installed across the quarry’s cavern.

The ziplines will then take visitors from one platform to another.

The experience is said to allow visitors to see parts of the cavern that were previously inaccessible.

Other plans for the attraction include ‘The Quarryman’s Viewpoint’, which will offer visitors a place to look out across the Lake District.

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There will be a natural history trail, venturing through parts of the nearby countryside as well, and a visitor centre with information boards.

Proposals were first submitted two years ago by Burlington Slate, which owns Elterwater slate mine and Zip World.

In the application, the mine said: “The proposed experience at Elterwater will provide a blend of heritage-based adventure through the caverns and offer a unique immersive experience within an underground mine that dates back to the middle of the 19th century.”

However, the first proposals were rejected.

A year later they were resubmitted and approved.

The proposed park isn’t without its controversy though as campaign group Friends of the Lake District has attempted to stop the project.

The group claimed that the planning permission has been wrongly granted and that the new experience would “take us a step closer to a Lake District of noise, chaos and degraded landscapes”.

However, this month, judgement from a judicial review was published and ruled in favour of the Lake District National Authority – meaning that the zipline was still allowed to go ahead.

Michael Hill, CEO of Friends of the Lake District said: “This ruling is a setback for the Cumbrian landscape, but in our 90 years’ history Friends of the Lake District has seen many of those.

“We remain unbowed in our determination to campaign for a Lake District that is tranquil, rich in cultural heritage and environmentally healthy and for protections in law for this and other National Parks to be maintained and strengthened.”

The International Council on Monuments and Sites – which is an advisory board to UNESCO – has also commented that they are opposed to the planned zipline.

The council explained that the zipline “would transform the quarry or part of it into a theme park and would trivialise the experience of an important aspect of the Lake District’s heritage”.

The ultimate worry is that the attraction could lead the Lake District losing its UNESCO World Heritage Site status, which is what happened to the Liverpool Docks in 2021.

The lake itself reveals a heart shape when the water levels drop, also exposing the 500million-year-old rock.

The site of the new attraction is a 40-minute drive from Windermere and an opening date is yet to be revealed.

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KEEPING the kids busy during October half term is probably the easiest of the school holidays, with Halloween events and pumpkin patches popping up everywhere. 

As a mum, getting a bit extra for your buck is always a win, so I was impressed that family-friendly theme park, Legolandd Windsor, have a special Halloween festival that is included with your admission ticket. 

Legoland’s aptly-named ‘Brick or Treat’ event runs throughout the month of October with activities on select dates until November 1st 2025.

As part of the spooky celebration, there are lots of extras on offer for kids, including a Trick or Treat trail, themed shows, character meet and greets, Lego-build activities and themed photo opportunities. 

This year, the park has also unveiled the UK’s first-ever Lego pumpkin patch, painstakingly made from almost 45,000 individual Lego bricks.  

The impressive Halloween sculptures took 134 hours of expert model-making to build.

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I headed to the theme park in Berkshire with some friends and a gaggle of kids aged between four and fifteen. 

I have been to Walt Disney World in Florida more than 50 times and have been to Halloween events at the US Disney parks, Disneyland Paris and other theme parks that celebrate Halloween, such as Universal Studios, Thrope Park and Paultons Park.

However, it was my first time going to Legoland in the UK and I was impressed with how much was on offer for all ages. 

As soon as we arrived, we were greeted by Lego-themed Halloween decorations.

The front entrance was adorned with giant Duplo pumpkins and spooky music was playing.

We started with the Spinning Spider ride, which felt fitting with the ‘creepy’ theme. 

Then, the kids were desperate to try the famous Dragon coaster in the Knight’s Kingdom area.

This is a great starter coaster for younger children who want to try the big rides, but feel a bit nervous. This coaster is gentle and fast enough to be thrilling, without being too scary.

As someone who goes to theme parks often, I love rides that families can all enjoy equally, together. 

From here, the kids spotted their first Trick or Treat station ‘scary sweets’. 

No prizes for guessing what goods were secured here, but the kids were more than happy scoffing their Haribo jellies as we headed to one of Legoland’s most famous rides – Lego Ninjago.

This ride is a very clever moving computer game simulator, where we had to use our hands to lob LEGO at the ‘bad guys’. 

The kids thought it was brilliant, but the adult scores were painfully low. I will have to practice my gaming skills for next time… 

Considering the Halloween extras, the lines for attractions weren’t that long.

Some of the big rides, including Lego Ninjago, Hydra’s Challenge, The Dragon and the Mini Figure were not too bad, with the longest being 40 minutes. 

However, most other attractions at the park had lines shorter than 15 minutes.

As well as the trick of treat stations, some of which were giving out posters and activity packs instead of sweets, there were some simple decorations across the park and a special Halloween show.

Lord Vampyre’s House Party is a stage show on at various times during the day, encouraging guests to ‘dance their bones-off’. 

On the lake, the Monster Jam Harbour Show has rock and roll performances, special effects, and Lego monsters getting up to mischief on stage. 

For lunch, there is a limited-edition Halloween menu at dining locations around the park.

If you fancy a scary snack, you can tuck into a Monster Burger, Scampi Fright Bites, Toffee Apple Popcorn and Ice-Screams. 

The only disappointment for us is that we didn’t see any of the Lego characters around the park. 

The weather was a bit blustery, so it may have been to do with the conditions that day, but it wasn’t very clear from the map or signage exactly where we had to go to meet them. 

Still, there was plenty to do and the park shuts at 5pm, so we didn’t even get on to all of the attractions we planned to ride before the end of the day.

We had a great time at Legoland and the kids really enjoyed all the extra haunts – it’s great value for money considering there is no extra cost to go during Brick or Treat. 

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With extra perks and less crowds than summer, it’s a top time to visit. 

Tickets for Legoland Windsor start from £34 per person, with kids under 90cm going free.  

HUNDREDS of trampolines and indoor fairgrounds are the perfect ways to burn off steam when the weather is moody.

We’ve rounded five of the best indoor playgrounds across the UK, loved by families.

The Playhive in Stockeld Park 

The Playhive at Stockeld Park in North Yorkshire, describes itself as “one of Europe’s largest and most original indoor playgrounds”.

The unique play centre has lots to inspire the imagination, from planes to submarines, huge slides and interactive games.

Jet in space on a huge spaceship, or a rocket with wooden walkways, ladders and nets.

Elsewhere, a jungle-themed area has a climbing wall in the shape of a gorilla, and an under-the-sea zone with a huge whale to play on.

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With so much to do, it’s no surprise that one parent wrote on Tripadvisor that the Playhive is the best place for “rainy day fun”.

Open during the weekends between 9.30amand 5.30pm, tickets are £13.50pp for an hour and a half in the indoor play park.

All day entry for the Playhive (an hour and a half slot), and the Adventure Park start from £23.50pp.

From October 25 to November 2, there’s a Halloween event where the park is open all day, with tickets from £13pp.

During the Halloween event, kids can take a tractor ride and pick their own pumpkin, and explore the adventure playgrounds in the Enchanted Forest.

Take a look around the Monster Maze, enjoy Zombie Laser sessions, adventure through the Playhive, ride the Flying Stocksman.

Play Factore, Manchester

Play Factore is the ‘UK’s largest indoor family entertainment arena for parties and play’, and better yet, it’s open every day of the week between 10am and 6pm.

Inside is the tallest standing indoor slide in the UK, an indoor laser tag arena, interactive ValoJump trampolines and a zip wire.

Other facilities include a built-in football pitch, racing simulator, or for the smaller children, there’s a specially designed play area for toddlers.

The big red slide inside Play Factore is the tallest indoor slide in the country and is 131feet high.

Inside the arcade are retro games as well as air hockey, whack-a-mole and even racing bikes.

General admission tickets into Play Factore for kids aged between 5-16 range between £16.95-£20.95.

Children aged between six and 11 years old can enter from £3.95, and tickets for adults are £5.25.

You have to book into a session which is between 10am-12pm, 12.30pm-3pm and 3.30pm-6pm – which you can do online.

Riverside Hub, Northamptonshire

Riverside Hub just outside of Northampton is often described as being ‘every parent’s dream’ because it literally has everything for a family day out.

Think soft play, sensory rooms, go-karting, laser tag, room for role-play and the largest playframe in the UK.

The playframe is one of the most popular attractions and is set across various heights with nets for climbing and big slides for coming back down.

Inside is also a beanstalk climbing wall, or smaller oak tree suitable for smaller children, or beginners.

There are also areas just for toddlers which have a ball pool, activity wall and dolphin carousel.

Entry is £7.95 for adults, £16.95 for children between four and 17, and £13.96 for little ones aged between one and three. Babies under 12 months old can enter for £6.

You can save money by visiting during off-peak times, which is before 2PM on Monday to Friday, or get 40 per cent off if you visit after 2PM Monday to Thursday.

The Riverside Hub is open from Monday to Friday between 10am and 6.30pm.

On Saturdays, it’s open between 9.15AM and 7.30PM, and on Sunday it opens at the same time, but closes one hour earlier.

Woodlands, Devon

There’s plenty to do at Woodlands considering that it’s Devon’s largest theme park.

When it rains, it boasts a huge indoor area five floors of adventure play with slides, rope bridges, swings and even rides.

Inside is a Ferris Wheel ride, a drop tower and another where children will be on small submarines.

For thrills, there’s a six-lane racing slide called Barracuda, or there’s another that drops 40 feet.

The Ice Palace is an area for smaller children with soft play, ball pools and slides.

On the middle floor is Rays Diner which serves snacks, and hot and cold drinks.

Plus, when the rain stops, families can head back out to ride the tornado toboggan run, drive the buggies and zoom down the rapid waterslide.

Tickets for Woodlands theme park start from £16.50 per person, with offers for families and money off depending on peak or off-peak timings.

Flip Out, Leeds

There are 33 Flip Outs in the UK, but the one in Leeds is the biggest, and it’s just opened.

The entire site is 100,000 square feet and filled with 150 trampolines and 14 other attractions, like an enormous inflatable obstacle course with a climbing wall and slide.

Kids can also explore a multi-storey Ninja Playground, a drift bike arena, roller disco, soft play, arcade area, or even play a game of dodgeball.

There’s a zipline which travels from one side of the trampoline arena to the other.

Inside is a dedicated ‘Slide World’, which as the name suggests, means it’s filled with slides.

For kids seeking thrills, there’s the space-themed Laser Quest, and for smaller children, there’s a toddler soft play area.

After building up an appetite, visitors can take a seat and get a bite to eat from burgers, nachos, hot dogs, pizza, toasties, cold drinks and hot drinks – even cocktails, beer and wine for the adults.

A standard ticket for Flip Out with access to Slide World and all the attractions starts from £16.95 – there are discounts and family passes available too.

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One writer visited Riverside Hub in Northamptonshire with her three sons…

Catherine Lofthouse visited the Riverside Hub in Northamptonshire with her family – and gave Sun Travel her verdict…

“As seasoned soft play samplers, my boys thought they had seen it all – until I took them to family favourite Riverside Hub in Northampton to check out the UK’s largest playframe, set over four floors.

“You know you’re onto a winner when your tween’s eyes light up in wonder and you hardly see your children from the moment you arrive until home time.

“With three boys aged between five and 12, it can sometimes be difficult to find somewhere that has enough to keep all ages happy as the older two are getting a bit big for soft play, but that certainly wasn’t a problem here. 

“Laser tag, crazy golf, two climbing poles, go-karts and even arcade machines all included in the price. The main issue is keeping an eye on all your children as they head off in opposite directions to make the most of everything on offer.

“While the youngest was taking a spin on the carousel, my middle son was clambering up the two 10m climbing poles, one in the shape of an oak tree and the other a beanstalk, in the centre of the hub.

“There’s a mezzanine floor with extra seating that’s perfect for cheering your little climbers on as they get to the top. And you’ll also find a fantasy village playground up there for youngsters to enjoy. 

“Downstairs, my sons really loved being able to take on the free arcade machines that would be pay per play elsewhere. And the go-karts were a big hit too, with short queue times despite how busy the venue was.

“Riverside Hub was certainly a revelation and lived up to its reputation. We will be back!”

For more child’s play, here’s a huge indoor playground that only opened in the UK last year has oak tree slides & castle play fort.

And for the adult’s, Sun Travel tried out the new UK indoor playground where children are banned – it was like being back in primary school.