Also included is a 45-minute slot in Emily’s Adventure Play which has ball pits, slides and a soft climbing frame.
For the adults, you can pick up hot and soft drinks at the coffee cart outside Emily’s Adventure Play and from Mrs Kyndley’s Café in the zoo.
You can buy a £10 ticket for entry to these parts of the theme park on weekends from January 24 to February 1, 2026.
Operating hours during this event are between 10am – 3pm only.
If you fancy time around the whole park where you can try out the 50 rides and attractions, then you’ll need to buy day pass instead.
Day passes for visitors aged between four and 65 cost £27.50 per person, it’s £15 for little ones between two and three years old and free for 0-23 months.
Visitors can also hop onboard the Thomas train rideCredit: Alamy
There’s an upcoming offer for tickets in February half-term (February 14-15) as well, with tickets costing £24.90.
Head onto The Wave coaster, the swinging Bounty Pirate Ship or the Lady’s Carousel.
Last year, Drayton Manor was crowned ‘Best Value Theme Park’ by ThemeParks-UK.com and winners were announced after a series of votes made by 330,000 members of British public along with scores from expert judges.
It also came in second place for ‘Best (Large) Theme Park for Families’ and for ‘Best Theme Park for Toddlers’.
Drayton Manor came in first place for ‘Best New Accessibility Initiative’ and third for ‘Best Use of IP’ in an Attraction.
And its 75th Anniversary Fireworks won ‘Best New Event’.
My Five Tips For Doing Drayton Manor On a Budget
Catherine Lofthouse has been going to Drayton Manor for years – here are her tips on making it even more affordable…
If you’ve got a Tesco Clubcard, you can double up your Clubcard vouchers and use them to pay for entrance on the gate.
You can’t book in advance online or use the vouchers towards car parking or season passes though, so it’s worth comparing to some of the other offers out there to see which is best for your family.
Using a discount scheme like Blue Light Card for public sector workers or Kids Pass can offer savings all year round and also access to special member days, when the park is not open to the public and parking is included in the entry price.
The Blue Light Card member day at Drayton Manor in March 2025 offered tickets for £26 per person, with toddlers aged 2 and 3 costing £15 and babies under 2 free.
It’s worth keeping an eye out overBlack Fridayto see what offers pop up – last November, you could buy four tickets for £75 and they were valid until the end of May this year, which covered Easter and half-termholidays.
Keep an eye out for flash sales for season passes. On its anniversary year, the best value I’ve seen reduced was the gold pass, which normally costs £99 and dropped to £75.
We usually bring a picnicas we all know that theme park prices can quickly add up, especially if you’ve got hungry hordes to feed and water.
But on my recent visit at the end of September 2025, I spotted a deal for unlimited hot drinks for £8.90, which could be the way forward for tired parents who need a caffeine hit trailing after excited children.
WHOEVER suggested hibernating in winter hasn’t spent whole days inside with young kids, but as it happens, January and February can be a great time of year to treat the family to a budget day out.
Drizzly winter weather often means lower prices at top attractions, and there are plenty of exciting deals from now until spring. To prove rainy days don’t have to drain your bank account – we’ve hunted down the best bargain days out for families to enjoy in the wetter weather.
You could spend the entire day at some of these free attractionsCredit: national maritime museum
Plus, with February half term just around the corner, it’s best to plan ahead and pre-book your family days out – and secure these bargains whilst you can.
Read on for our pick of the best winter days out…
Theme parks and attractions
1. 50 per cent off Legoland Windsor Resort
Legoland Windsor Resort are offering some great deals ahead of the February half term, with half price tickets available when you book online.
Tickets can cost as little as £32 pp when booked in advance, saving you 50% on the walk up price.
Add on the adventure golf package for an extra £2 to save £42 pp on your trip to Legoland.
If you’ve got little ones under 90cm in height, they can enter for free.
The attraction is also offering “Brick Days” deals from 14 – 23 February.
These are days throughout the February half term packed with extra activities, specific weather-proof rides and meet and greets.
You can book a Brick Days deal online from £32pp, saving 53% when booked ahead.
This attraction in Matlock Bath has plenty of rides for younger kidsCredit: gulliver’s kingdom
2. Gulliver’s Kingdom family deal
Over at Gulliver’s Kingdom theme park in Matlock Bath, a family of four (with children aged 2-13) can visit for £39.
The deal comes courtesy of Wowcher, where families can save 61% off the original price of £99.
The family ticket is sold as a voucher, with flexible booking dates including 2026 school holiday availability.
There are also family vouchers for four available for £49 at the Warrington and Rother Valley locations.
3. Two thirds off at Chessington World of Adventures
Similarly, day tickets to Chessington World of Adventures have been slashed by two thirds during the February half term.
When prebooking online, tickets are available from just £22pp instead of £66pp.
A day ticket to Chessington includes entry to the theme park, zoo and SEA LIFE aquarium – that’s three attractions for just over twenty quid.
The same rule applies with those under 90cm being allowed in for free.
There’s even a short break deal from £32pp, meaning that you can stay overnight for the price of a regular day ticket.
And if it does get a bit chilly outside, Chessington has plenty of indoor attractions for you to explore.
There’s colourful soft play in the Dragon’s Playhouse, a walk-through tunnel in the indoor aquarium, and the Savannah Splash Pool.
Choose between three courses: LEGO City, Space or pirate-themed at Legoland Adventure GolfCredit: legoland windsor resort
4. After-school Legoland Adventure Golf
When it comes to crazy golf, Legoland Windsor Resort is a pretty unbeatable location.
Choose between three courses with space themes, pirates, or the impressive LEGO City.
The after school deal costs just £6pp instead of the £10pp walk up price.
This includes a round on one nine-hole course, and runs between 2 – 6pm from Monday through Thursday.
Make sure to prebook online at least a day in advance.
You can choose between Merlin attractions in London like Shrek’s AdventureCredit: shrek’s adventure
With this offer, you can visit five different Merlin Entertainments attractions over the course of 90 days for just £59pp.
This works out at £11.80pp per attraction, and is a great way of seeing some of London’s must-visits for families.
Choose between Shrek’s Adventure London, SEA LIFE London Aquarium, the London Eye, Madame Tussauds London, the London Dungeon and the Big Bus Hop-on, Hop-off Sightseeing Tour.
6. London Dungeon discounted day out
The London Dungeon is a thrilling indoor activity for older kids – and you can save extra if you book online in advance.
Inside there’s everything from the terrifying Drop Dead ride to a creepy escape room set in Guy Fawkes’ cell.
Attraction tickets on the day cost £35 per adult, but you can save up to an extra £8 by booking your tickets online ahead of time.
Adventure and weather-proof activities
The thrilling forest coaster is a great way to spend a dry day in winterCredit: zip world
7. Forest coaster with a free kids meal
Adventure centre Zip World are offering some major discounts, locals’ loyalty and after-school deals across locations in England and Wales.
On Thursday and Friday evenings in January, kids can enjoy a free hot meal and a drink when visiting the forest coaster at Betws-y-Coed.
From 3pm onwards, kids can enjoy a thrilling 1km ride through the forest before sitting down to a choice of free tomato pasta, bean or beef chilli.
Forest coaster bookings start at £25 for three rides, and if you’re a local resident you get an extra 30% off from Monday – Friday.
8. Cave trampolining with a free meal and unlimited squash
Over at Zip World’s Llechwedd location, kids can enjoy an hour of cave trampolining with a free meal and unlimited squash for £15.
The Bounce Below deal runs from 5 – 31 January on Thursdays and Fridays from 4pm.
You can also enjoy an extra 30% locals’ discount at Zip World attractions if you’re a resident of London, Manchester, Windermere, North Wales or South Wales.
You can have a go at taking on the wall as seen on the popular showCredit: ninja warrior uk
9. Ninja Warrior obstacle course
There’s some great deals running across Ninja Warrior UK courses – and this fully indoor attraction is perfect for any weather.
Here you make your way past a series of challenging inflatable obstacles, and end by facing the giant Ninja Warrior wall.
Early Bird and off-peak sessions cost £9.95pp, and a Ninja Toddlers session costs just £2.
There’s 17 locations to choose from, including Bristol, Cardiff, Sheffield, Wigan and more.
It only costs £10.95 to have a go on this indoor high ropes courseCredit: gravity high ropes
10. Indoor high ropes
Another great indoor option for burning off steam is the Gravity High Ropes experience in Birmingham.
At 31% off for just £10.95pp, adventurers can take on an action-packed course of climbing challenges, rope bridges and more.
You can save up to 41% if you book as a group, too, as the deal costs just £37.95 for a high ropes course for four.
11. Snow tubing deal
Elsewhere in Birmingham, take the kids to this unique snow tubing experience.
Those aged eight and over can grab themselves a doughnut tube and slide down a dry slope at Ackers Adventure Centre.
Taking place within a snow sports centre, this activity can be done in any weather.
The deal for two comes out to £8 per person if booked for two, which includes 30 minutes of tubing and is valid seven days a week.
This dirt cheap paintball offer will make any thrill-seeker happyCredit: Alamy
12. Paintball for £2pp
For fans of outdoor adventure, Unreal Paintball in Madeley, Cheshire, is currently offering paintball group deals for 92% off.
A family-of-five can enjoy a paintballing day with 100 paintballs included for £10 – meaning the day out costs £2pp.
The Manor Farm location boasts nearly 40 acres of land including woodland, trenches, a castle and more to hide in.
The offer runs on weekends from 9am – 4pm for new Unreal Paintball customers.
13. 60% off Family Laser Quest
Over in Milton Keynes, the whole family can enjoy up to 60% off Laser Quest.
The deal includes two games for six players, costing just £6.50 per person – and there’s deals available for smaller groups, too.
This top-rated Laser Quest centre is decked out with misty fog, mazes, neon lights and pumping music.
The deal is available from Mondays – Fridays, from 4pm – 9pm during school time or 10am – 9pm during school holidays.
Bowling is a classic rainy day activity for families – make it cheap with this offerCredit: hollywood bowl
14. Bowling with dinner included
Bowling is another classic rainy weather activity for the whole family.
Hollywood Bowl has over 90 bowling centres, and they’re currently running a January Sales kids’ eat, drink and bowl deal from £8.50pp.
This includes one game of bowling, a choice between a burger or hotdog with fries, and drinks – which includes an alcoholic drinks for adults.
More offers include “Double the Fun Fridays”, where you can get a second game of bowling for free when you bowl after 9pm in January, using code JAN262G50 at online checkout.
15. 2-for-1 Ice skating and disco party
Planet Ice have skating rinks across the UK in cities like Peterborough, Leeds and Coventry – and they’ve got some great deals to book in time for February.
You can enjoy a 2-for-1 Valentines Day skating offer on February 13, which is suitable for all ages.
The offer is available online only – so make sure to snap up your plac by booking ahead on their website.
There’s also a half term disco skate taking place on February 13 and 20 across multiple locations.
You can save up to 51% off with this Wowcher Splash World voucherCredit: splash world
16. Splash World waterpark
An indoor waterpark is always a safe bet on a drizzly day – and this offer for Splash World in Southport gets you 51% off full price.
This waterpark includes toddler splash zones, flume rides and a lazy river.
An £8 ticket (all ages) grants you a two hour session, with the offer ending in February.
17. Inflatable pool disco and obstacle course
Sticking with the waterpark theme, the London Aquatics Centre are running inflatable pool discos and obstacle courses on select dates until May.
For the Atlantis Obstacle Course, the Olympic-sized 50m pool becomes covered in a giant inflatable course with slides and climbing walls.
The obstacle course costs £12.60 per adult and £9.45 per junior.
The inflatable disco session, on the other hand, is suitable for ages five and above – and includes a fun inflatable run and massive floats.
The inflatable disco is priced at £10.50 for adults and £7.35 for juniors.
18. Cheap waterpark day in Derby
Moorways Sports Village and Waterpark in Derby is running Waterpark Wednesdays, giving families a cheaper option to visit during term time.
On Wednesdays from 4pm – 7pm during term time, adult tickets cost just £6.99, three to five-year-olds can visit for just £1 and under two’s go for free.
The waterpark is home to an aqua tube fast slide, a body slide, wave rider and rider slide – and a great choice whatever the weather.
Trampolining and pizza is a family day out well-spentCredit: jump inc
19. Trampolining with giant inflatables and free pizza
Jump Inc have loads of indoor trampolining centres across the UK, including places like Blackpool, Birmingham, Chelmsford, Bristol and Aberdeen.
What makes this place unique is its great discounts and offers for families.
The After School Antics offer gives you two jump passes and a margherita pizza for dinner.
There’s also the unlimited jumps offer, where you pay for just one hour but can stay and bounce away up until closing.
The offer is valid from 3pm – 6pm from Mondays to Thursdays during term time. Offers vary by location.
20. Medieval mini golf
Knights Realm Adventure Golf in Basingstoke, Hampshire is home to an epic 18-hole themed golf course overlooked by a dragon.
Make your way around a medieval course dotted with armoured knights and historical scrolls teaching you all about the Middle Ages.
Plus you can save up to 31% off by booking through Groupon, and snap up a two adult ticket for £16 and child’s ticket for just £6.
21. 5D Cinema experience for £2.95
You can visit a 5D cinema for a unique movie experience for just £2.95 this winter.
The 5D cinema experience is part of the Laser Quest Bromley attractionCredit: Alamy
There’s a choice of original films to pick from, including a thrilling rollercoaster journey named Amazon and a creepy horror called Blood Magic.
And if you’re bringing the whole family, you can get four tickets for just £8.95 – giving you something unique to try for a change of routine.
The 5D cinema is located within Laser Quest Bromley, so there’s another family-friendly activity to try out afterwards on your doorstep.
Museums and free exhibitions
Gone are the days where museums were for do-not-touch antiques and corridors of glass cabinets.
Now, there’s loads of unique museums across the UK that are both free to visit and full of exciting experiences made just for kids.
The Manchester Museum is free to visit and has plenty for dinosaur loversCredit: manchester museum
22. Manchester Museum
The Manchester Museum is free to enter, and full of exciting galleries like Living Worlds, Nature’s Library and a live vivarium.
And for families with dinosaur fans, the Manchester Museum has a brilliant Fossils and Dinosaurs gallery, and is home to a popular T. Rex called Stan.
23. Triceratops Exhibition
The dinosaur fun doesn’t stop there – there’s also a triceratops exhibition running at the Manchester Museum until February 22nd.
The exhibition features hands-on elements for kids like a fossil digging zone, and and is suitable for all ages.
Both entry to the museum and the triceratops exhibition are free, however you should book your slot for the exhibition online.
24. The National Museum of Scotland
The National Museum of Scotland is another fantastic place to spend the day with kids indoors.
The colourful Imagine gallery has plenty of sensory and interactive options including dress-up, a musical floor, and a storybook reading corner.
Up on level five of the museum, Adventure Planet caters to older children.
Here, kids can use interactive touch screens to do everything from design their own fish to dig for dinosaur bones and fossils.
The impressive sculptures present the giants of the animal kingdomCredit: national museum of scotland
25. Giants exhibition
The Giants exhibition is set to open at the National Museum of Scotland on the 31 January.
The exhibition showcases amazing 3D sculptures, from life-sized elephants to the megalodon shark.
26. The National Maritime Museum
The National Maritime Museum in London’s Greenwich is both free to enter and packed with things for kids to do.
There’s The Cove playground, a sea-themed area with a giant shark, pirate ship and huge kraken with rope tentacles to swing from.
There’s also the AHOY! children’s gallery for kids aged 0-7, which has activities ranging from sensory play for babies to interactive pirate cannons.
Not to mention the storytelling characters who visit on Saturdays, and the under-5’s play group which runs every Tuesday at £4 per session.
Parents and children alike will enjoy what’s on offer at the National Railway MuseumCredit: the national railway museum
Here you can come face to face with a Japanese Bullet Train, or even take a ride on the museum’s miniature railway.
And for an additional £9.90pp, the Wonderlab is well worth getting stuck into.
Here kids can become mini-engineers, learning about the science behind locomotives with daily shows and demonstrations.
Kids can even have a go in a human wind tunnel and try out some hands-on science experiments.
28. House of Marbles, Devon
The House of Marbles in Devon is home to four unique museums and is free to visit.
There’s loads of unique marble runs to take part in, including a massive snooker ball-sized contraption as well as a games garden.
Their free games museum can be enjoyed by kids and parents alike, as you learn about the history that inspired Pac-Man and Space Invaders.
29. Newcastle Discovery Museum
Newcastle Discovery Museum is another great free option.
It’s home to Turbinia: a huge ship powered by steam turbines.
Their play space Tiny Tyneside is full of replica transport inventions to play with, and is open daily.
The Newcastle Discovery Museum is a great choice when in NewcastleCredit: Newcastle Discovery Museum
30. The Great North Museum: Hancock
The Great North Museum: Hancock is worth visiting for its unique Mouse House area.
It’s full of interactive surprises and runs free events such as Museum Mice, where kids can explore and handle museum objects – just make sure to prebook online.
31. Upside Down House
The Upside Down House is a unique indoor attraction that does what it says on the tin – everything inside the house has been turned completely upside-down.
Wandering through the house with kids makes for a unique indoor activity, plus some funny photos to look back on.
There are locations in Liverpool, Brighton, Bristol and London – the cheapest to visit being Liverpool at £6.45pp.
The Discover Story Centre is a magical place to get kids readingCredit: discover story centre
32. Discover Story Centre
The Discover Story Centre in London is a giant immersive space for kids with an exciting and colourful story world and garden.
Escape from the drizzly outdoors into a bright and colourful space with trails, singalongs and screenings.
The best part is that you’re able to build your day exactly how you’d like.
You can choose from a list of constantly updated activities and events like the Monster Funfair and Gabby’s Dollhouse movie screening (January 24).
Each event typically costs £2 – £5, with a Discover entry ticket costing £10 for adults, £5 for 1 year-olds and under 1’s go free.
33. National Football Museum
The National Football Museum in Manchester is a fantastic choice for a sports fanatic day indoors.
Inside, you can find the world’s first international football shirt and the oldest surviving FA cup trophy.
Tickets cost £15 for adults and £9 for kids – but the best part is that once you’ve bought your ticket, you can keep returning for free for an entire year.
There’s also a family saver ticket for four costing £39 – not bad for a whole year’s worth of visits.
The sea-themed exhibition opens just in time for the February half termCredit: Supplied
34. Underwater exhibition and Octonauts trail
The Horniman Museum in London is opening up a “Voyage to the Deep – Underwater Adventures” exhibition from 13 February.
Here you board the ‘Nautilus’ submarine and discover everything from weird and wonderful sea creatures, to crawling through shipwrecks and decoding the secrets of Atlantis.
Plus, there’s an Octonauts “Adventure at the Horniman” Trail packed with activities.
Adult tickets cost £9.80 and kids tickets £7, with discounted rates for families of three (£20.20) or four (£27).
And if you’re on Universal Credit, the tickets are discounted to £2 – make sure to book in advance.
The Story Festival is a great indoor event to spend time out as a familyCredit: Young V&A Museum
35. Free story festival
The young V&A in Bethnal Green, London is hosting a Story Festival in January 2026.
The festival will take place across the museum, and is completely free.
This includes singing and dancing performances, puppets and storytelling.
Drop-in storytelling activities take place on a first come first serve basis.
36. Free arts drawing sessions at London Southbank
At London’s Southbank Centre, families can drop in to relaxed drawing sessions over weekends.
Led by artist Erdem Kuslu, families can take part in drawing exercises and group games – entirely for free.
The experience is bookable from 16 January – just make sure you book a slot online in advance.
37. Wonderlab hands-on kids gallery
The Science Museum in London’s Kensington is home to a ticketed interactive kids gallery called Wonderlab.
Built for ages 7 – 14, this hands-on experience turns kids into budding scientists.
Wonderlab reopens on 16 January, and is open daily from 10am – 5pm.
Day passes cost £17 for ages 4+, with a family day pass based on 2 adults and 2 children giving you £3 off.
You can also save several pounds extra by booking your tickets in advance and at specific timeslots listed on the Wonderlab site.
Bath City Farm is home to some adorable animals and exciting woodland trailsCredit: bath city farm
Farms and outdoors
When the days are bright and dry, a family day out at the farm can be one of the best ways to get outdoors.
And we’ve found a range of open farms across the UK with free or cheap entry.
38. Bath City Farm
Bath City Farm is free to visit – and it’s easy to spend an entire day their exploring its woodland trails, children’s playground, seeing the animals and visiting the farm shop and cafe.
The farm is open Tuesday to Saturday from 9am – 4pm, and on Sundays from 9.30am – 4pm.
This unique working farm in the middle of the city has amazing grounds, with a well-kept wildlife pond and even Japanese gardens.
They also run cheap events for kids, such as Rainbow Stripes on Tuesdays which is an interactive live music workshop.
Bucks Goat Centre has loads of events to bring the kids too over weekendsCredit: Alamy
40. Bucks Goat Centre
The Bucks Goat Centre in Aylesbury is offering a deal with just £4.55 entry for adults and £3.90 for children – or a family of four can visit for £15.40.
Here you can meet the friendly goats, chickens and alpacas, then sit down to enjoy hot chocolates and milkshakes in the Grazing Goat Cafe.
There’s also weekend events to look forward to like Bunny Brunch on Saturdays at 10:30, and Ferret Fun on Sundays at 11:30.
41. HAPPA Horse haven
For fans of horses and ponies, the HAPPA horse haven in Burnley is open to visitors.
Here you can meet rescue horses, donkeys and ponies, and take part in kids events like Pony Squad.
Visiting HAPPA costs £6 per adult and just £1 per child.
Make sure to book your slot online before visiting.
42. Mudchute Park and Farm
Mudchute Park and Farm in East London is another working farm that is free to visit – and has a massive 32 acres of land to explore.
Their courtyard and small animals area has just re-opened for the year, where you can visit guinea pigs and rabbits.
Here you can also meet cows, sheep, goats, and more.
Challenge Woods are a great option for mild winter dayCredit: the nest
43. Challenge Woods adventure playground
Outdoor activity centres like Bewilderwoodcan be quite expensive, especially by the time you’ve bought tickets for the whole family.
Challenge Woods in Norwich is miles cheaper than the nearby attraction, at just £4 entry for ages 4-17 with ages 0-3 going free.
Whilst it’s not quite high ropes, here kids can take part in zip lines, slides, wooden climbing structures and more, backed by Norfolk woodland.
44. Alpaca experience at Pennybridge Farm
Pennybridge Farm in Hampshire has gone fluffing mad with this discounted alpaca experience.
For just £7pp, you can meet and greet a herd of adorable alpacas at this open farm.
You even get to take part in feeding the animals, and learn all about the unique mammals.
The farm is open daily, and this bargain experience is a great way to spend a bright winter’s morning outdoors.
This soft play deal is super cheap at under £2Credit: Getty
Soft play and younger children
There’s plenty of cheap and easy ways to keep little ones entertained over the winter months.
45. £1.75 Soft play with a drink
This soft play deal in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire is offering 50% off for two hours of play and a soft drink – costing just £1.75 per child.
Sqoshis Play Centre has plenty of climbing areas and slides, and it also has a laser and Nerf centre to entertain the older kids, too.
46. Slime making with kids meal and a hot drink
Colourful slime always goes down well with younger children, and this slime-making experience at Tilly Pots in Ravenshead makes for a creative afternoon out.
The deal includes a children’s meal and a hot drink for parents, costing just £6.95 for an adult and child together.
And for a family of four with two adults and two children, you can visit for just £11.95 – which is 46% off the usual price.
If you’ve got any tractor or bulldozer-obsessed kids, this one’s for themCredit: little diggers, jump giants leicester
47. Little Diggers giant sandpit
Over in Leicester, mini-builders can put on their hard hat and visit a giant sandpit full of mini bulldozers, diggers and tractors – and play to their heart’s content.
The deal includes access to the Zog Playland, the Horrible Histories maze, the UK’s largest birds of prey show and more.
The castle has more than 64 acres of grounds to explore with princess tower and dungeon experiences – plenty to keep the family entertained for an entire day.
The Gruffalo Clubhouse is a truly transformative indoor attractionCredit: gruffalo clubhouse
49. Gruffalo Clubhouse term time deal
The Gruffalo Clubhouse in Blackpool is a great themed immersive indoor option.
Inside, there’s the Deep Dark Woods to explore, as well as soft play, a toddler play zone, a sensory room and the exciting Zog’s Dragon School Challenge.
Booking an adult and toddler ticket online costs £9 (saving you £10), and can be used from Monday – Friday during school term times.
50. Indoor play offer
A parent and child can visit Oasis Play in Surrey or London for a session of ball pits, slides and more for just £5.50 with this offer.
Oasis Play is a soft play centre with a sea-themed area, glowing neon lights – and it’s even rumoured that Bluey likes to visit.
This deal grants you 75-minute access on either weekdays or weekends, so your little ones can jump, climb and crawl to their heart’s content.
There’s further discounted offers available on Groupon, including a two adult one child ticket for £6.50 and a two adults two children ticket for just £10.50.
The park will remain focused on younger families, especially with children under 12 years old, but will also create new experiences that appeal to all ages.
The Group has said that the new attractions will be revealed in due course.
James Mellors, managing director of Mellors Group, said: “Lightwater Valley is a park with real heart, history, personality, and potential, and it’s a place our own family has loved since childhood.
“Our goal is simple: to put the park back ‘on the map’ as a major theme park, by introducing new rides, injecting new energy, and creating something truly special for families for many years to come.”
He added: “We’re very excited about this acquisition and looking forward to planning a wide range of new attractions for 2026; fresh, fun, and full of excitement.
“While Lightwater Valley will continue to be a haven for younger families, we’re also widening the experience so that guests of all ages can enjoy the thrills, charm, and adventure together.
“The team here have done a brilliant job, and we’re looking forward to working closely with them as we begin this new journey.”
The Mellors Group bought the park after it was put up for sale in October for £3million.
The theme park first opened back in 1969 and today is home to more than 35 rides and attractions.
AS 2025 comes to a close, it’s time to look ahead to what’s up and coming this year.
Theme park fans have a lot to look forward to, as much-loved attractions are getting revamps, and brand new theme parks are entering the scene.
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Chessington World of Adventures will be opening a PAW Patrol-themed landCredit: Unknown
From the highly-anticipated opening of Disneyland Paris‘ World of Frozen, to the launch of PokéPark Kanto – here’s our top picks for the most exciting theme park lands set to open in 2026.
PAW Patrol-themed land, Chessington World of Adventures
Chessington World of Adventures will soon become home to the UK’s first and only PAW Patrol-themed land.
‘Project Play’ was announced in April 2025, as construction began to build the new land in place of the Scorpion Express coaster.
The immersive land will be inspired by the show’s Adventure Bay, fit with themed decorations and rides.
The land will be home to four rides in total, including the brand new ‘my first rollercoaster’.
Whilst waiting for rides, Chessington also offers young fans interactive meet and greets where they can grab a photo with Chase, Skye and Rubble.
The theme park even has its own PAW Patrol-themed hotel rooms, which sleep a family of up to 5 and come complete with a Pup Pass for priority meet and greet access.
The show is incredibly popular amongst young children, with Blackpool’s Pleasure Beach Resort offering an entire PAW Patrol themed month in June.
The PAW Patrol-themed land is set to open in Spring 2026.
World of Frozen and Disney Adventure World, Disneyland Paris, France
Disneyland Paris will see some major changes in spring of 2026 – and it’s good news for fans of Disney’s Frozen.
Five brand new theme park lands opening in 2026 – from real life Pokémon to UK’s only PAW Patrol LandCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
‘World of Frozen‘ has been in construction since 2022, and is set to open on 29 March 2026.
Glimpses inside the new world show majestic castles, palaces, and Scandinavian buildings that look just like Arendelle.
Two major attractions in the themed land are Arendelle Castle, as well as Elsa’s ice palace which sits high atop North Mountain, overlooking the entire area.
Frozen fans will be able to attend a special royal meet and greet with Anna and Elsa, as well as a show called ‘Frozen: A Musical Invitation’.
And if you get hungry, visitors can stop for a bite to eat at the new Nordic Crowns Tavern.
World of Frozen will also be home to the Frozen Ever After Ride – a fan favourite ride from Florida’s EPCOT, but designed with extra details just for Paris.
World of Frozen recreates the fictional world of ArendelleCredit: DisneyDisney Adventure World has many immersive zones, including Marvel Avengers CampusCredit: Disneyland Paris
The ride takes visitors on a slow and scenic boat ride through familiar scenes from Disney’s Frozen, complete with singalong music and audio-animatronics.
But the addition of World of Frozen isn’t the only new change at Disneyland Paris.
The area previously known as Walt Disney Studios Park has had a makeover to become Disney Adventure World.
Disney Adventure World is home to multiple immersive areas inspired by Disney, Marvel and Pixar’s most popular movies.
The renamed world contains a Marvel Avengers Campus where superhero fans can take part in the Spider-Man W.E.B Adventure, a family friendly immersive experience.
Guests can also visit the Worlds of Pixar area, where you can ride Crush’s Coaster inspired by Finding Nemoor hop on the Cars ROAD TRIP ride.
And for fans of Disney classic The Lion King, construction is now underway for a new themed area: The Pride Lands.
Both World of Frozen and Disney Adventure World will be open at Disneyland Paris from 29 March 2026.
The Frozen Ever After boat ride is complete with realistic animatronicsCredit: GettyA new ride, Raiponce Tangled Spin, will open inside Disney Adventure WorldCredit: disneyland paris
LEGO® Galaxy, California
Legoland California Resort is launching a brand new immersive, space-themed zone next year named LEGO® Galaxy.
The space-themed zone will be home to three new rides as well as the Junior Astronaut Training Zone, where toddlers and little ones can lose themselves in a themed play area.
The Galacticoaster ride experience also lets you customise your own spacecraftCredit: Legoland CaliforniaGuests can explore the world of LEGO® Galaxy with interactive wristbands and touchscreensCredit: LEGOLAND California
The opening of the new land will see the arrival of the attraction’s first new roller coaster in nearly 20 years: Galacticoaster.
Galacticoaster is a family-friendly indoor coaster spanning nearly 1,500 feet of track with exhilarating galaxy views.
The land will also see the addition of two extra space-themed rides, as well as immersive areas to eat, drink and shop.
The LEGOLAND California Resort is already home to 11 themed lands including Dino Valley and Pirate Shores, a water park, and even its own SEA LIFE Aquarium.
The space-themed land is set to open on 6 March, 2026.
PokéPark KANTO, Tokyo
Pokémon fans have long been waiting for a permanent theme park – and Tokyo will provide a fitting home in 2026.
The attraction will span 26,000 square metres of land in the vibrant city of Tokyo, Japan.
Rather than hopping between rides and food trucks, visitors here take the role of Pokémon trainers.
Guests walk through the park searching through forests to encounter Pokémon, just like in the videogames.
The park is located in Tokyo’s Tama HillsCredit: pokemon.com
The attraction is located in Tokyo’s Tama Hills, where there is plenty of luscious greenery to make the park look like a real Pokémon cartoon come to life.
Away from the 500 metres of Pokémon forest, guests can visit Sedge Town where they’ll find a recreation of a Pokémon Centre, Poké Mart and Sedge Gym.
The attraction is also designed so that you can connect with other guests (or fellow Pokémon trainers) and explore the theme park together.
PokéPark KANTO will open in early 2026.
Visitors, or Pokémon trainers, can even visit the Pokémon CenterCredit: pokemon.com
Valgard: Realm of the Vikings, Paultons Park, UK
Paultons Park, home to Peppa Pig World, will open a brand new Viking-themed land in May 2026.
Valgard will be decorated head-to-toe in Nordic theme, with red rollercoaster tracks weaving their way behind traditional Viking buildings.
The £12m Viking-themed park will be home to rides and immersive experiences for all ages, as well as a themed playground and dining area.
The new area will be located next to the Lost Kingdom, the attraction’s dinosaur adventure park.
The park will include the addition of two new rides, including Paultons’ most thrilling coaster yet: Drakon.
Drakon is an inverting coaster ride which intertwines with Raven – the new name for the rollercoaster previously named Cobra.
The other new addition to the park will be the Vild Swing – a Viking take on a Wild Swing ride, providing a family-friendly alternative to the extreme Drakon.
Valgard: Realm of the Vikings is set to open in Paultons Park on May 16, 2026.
The plans for Valgard reveal Nordic Viking-style designs for the parkCredit: paultons park
BEING wowed by a spectacular show is the perfect finale to a theme park day out – as the big hitters in Europe and America do so well.
Now, one Midlands amusement park is blazing a trail for other UK attractions.
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Drayton Manor near Tamworth has a new lake show, which is billed as the biggest of its kind in the UKCredit: Catherine LofthouseThe lights and water fountains were introduced this year to mark the 75th anniversary of the parkCredit: Catherine Lofthouse
Drayton Manor near Tamworth is billing it’s new nighttime lake show as the biggest of its kind in the UK, so I went to check it out.
The lights and water fountains were introduced this year to mark the 75th anniversary of the park and mark the close of the day, just like at Disneyland and Efteling.
The shows will change to reflect the season.
Drayton Manor is my nearest theme park and I’ve been on many days out there over the years.
I used to love the Mississippi showboat fun house on the lake in the late 80s and early 90s and I can also remember when you used to be able to take a turn around the water on the Drayton Queen paddleboat.
But it’s been a while since the lake has hosted attractions in its own right, instead of providing a pretty backdrop that everything else is set around.
So it was lovely to see the water taking centre stage in this spectacle of lights, fountains and music.
While it’s on a smaller scale than the likes of Disney and Efteling, it’s a brilliant idea to bring everyone together to mark the end of a great day out.
Sometimes heading home after all the rides and fun can feel a bit anticlimactic, especially if you’re trying to load young children bouncing around with excitement into the car for the drive home.
So this water, music and fire show is the perfect way to add a little bit of a buffer between finishing your fun and heading home.
We watched the Christmas Miracle on the Lake show and it was truly magical, with jets of water lit up and set to festive classics.
The dancing jets were interspersed with a screen of mist that had an animated story projected onto it, so that Christmas scenes such as Santa’s workshop and ice palaces could be brought to life.
There were even dramatic flames shooting up into the sky at points, so Drayton Manor really has pulled out all the stops to make the most of its new spectacle.
It’s also nice that it runs shorter versions of the light show during the day so that younger guests who may not still be on site by the close of the day have something to enjoy as well.
But for the full effect, you will want to watch the 15-minute grand finale in all its splendour.
I’ve seen quite a few well-rated magic fountain shows in my travels, including at Montjuic in Barcelona and in front of the Burj Khalifa in Dubai.
This year, I was wowed by the water effects while watching Kynren, an epic outdoor show telling tales of the British Isles.
The show is smaller than the likes of Disney and Efteling, but it is a brilliant way to end your dayCredit: Catherine LofthouseIt feels like Drayton Manor has drawn inspiration from other theme parks for the showCredit: Catherine Lofthouse
And I would say that Drayton Manor has drawn inspiration from all of these to bring something impressive to its guests.
It’s even installed viewing platforms around the edge of the lake to give those stood further back a better view over the head of visitors in front.
Given it’s a new concept for Brits, there were lots of announcements over the course of the day in the park, letting guests know what time to expect the show to kick off.
There were even a couple of lakeside rides still running when the light show took place – I imagine it would be quite the experience to see the fountains from the pirate ship or while being spun around on the thrill ride Thor in the Viking land.
I’ll certainly look forward to seeing what new shows the park comes up with as the seasons change – make sure it’s on your 2026 to-do list if you want that European theme park vibe but without leaving the UK.
And there are viewing platforms around the edge of the lake to give those stood further back a better viewCredit: Catherine LofthouseIn total, the grand finale show lasts 15 minutesCredit: Catherine Lofthouse
AS the year comes to a close, most theme parks across the UK have shut up shop for the season.
But theme park fanatics have plenty to look forward to in 2026, as both thrillseekers and families with young children can expect new favourites.
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Fans of Bluey can ride a new coaster at Alton Towers’ CBeebies LandCredit: Alton TowersThe Octonauts ride is a popular choice at CBeebies LandCredit: Alton Towers Resort
2026 is set to be a huge year in the world of theme parks and attractions – here are the most exciting new rides and rollercoasters set to open next year.
Bluey Ride, Alton Towers, UK
Alton Towers will welcome the world’s first ever Bluey coaster next year.
The new addition will sit inside of Alton Towers’ CBeebies Land, home to rides like the Octonauts Rollercoaster Adventure and Peter Rabbit Hippity Hop.
As well as enjoying a brand new ride, Bluey fans can take part in the popular Heeler family interactive show, and stay to meet Bluey and Bingo afterwards.
Excitement is building as Disneyland Paris prepares to open their World of Frozen land in Spring 2026.
The new land will see the introduction of a new ride at Disneyland Paris: Frozen Ever After.
The frosty land of Arendelle is bought to life in the brand new World of FrozenCredit: Disneyland ParisFrozen Ever After already exists as a ride at the Disney World EPCOT park in Florida USACredit: Disney WorldThe ride is already a popular choice amongst EPCOT visitorsCredit: Getty
The ride is inspired by the popular version at Disneyworld’s EPCOT in Florida.
Boarding this boat-themed ride will take visitors on a journey through the familiar scenes of Disney’s Frozen.
Fans can sing along to Frozen tunes as they look out for the movie’s popular characters in animatronic form.
Frozen Ever After will be less of a fear-inducing ride and more of an immersive experience.
It is a slow-moving journey with descents down short waterfalls – so bare in mind that you might get wet!
Visitors will also be able to stroll through Arendelle, as well as meet Anna, Elsa and Olaf.
Frozen Ever After, and the World of Frozen land, is set to open on 29 March 2026.
Drakon and Vild Swing, Paultons Park, UK
Paultons Park in Hampshire are due to open their first ever inverting rollercoaster, as well as a Wild Swing ride in the spring of 2026.
The amusement park is home to the famous Peppa Pig World, but new coaster Drakon is set to thrill an older crowd.
Drakon is set to be one of the most exhilerating rides at Paultons ParkCredit: Paultons ParkThe ride will be ready in time for 2026Credit: Paultons Park
Drakon riders can expect to coast their way up a vertical lift hill before plummeting into a beyond vertical drop.
The terrifying drop means that riders will hang over the edge at an angle greater than 90°, or steeper than falling straight down.
As well as this, visitors can expect to regularly ride upside down, due to the inverting design.
The inverting coaster even intertwines with Raven – the new name for the park’s Gerstlauer Bobsled ride previously named Cobra.
As well as Drakon, the park will be introducing the ‘Vild Swing’ ride.
Vild Swing is a 12m-high ART Wild Swing ride, the first of its kind to land in the UK.
Valgard – The Realm of Vikings will open in 2026Credit: Paultons ParkPaultons Park is popular amongst families for its for Peppa Pig WorldCredit: Paultons Park
The family-friendly ride is a free-swinging gondola with no rollovers, therefore it will be more of a gentle thrill than Drakon.
The rides will be part of the theme park’s brand new Viking-themed world: Valgard – Realm of the Vikings.
The new themed area cost roughly £12m to build, and is set to open in May 2026.
Spider-themed ride, Gröna Lund, Sweden
Gröna Lund (or “Green Grove”) in Sweden is Stockholm’s oldest amusement park.
It’s located on Stockholm‘s DjurgårdenIsland, and has over 30 rides.
The park is home to a mix of both thrilling coasters and family-friendly rides, and is now set to open a brand new thrill ride: Spindeln (The Spider).
Spindeln will be a Super Jumper ride – the first of its kind to arrive in Sweden.
Created by the Italian SBF Visa Group, the Super Jumper is made up of multiple arms which rise and fall quickly, designed to look like the spider’s legs.
The terrifying spider ride is complete with the latest new harnessing technologyCredit: Gröna LundGröna Lund sits on the waterfront in Stockholm, SwedenCredit: Gröna Lund
This creates a bouncing effect as the central tower rotates, meaning riders can expect plenty of spooky sudden jumps and spins.
The thrill ride has space for 42 riders, and is ideal for older and younger guests alike.
Spindeln will be the first Super Jumper in the world to allow younger children to ride, with a minimum height requirement of 100cm when accompanied by an adult.
The coaster is set to open to the public in Summer 2026.
Raiponce Tangled Spin, Disneyland Paris
March 2026 will see Disneyland Paris open up not one, but two brand new themed worlds.
As well as introducing the brand new World of Frozen, the land previously known as Walt Disney Studios Park will become Disney Adventure World.
The park revamp also sees the addition of a brand new ride, Raiponce Tangled Spin.
Raiponce Tangled Spin is a spinning miniature boat rideCredit: Disneyland paris
Visitors will be able to climb aboard a small gondola that gently turns under sparkling lanterns, just like the famous scene in the film Tangled.
The glowing lanterns illuminate ceiling paintings inspired by those made by the princess in the popular movie.
This will be the second standalone Tangled themed ride across Disney parks worldwide, alongside Rapunzel’s Lantern Festival at Tokyo DisneySea.
The gentle ride is suitable for all ages, and will open alongside Frozen Ever After on 29 March 2026.
Aviktas, Blackpool Pleasure Beach Resort, UK
Blackpool’s Pleasure Beach is known for its rides such as Valhalla, Big Dipper as well as its Nickelodeon Land.
And now the amusement park have invested £8.72m into a new ride, set to be the tallest of its kind in the UK by almost double.
Aviktas will be a Gyro Swing ride – a giant spinning pendulum seating 40 visitors.
Riders will face outwards to sea as they swing 120°, reaching a maximum height of 138 feet.
Pleasure Beach Resort’s new addition will tower over the parkCredit: Pleasure Beach Resort
The Gyro Swing ride is “one of the most exciting flat rides in existence” said CEO of Pleasure Beach Resort, Amanda Thompson OBE.
“It’s dynamic, fast, and incredibly high, as well as being completely weightless at the top”.
Aviktas is currently under construction, and due to open in 2026.
The amusement park also recently revamped their Launch Pad ride.
The shot tower ride had its cylinder replaced and reopened in May of 2025.
This made for more powerful launches, intense g-force, and moments of weightlessness.
“This is a great re-imagining. The ride has got back its ‘oomph’” said Scott Bickerton, owner of YouTube channel Your Experience Guide.
The resort is one of Blackpool’s most popular attractionsCredit: Pleasure Beach Resort
“You can really feel the g-force and there’s a great moment of airtime at the top. It’s amazing to have this ride back.”
Alton Towers hosts Bluey meet and greets and even themed hotel roomsCredit: Alton towers
WE’VE had a corker of a year, travelling far and wide to hunt the best bargain getaways, newest spine-tingling attractions and hottest resorts to share with you, our wonderful readers.
From a behind-the-scenes look at the first new theme park to open in Orlando in 25 years, to discovering secret speakeasys on board the world’s largest cruise ship, here are The Sun Travel’s top trips from 2025.
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Here are The Sun Travel’s top trips from 2025, pictured Universal Resort OrlandoCredit: Supplied
EPIC UNIVERSE, FLORIDA
Lisa Minot, Head Of Travel
Epic Universe surpassed Lisa’s high expectationsCredit: supplied
UNIVERSAL’S hugely anticipated third theme park opened this year and I was among the very first to get a sneak peek.
I can definitely say the reality surpassed my high expectations. The attention to detail, sheer scale and truly immersive nature of the five new “worlds” that make up the £7billion park are astonishing.
From the breathtaking recreation of 1920s Paris in the Wizarding World Of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, to the technicolour dreamscape of Super Nintendo World, there is something for every age and interest.
Families with younger kids will love How To Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, a whimsical recreation of the movie franchise’s Viking village, complete with colourful longboats.
And thrill-seekers will enjoy Dark Universe with its Monsters Unchained and Curse Of The Werewolf attractions as well as the Stardust Racers dual-launch coaster in Celestial Park.
In 2025, visitors were restricted to one-day tickets to the new park, to manage capacity and give as many people the chance to visit as possible.
But from next year, Epic will be included on 14-day multi-park tickets, meaning you can pop in and out as many times as you like.
BAHAMAS CRUISE
Sophie Swietochowski, Assistant Travel Editor
For Sophie, 2025 has been her year of cruisingCredit: Supplied
IT has been my year for cruising, from sampling a knock-out cheese souffle on board Oceania’s new Allura to sipping frozen margaritas on the glossy sun deck of Princess Cruises’ Sun Princess.
However, none of these ships were as mindboggling as Star Of The Seas. Royal Caribbean’s newest colourful giant shares its title of “largest cruise ship in the world” with sister ship, Icon Of The Seas.
You need a whole week at sea to sample all the non-stop activities and to sink a beer or cocktail in every one of the 19 or so bars (save room for a punchy boulevardier from the coffee-themed Rye & Bean).
Much of what is on board has already been seen on Icon, including the thrill ride Crown’s Edge that sends passengers free-falling towards the ocean, their plummets saved by a harness as they dangle from the edge of the 16th deck.
What’s unique to Star, though, is the Lincoln Park Supper Club, an all-singing immersive dining experience that takes passengers back to the jazz boom of Chicago in the roaring Twenties.
It is costly for speciality dining but, my word, you’ll be well fed and watered. If you like martinis, you won’t regret booking this.
OSEA ISLAND, ESSEX
Caroline McGuire, Head of Travel (Digital)
Osea is a private island linked to the mainland by a causewayCredit: Getty
PICTURE a private island with two outdoor pools, white clapboard houses and a huge sandy beach and you are more likely to be imagining somewhere exotic in the Caribbean than Essex.
But Osea is a private island linked to the mainland by a causeway you can only drive over for a few hours every day – which means you are marooned for most of the day and night.
Osea has several houses available to rent, from one-bedroom studios to 12-bedroom mansions, the largest featuring a recording studio that has been used by everyone from Stormzy to Rihanna.
It also has a tiny pub, a yoga studio, a bar and a huge event space where people can hold parties for up to 200 people.
I was there for a friend’s 50th and we spent a glorious 48 hours swimming in the sea, going on walks, eating, drinking and generally considering ourselves incredibly lucky to be in such a magical place.
You can only go to Osea if you are booked to stay in one of the properties but they are available to the public, with rooms from £60pp a night.
INDIA
Kara Godfrey, Deputy Travel Editor
Kara got to tick off top bucket list attractions thanks to Intrepid’s Women ExpeditionsCredit: Supplied
INDIA has long been on my wish list to travel to, but as a young woman, I was always extremely wary.
However, Intrepid’s Women Expeditions meant I could tick off all of the top bucket list attractions while staying safe with a local female guide.
So I could visit the famous pink palace of Jaipur, and the stunning Taj Mahal in Agra.
But it also meant we got to experience this vast country like a local, meeting female rickshaw drivers and staying at the rustic Chandelao Garh – a 17th century former fort which is now a hotel with 20 rooms.
And, with Virgin Atlantic launching more flights to India in the New Year, it’ll be easier to get there than ever before.
SARDINIA
Cyann Fielding, Travel Reporter
Sardinia boasts warming breezes and the smell of olive trees in the airCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
ITALY is full of stunning, historic cities and hidden gems, but one island destination, thought to be a top spot to visit in 2026, offers a serene escape in the Mediterranean Ocean.
Sardinia is closer to Africa than mainland Italy, so boasts warming breezes and the smell of olive trees in the air.
If I am heading to a hot country, I prefer to be somewhere where everything I could want is at my fingertips – and Hilton’s Conrad Chia Laguna Resort achieves this.
Many of its stylish, sprawling rooms have small private gardens looking out to Chia Beach, surrounded by cream-coloured limestone.
The Conrad also has relaxing pools ideal for a refreshing dip before stretching out on one of the sun loungers.
For a touch of indulgence, the spa has a circuit of saunas, hot tubs and steam rooms ideal for a rejuvenation session.
The plush Hilton resort is just an hour from Cagliari – the island’s vibrant capital – which boasts a rich history and is the ideal spot for a day trip.
Return flights with British Airways in January start from a bargain £35 per person.
FINLAND
Alice Penwill, Travel Reporter
Alice headed to Finland for a winter adventureCredit: Supplied
I’VE always been a fan of a hot holiday and since I live in the UK, who can really blame me?
But after heading to Finland for a winter adventure, I now think chilly getaways could be the way forward.
After a variety of activities from hiking through a snowy blueberry farm in outer Jyväskylä to taking a dip in a frozen lake in the city of Tampere – after a hot sauna, of course – I came to appreciate and love the cold.
One of the most special nights was at Revontuli Lakeland Village, in Hankasalmi, Jyväskylä Region, where I was able to get all cosy and enjoy a beautiful snow-scape from the comfort of a pretty igloo.
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).
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ONE little-known holiday park has scooped up two awards for its accommodation and it’s right next to a UK theme park.
Sundown Adventureland is a popular spot for families with over 30 rides and attractions as well as a huge soft play – and the adjoining holiday village is now award-winning.
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The accommodation in Sundown Adventureland has won two awardsCredit: Sundown AdventurelandThe theme park its next to caters for families with kids 10 years old and underCredit: Sundown Adventureland
Wild Acre Village in Retford won two awards at the recent Hoseasons’ Diamond Awards.
The accommodation came first place in the categories ‘Best in Britain – Holiday Park’ and ‘Relax & Explore – Heart of England – Small Park’.
Winners were chosen using reviews and ratings from Hoseasons’ own customers, who share their views after their visits.
Debs Griffin, director at Sundown Adventureland said: “When we opened the lodges, we knew there would be a demand for staying overnight at Sundown Adventureland.
“But we never could’ve anticipated that three years on, we would be consistently fully booked with so many of our customers returning for repeat visits.
“Offering families a good value, very clean, comfortable and entertaining stay has been central to the success of Wild Acre Village, and our team works extremely hard to ensure every guest has a memorable stay, wants to keep coming back and laps up the magic and exciting nature of Sundown Adventureland.”
While Sundown Adventureland first opened its doors in 1968, Wild Acre Village just three years ago in 2022.
The self-accommodation style village was built after feedback from visitors who said they couldn’t fit all their exploring into one day.
As Sundown Adventureland is catered towards families with children 10 years old and under – the accommodation is too.
There are single cabins which sleep five people with a king-size bed for the adults and triple bunk beds for the kids.
The cabins are catered for families with spacious bedrooms and living areasCredit: Sundown Adventureland
Double cabins can sleep ten people and are ideal for multiple generations holidaying together with interconnecting doors.
Each cabin and lodge has a living and dining area, bathroom and well-equipped kitchen.
There are outdoor patio areas with picnic benches and disposable BBQ stand – some even have hot tubs.
Currently, Wild Acre Village has offers from £299 for a three-night break, which includes free park tickets for guests.
Over at Sundown Adventureland, families can enjoy over 30 rides and attractions that are specially designed for younger children.
One popular attraction is the Crash Landings soft playCredit: Sundown AdventurelandThe Lillipoppet Castle smells of liquorice inside
Inside there’s also a newly extended cafe with hot food, snacks and drinks.
Rides include the Giddy Piggies to the Jolly Pirate Boat Ride to Robin Hood’s Merry Adventure.
The Lillipoppet Castle is a huge, sweet-inspired castle with an ice cream centrepiece, and it even smells of liquorice.
Storybook Village is based on popular fairytales like Humpty Dumpty and the Three Little Pigs.
Across the theme park are eight themed play areas like Shotgun City, a wild west town with a traditional saloon and an animatronic sing-song show.
The theme park even has its own Wild West townCredit: Sundown Adventureland
Here’s the English theme park with world-first rides crowned best in the UK…
ThemeParks-UK.comannounced the winners of this year’s best parks around the country with this one scooping up awards across 10 categories…
The theme park in question is Paultons Park which has over 70 rides and attractions, as well as Peppa Pig World.
Found in Hampshire just outside of the New Forest, the theme park has nine Peppa-themed rides as well as rollercoasters, splash parks and even an animal park.
At the recent UK Theme Park Awards 2025, Paultons Park was crowned Theme Park of the Year beating the likes of Thorpe Park and Legoland.
Not only that, but it also scooped up nine other awards including Best New Attraction for Ghostly Manor.
It also topped the two categories for Best Theme Park for Families and Best Theme Park for Toddlers.
It will be a viking-themed world with the park’s first inverting rollercoaster, called Drakon.
Drakon will be the park’s most thrilling ride with a vertical lift hill and two twists taking riders upside down.
Also in the Viking world will be the 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.
IF you want to make 2026 the year of family-friendly days out from theme parks to aquariums, castles and waxwork museums – take advantage of the Merlin Black Friday Sale.
You can save up to £60 on an annual pass that will allow you entry to around 20 attractions across the country – but the offer ends very soon.
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The Merlin annual pass allows entry into theme parks- like Alton TowersCredit: AlamyFor the little ones, head to Cbeebies Land also in Alton Towers
Until December 21, you can get £60 off a Merlin Essential yearly pass, costing just £79 rather than £139.
With this, you can enter over 20 top attractions for 339 days out of the year.
Some of the attractions include Alton Towers which is perfect for families who love rollercoasters, or those wanting to try out the Bluey ride in its CBeebies Land.
For foodies, in Birmingham there’s Cadbury World families can uncover the story of Cadbury chocolate – and get to taste some too.
Jordan Middleton, Head of Merlin Annual Pass, commented on the sale: “Just in time for the festive season, our Black Friday Magic Sale has great savings of up to £60.
“With offers starting at just £79 – which is equal to just £1.52 per week – Merlin Annual Pass is the gift for those who you have no idea what to buy.”
Other attractions included in the pass are the London Eye and London DungeonCredit: AlamyThere’s also Warwick Castle for history buffsCredit: Alamy
There are two other pass options.
One is the Gold Pass which is also in the Black Friday sale for £199 rather than £239 – a saving of £40.
This has extra benefits including free parking, up to 20 per cent discount on food, drinks and retail, up to 20 per cent off short breaks at themed Resort hotels.
And there’s discounted entry for family and friends and less restricted access to the attractions.
The Platinum annual pass remains at £299 per person per year with all the perks of the Gold Pass, along with guaranteed entry all year round with no restrictions.
Platinum Passholders will also receive free Fastrack Resort Theme Parks and free tickets for family and friends, with no restrictions throughout the year.
All attractions included in the Merlin yearly passes…
Alton Towers Resort
Chessington World of Adventures Resort
Legoland Windsor Resort
London Eye
Thorpe Park
Sea LIFE – London, Birmingham, Manchester, Blackpool, Brighton, Weymouth, Great Yarmouth, Hunstanton, Scarborough, Loch Lomond
Warwick Castle
Madame Tussauds, London
Shrek’s Adventure! London
Legoland Discovery Centre, Birmingham & Manchester
If your dog has missed out on the festive fun so far, there’s still time to book them into Paws in the Park at LEGOLAND Windsor. There’s even the chance for them to give Santa their wish list
Pups can finally enjoy a festive day out at LEGOLAND(Image: LEGOLAND)
If you’re looking for a festive family day out that includes your four-legged friend, then LEGOLAND Windsor is offering a day that dogs will love. On December 21 and 28, the iconic theme park will host Paws in the Park, a special event that allows dogs to accompany their owners to the attraction’s Christmas celebrations.
While most dogs don’t have much interest in LEGO, beyond chewing any stray pieces found on the floor, they’ll no doubt love the festive atmosphere of the park and a new place for walkies. Dogs can sniff their way around the park while owners enjoy over 20 rides, Christmas shows, and the Elf Training Academy.
And if your dog is on the nice list this year, why not treat them to a visit to see Santa himself? After 5pm, Santa’s Grotto in the Christmas Kingdom is open to doggos who are hoping for a visit from Santa Paws this year.
Owners who want to bring their dog to the park will need to pay for a £10 Pet Pass in addition to tickets for any humans visiting, and there are a few rules to follow. Dogs need to be kept on a lead, and you must bring any dog food and snacks with you, although there will be water points throughout the park.
Paws in the Park is part of Christmas at LEGOLAND, the theme park’s festive offering which describes itself as ‘the ultimate Christmas day out’. Until January 4, the park will be decked out in Christmas décor, turning it into a brick-shaped winter wonderland.
A number of rides are still open over Christmas, including The Dragon rollercoaster and the ever-popular LEGO City Driving School. Little kids will especially love the DUPLO Dino Coaster, based on the beloved toddler toys, and the LEGOLAND Express train which takes you on a tour of the park.
You can meet Santa and his elves in LEGO form, before dropping into the grotto to meet Father Christmas himself and give him your Christmas wishes. Visitors get a special LEGO gift to remember their trip.
LEGOLAND’s Christmas attractions also include the Festival of Flurries show, a musical where the audience are encouraged to dance and sing along in a lively yuletide show. As you walk through the park, you may also spot the Nutcracker’s Marching Band, a group playing brass band versions of your favourite Christmas songs.
And of course, there are plenty of opportunities to play with the beloved brick toys, including Build to Give. For every LEGO heart built in the workshop, a LEGO set will be donated.
In addition to LEGOLAND Windsor, there are three European LEGO-themed parks, perhaps the most famous being in Billund, Denmark, the home of LEGO. Recently, LEGOLAND Deutschland in Germany announced they’d be adding a new Harry Potter land to their list of attractions, which will include Wizarding World-themed rides and accommodation. The park plans to release more information on this new land in the next 12 months.
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UNIVERSAL has finally been given the green light to open a theme park in the UK.
The famous film studios has been given planning permission to start building the theme park.
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The UK Universal has been given a special order to allow building works next yearCredit: Cover ImagesThe new theme park expects to be open in Bedford by 2031Credit: Universal
A Special Development Order (SDO) has been granted by the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, which allows the theme park to skip local planning procedures.
This means it will allow it to be built in the suggested location near Bedford.
Expected to start works in January 2026, the park could open as soon as 2031.
It will be the first Universal theme park for both the UK and Europe, with current resorts only across the US and Asia.
Local Labour MP Mohammad Yasin praised the “landmark moment,” adding: “The confirmation of planning permission for the Universal Destinations & Experiences Entertainment Resort Complex is transformational and will be felt for decades to come.”
Estimated to cost £6.6billion to build, it could attract as many as eight million visitors a year.
Little is currently known about what kind of themed lands and rides would open at the UK Universal.
Rumours suggest James Bond, Paddington and Lord of the Rings, Minions, Jurassic World, and Back to the Future.
It is unlikely to include Harry Potter due to licensing rules and the nearby Wizarding World of Harry Potter attraction in the nearby Leavesden.
Set across 662 acres, there will be four ‘zones’; the Core Zone, Lake Zone, West Gateway Zone and the East Gateway Zone.
The Core Zone is likely to be the entrance area, as well as where the theme park and waterpark will be.
Plans also include a 500-room hotel.
More accommodation and businesshotels will be at the Lake Zone, as well as an entertainment complex ans convention centre.
Then both the West Gateway Zone and the East Gateway Zone will be where guests arrive by train and car, with restaurants and hotels.
This is also like to be where the Entry Plaza area will be, as well as the parking and a 500-room hotel.
The park is expected to stay open all year round, unlike other UK theme parks like Alton Towers and Thorpe Park which only open on select dates like Christmas and New Year.
Not only that but it would have much longer opening hours, suggested to be 7am to 11pm.
It will also have a free-to-visit area where guests won’t need a ticket to enter.
Also included in the theme park plans are a new train station to cope with demand.
The new station would be part of the East West Rail (EWR) line, with train links to Oxford to Cambridge via Milton Keynes and Bedford.
If you’re bored of theme parks with long queues and greasy food, a new ‘luxury’ theme park will be opening in 2026 that promises a much more upmarket experience including “five-star hospitality”
BON – Beauty of Nature theme park is set to combine thrill rides with luxury holiday experiences(Image: VidantaWorld)
A day out at a theme park is hardly what you’d call a luxury experience. While it’s nice to enjoy a day of family-fun, having to queue for 30-second rides and fight the crowds isn’t exactly relaxing.
However, an upmarket resort chain now aims to elevate the average theme park experience. Billed as “the world’s first-ever luxury theme park”, BON (beauty of nature) is set to open in autumn of 2026 for guests of VidantaWorld Nuevo Vallarta in Mexico.
There are ambitious plans for this new theme park, which will eventually have multiple lands including 23 attractions, 25 restaurants, lounges, and shops across the site. It’ll feature both thrill rides and family-friendly options, as well as immersive experiences and playgrounds.
Guests of VidantaWorld Nuevo Vallarta, a resort featuring a 5-star hotel, golf course, and direct beach access, already have access to select attractions within the theme park. The park recently opened Cirque du Soleil LUDÕ, a spectacular water-based show that takes place in a custom-built theater costing $ 200 million (£ 148 million) for an immersive dinner experience. The theatre is surrounded by a wrap-around aquarium for a 360-degree undersea experience.
Two of the theme park’s seven planned lands are also open for guests to preview. There’s Wonder Bay, which includes a lake show and seasonal celebrations. Until January 11, a Christmas theme is in effect, featuring decorations, live performances, and festive meet-and-greets.
Adventure Valley is also open, featuring the serene Carousel of Colors and the family-friendly Time Quest. There’s also Tempest Towers, a ride that takes you to new heights before plunging you down, and Kids Cove playground with plenty for them to explore. Some of the park’s shops and restaurants are also open, offering visitors a glimpse of what the park will be like.
Once fully open, visitors will be able to enjoy rides such as the Tecuani Beast, set to be Latin America’s only double-launch coaster. This will have top speeds of 65mph and more airtime than any other rollercoaster in the region. Another attraction will be the floral-themed Floresta Drop, which will be a family-friendly ride.
There will also be a variety of eateries offering an elevated experience compared to the typical theme park fare. This includes authentic Mexican cuisine offerings, sushi restaurants, and American-style grills.
The park will also feature numerous surprises around every corner, including costumed entertainers, light shows, fireworks, and much more. The company VidantaWorld, who already have two beach resorts in Mexico and a mega yacht, want to create a “multi-generational” experience, with something for all ages.
The news comes as a popular European theme park is set to get a new world based on the Harry Potter series. LEGOLAND Deutschland in Germany confirmed the creation of a new Wizarding World based on J.K. Rowling’s popular franchise. Details will be released in the next 12 months and are set to include Harry Potter themed accommodation.
Disneyland Paris is also set to get a brand new attraction, and has confirmed that the World of Frozen, based on the Frozen movies, will open on March 29, 2026. The area is set to include a brand new ride, character meet and greets, new shows, and exclusive food and drink.
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A WORLD famous destination, often referred to as the unofficial eighth Wonder of the World, could be getting a new theme park.
The Ontario government has launched a new Destination Niagara Strategy which is a multi-billion dollar plan to transform Canada‘s top tourist spots into even better destinations.
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Niagara Falls could be getting a new theme park, as work begins on a new five-star hotelCredit: suppliedThe hotel will feature a spa. theatre and museumCredit: supplied
As part of the strategy, Niagara Falls could become the ‘Las Vegas of the North’ with the possible creation of a new theme park.
Other plans include redeveloping the Ontario Power Generating Station into a new tourist destination.
A huge wheel ride that visitors can see the falls from is also part of the project – and could be similar to the London Eye with views of the River Thames.
The Niagara Parks Marina will be updated, with plans of opening a restaurant, shop and outdoor patio area.
Work is already being carried out to convert the historic Toronto Power Generating Station in a five-star hotel – a first in the area.
The hotel is on the banks of the upper Niagara River and will have a craft brewery, museum, a spa, art gallery and a theatre.
In addition to this, there could be “multiple world-class casinos”, as well as “entertainment and top-tier dining options”.
Niagara’s casinos already attract over five million people and generate around €500million (£373million) every year.
The report states that it would “create new, world-class attractions, boost local arts and culture and improve the region’s transportation network.”
It hopes to welcome as many as 25million visitors a year, and double the region’s tourism.
It could even create $3billion (£2.3billion) for Ontario’s GDP.
Premier Doug Ford said: “Niagara is home to the world-famous Niagara Falls, one of the most iconic tourism destinations on earth, along with a host of world-class restaurants, wineries, hotels, cultural events and so much more.
“Our Destination Niagara Strategy will unlock the region’s full potential, supporting workers and creating new opportunities for tourists and families from Ontario and around the world to come and experience the best that the region has to offer.”
Sam Oosterhoff, MPP for Niagara West said: “This transformative investment in Niagara as a world-class, four-season tourism destination is another example of how our government is protecting Ontario.
“This critical support for our regional tourism strategy will not only attract more visitors from coast to coast across North America, but from around the globe.”
In the future, the destination could see even more new attractions and visitor experiences – though details are limited.
Little details have been released about the theme park, but there will be more casinosCredit: suppliedBack in August, a new Niagara Takes Flight experience openedCredit: Jam Press/Niagara Parks
More money will be invested in cultural events too and improving transport options in the region.
Also in the years ahead, there could be a new Niagara River Line attraction, which would be an electric tram through Queen Victoria Park.
Visitors would board capsules that would be suspended, allowing them to see Niagara Falls from a new angle.
Back in August, a new Niagara Takes Flight experience opened.
The $25million (£18.7million) flying theatre experience allows visitors to go on a journey along the Niagara River corridor, soaring across 34.8 miles of parkland including Lake Ontario and the edge of Lake Erie.
A recent visitor said: “This was the most fun we had at Niagara Falls!
“This simulation makes you feel as if you are really experiencing this adventure!”
In other theme park news, these are all the UK rides and attractions that we lost in 2025 and the exciting ones coming in 2026.
