UK Theme Park Awards 2021
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UK Theme Park Awards
UK Theme Park News
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Splash Lagoon is now open at Paultons Park
New water ride Splash Lagoon has officially opened in the Lost Kingdom at the award-winning family theme park, Paultons Park.
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Nominations open for UK Theme Park Awards 2024
We are pleased to confirm that the UK Theme Park Awards will return in 2024, with the British public able to nominate in all 22 categories.
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£10 billion investment in potential Universal Studios UK
It has been revealed that the potential Universal Studios theme park in the UK would be a £10 billion investment in the country.
UK Theme Park Awards 2022
NEW: Guide to the reopening of UK theme parks
Starting on the 4th July, theme parks in England will begin to reopen, providing that they can do so safely. Attractions in Scotland and Wales will follow.
UK theme parks are reopening with a range of new health and safety measures, that seek to reduce the risks associated with the presence of COVID-19.
We'll be updating this page regularly with the latest updates from every theme park in the UK.
Adventure Island
Reopening date: 4th July
Closed rides/attractions: TBC
Face masks: TBC
Other changes: TBC
Advance booking: TBC
Adventure Wonderland
Reopening date: 4th July
Closed rides/attractions: All indoor play areas
Face masks: Optional
Other changes: Reduced capacity
Advance booking: Required
Alton Towers
Reopening date: 4th July
Closed rides/attractions: The Alton Towers Dungeon, Hex, Duel
Face masks: Required on selected rides (Nemesis, Galactica, Oblivion, The Smiler, Wicker Man, Rita, TH13TEEN, Enterprise, Blade, Runaway Mine Train, Marauder’s Mayhem)
Other changes: Reduced capacity
Advance booking: Required
We’re Good To Go ✓ Industry Standard
Blackgang Chine
Reopening date: TBC
Closed rides/attractions: TBC
Face masks: TBC
Other changes: TBC
Advance booking: TBC
Blackpool Pleasure Beach
Reopening date: 4th July
Closed rides/attractions: Impossible, Chinese Puzzle Maze, Thompson Carousel, Alpine Rally, Dodgems
Face masks: Required on selected rides
Other changes: New e-Ticket instead of ride wristbands and a new online food ordering system is being developed allowing guests to order a selection of food during their visit from their mobile phone which can be collected at a designated time and location
Advance booking: Required
We’re Good To Go ✓ Industry Standard
Brean Theme Park
Reopening date: 4th July
Closed rides/attractions: TBC
Face masks: TBC
Other changes: TBC
Advance booking: Optional
Camel Creek Adventure Park
Reopening date: 4th July for Annual Pass holders, 11th July all other visitors
Closed rides/attractions: TBC
Face masks: TBC
Other changes: TBC
Advance booking: Recommended
Chessington World of Adventures
Reopening date: 4th July
Closed rides/attractions: Temple of Mayhem, Canopy Capers, Dragon's Playhouse, Room on the Broom - A Magical Journey, AMAZU
Face masks: Required on selected rides (Vampire, KOBRA, Scorpion Express, Tuk Tuk Turmoil)
Other changes: Reduced capacity
Advance booking: Required
We’re Good To Go ✓ Industry Standard
Codonas
Reopening date: TBC
Closed rides/attractions: TBC
Face masks: TBC
Other changes: TBC
Advance booking: TBC
Crealy Theme Park & Resort
Reopening date: 6th July
Closed rides/attractions: All indoor attractions
Face masks: Optional
Other changes: Reduced capacity
Advance booking: Required
Diggerland Devon
Reopening date: 11th July
Closed rides/attractions: Indoor play areas and the Little Tikes play zone are all closed until further notice.
Face masks: Diggerland encourages all guests to wear a face mask for their own health and safety, although it is not mandatory. Some rides will need visitors to wear a face mask. All of our staff will be wearing face coverings. Face masks are not required for any children under the age of 6 and for people with certain health conditions and/or disabilities.
Other changes: Reduced capacity
Advance booking: Recommended
We’re Good To Go ✓ Industry Standard
Diggerland Durham
Reopening date: 11th July
Closed rides/attractions: Indoor play areas and the Little Tikes play zone are all closed until further notice.
Face masks: Diggerland encourages all guests to wear a face mask for their own health and safety, although it is not mandatory. Some rides will need visitors to wear a face mask. All of our staff will be wearing face coverings. Face masks are not required for any children under the age of 6 and for people with certain health conditions and/or disabilities.
Other changes: Reduced capacity
Advance booking: Recommended
We’re Good To Go ✓ Industry Standard
Diggerland Kent
Reopening date: 11th July
Closed rides/attractions: Indoor play areas and the Little Tikes play zone are all closed until further notice.
Face masks: Diggerland encourages all guests to wear a face mask for their own health and safety, although it is not mandatory. Some rides will need visitors to wear a face mask. All of our staff will be wearing face coverings. Face masks are not required for any children under the age of 6 and for people with certain health conditions and/or disabilities.
Other changes: Reduced capacity
Advance booking: Recommended
We’re Good To Go ✓ Industry Standard
Diggerland Yorkshire
Reopening date: 11th July
Closed rides/attractions: Indoor play areas and the Little Tikes play zone are all closed until further notice.
Face masks: Diggerland encourages all guests to wear a face mask for their own health and safety, although it is not mandatory. Some rides will need visitors to wear a face mask. All of our staff will be wearing face coverings. Face masks are not required for any children under the age of 6 and for people with certain health conditions and/or disabilities.
Other changes: Reduced capacity
Advance booking: Recommended
We’re Good To Go ✓ Industry Standard
Drayton Manor
Reopening date: 4th July for Thomas Land and selected family rides, 18th July for the rest of the park
Closed rides/attractions 4th - 17th July: The Bounty, Maelstrom, Air Race, Shockwave, Polperro Express, Buffalo Coaster, Pandemonium, Apocalypse, Drunken Barrels, Sheriff's Showdown, Dodgems, The Haunting, Emily's Adventure Play, 4D Cinema, Bryan's Museum, Thomas Exhibition, Meerkat Manor, Stormforce 10, Terrence's Driving School, Tiny Tots Play Farm, Zoo Experiences
Closed rides/attractions from 18th July: Shockwave, Dodgems, The Haunting, Emily's Adventure Play, 4D Cinema, Bryan's Museum, Thomas Exhibition, Meerkat Manor, Stormforce 10, Zoo Experiences
Face masks: Required on some rides
Other changes: A virtual queue app for all rides and selected catering outlets
Advance booking: Required
We’re Good To Go ✓ Industry Standard
Dreamland Margate
Reopening date: 2021
Closed rides/attractions: N/A
Face masks: N/A
Other changes: N/A
Advance booking: N/A
Drusillas Park
Reopening date: 26th June (zoo only), 4th July (rest of the park)
Closed rides/attractions: TBC
Face masks: Recommended
Other changes: Reduced capacity
Advance booking: Recommended
Fantasy Island
Reopening date: 4th July
Closed rides/attractions: TBC
Face masks: Recommended
Other changes: Reduced capacity
Advance booking: Recommended
We’re Good To Go ✓ Industry Standard
Flambards
Reopening date: 18th July
Closed rides/attractions: Space Race and the indoor play area
Face masks: Recommended
Other changes: Reduced capacity
Advance booking: Recommended
We’re Good To Go ✓ Industry Standard
Flamingo Land
Reopening date: 15th June (zoo only)
Closed rides/attractions: Aquarium, Reptile River, Peter Rabbit meet and greet, play areas
Face masks: Recommended
Other changes: Reduced capacity
Advance booking: Recommended
Funland Hayling Island
Reopening date: 4th July
Closed rides/attractions: TBC
Face masks: TBC
Other changes: TBC
Advance booking: TBC
Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach
Reopening date: 11th July
Closed rides/attractions: TBC
Face masks: Optional
Other changes: On entrance to the park, you will have unlimited access to the rides during the 3-hour time slot you have chosen
Advance booking: Required
We’re Good To Go ✓ Industry Standard
Gulliver's Kingdom
Reopening date: 18th July
Closed rides/attractions: TBC
Face masks: Required on all rides and play attractions
Other changes: Reduced capacity
Advance booking: Required
Gulliver's Land
Reopening date: 4th July
Closed rides/attractions: TBC
Face masks: Required on all rides and play attractions
Other changes: Reduced capacity
Advance booking: Required
Gulliver's Valley
Opening date: 11th July
Closed rides/attractions: TBC
Face masks: Required on all rides and play attractions
Other changes: Reduced capacity
Advance booking: Required
Gulliver's World
Reopening date: 4th July
Closed rides/attractions: TBC
Face masks: Required on all rides and play attractions
Other changes: Reduced capacity
Advance booking: Required
Harbour Park
Reopening date: 4th July
Closed rides/attractions: TBC
Face masks: TBC
Other changes: Reduced capacity
Advance booking: Recommended
Joyland
Reopening date: 4th July
Closed rides/attractions: TBC
Face masks: Optional
Other changes: There is now a one way system around the park
Advance booking: No
We’re Good To Go ✓ Industry Standard
Landmark Forest Adventure Park
Reopening date: TBC
Closed rides/attractions: TBC
Face masks: TBC
Other changes: TBC
Advance booking: TBC
LEGOLAND Windsor
Reopening date: 4th July
Closed rides/attractions: Dragon’s Apprentice (until 2021), Haunted House Monster Party (until 2021), S.Q.U.I.D. Surfer (until 2021), Laser Raiders, Scarab Bouncers, Model Making Studio, Sky Rider, LEGO Games Zone, LEGO Reef
The list of closed attractions is being closely monitored and the park are hoping to open more rides and experiences throughout the summer
Face masks: Required on selected rides (The Dragon, Mia’s Riding Adventure, Jolly Rocker, Spinning Spider, LEGO City Deep Sea Adventure, Merlin’s Challenge)
Other changes: Return to Skeleton Bay is postponed until further notice and DUPLO Valley Theatre will be closed
Advance booking: Required
We’re Good To Go ✓ Industry Standard
Lightwater Valley
Reopening date: 18th July
Closed rides/attractions: The Ultimate, Raptor Attack, Apollo and indoor play areas
Face masks: Required on some rides
Other changes: Reduced capacity
Advance booking: Required
M&D's Scotland's Theme Park
Reopening date: 24th August
Closed rides/attractions: Cosmic Bowl 10-Pin Bowling and Krazy Congo Soft Play
Face masks: Required on some rides
Other changes: New three-hour ride sessions
Advance booking: Required
Oakwood Theme Park
Reopening date: 20th July
Closed rides/attractions: TBC
Face masks: TBC
Other changes: Reduced capacity
Advance booking: TBC
Ocean Beach Pleasure Park
Reopening date: 20th July
Closed rides/attractions: TBC
Face masks: Optional
Other changes: TBC
Advance booking: No
Paultons Park - Home of Peppa Pig World
Reopening date: 4th July
Closed rides/attractions: Show Street 4D Cinema, indoor play areas and water splash parks
Face masks: Optional
Other changes: A virtual queue system is being developed for the Paultons Park app in order to reduce the time guests spend in queues and to assist with social distancing
Advance booking: Required
We’re Good To Go ✓ Industry Standard
Pettitts Animal Adventure Park
Reopening date: 4th July
Closed rides/attractions: Some indoor attractions
Face masks: Recommended
Other changes: Reduced capacity
Advance booking: Recommended
We’re Good To Go ✓ Industry Standard
Pleasurewood Hills
Reopening date: 4th July
Closed rides/attractions: TBC
Face masks: TBC
Other changes: Reduced capacity
Advance booking: Required
Southport Pleasureland
Reopening date: 11th July
Closed rides/attractions: Updated list of rides and attractions available on website
Face masks: Required for some rides
Other changes: Unlimited rides all day for one admission price
Advance booking: Required
Sundown Adventureland
Reopening date: 4th July
Closed rides/attractions: Indoor play areas
Face masks: Optional
Other changes: Reduced capacity
Advance booking: Required
The Big Sheep
Reopening date: 7th July
Closed rides/attractions: TBC
Face masks: Optional
Other changes: Reduced capacity
Advance booking: Required
The Milky Way Adventure Park
Reopening date: 11th July
Closed rides/attractions: Little Stars, Planet Play, Ninja Stars, Fantasy Farm, Balloon Room, archery tuition and indoor shows
Face masks: Required on some rides
Other changes: Reduced capacity
Advance booking: Required
Thorpe Park
Reopening date: 4th July
Closed rides/attractions: Derren Brown's Ghost Train, The Walking Dead: The Ride, Angry Birds 4D, Jungle Escape
Face masks: Required on Stealth, The Swarm, Nemesis Inferno, Colossus, SAW - The Ride, Flying Fish, Detonator, Samurai, King Pig’s Wild Hog Dodgems, Samurai, Vortex, Zodiac, Mr Monkey’s Banana Ride, Storm in a Teacup, Rocky Express and Quantum
Other changes: Reduced capacity
Advance booking: Required
We’re Good To Go ✓ Industry Standard
Twinlakes
Reopening date: 4th July
Closed rides/attractions: Indoor play areas and water park
Face masks: Advised
Other changes: Reduced capacity
Advance booking: Required
We’re Good To Go ✓ Industry Standard
Watermouth
Reopening date: TBC
Closed rides/attractions: TBC
Face masks: TBC
Other changes: TBC
Advance booking: TBC
West Midland Safari & Leisure Park
Reopening date: 4th July
Closed rides/attractions: The Twilight Cave, Lemur Woods, Lorikeet Landing and Goat Park
Face masks: Optional
Other changes: No animal feeding
Advance booking: Required
We’re Good To Go ✓ Industry Standard
Wheelgate
Reopening date: 4th July
Closed rides/attractions: Indoor play areas, water park, Falconry Centre, Carousel
Face masks: Optional
Other changes: Reduced capacity
Advance booking: Required
Wicksteed Park
The Wicksteed Charitable Trust, which owns Wicksteed Park in Kettering, has launched a new fundraising appeal in a bid to save the park.
Woodlands
Reopening date: 6th July
Closed rides/attractions: All indoor play areas and rides within the buildings will remain closed until further notice
Face masks: Optional
Other changes: Reduced capacity
Advance booking: Required
NEW: Guide to Halloween at UK Theme Parks 2020
With the Halloween season quickly approaching and plenty of spooktacular events to choose from, we've rounded up this year's highlights at UK theme parks.
Many theme parks in the UK will be offering a range of frightful events, including Scarefest at Alton Towers, Fright Nights at Thorpe Park, Howl'o'ween at Chessington World of Adventures, Brick or Treat at LEGOLAND Windsor and More Treat Than Trick at Drayton Manor.
All UK theme parks will put in place health and safety measures that seek to reduce the risks associated with the presence of COVID-19.
We'll be updating this page regularly with the latest updates from every theme park in the UK.
Adventure Island - Fright Fantastic
Dates: 26th - 31st October 2020
Event lineup:
- Trick or Treat Hut
- Halloween Treasure Hunt
- Themed entertainment on their stage
- Best Dressed Competition
- Free Spooky Face Painting
Advance booking: Recommended
Adventure Wonderland - The Home of Halloween
Dates: 24th October - 1st November 2020
Event lineup:
- Spooky Halloween Show 'The Cheshire Cat’s Pumpkin Party'
- Live Action Scare Maze 'Into the Woods'
- The Monster Minions (on 28th October)
Event changes: Half Day Tickets (choose AM or PM)
Advance booking: Required
Alton Towers - Scarefest
Dates: 9th - 11th October & 16th October - 1st November 2020
Event lineup:
- Freak Show: Toxic Junkyard (NEW)
- The Attic: Terror of the Towers
- Altonville Mine Tours
- The Alton Towers Dungeon
- Garden Lights Walk: Whispering Souls (NEW)
- Darkest Depths
- CBeebies Land Monster Ball
- Freaky Fun Zone
Advance booking: Required
We’re Good To Go ✓ Industry Standard
Blackgang Chine - Terror Island
Postponed until 2021
Blackpool Pleasure Beach - Journey To Hell Freak Nights
Postponed until 2021
Camel Creek Adventure Park - Halloweek
Dates: 24th - 31st October 2020
Event lineup:
- Cryptic Corner
- Trick or Treat
- Apple Jack Pumpkin Patch
- House of Horror
- Witch's Grotto
- Bug Ball
- Stable Surprise
- The Monster Minions (on 26th & 27th October)
Advance booking: Required
Chessington World of Adventures - Howl'o'ween
Dates: 17th October - 1st November 2020
Event lineup:
- The Forgotten Forest
- Creepy Caves: Resurgence
- Your favourite attractions come to life
- Rides in the dark
Advance booking: Required
We’re Good To Go ✓ Industry Standard
Codonas - Scare Nights
Dates: Weeekends in October 2020
Event lineup: This year scare actors will be located throughout the park
Event changes: No indoor walkthrough
Advance booking: Required
Crealy Theme Park & Resort - Halloween
Dates: 24th October - 1st November 2020
Event lineup:
- Witches of the Wilderness
- Singing Pumpkins
- Scare Crow Scare Maze
- Tik & Tok's Terrifying Tricks
- Buddy & Blossom's Scare Bear Show
Advance booking: Required
Drayton Manor - More Treat Than Trick
Dates: 17th - 31st October 2020
Event lineup: With plenty of fang-tastic treats for the little ones including over 100 rides and attractions, you can enjoy a great family day out this October Half Term.
Advance booking: Required
We’re Good To Go ✓ Industry Standard
Dreamland Margate - Screamland
Postponed until 2021
Drusillas Park - Halloween Shriek Week
Dates: 24th October - 1st November 2020
Event lineup:
- Creepy Crawler Encounters
- Frightful Fancy Dress
- Pumpkin Pandemonium
- Spooktacular Decorations
Advance booking: Required
Fantasy Island - Fear Island
Dates: 10th - 31st October 2020
Event lineup:
- DisturbIAM
- House of Voodoo
- The Haunting (NEW)
- Fear Island Mountain Show
- Circus of Screams
- Ghoul Skool
Advance booking: Required
We’re Good To Go ✓ Industry Standard
Flamingo Land - Halloween Half Term
Dates: 10th October - 1st November 2020
Event lineup:
- Twilight Kids Rides
- Stalk In the Park
- Fancy Dress Competition
- Riverside 13 Live Production
- Trick or Treat Trail
- Spooktacular Fireworks Display (on 14th, 17th, 24th & 31st October)
Advance booking: Required
Funland Hayling Island - Firework & Fright Night
Dates: 31st October 2020
Event lineup:
- Hayling’s Haunted Hospital
- The Screaming Hills Asylum
- Firework Display
Event changes: 1 night only
Advance booking: Required
Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach - Fairground Frights
Dates: 28th - 31st October 2020
Event lineup: Halloween event with live actors, pumpkin carving, fancy dress competitions as well as many other surprises and scares.
Advance booking: Strongly recommended
We’re Good To Go ✓ Industry Standard
Gulliver's Kingdom - Scare Safari
Dates: 24th - 31st October 2020
Event lineup: Look out for some seriously spooktacular surprises, wicked witches and perilous pirates as well and your favourite family rides & attractions. They've got your Halloween adventure covered with spooky shows, terrifying tricks and plenty of treats.
Advance booking: Required
Gulliver's Land - Scare Safari
Dates: 24th October - 1st November 2020
Event lineup: Look out for some seriously spooktacular surprises, wicked witches and perilous pirates as well and your favourite family rides & attractions. They've got your Halloween adventure covered with spooky shows, terrifying tricks and plenty of treats.
Advance booking: Required
Gulliver's Valley - Spook Safari
Dates: 24th October - 1st November 2020
Event lineup: Look out for some seriously spooktacular surprises, wicked witches and perilous pirates as well and your favourite family rides & attractions. They've got your Halloween adventure covered with spooky shows, terrifying tricks and plenty of treats.
Advance booking: Required
Gulliver's World - Spook Safari
Dates: 24th October - 1st November 2020
Event lineup: Look out for some seriously spooktacular surprises, wicked witches and perilous pirates as well and your favourite family rides & attractions. They've got your Halloween adventure covered with spooky shows, terrifying tricks and plenty of treats.
Advance booking: Required
LEGOLAND Windsor - Brick or Treat
Dates: 15th October - 1st November & 6th - 8th November 2020
Event lineup:
- The Haunted Lighthouse Halloween Show (NEW)
- Halloween photo opportunities
- LEGO pumpkin heads
Advance booking: Required
We’re Good To Go ✓ Industry Standard
Lightwater Valley - Spooky Fun
Dates: 24th - 31st October 2020
Event lineup:
- Younger visitors will love taking a trip down Trick or Treat Street for the chance to get some sweet treats and practicing their aim on the Ghoul Shoot target practice.
- Venture into the Abandoned Theatre and walk through spooky scenes with animatronics and projections of wicked witches and friendly ghosts.
- Whilst enjoying thrills and chills on the family fun rides be sure to keep an eye out for the 13 hidden ghosts lurking around the park and meet and greet some creepy characters.
Event changes: Frightwater Valley is not going ahead.
Advance booking: Required
Oakwood Theme Park - Spooktacular
Cancelled
Event lineup:
- Dismantled (NEW)
- Alone (NEW)
- Teddy Bear's Picnic (NEW)
- Witch Hunt
Advance booking: Required
Paultons Park - Happy Halloween
Dates: 15th October - 2nd November 2020
Event lineup:
- Peppa and George's spooky Halloween makeover
- The Legend of Paultons Manor - All singing and dancing extravaganza
- Goulish fun - see Pickles the Pumpkin and the rest of the spirit squad!
Event details:
- Shows from 24th October - 1st November 2020
- Late night openings on the 27th and 29th October 2020
- Happy Halloween included in normal admission price
Advance booking: Required
We’re Good To Go ✓ Industry Standard
Pleasurewood Hills - Pleasurewood Chills
Dates: 24th October - 1st November 2020
Event lineup:
- Shaft 13 (NEW)
- Hell Express (NEW)
- Train of Tiny Terrors
- Pumpkin Carving
- Slime Workshop
Advance booking: Required
Sundown Adventureland - Halloween Fun
Dates: 17th October - 1st November 2020
Event lineup: The fun starts with the all-new Picture Pumpkin Puzzle. Explore the park (enjoying the rides and attractions on the way) and find the eight hidden Pumpkins and tick them off your Pumpkin Puzzle List. When you have found them all, head over to the Pumpkin Patch Cafe to trick a member of the Sundown Team and get yourself a sweet treat as a reward.
Advance booking: Recommended
We’re Good To Go ✓ Industry Standard
The Big Sheep - Halloween Festival
Dates: 24th October - 1st November 2020
Event lineup: Carve your own pumpkin to take home while stocks last, then try your hand at the witches flying school. Challenge the family to spot all the friendly spooks and beasties as you take a ride on the ghost train. With the Rampage roller coaster, all-weather play barn with slides, tunnels and ball pits, your little ones will be spookily entertained all day.
Advance booking: Required
Thorpe Park - Fright Nights
Dates: 9th - 11th October & 16th October - 1st November 2020
Event lineup:
- Roots of Evil - Scare Maze (NEW)
- Platform 15 - Scare Maze
- Creek Freaks: Unchained - Scare Zone (NEW)
- The FEARSTIVAL Arena - Scare Zone (NEW)
- The Howling of LycanThorpe High - Scare Zone (NEW)
- THE SWARM: INVASION - Scare Zone (NEW)
- Terror at Amity High - Scare Zone
- Screamplexx Cinema
- The Crows (NEW)
Advance booking: Required
We’re Good To Go ✓ Industry Standard
Twinlakes - Xtreme Scream Park
Dates: 9th October - 1st November 2020 (selected dates)
Event lineup:
- Ash Hell Penitentiary
- HooDoo VooDoo
- Belvoir Manners (NEW)
- The Pie Factory
- The Village
- Street Theatre
Advance booking: Required
We’re Good To Go ✓ Industry Standard
West Midland Safari & Leisure Park - Spooky Spectacular
Dates: 10th October - 1st November 2020
Event lineup: Brimming with Halloween decorations including illuminated, themed scarecrows and hundreds of pumpkins. Take part in the brand new Scratchcard Trail to see if you can solve the Mystery of the Pumpkin Thief! Those who complete the trail will earn a sweet treat!
Advance booking: Required
We’re Good To Go ✓ Industry Standard
