Sunday, 18 May 2025 19:00

Ghostly Manor opens at Paultons Park: review & photos

Paultons Park has raised the bar yet again with the opening of Ghostly Manor, an all-new £3.5 million dark ride that marks an exciting first for the Hampshire theme park.

Launched on 17 May 2025, Ghostly Manor is not only Paultons’ first-ever indoor dark ride—it’s also one of its most immersive and ambitious attractions to date.

From the moment you approach the ride, it’s clear that Ghostly Manor has been designed with great care and consideration. Housed within the former 4D cinema building, the manor blends seamlessly into its surroundings—as if it’s always been part of the park’s charming landscape. This sense of belonging continues inside, where an impressively detailed queue sets the tone for the adventure ahead. The attention to detail in theming here is among the best in the park, immersing guests in the mysterious lore of Dr. Kinley and his haunted estate.

Ghostly Manor introduces guests to the world of Phantom Phasers—interactive ghost-catching devices used to recapture mischievous spirits that have escaped from the manor. Each four-seater ride vehicle takes visitors through a series of richly themed scenes, where players aim to rack up points by zapping ghosts projected across elaborate set pieces.

The ride storyline is charming and well-paced: while famed ghost hunter Dr. Kinley is away chasing an elusive ice ghost in the Arctic, it’s up to you to deal with the mayhem back home. Highlights include cute character designs, a fun, catchy soundtrack, and the challenge of capturing the ride’s most elusive ghost, ‘Ohjee’, who appears throughout the ride in increasingly tricky-to-hit moments.

Developed in partnership with Lagotronics Projects, Mack Rides, Leisure Expert Group and Themics, Ghostly Manor is the UK’s first Gameplay Theater—a next-generation take on the interactive dark ride. The technology used behind the scenes allows for smooth transitions between media projections and physical sets, enhanced by special effects and strong scenic design.

Ghostly Manor is an outstanding addition to Paultons Park’s already impressive lineup of family attractions. The ride strikes a perfect balance between spooky fun and family-friendly thrills, making it ideal for guests aged 5 and up. With brilliant gameplay, great use of space, and a highly repeatable experience, this is a ride that families will want to enjoy again and again.

Paultons Park has long been known for its high standards and well-themed experiences, and Ghostly Manor only strengthens its reputation. It's not just a new ride—it's a sign of the park’s growing ambition and its continued commitment to delivering memorable experiences for all ages.

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