Pleasurewood Hills in Suffolk is celebrating a major milestone after being crowned Theme Park of the Year in the category for attractions that welcome under one million visitors annually. The prestigious accolade was announced at the annual UK Theme Park Awards ceremony held in Blackpool, reflecting both expert industry judgment and public votes.
Speaking in a recent interview with BBC Radio Suffolk, co-owner Freddy Stokes admitted that the win came as a welcome surprise. He noted that the national recognition confirms the management team is steering the park in the right direction during their inaugural season at the helm.
An Exciting Vision for 2027
Rather than resting on their laurels after a successful season, park owners are channelling their momentum into ambitious future developments. Stokes revealed that planning is already well underway for next year, featuring a substantial injection of fresh attractions designed to broaden the visitor experience.
Building on previous investments that focused heavily on larger thrill attractions, the upcoming expansion shifts attention towards family-friendly experiences. The 2027 lineup will officially introduce three brand new mid-range family rides alongside a dedicated children's ride, culminating in the creation of an entirely new themed area within the park.
"We are literally just getting started," Stokes shared during his radio interview, emphasising that these improvements form part of a long-term strategy rather than a single successful season. Loyal local visitors, season pass holders, and families were credited as vital pillars of this ongoing success.
Community Heart and Upcoming Halloween Events
Pleasurewood Hills has long held a cherished place in the hearts of local families, with generations visiting the park since childhood. Stokes expressed deep gratitude to the community and loyal fans whose support provided the confidence needed to continue investing and pushing forward throughout the year.
Before preparations for next season take centre stage, the park is gearing up for its major annual Halloween event. Staff and supporters have embraced the national award as a significant morale boost heading into the busiest autumn weeks.
Wipeout Update
Addressing recent operational challenges, Stokes discussed the unplanned shutdown of the popular Wipeout roller coaster following an incident that required assistance from Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service to evacuate riders. Confirming that no injuries were sustained, management praised the local emergency services for their exemplary handling of the situation on the day.
While investigations into the technical cause remain ongoing, the park has confirmed that replacement parts are awaited. Wipeout is scheduled to reopen to the public ahead of the busy Halloween holiday period.
