From preschool-focused attractions inspired by Bluey and PAW Patrol, to high-thrill additions like Viking-themed Valgard and the UK's tallest Gyro Swing Aviktas, there's something new or reimagined planned for visitors of all ages.

In this guide, we round up everything currently confirmed for 2026 — covering the biggest new rides, lands and attractions coming to UK theme parks. Whether you are planning family days out, keeping track of the latest coaster developments, or simply want to know what’s next for the UK theme park scene, this is your complete, independent overview.

As always, we’ll continue to update this page as more details are announced — including the opening dates, ride types, theme details and other confirmations — so you can stay informed when planning future visits.

Valgard: Realm of the Vikings — Paultons Park

Paultons Park is opening a bold new area for 2026 called Valgard: Realm of the Vikings — a major £12 million themed land aimed at older children, teens and families.

Key features:

• Drakon – a custom Gerstlauer Euro-Fighter coaster with a vertical lift and two inversions (the park’s first looping coaster), delivering a serious thrill while weaving through the heart of the land.
• Vild Swing – a 12 m-high flat ride, the first of its kind in the UK, providing intense swinging action.
• Raven – a rethemed version of the existing Cobra bobsled coaster, now woven into Valgard’s narrative.
• A Viking playground and Nordic-inspired dining hall add family appeal.

Valgard opens on 16 May 2026 adjacent to the Lost Kingdom area, marking one of Paultons’ most ambitious expansions to date.

Bluey Ride — Alton Towers Resort (CBeebies Land)

Where: Alton Towers Resort, Staffordshire
What’s coming: A brand-new Bluey-themed junior rollercoaster designed especially for preschoolers and families is set to open in Spring 2026 within CBeebies Land. This will be the world’s first Bluey ride, bringing the beloved Blue Heeler pup and friends to life on an accessible, fun coaster.

Alongside the ride, Alton Towers will continue to offer Bluey meet-and-greet experiences, a live show, and themed hotel room options in the CBeebies Land Hotel for fans wanting more immersive fun.

Why it’s big news:

• First Bluey ride in the world and a major draw for families with young children.
• Expands the park’s CBeebies Land appeal, solidifying Alton Towers as a top family destination.

PAW Patrol Land — Chessington World of Adventures Resort

Where: Chessington World of Adventures Resort, Surrey
What’s coming: In 2026, Chessington will open the UK’s first PAW Patrol-themed land, bringing Adventure Bay to life with vibrant theming and a focus on family fun. The new immersive land will include four PAW Patrol-themed rides, including an easy “my first rollercoaster,” interactive play zones, meet-and-greets with favourite pups, themed food outlets and a dedicated retail store.

Tailored for younger guests:

• Aimed at preschool-aged children (approx. 2–5 years).
• Extends Chessington’s family offering with multiple attractions in one themed area.

Insider tip: Before the official opening, PAW Patrol meet-and-greet experiences will start in spring 2025, keeping excitement high ahead of the full land launch.

Aviktas — Pleasure Beach Resort

Where: Pleasure Beach Resort, Blackpool, Lancashire
What’s coming: One of the most talked-about thrill additions for 2026 is Aviktas — a massive £8.72 million Gyro Swing ride reaching approximately 138 feet tall. This adrenaline-fuelled experience will swing riders up to 120° with outward-facing seating, delivering dramatic views and weightless thrills.

Why it matters:

• Set to be one of the tallest and most intense flat rides in the UK.
• Reinforces Blackpool Pleasure Beach’s reputation for high-thrill experiences.

Whether you’re chasing thrills or scenic seaside views, Aviktas adds a bold new landmark to the Pleasure Beach skyline.

Pirates’ Plummet — Crealy Theme Park & Resort

Where: Crealy Theme Park & Resort, Devon
What’s coming: Pirates’ Plummet is confirmed as a new family thrill ride opening in 2026 at Crealy. Although full technical details are still to be revealed, the ride promises an exciting adventure for families and continues Crealy’s push to broaden its attraction lineup.

Key points:

• Part of a wider expansion that includes two new attractions for 2026 — one being Pirates’ Plummet and another currently unannounced.
• The ride has been teased as a bold new family experience, aligning with Crealy’s reputation as the South West’s go-to park for kids and families.

The Storied Lands – Kynren

Where: Kynren, Bishop Auckland, County Durham
What’s coming: In Summer 2026, the award-winning Kynren live-action experience will expand into an entire daytime historical theme park called Kynren – The Storied Lands. Rather than traditional roller coasters or flat rides, this new park offers immersive live performances and large-scale shows depicting historical periods and legends — from Neolithic Britain and Viking battles to Victorian-era storylines and dramatic mythic tales.

Key points:

• Five initial live shows and immersive experiences — including epic Viking encounters, the dramatic Lambton Worm water stunt, the medieval horse spectacle Fina, a Victorian adventure, and The Lost Feather bird show.
• Daytime park focused on storytelling and performance rather than mechanical rides, creating a story-driven experience with actors, animals, and special effects.
• Located at the existing Kynren park site in Bishop Auckland, the new attraction leverages the success of the Kynren – An Epic Tale of England evening show and expands the destination’s appeal.
• Future expansion planned, with additional themed stories such as Excalibur, Robin Hood and the Tudors coming in later phases.

Lion Coast — Flamingo Land Resort

Where: Flamingo Land Resort, North Yorkshire
What's coming: The new Lion Coast area is part of a major reimagining of the park’s Lost River Ride and surrounding enclosures, blending animal exhibits and ride elements into a refreshed attraction zone.  The ride itself is set to open in 2026, having been upgraded to feature an 'Immersive Superflume' system, which will incorporate a 360° 3D film projection, 4D effects, physical platform drops from a motion base, and dynamic lighting within an enclosed tunnel section.

Although Flamingo Land hasn’t released formal 2026 opening details yet, hobbyist reports and local coverage indicate that Lion Coast — featuring lion and sea lion habitats integrated with the flume ride environment — represents a significant new passive attraction experience for visitors, tying wildlife encounters closer to the themed ride route.

This ride rework is expected to draw on Flamingo Land’s strengths in zoo-meets-theme-park entertainment, offering a unique crossover experience rather than a traditional coaster or flat ride.

Spinning Racer — Lightwater Valley

Where: Lightwater Valley Family Adventure Park, Ripon, North Yorkshire
What’s coming: In 2026, Lightwater Valley is adding Spinning Racer, a new spinning rollercoaster manufactured by Maurer Söhne. This ride will give guests a fun, dynamic coaster experience with cars that rotate freely during the ride, making for unpredictable movement and lots of replay value.

Key points:

• Type: Family-friendly spinning coaster with flowing layout and rotating cars.
• Manufacturer: Maurer Söhne (Xtended SC 2000 model).
• Height: Approx. 15.5 m, with compact footprint suitable for a wide range of guests.
• Experience: Delivers varying ride sensations every lap as cars spin independently — great for families and coaster enthusiasts alike.

This follows the recent acquisition of Lightwater Valley by Mellors Group, which has sparked expectations of future investment and new attractions at the park.

Three New Rides — Pleasurewood Hills

Where: Pleasurewood Hills, Lowestoft, Suffolk
What’s coming: When Pleasurewood Hills reopens for the 2026 season under its new owner Premier Attractions, it will unveil at least three new larger rides as part of efforts to revitalise the park and enhance its ride lineup.

Key points:

• Three (possibly four) new rides planned — the exact models and ride types are yet to be officially confirmed, but the expansions will form a major part of the park’s 2026 relaunch.
• Cannonball Express roller coaster relocation and update: Part of the renovation project includes potentially repositioning and upgrading this classic figure-eight coaster to improve ride flow and prominence.
• Park redevelopment: Improvements are expected not just in ride additions, but across facilities and guest experience as part of a broader transformation led by the Stokes family.
• Reopening date: The park is scheduled to reopen on 28 March 2026 with the new attractions in place.