From spooky spectacles to billion-pound investments, 2025 has been a landmark year for UK theme parks. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, a family adventurer, or a theme park blogger, there’s something for everyone in this jam-packed roundup of the latest developments.
🏆 Theme Park of the Year: Paultons Park Takes the Crown
At the UK Theme Park Awards 2025, Paultons Park was crowned Theme Park of the Year, winning 10 awards including Best New Attraction for the spooky interactive dark ride Ghostly Manor. The ride invites guests to help a ghost hunter capture runaway spirits using “phantom phasers,” blending storytelling and tech in a family-friendly experience.
🎢 Alton Towers: Bluey Coaster & Scarefest Surprises
Alton Towers is making headlines with the announcement of the world’s first Bluey-themed roller coaster, set to open in Spring 2026 in CBeebies Land. Meanwhile, Scarefest 2025 is in full swing, featuring two new scare attractions: Edge of the Forest and Dark Hollow, plus the return of fan-favorite mazes like Altonville Mine Tours.
🧱 LEGOLAND Windsor: A Grand Entrance and Brick-tastic Fun
LEGOLAND Windsor unveiled a spectacular new entrance portal this summer, designed to immerse guests in LEGO magic from the moment they arrive. The park also continues its popular Brick or Treat Halloween event, with themed shows, trick-or-treat trails, and the mischievous LEGO Monsters hosting spooky parties.
🐾 Chessington World of Adventures: PAW Patrol Land & Halloween Howl’o’ween
Chessington is building a brand-new PAW Patrol Land, set to open in 2026, featuring a roller coaster and themed play areas for preschoolers. This October, the park’s Howl’o’ween event includes new shows like Spelltacular! and Rising Flame, plus the Enchanted Hollow Trick or Treat Trail.
🏴☠️ Crealy Theme Park: Pirates’ Plummet Incoming
Crealy in Devon is celebrating 25 years of its first coaster, Maximus, by announcing two new rides for 2026, including the thrilling Pirates’ Plummet. This marks a major expansion for the park, which continues to grow its reputation as a family-friendly destination.
🌍 Universal Studios UK: A Billion-Pound Dream in Bedfordshire
Universal Destinations & Experiences has submitted plans for its first-ever UK theme park and resort, to be built in Bedfordshire. The government has pledged £500 million in infrastructure support, with projections of 8.5 million visitors in the first year and a £50 billion economic impact by 2031.
🎃 Halloween Across the UK: Frights and Family Fun
Halloween 2025 has been one of the biggest yet, with parks pulling out all the stops:
• Thorpe Park’s Fright Nights: Featuring scare mazes like Lucifer’s Lair and nighttime rides on Hyperia.
• Blackpool Pleasure Beach: Hosting the terrifying Journey to Hell event.
• Drayton Manor: Offering Monsters & Magic for younger guests.
• Adventure Island: Running Fright Fantastic with treasure hunts and eerie entertainment.
🛠️ What’s Coming Next?
Looking ahead to 2026 and beyond:
• Valgard: Realm of the Vikings at Paultons Park, featuring the Drakon coaster.
• Project Refresh at Chessington, possibly Minecraft-themed.
• Project Horizon at Alton Towers, rumored to be an indoor coaster.
• Safari Lodges at Chessington, expanding overnight stay options.