New UK Rides and Attractions Coming in 2027 (& Beyond)

The UK theme park and attractions landscape is undergoing an unprecedented wave of transformation. Following a huge 2026 season packed with landmark additions like Paultons Park’s Valgard and Blackpool Pleasure Beach’s Aviktas, 2027 is shaping up to be one of the most remarkable years for UK theme parks in history.

From world-first gaming IPs brought to life in real-world theme park lands to record-breaking water coasters, major park revitalisations, and long-term mega-resort masterplans, here is our ultimate detailed guide to new UK rides and attractions confirmed and rumoured for 2027 and beyond.

We will continue to update this page as more official announcements, planning submissions, and construction milestones are revealed!

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Serpent’s Curse at Paultons Park (Valgard Expansion)

Following the landmark opening of Valgard: Realm of the Vikings in 2026, Paultons Park is wasting no time expanding its flagship Viking land. Confirmed to open in 2027, Serpent’s Curse will be one of the park’s largest single ride investments to date.

Manufactured by world-renowned ride builder MACK Rides, Serpent’s Curse is the UK’s first custom-built water coaster that seamlessly blends high-speed coaster drops with aquatic splash elements. Reaching a maximum structural height of 34.6ft, spanning 346ft of track, and hitting top speeds of up to 44mph, brave riders will embark on a dramatic voyage into the heart of the Viking realm. Encountering sweeping turns, dramatic twists, and a massive plunging drop directly into the lake below, a family-focused minimum height restriction of 1.1 metres ensures younger vikings can join the quest.

Alongside the headline water coaster, 2027 will also see the addition of Little Serpents, a dedicated junior attraction ensuring younger children can join in on the mythical Viking adventure. Serpent’s Curse will be fully included within standard Paultons Park entry tickets.

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Minecraft World & World-First Coaster – Chessington World of Adventures

In one of the most monumental theme park announcements in recent UK history, Chessington World of Adventures Resort will open Minecraft World in 2027 – a landmark £50 million multi-million-pound investment representing the world’s first fully immersive theme park land dedicated to the best-selling video game of all time.

Replacing and redeveloping the former Wild Asia section and glamping grounds, Minecraft World will translate digital blocks into real-world, life-sized exploration. The immersive expansion features:

• The Headline Coaster: A world-first, custom Intamin Multi Dimension Coaster featuring an indoor story-led show building, a rapid launch section, and dynamic track elements designed to mirror the game’s sense of exploration and jeopardy.
• Immersive Overworld Biomes: Chunky block-built pathways lined with glowing torches, TNT blocks, and physical representations of legendary “mobs” including Creepers, Zombies, Ghasts, pigs, and chickens.
• Interactive Adventures & Crafting: Interactive play zones where families can play, explore, and craft together, taking role-play beyond the screen.
• Themed Retail & Dining: A themed family dining venue alongside the planet’s largest dedicated Minecraft retail outlet, offering exclusive merchandise for the global gaming community.

This flagship addition promises to offer multi-sensory escapism for gamers, families, and thrill-seekers when real-life mode unlocks in 2027!

Plan Your Visit:

• The Park: Read our comprehensive guide to Chessington World of Adventures Resort.
• Official Source: Keep track of building milestones and sign up for exclusive behind-the-scenes construction updates directly via the Official Chessington Minecraft Page.
• Travel: Chessington is incredibly accessible, located just a 35-minute direct train journey from London Waterloo station.
• Accommodation: Turn it into a short break by staying at one of Chessington’s two themed on-site hotels, or look for nearby budget hotel options like Travelodge and regional holiday packages via Booking.com.

To preview the excitement surrounding this new land, watch this Minecraft World Theme Park Announcement featuring insights from Mojang Studios and Merlin Entertainments.

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MAJI at Flamingo Land Resort

Flamingo Land Resort in North Yorkshire is introducing MAJI, the newly rebranded, fully reimagined incarnation of the classic Lost River Ride water attraction.

Derived from the Swahili word for ‘water’, MAJI transports guests into a detailed African trading post environment, featuring makeshift safari camps, vibrant fruit stalls, and immersive show elements. The ride incorporates state-of-the-art sound and simulation technology by Simworx Ltd, alongside brand partnerships including Nuii ice cream.

With extensive testing completed using water and test dummies, staff training and final touches throughout 2026 set the stage for MAJI to become a flagship water attraction for the 2027 season and beyond.

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Lightwater Valley – Major Reinvestment & 2027 Additions

Following the acquisition of Lightwater Valley near Ripon by the Mellors Group (owners of Fantasy Island and Skegness Pier), big plans are quietly taking shape in North Yorkshire.

The video below charts the history of Höllenblitz, a large indoor rollercoaster ride owned by James Mellors, who is also the new owner of Lightwater Valley.

Lightwater Valley management has confirmed that at least 3 major rides are planned for installation by 2027. Rumours and park sightings point to several thrilling developments:

• Höllenblitz (Hell Flash): Rumours suggest Mellors Group could bring this legendary, world-record transportable indoor spinning roller coaster (housed in the former Raptor Attack complex site area) to the park. Featuring mine-train theming, freely spinning gondolas, and indoor light/laser effects, it would be a huge statement addition.
• Bling (Zierer Star Shape): Strong industry rumours suggest the former Bling ride from Blackpool Pleasure Beach (or a similar thrill flat ride in Mellors’ portfolio) could find a new home at either Lightwater Valley or Fantasy Island.
• Additional Potential New Additions: Also on their way back to the UK from Kuwait are Looping Star and Tsunami Roller coasters. Both of these rides were up for sale but would now make great additions for Lightwater Valley and would really put the North Yorkshire Theme Park back on the map.
• Eagle’s Claw Reconstruction: Rumours persist that the park’s popular KMG Afterburner flat ride, Eagle’s Claw, remains safely stored on-site and could be reconstructed for the upcoming season.
• The Ultimate Site Masterplan: Whispers suggest substantial proposals are being drawn up for the vast acreage where The Ultimate (previously the longest coaster in Europe) once stood.

Lightwater Valley Woodland Accommodation Development

Along with major new ride installations, Lightwater Valley is also preparing to make a significant move into on-site resort stays. Visitors to the North Yorkshire park will notice prominent banners erected near the former Pub in the Wood area, teasing: “Exciting News! Woodland Accommodation – Coming Soon!”

While the sign confirms that short-break accommodation is on the horizon under the Mellors Group ownership, plans for on-site holiday accommodation at Lightwater Valley have been in development for several years. Previously submitted masterplans by Bratherton Park Design Consultants outlined an extensive holiday village layout within the park’s scenic woodlands:

• 22 Twin Timber-Clad Units: Spacious 40ft x 20ft (14m x 6.1m) lodges.
• 73 Single Timber-Clad Units: 36ft x 12ft (10.9m x 3.7m) woodland lodges.
• 31 Glamping Pods: Compact 22ft x 9.5ft glamping units.
• Resort Infrastructure: Including a refurbished or rebuilt Pub in the Wood, dedicated play areas, reception facilities, and direct pedestrian links into the main theme park.

The appearance of the new signage indicates that the Mellors Group is actively breathing fresh life into these resort plans. Transforming Lightwater Valley into a staycation destination with high-quality woodland lodges and glamping pods would mark a major step in restoring the park as a top-tier regional theme park resort.

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River Caves Re-imagining at Blackpool Pleasure Beach Resort

A true icon of British amusement history is receiving a major transformation. Opened originally in 1905, the historic River Caves dark boat ride at Blackpool Pleasure Beach Resort is undergoing a full internal re-imagining.

Managing Director Amanda Thompson OBE confirmed that extensive repairs are underway to fix water leaks and redesign the ride boats, making them smaller, sleeker, and far more comfortable. While the beloved Egyptian and Angkor Wat scenes (which link visually to Aviktas) and the Blue Grotto will be restored and preserved, the rest of the ride will feature brand-new travel scenes inspired by global family travels, including new Far East and Latin America sections!

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Project Dojo & Imagination Theatre at LEGOLAND Windsor Resort

LEGOLAND Windsor Resort has submitted major planning proposals for two key additions aimed at 2027 and beyond:

🐉 Project Dojo (New Family Spinning Coaster)

Planned for the former site of the Viking River Splash, Project Dojo is set to bring a dynamic Mack Rides Family Spinning Coaster to the park. Reaching a height of 19.7 metres, design layouts confirm it is a direct clone of Masters of Spinjitzu, which opened at LEGOLAND Korea in 2025. Combining physical track twists with independently spinning cars, the ride features a central fire-breathing LEGO dragon element where NINJAGO fans harness elemental powers.

🎬 Imagination Theatre (Project Prism 4D Cinema)

Replacing the former Lego Studios 4D building and Sky Rider station, Project Prism will deliver a state-of-the-art 4D cinema experience housed within a modern building called the Imagination Theatre, complete with special physical effects, wind, lighting, and water sprays.

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Kynren – The Storied Lands Expansion & Victorian Village

The multi-phase expansion of Kynren – The Storied Lands in Bishop Auckland (County Durham) continues to gather momentum as one of the UK’s most ambitious historical theme park projects.

Following initial live-action stunt stages, future phases include the opening of an authentic indoor Victorian Village experience. Built directly around the extraordinary, historically significant Victorian collection relocated from the former Flambards Theme Park in Cornwall, the weatherproof space will feature over 40 authentic shops, artisan workspaces, atmospheric cobblestone streets, and character-led tableaus packed with thousands of genuine historic artefacts.

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Recap: Major UK Attractions Opened in 2026

Before looking ahead to 2027 and beyond, 2026 was a historic year for UK theme park investments and new visitor experiences. Here is a summary of the standout rides, lands, and major park developments that opened across the country:

Valgard: Realm of the Vikings – Paultons Park

Opened on May 16, 2026, Valgard: Realm of the Vikings marked Paultons Park’s largest single investment to date. The immersive Viking-themed area brought three major ride experiences to the Hampshire park:

• Drakon: Paultons Park’s very first inverting roller coaster, featuring a vertical lift hill and multiple inversion loops.
• Vild Swing: A UK ride debut from ART Engineering, propelling riders up to 12 metres high in a swinging, rotating thrill sensation without turning upside down.
• Raven: A complete retheme and reimagining of the classic Cobra bobsled roller coaster into the Valgard storyline.

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Aviktas – Blackpool Pleasure Beach Resort

Blackpool Pleasure Beach debuted Aviktas, an £8.72 million giant gyro swing ride featuring outward-facing seating. Standing as the largest ride of its type in the UK, it delivers high-thrill swings and panoramic views across the Blackpool coastline.

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PAW Patrol Land – Chessington World of Adventures

Chessington opened the UK’s first and only dedicated PAW Patrol-themed land. Covering 1.4 acres, the multi-million-pound preschool area introduced four family rides (including the Chase’s Mountain Mission coaster), interactive play zones, character meet-and-greets, themed dining, and retail.

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Bluey Roller Coaster – Alton Towers (CBeebies Land)

Alton Towers launched the world’s first Bluey-themed roller coaster within CBeebies Land, giving preschool children and families an accessible entry-level coaster experience starring the popular TV characters.

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Pleasurewood Hills – 4 New Attractions

Following its acquisition by Premier Attractions, Pleasurewood Hills in Suffolk invested significantly in four new family rides for 2026:

• Riptide: A 30-metre-tall Star Flyer swing tower offering panoramic views.
• Woody’s Wheel: A large entrance observation wheel.
• Barnyard Whirl: A 12-metre-tall spinning wild mouse roller coaster.
• Red Apple Run: A family caterpillar coaster for younger visitors.

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Lightwater Valley – Spinning Racer & Ownership Change

Acquired by Mellors Group, North Yorkshire’s Lightwater Valley added the Spinning Racer roller coaster (a Maurer spinning coaster formerly at Fantasy Island) as part of its ongoing park revitalisation.

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Kynren: The Storied Lands (County Durham)

Located in Bishop Auckland, Kynren – The Storied Lands opened as a major expansion of the live-action historical show, introducing immersive outdoor lands, dramatic set pieces, and live theatrical re-enactments.

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Pirate’s Plummet and Rotor – Crealy Theme Park

Devon’s Crealy Theme Park introduced Pirate’s Plummet, a family drop tower ride relocated from Paultons Park (where it previously operated as Magna before making way for Valgard). They also added Rotor: The South West’s First Inverted Ride.

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2027 & Future UK Attractions Comparison Table

Park / Attraction	New Ride / Development	Attraction Type	Target Year	Status
Paultons Park	Serpent’s Curse & Little Serpents	MACK Water Coaster	2027	Confirmed / Under Construction
Chessington World of Adventures	Minecraft World & Indoor Coaster	Immersive Land & Coaster	2027	Confirmed / Under Construction
Flamingo Land	MAJI (Lost River Rebrand)	Water Ride & Simworx FX	2026/2027	Testing / Opening Imminent
Lightwater Valley	3 New Major Rides (inc. Höllenblitz rumours)	Coasters & Thrill Rides	2027	Confirmed by Park (Details TBC)
Blackpool Pleasure Beach	River Caves Re-imagining	Historic Dark Boat Ride	2027	Confirmed / In Progress
LEGOLAND Windsor	Project Dojo & 4D Theatre	Spinning Coaster & Cinema	2027+	Pending Planning Approval
Kynren – Storied Lands	Victorian Village & Historic Lands	Indoor Living History Park	Phased 2027+	Under Construction
Alton Towers Resort	Project Horizon Enclosed Coaster	Indoor Thrill Coaster	2027+	Planning Approved / Modified
Therme Manchester	£250m Indoor Waterpark Resort	Mega Waterpark & Spa	2027/2028	Under Construction

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Looking Further Ahead – Future UK Mega-Projects

Beyond 2027, the long-term future of UK tourism and theme park resorts features several breathtaking multi-million-pound projects currently progressing through planning and construction phases:

Alton Towers Project Horizon (Enclosed Roller Coaster) & X-Sector

First approved in 2023 and recently modified in planning submissions, Project Horizon is a massive enclosed roller coaster development slated for the area behind The World of David Walliams at Alton Towers Resort. Housed inside a massive soundstage building, this potential secret weapon addition promises high-tech dark ride coaster elements. Concurrently, new structure developments are active within X-Sector to support future park storytelling.

Chessington Safari Lodges & Indoor Waterpark Resort

Merlin Entertainments has reaffirmed its commitment to completing 34 themed Safari Lodges north of the Wanyama Reserve, closely styled after the popular Woodland Village at LEGOLAND Windsor. Additionally, plans remain active for a major year-round indoor Waterpark Adventure extension featuring wave pools, infinity pools, slides, and an outdoor lazy river experience.

Therme Waterpark Manchester (£250 Million)

Work is progressing on the £250 million Therme Manchester waterpark resort. Spanning over 28 acres, this indoor tropical paradise will feature 35 waterslides, 25 indoor/outdoor pools, 30 saunas, swim-up bars, 1,500 palm trees, and a 10,000sqm botanical rose garden.

Thorpe Park Lakeside Hotel

Concept designs created by Bear Architects for Lakeside at Thorpe Park propose a brand-new 100-bedroom hotel overlooking the resort’s surrounding lakes. If developed, it will provide a premium accommodation experience to elevate Thorpe Park into a multi-day resort destination alongside the Thorpe Shark Cabins.

Paultons Park Holiday Village

Paultons Park, home of Peppa Pig World, is exploring plans to build its very first resort accommodation village. Environmental impact assessments outline a Scandinavian-inspired holiday village consisting of 85–95 lodge-style units set within landscaped grounds.

Universal Studios Great Britain (Bedford – 2031)

The biggest attraction story in European history continues as Universal Destination & Experiences progresses plans for Universal Studios Great Britain in Bedford. Target opening in 2031, the destination will feature a world-class theme park, immersive lands, a 500-room hotel, and a dedicated CityWalk retail, dining, and entertainment complex.

Puy du Fou UK (Oxfordshire)

Puy du Fou is planning a £600 million ride-free historical park near Bicester in Oxfordshire. Designed to open around 2029, the park will feature 4 period villages, 13 live-action historical shows, 3 themed hotels, and landscaped gardens, celebrating British history and storytelling.

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UK Theme Park Additions Archive (2022 – 2025)

Looking back at how UK theme parks have grown over recent years? Here is a quick snapshot of key roller coasters, rides, dark rides, and themed additions introduced between 2022 and 2025:

Year	Park / Attraction	Major Ride / Land Opened	Ride Type / Feature
2025	Thorpe Park Resort	Hyperia (Full Season Debut)	UK’s Tallest & Fastest Coaster (236ft, 81mph)
2025	Alton Towers Resort	Toxicator	High-Thrills Topspin Flat Ride
2025	Paultons Park	Ghostly Manor	Interactive Family Dark Ride
2025	Blackpool Pleasure Beach	Launch Pad	Family Drop & Bounce Tower
2025	LEGOLAND Windsor	Woodland Village	Themed Lodge & Glamping Resort
2024	Thorpe Park Resort	Hyperia	Mack Rides Hypercoaster
2024	Chessington World of Adventures	World of Jumanji	B&M Wing Coaster (Mandrill Mayhem)
2024	LEGOLAND Windsor Resort	Minifigure Speedway & Adventure Golf	Dual-Track Duelling Junior Coaster & Crazy Golf
2023	Blackpool Pleasure Beach	Valhalla Reimagined	High-Tech Reimagining of the Classic Dark Water Ride
2023	Alton Towers Resort	Nemesis Reborn & The Curse at Alton Manor	B&M Inverted Coaster Retrack & Immersive Dark Ride
2023	Paultons Park	Tornado Springs Expansions	Family Rides & Themed Additions
2022	Flamingo Land Resort	Sik	10-Inversion Intamin Roller Coaster
2022	Chessington World of Adventures	Shipwreck Coast	Rethemed Land & Barrel Bail Out

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Final Thoughts

From the world-first debut of Minecraft World at Chessington and Serpent’s Curse at Paultons Park to major revitalisations at Lightwater Valley and Blackpool Pleasure Beach, 2027 is shaping up to be an unbelievable year for UK theme park fans.

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