Paultons Park, a beloved family theme park in Hampshire, continues to innovate and expand. In May 2025, the park introduced Ghostly Manor. A groundbreaking dark ride that marks a new chapter for immersive attractions in the UK. As anticipation grows, Paultons Park also prepares to launch its most ambitious project yet: a £12 million Viking-themed land called Valgard, Realm of the Vikings, set to open in 2026.
Ghostly Manor: The Park’s First Dark Ride
Ghostly Manor is the latest addition to Paultons Park’s lineup, offering a unique blend of interactive gameplay and spooky storytelling. Designed by Mack Rides, this £3.5 million attraction invites guests to help Dr. Kinley, a ghost hunter. Recapture escaped spirits using state-of-the-art laser guns as they journey through the haunted manor. The ride features a mix of physical sets, digital effects, and animatronics, creating an immersive experience for families and thrill-seekers alike.
Guests board four-person ride cars that rotate and spin through various themed scenes. Competing to score the highest points by zapping mischievous ghosts. The queue itself is heavily themed, with both indoor and outdoor sections, setting the stage for the adventure inside. Ghostly Manor is one of the UK’s most immersive dark rides, praised for its attention to detail and engaging gameplay.
Valgard: Realm of the Vikings Arrives in 2026
Looking ahead, Paultons Park is set to make its largest investment ever with the opening of Valgard, Realm of the Vikings, in spring 2026. This new land will target families with older children and teenagers, introducing two major rides and several themed attractions.
The centrepiece is Drakon, the park’s first inverting roller coaster, featuring a vertical lift hill, beyond-vertical drop, and thrilling inversions. Alongside Drakon, the Vild Swing will debut as the UK’s first 12-meter-high Art Wild Swing ride. Offering a unique experience not found elsewhere in the country. The popular Cobra coaster will be transformed and rebranded as Raven, adopting a bobsled theme to fit the Viking world.
Valgard will also include a Viking-themed playground for younger guests and a Nordic dining hall. Ensuring a complete themed experience for visitors of all ages. The new land will be located adjacent to the Lost Kingdom area, seamlessly integrating with the park’s existing attractions.
Future Plans and Continued Growth
Paultons Park’s commitment to enhancing guest experiences does not stop with Valgard. In 2027, the park plans to introduce another major thrill ride, described as a “water-related experience,” further expanding its appeal to thrill-seekers and families alike. The park has also submitted plans for a holiday village. Adding 85 to 95 lodge-style accommodations adjacent to Valgard, creating a resort-style offering with its own entrance and parking.
Since opening in 1983, Paultons Park has remained family-owned and operated, consistently investing in new attractions and themed areas. The addition of Peppa Pig World in 2011 marked a significant milestone, and the park now spans 140 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds. The Mancey family, who manage the park, continue to prioritize quality, guest satisfaction, and innovation with every new project.
Why Paultons Park Stands Out
Paultons Park distinguishes itself through meticulous theming, immersive storytelling, and a dedication to family-friendly fun. Each new attraction, from Ghostly Manor to the upcoming Valgard, showcases the park’s commitment to delivering memorable experiences. The park’s blend of cutting-edge technology and creative design ensures that every visit offers something new and exciting for guests of all ages.
With Ghostly Manor now open and Valgard, Realm of the Vikings on the horizon, Paultons Park continues to set new standards for UK theme parks. Families and thrill-seekers alike can look forward to even more adventures as the park expands its offerings and cements its reputation as a premier destination for entertainment and fun.