£12 MILLION VIKING-THEMED WORLD OPENS AT PAULTONS PARK

Valgard: Realm of the Vikings is open NOW at the UK’s number one theme park

Guests at Paultons Park, the UK’s top theme park as awarded at the 2025 UK Theme Park Awards, have been the first to experience the attraction’s new £12 million themed world, Valgard: Realm of the Vikings which opened today, Saturday 16th May 2026.

Valgard is Paultons Park’s largest investment to date and sees the introduction of the park’s first inverting rollercoaster, Drakon. The new Viking-themed land is aimed at families with older children and teenagers, complementing the park’s other attractions, including Peppa Pig World.

Theme Park enthusiasts rushed to be the first to ride park’s most thrilling coaster this morning, taking on the vertical lift hill and two upside-down twists.

Jack and Jordan were among the first guests to ride Drakon. Jack said: “It was incredible, it’s absolutely an amazing ride. I’m lost for words really.” Jordan added: “It was so smooth, it feels insane. It’s one of the best rides in the country.”

Valgard also features Vild Swing, a UK-first ride that swirls riders 12 metres in the air, and Raven, a thrilling bobsled adventure that complements the Viking village experience.

The opening of Valgard also revealed Paultons Park’s new highly themed Feasting Hall restaurant, complete with a life-size Viking longship dining experience and curated menu.

Paultons fans Mia and Zara shared their thoughts on the Feasting Hall experience. Mia said: “The theming is incredible; I love the horns on the chandeliers, the tapestry, the shields, everything is immaculate, and the food is incredible too. As a history lover, I’m very happy to see that the space is quite historically accurate too!” Zoe added: “You feel like you’ve gone back in time; it’s like I’m sitting here among the Vikings. It’s amazing, and so intricate; everywhere you look, literally, there’s something.”

James Mancey, deputy managing director at Paultons Park, said: “We are thrilled to have opened the gates to Valgard: Realm of the Vikings today. The launch of this attraction and reveal of our most thrilling rollercoaster to date marks the start of an exciting new era for Paultons Park. We are committed to continuing to offer a memorable experience for young guests, while also growing and becoming more adventurous alongside our fans.

“As with everything we do at Paultons Park, we have designed and delivered Valgard with the whole family in mind. While brave warriors race around on Drakon and Raven, little ones will love our new play area, and the Vild Swing is a great introductory ride too. Valgard’s Feasting Hall provides a fantastic space for families to regroup and refuel together, before exploring the rest of Paultons Park.”

Paultons Park prides itself on being a destination for all the family. The addition of Valgard: Realm of the Vikings sees the attraction boast a collection of over 80 rides and attractions across its six themed worlds. Valgard joins Midwestern America themed Tornado Springs, famous for its thrilling Cyclonator ride and free-spinning Storm Chaser coaster, and the park’s dinosaur themed world, Lost Kingdom.

Paultons Park – the home of UK exclusive Peppa Pig World - remains one of Britain’s top attractions, having taken home four gold trophies, including Theme Park of the year, Best Theme Park for Families, and Best Theme Park for Toddlers in the UK Theme Park Awards in 2025. Paultons Park was also named by Tripadvisor as the eighth best-rated amusement park in the world and the fourth best in Europe. In addition to an extensive family offering, Paultons Park offers free parking, free entry for children under 1 metre, and some of the lowest ride queue times in the UK.

Valgard: Realm of the Vikings is open at Paultons Park now. To book tickets and find out more, visit paultonspark.co.uk.

-Ends-

Ends

Editors notes

Photo credits to Paultons Park

Paultons Park

Family-run theme park Paultons Park opened in 1983. The park covers 140 acres and has more than 80 rides and attractions including Jurassic-themed attraction Lost Kingdom, Midwest America-themed Tornado Springs, and Valgard: Realm of the Vikings, which opened in May 2026.

Paultons Park was named by Tripadvisor as the eighth best-rated amusement park in the world and the fourth best in Europe in 2025. Paultons Park took home an astonishing 10 trophies in the 2025 UK Theme Park Awards, including the highest accolade, Theme Park of the Year, further cementing its status as the UK’s favourite theme park.

The family owned and operated park won seven gold awards including Best New Attraction for its UK first indoor dark ride, Ghostly Manor, and the Best Customer Service trophy. Recognising its leading space in the UK theme park landscape, the attraction also won gold awards for Best Theme Park for Families and Best Theme Park for Toddlers (large).

The family theme park, located in Ower on the edge of the New Forest, has been rated ‘excellent’ by over 7,500 paying guests to date. The attraction boasts a 4.5 out of 5 Tripadvisor score from over 10,000 reviews.

Peppa Pig World

UK exclusive and world first, Peppa Pig World, is located at family theme park Paultons Park in Hampshire and opened in 2011.

There are now nine rides including Miss Rabbit’s Helicopter Flight, Peppa’s Big Balloon Ride, Grandpa Pig’s Little Train Ride, Grandpa Pig’s Boat Trip, Daddy Pig’s Car Ride, George’s Dinosaur Adventure, Windy Castle, The Queen’s Flying Coach Ride and Grampy Rabbit’s Sailing Club. Other attractions within Peppa Pig World include Peppa’s House, Mr Potato’s Playground and Muddy Puddles, a water splash park.

Press enquiries to:

Leila Willingham at Liz Lean PR

paultons@lizleanpr.co.uk

01202 701828