Paultons Park is getting a major facelift with its new £12m Viking-themed expansion set to open in 2026. The new area, named ‘Valgard’, is geared towards families with older kids and teens. One of the highlights will be the park’s first inverted roller coasters, a feature typically seen at Alton Towers and Thorpe Park. Additionally, visitors can look forward to the thrilling ‘Vild Swing’ ride that will send riders swirling 12 meters in the air. The beloved Cobra ride will also undergo a transformation into a bobsled adventure and will be renamed Raven to fit in with its new Viking village surroundings. To cater to all ages, Valgard will include a big themed restaurant and a new playground for younger children.
Getting to Paultons Park from London is a breeze, with the park located in Ower, within The New Forest in Hampshire. It’s about a two-hour drive from South London, where visitors can take the M25 to Junction 12, then hop onto the M3 until Junction 13. From there, take the exit for Southampton Docks/Bournemouth and merge onto the M27. Paultons Park is conveniently situated off exit 2 of the M27, near the edge of the New Forest National Park. Just follow the brown tourist signs along the motorway to reach your destination.
While an exact opening date for Valgard has not been confirmed yet, Paultons Park has announced that the gates will swing open in Spring 2026. Excitingly, another major ride is also in the works for 2027, although details are being kept tightly under wraps for now. The recent announcement was made alongside the launch of Ghostly Manor, a new £3.5m ride at the park. James Mancey, Paultons Park’s deputy managing director, expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming expansion, stating that Valgard promises an immersive and action-packed experience for families. He highlighted the addition of inversions and a vertical lift hill on Drakon, which will surely up the adrenaline levels at the park. Despite the thrills, the new Viking village will still offer something for everyone in the family.
Ghostly Manor, the latest ride aimed at younger children at Paultons Park, invites riders to explore a supernatural world filled with eerie apparitions and haunted artifacts. The ride takes visitors through the home of paranormal investigator, Dr. Kinley, testing their ghost-hunting skills in a family-friendly haunted house setting. James praised the collaboration with top technical and theming experts in creating Ghostly Manor, ensuring that the haunted house seamlessly integrates into the park’s atmosphere. With its entertaining paranormal activity, Ghostly Manor is expected to be a hit with guests of all ages.
So, if you’re looking for a mix of thrills and family-friendly fun, Paultons Park’s upcoming Valgard expansion is one to watch out for. With new rides and experiences on the horizon, the park is gearing up to offer an unforgettable adventure for visitors of all ages. Not really sure why this matters, but the park’s commitment to providing a well-rounded experience for families sets it apart as a must-visit destination. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or looking for a more laid-back day out, Paultons Park promises something for everyone.
