Paultons Park, the family-owned theme park in Hampshire’s New Forest, has unveiled plans for its most ambitious expansion to date: a £12 million Viking-themed area named Valgard – Realm of the Vikings, set to open in spring 2026. This new attraction aims to enhance the park’s appeal to families with older children and teenagers, complementing its existing themed areas such as Peppa Pig World, Lost Kingdom, and Tornado Springs.
New Attractions and Experiences
The centerpiece of Valgard will be Drakon, Paultons Park’s first inverting rollercoaster. Manufactured by Gerstlauer, this custom Euro-Fighter coaster features a vertical lift hill and two inversions, including the UK’s first zero-g stall, providing an adrenaline-packed experience for thrill-seekers. Additionally, the area will introduce Vild Swing, a 12-meter-high swing ride by ART Engineering, marking a UK first in its category. The park’s existing Cobra ride will be rethemed as Raven, a bobsled-style coaster that will intertwine with Drakon, enhancing the immersive Viking experience.
Beyond the rides, Valgard will feature a themed high-capacity restaurant and a new playground designed for younger visitors, ensuring that the entire family can enjoy the Viking realm. The park has also teased plans for a major water-related thrill ride to be added in 2027, further expanding the area’s offerings.
Strategic Expansion
The introduction of Valgard aligns with Paultons Park’s broader development strategy. In March 2025, the park submitted a planning application to construct a Scandinavian-themed holiday village adjacent to Valgard, featuring 85–95 lodge-style accommodations. This resort will offer a dedicated entrance and parking, enhancing the overall guest experience and encouraging longer stays.
James Mancey, Deputy Managing Director at Paultons Park, expressed enthusiasm about the expansion, stating, “Valgard promises an immersive, atmospheric, and action-packed experience for families and has been specifically designed to grow with our fans.” He emphasized that while the new rides cater to thrill enthusiasts, the park remains committed to providing experiences suitable for all ages.
With over 70 rides and attractions across its six themed worlds, Paultons Park continues to be a leading destination for family entertainment in the UK. The addition of Valgard – Realm of the Vikings is set to further solidify its reputation as a premier family-friendly theme park.
