Fantasy Island, the popular beachfront theme park located in Ingoldmells near Skegness, has announced it will reduce its operating schedule outside the peak summer season, closing on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Originally opened in 1995, the park has long been a major draw for tourists, particularly during the summer months when it remains open seven days a week. However, management has confirmed that from April through June and again in September, the park will now operate only from Wednesday to Sunday.
A spokesperson for Fantasy Island stated: “Whilst our rides remain open every day during the summer, we have made the decision to restrict our opening outside of this peak period.” The decision, they explained, stems from increasing wage demands and surging electricity costs, coupled with more cautious consumer spending patterns. These economic pressures have made it increasingly challenging for the park to maintain a sustainable operation throughout the entire week during non-peak months.
Outside of summer, the park also maintains a limited schedule in March and October, and remains closed entirely from December through February—an operational model that is consistent with many other seaside attractions across the UK, which often scale back hours during the off-season.
Despite these adjustments, Fantasy Island continues to offer a wide array of attractions, including major rollercoasters such as The Odyssey, The Millennium, and the Rhombus Rocket, as well as popular water rides like the log flume and river rapids. The site also hosts “Europe’s biggest seven-day market” featuring 320 stalls and offers on-site accommodations through the Fantasy Island Holiday Park, where guests can benefit from park discounts and wristbands.
The park, which faced administration in 2014, was bought out and reopened in 2021. Since then, it has remained operational and continues to invest in its offerings despite economic challenges.
Elsewhere in the UK, several coastal theme parks are also navigating seasonal changes, with some introducing new rides—including a new log flume set to open at another seaside destination this year.
