New UK theme park rides 2026 with Bluey and PAW Patrol openings

UK theme park fans have much to look forward to in the coming year.

Numerous parks are set to reopen for the spring season within the next fortnight, whilst others are unveiling new rides and even entirely new themed areas. From adrenaline-pumping attractions to experiences based on children's television programmes, there are numerous forthcoming openings to mark in the diary.

Here's an overview of some of Britain's largest and most popular theme parks and what new experiences await visitors in 2026.

Paultons Park

Paultons Park is introducing an entirely new themed area to its layout. Valgard: Realm of the Vikings launches on 16th May, perfectly timed for half term.

It will feature three Viking-inspired attractions: Drakon, the park's first inverting rollercoaster featuring a dramatic vertical lift, Vild Swing, which will propel riders 39ft skyward, and Raven, a bobsled ride formerly known as the Cobra coaster, which has been reimagined to complement the theme, 

The new area will also feature a Viking-themed playground and dining hall, offering a truly immersive experience. Theme park enthusiasts can reserve Paultons Park tickets online for the opening day.

Paultons Park is arguably most renowned as the location of Peppa Pig World, and its new area is targeted towards older children and adults, introducing additional thrill rides to the park. However, if you're bringing younger visitors, be sure to visit Peppa Pig World to meet the family's newest member, Evie.

Chessington

Chessington's new World of PAW Patrol will arrive on the double, though a specific launch date remains unconfirmed. The park has announced a spring 2026 opening, featuring four attractions.

Chase's Mountain Mission, a family-friendly rollercoaster, Skye's Helicopter Heroes, offering youngsters an aerial adventure, and Marshall's Firetruck Rescue, where children can board a gleaming red fire engine.

Zuma's Hovercraft Adventure will be a 'drifter' attraction, set to become the first of its kind in Britain. Additionally, Rubble and Rocky's Playzone will allow children to "climb, slide, and explore."

Character meet-and-greets with the beloved pups will be available, and fans can even reserve an overnight stay in one of the PAW Patrol-themed rooms at Chessington's Azteca hotel. These vibrant rooms accommodate up to five guests and feature themed bunk beds for youngsters.

Alton Towers

Bluey the Ride: Here Come The Grannies! welcomes Alton Towers' visitors on March 28, perfectly timed for the Easter holidays. It's the world's first Bluey rollercoaster and will cater to young devotees of the programme.

Preview images for the attraction depict Bluey and Bingo dressed as the beloved grannies Janet and Rita, with the ride situated in the Heelers' back garden. Additional Bluey rooms are being introduced to the CBeebies Land hotel, with bookings available online for spring dates and beyond.

Adrenaline junkies can also experience the Toxicator, which launched last March. This vivid green rollercoaster propels riders skyward whilst spinning them at breakneck speed, delivering a heart-pounding thrill.

Blackpool Pleasure Beach

Come spring 2026, Blackpool Pleasure Beach will unveil Aviktas, a new £8.72 million gyro swing attraction. Standing at 138ft tall, it will claim the title of Britain's loftiest ride of its type.

Whilst a precise launch date has not been announced, enthusiasts can secure VIP passes for the inaugural event, guaranteeing first access to the new attraction.

The year 2026 also marks Blackpool Pleasure Beach's 130th anniversary. Throughout March, guests booking online ahead of time can obtain half-price admission, with eTickets priced at £30.

Alternatively, families can purchase four tickets for £100, granting unlimited access to the park's attractions for the day.

Crealy

Crealy will introduce two new attractions in 2026, with one potentially recognisable to theme park aficionados. Spring will witness the debut of Pirates' Plummet, an 80ft tall drop tower set to become the South West's highest ride.

Previously located at Paultons Park under the name Magma, the attraction is being reconstructed at the Devon theme park.

During summer, Rotor, an inverting air race attraction, will commence operations. The ride will rotate guests around and upside-down for an exhilarating adventure.

Neither ride has a confirmed opening date yet, though short breaks or tickets can be reserved via the Crealy website.

Pleasurewood Hills

Pleasurewood Hills changed hands last year, with new proprietors unveiling proposals for four fresh attractions to rejuvenate the family-oriented Suffolk theme park. The BBC reports that the proposed additions would feature Star Flyer (a 30-metre-high thrill ride), Spinning Coaster, Apple Coaster, and the Big Wheel.

Planning permission for these new attractions is anticipated in April, though no opening date has been confirmed should approval be granted.