A New Viking-Themed Land Is Coming to One of the UK’s Best-Known Theme Parks

If your idea of a perfect theme park day involves a little mythology, a little mayhem and at least one genuinely thrilling ride, you’ll want to know what’s coming to the UK’sPaultons Park next year.

Located in southern England near the New Forest, Paultons Park is one of the UK’s best-known family theme parks—especially famous for being home to Peppa Pig World, which has made it a go-to destination for families with younger children.

Starting May 16, 2026, the park will debut Valgard: Realm of the Vikings, a brand-new Viking-themed land that will be more of a swing toward older kids, teens and grown-up thrill seekers.

Related: Barbie-Maker Mattel to Build Indoor Water Parks in Five U.S. Cities

View this post on Instagram

Paultons Park is consistently ranked among the most popular theme parks in the UK, drawing visitors for its mix of family rides, landscaped grounds and increasingly ambitious roller coasters. Valgard will open next to the park’s Lost Kingdom area and marks one of its boldest yet, bringing what’s easily the park’s most intense lineup of attractions to date.

The centerpiece is Drakon, a custom Gerstlauer Euro-Fighter coaster and the park’s first-ever inverting coaster. Riders climb a vertical lift hill before plunging into a beyond-vertical drop, then race through twisting track that intertwines at high speeds with Raven—an existing bobsled coaster that’s being fully reimagined and reborn with a Viking theme.

Valgard also introduces something entirely new to the UK: the Vild Swing, a 12-meter-high ride designed to feel like you’re being flung straight into battle. Add in a Viking-themed adventure playground and a Nordic-inspired feasting hall, and the land is built to feel like a place you explore, similar to Universal Studio’s themed lands.

Related: The U.K. Is Officially Getting a Universal Studios Theme Park

Height and age guidance will be shared closer to opening, but bravery is very much part of the brief. Valgard and all of its rides will be included with standard park admission once the land opens.

Looking ahead, Paultons Park is also planning a nearby holiday village with 85 to 95 lodge-style accommodations adjacent to Valgard, signaling a move toward longer, resort-style stays. And while nothing’s confirmed yet, fans are already speculating about what could come next—including the possibility of a water ride opening in 2027.

For a park long associated with gentle rides and family-friendly charm, Valgard: Realm of the Vikings is one that could put Paultons Park on a lot more thrill-seekers’ radars.

Related: Formula One–Inspired Theme Park Set to Open in Texas in 2026