"Exciting new era" as thrilling new £12m Viking-themed world opens at Paultons Park - and there is still more to come
Thrilling new Viking area unveiled at Paultons Park
A thrilling new adventure can be had at Paultons Park thanks to a new £12m Viking-themed world which has opened to the public.
Enthusiastic guests - including TV’s Linda Robson - flocked to the Hampshire theme park today (Saturday, May 16) to be the first to take a step into Valgard: Realm of the Vikings - the attraction’s largest investment to date and sees the introduction of the park’s first inverting rollercoaster, Drakon.
The western side of the park has been transformed to create the new Viking-themed land which is aimed at families with older children and teenagers, complementing the park’s other attractions including the popular Peppa Pig World.
Theme Park enthusiasts and influencers rushed to be the first to ride park’s most thrilling coaster this morning, taking on the vertical lift hill and two upside-down twists.
Valgard also features Vild Swing, a UK-first ride that swirls riders 12 metres in the air, Raven which has seen the former Cobra roller coaster rethemed into a thrilling bobsled adventure, and the opening of a themed Feasting Hall restaurant, complete with a life-size Viking longship dining experience.
Marketing and technology director Lawrence Mancey said: “It is a massive moment to have a roller coaster at Paultons that goes upside down not just once, but twice - it is really cool.
“Obviously when you open something new you want more people to come and experience the park, but we have got lots of loyal fans that come every year to Paultons and we want to give them something new to enjoy.
“But we are not just for kids, we have got big roller coasters here, one that goes upside down - there is something for everyone here at Paultons for the whole family.
And, the opening of Valgard today is not the end of the ongoing investment at Paultons Park with Mr Mancey confirming that works ongoing for another new large ride.
“There’s more to come” he teased, with a water-based attraction set open next year which he said “is going to be a very, very cool ride”.
He explained: “Valgard will be growing in 2027 with the installation and opening of the UK’s first water coaster - a hybrid attraction of a rollercoaster and a water ride where you go around a rollercoaster in a ‘boat’ and have a huge splash down at the end.
“It will be the time this ride will be in the UK and we can’t wait to bring that to Paultons next year.”
Meanwhile, Valgard joins the other themed areas at Paultons Park which includes the Midwestern America themed Tornado Springs, famous for its thrilling Cyclonator ride and free-spinning Storm Chaser coaster, and the park’s dinosaur themed world, Lost Kingdom boasting the rollercoasters Flight of the Pterosaur and Velociraptor.
James Mancey, deputy managing director at Paultons Park, said the opening of Valgard and inclusion of Drakon “marks the start of an exciting new era for Paultons Park” which is looking to grow its appeal across all ages - including families with older children and teenagers.
“We are committed to continuing to offer a memorable experience for young guests, while also growing and becoming more adventurous alongside our fans,” he explained.
“As with everything we do at Paultons Park, we have designed and delivered Valgard with the whole family in mind. While brave warriors race around on Drakon and Raven, little ones will love our new play area, and the Vild Swing is a great introductory ride too. Valgard’s Feasting Hall provides a fantastic space for families to regroup and refuel together, before exploring the rest of Paultons Park.”
The addition of Valgard: Realm of the Vikings sees the attraction boast a collection of over 80 rides and attractions across its six themed worlds, with the park establishing its reputation as one of Britain’s top attractions.
It took home four gold trophies, including Theme Park of the year, Best Theme Park for Families, and Best Theme Park for Toddlers in the UK Theme Park Awards in 2025.
Valgard: Realm of the Vikings is open at Paultons Park now. To book tickets and find out more, visit paultonspark.co.uk.