The five coastal theme parks in the UK with new rides and attractions opening this year
THINGS have come a long way since the earliest fairground carousels and miniature railways to grace seaside resorts.
These days, visitors to theme parks expect adrenalin-packed coasters, buzzing entertainment and great street food.
Lisa Minot looks at five seaside favourites and tells you what’s new for 2024 . . .
PLEASURE BEACH RESORT, BLACKPOOL
AS one of the most famous coastal theme parks in the UK, this attraction has changed its name to Pleasure Beach Resort this year to reflect the huge scale of its offering — from thrill rides and fairground attractions to two hotels, a theatre, ice arena, golf course and more.
Running since 1896, the site has more miles of coaster track than any other theme park in the UK.
At the resort, thrill-seekers will find Nickelodeon Land.
It has 12 themed rides based on characters and shows from the famous children’s channel, including the hair-raising Avatar Airbender coaster.
The park also features The Big One, the UK’s tallest ride, and its newest, Icon, is the UK’s only double-launch coaster — where riders can feel the same G-Force as in a Formula 1 car.
This year there are more live shows, including high-tech, stilt-walking LED Glowbots.
There will also be more fireworks nights and rides after dark throughout the season.
And you can get FREE park tickets, saving up to £180 for a family of four, if you book in at their Boulevard Hotel on a Thursday or Sunday night.
A one-night stay in a family room is from £157.25 on May 2, including free park tickets.
See boulevardhotel.co.uk.
Tickets are from £36.25 if booked in advance at blackpoolpleasurebeach.co.uk.
ADVENTURE ISLAND, SOUTHEND-ON-SEA
ENTERTAINING holidaymakers for more than a century, expect more than 40 rides and attractions as well as cafes, restaurants, side shows and arcades at this park.
The Time Machine ride has had a revamp, with all-new theming, and there is a new 38-metre drop tower coaster coming for adrenaline junkies.
The attraction will stand taller than the City Wheel.
It is free entry, then you pay for the rides individually, or buy a day wristband from £20.
Those aged 14 or over go for free if accompany-ing a child under 120cm.
You can book wrist bands in advance at adventureisland.co.uk.
Visitors can stay at the new Premier Inn Southend On Sea (Eastern Esplanade), a five-minute drive from Adventure Island, from £43 per night. See premierinn.com.
PLEASURE BEACH, GREAT YARMOUTH
OPEN since 1909, Pleasure Beach is home to 26 rides and was named one of the best seaside attractions in the country last year.
Visitors can experience three new attractions.
The Polar Epress, replacing the 20-year-old Mulan coaster, will see guests ride on one of 20 cars.
The carousel-like Race-O-Rama is for younger guests.
And the 52ft Ghost Ship will open in May. Other additions include Robinson Crusoe at the 4D cinema.
But the main attraction is the wooden rollercoaster, one of only two left in the UK.
The ride, which opened in 1931, still has a seated operator who controls the brakes.
Tickets cost £21 for unlimited rides all day, or £15 for kids under seven.
Evening admission costs £15, and children under three go free. See pleasure-beach.co.uk.
For a beachfront stay, Haven’s Seashore Holiday Park offers three nights in a Bronze two-bed caravan from £489 in total, sleeping up to six. See haven.com.
FANTASY ISLAND, SKEGNESS
THE multi award-winning Fantasy Island is just a stone’s throw from the beach and has exciting rides in its Discovery and Adventure lands, as well as plenty to keep tiny tots happy in Little Explorer.
New for 2024, their Spinning Coaster family favourite ride will be revamped and turned into Spinning Mouse XXL, expanded to include two extra drops.
Those feeling brave can try The Odyssey, a 2,942ft-long rollercoaster that soars 167ft high and reaches speeds of 62mph, and The Millennium, with its two terrifying vertical loops.
There are also go-karts, bowling, adventure golf, live performances on the Island Beach and free fireworks displays in the summer.
For shopaholics, it is home to Europe’s largest seven-day market.
Fantasy Island’s holiday park offers three nights in a Bronze caravan this May from £290 for up to six, including four wristbands for unlimited rides, golf and bowling.
You can also buy wristbands in advance from £14.50 or pay for individual rides from £2.50.
For details about how to book, see fantasyislandresort.co.uk.
DREAMLAND, MARGATE
ONE of the UK’s original theme parks, Dreamland dates to the railway boom of the early 1870s.
With the Kent town of Margate becoming ever more popular, Dreamland is thriving — offering a winning mix of vintage-inspired amusements, tasty street food and live music.
The park has the oldest roller-coaster in the UK, the wooden Scenic Railway.
There are three new rides — Pirate Ship, Noah’s Ark and Cups and Saucers — for kids.
Last year the resort welcomed a new Rock n’ Roller coaster as well as a crazy golf course and the Margate Express, a tiny train ride for younger guests.
For a grown-up stay, the Selina Margate on the seafront is a 4H boutique hotel with cafe and live music.
Ensuite double rooms from £61 per night in May. See selina.com.
Entry to Dreamland is free then you buy tokens for rides. See dreamland.co.uk.