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Exact dates UK's 10 biggest theme parks reopen in 2026 - full list
Reach Daily Express | January 25, 2026 11:40 PM CST

With spring just around the corner, here are all the reopening dates for the UK's biggest theme parks

From adrenaline-filled rollercoasters at Alton Towers and Thorpe Park to more relaxed family fun at Legoland, the UK is full to the brim of incredible theme parks for Brits to enjoy, at any age. Plus, with spring just a few short months away now, many are gearing up for this year's reopenings.

Whether you are already planning day outs for the family during the February half-term or the Easter holiday, or simply curious about what is new, here is a full list of all of the UK's biggest theme parks and their opening days for 2026. Several parks are opening with new attractions, including Bluey and Paw Patrol and CBeebies Land and Chessington, respectively, as well as an exciting new rollercoaster at Paultons Park. There may even be a couple of tips on how to bag yourself up to half price on tickets.

Alton Towers - Main season from March 14

Found near the town of Alton, Staffordshire, lies Alton Towers Resort, home to a large theme park with rollercoasters, family rides, a waterpark and themed hotels. With over 40 rides to choose from, it is also the home of CBeebies Land.

What's new: Families can look forward to a brand-new Bluey ride opening in CBeebies Land this spring.

Opening dates:

- February half term - limited opening with access to Mutiny Bay, CBeebies Land and Towers Street, plus live entertainment.

- March 14 - Main park opens for the season.

Ticket prices: Day tickets during peak periods start at £34pp when pre-booked, saving you 50% off the on-the-gate price.

Located in Chertsey, Surrey, Thorpe Park is known for its exciting roller coasters and water rides. Just outside of the ULEZ zone, it is easily accessible by train from London Waterloo via Staines. It is home to Hyperia, the UK's tallest and fastest coaster, as well as the ten-looping Colossus and the inverted coaster Nemesis Inferno.

Opening dates: March 27 - park reopens for the year.

Ticket prices: You can pre-book tickets online from £33 (usually £66) during peak opening days.

Legoland Windsor - Main season from March 14

Legoland is celebrating its 30th birthday this year. The park is found in Windsor, Berkshire and is home to the new Minifigure Speedway duelling coaster, the immersive Flight of the Sky Lion and Miniland, filled with iconic LEGO models.

What's new: To celebrate its birthday, special events and themed activities are planned throughout the year.

Opening dates:

- February 14-23 - for February half term.

- March 14 - reopens for the main season.

Ticket prices: Start from £32 with advanced bookings, saving you more than half the walk-up price.

Chessington World of Adventures - Main season from March 20

Found southwest of London in Chessington, Surrey, Chessington World of Adventures is home to a theme park, zoo and SEA LIFE centre and is easily reachable by car or train via Chessington South station. It boasts attractions that blend thrilling rides with animals like the immersive Tiger Rock log flume with real tigers, as well as Mandrill Mayhem - the park's first inversion in the World of Jumanji.

What's new: A new Paw Patrol-themed land is set to open this spring, designed especially for younger visitors, featuring rides and attractions inspired by the popular TV series.

Opening dates:

- Zoo and SEA LIFE - Open year-round.

- March 20 - full theme park reopens.

Ticket prices: Tickets booked online start from £34 for full park access, a 48% saving compared with on-the-gate prices.

Drayton Manor - Main season from April 1

Drayton Manor is located in Drayton Bassett, near Tamworth, Staffordshire and features a theme park, zoo, and hotel. It is a popular family destination, particularly as it is home to Europe's only Thomas the Tank Engine Land. The theme park has over 50 rides and attractions, while the 15-acre zoo is home to big cats, primates and more.

What's new: The park is mixing things up during February half term with a K-pop takeover, adding live performances and themed entertainment alongside selected rides.

Opening dates:

- January 24, 25, 31, February 1, 7, 8 - soft play, train rides and zoo.

- February 14-23 - selected rides open during half term, including a K-pop takeover

- Weekends of March 14; daily from April 1 - main theme park opens

Ticket prices: Online prices start from £27.50 (£15 for those aged two to three), saving nearly 40% compared with the £45 on-the-door ticket price.

Paultons Park - Full opening March 25

Paultons Park, on the edge of the New Forest National Park just south of Southampton, is a popular family theme park known for its rides and attractions, including the famous Peppa Pig World. It blends the gentle magic of Miss Rabbit's Helicopter and Grandpa Pig's Boat with thrilling family coasters in areas like Tornado Springs and Lost Kingdom for older kids.

What's new: The biggest addition for 2026 is Valgard: Realm of the Vikings, a new themed land opening in May that brings Norse mythology to life with immersive design and a Viking-themed roller coaster.

Opening dates:

- February 7 - open Friday to Monday, with some rides closed.

- March 25 - full daily opening.

Ticket prices: Advanced bookings start from £46.75 (usually £61.50), saving more than 30% per person.

Blackpool Pleasure Beach - March 7

Located on Ocean Boulevard, South Shore in Blackpool is a famous seaside resort town known for its amusement parks and attractions. It's situated on the promenade, right by the beach, making it easily accessible by car and clearly signposted. Its Big Dipper is an absolute classic, originally built in 1923 and listed as a Grade II building in 2017.

What's new: For 2026, Blackpool Pleasure Beach's major new attraction is Aviktas, a towering £8.7 million Intamin Gyro Swing, set to become the UK's tallest of its kind, reaching 138 feet and dramatically altering the park's skyline, providing thrilling views and drawing guests into the North Park area.

Opening dates:

- February 14-22 - Nickelodeon Land opens.

- March 7 - full park opening.

Ticket prices: Online advance booking offers significant savings, from £30 to £35 compared to gate prices (up to £50 to £60). There are also discounts for off-peak and return visits.

Flamingo Land Resort - February half term; full opening March 21

Flamingo Land Resort is located in Kirby Misperton, Malton, in North Yorkshire and is home to a unique combination of theme park, zoo and holiday resort. Opened in 2022, 'Sik' is Flamingo Land's latest high-thrill Roller Coaster featuring an incredible 10 inversions. Opened in 1959, it has been owned and operated by the Gibb family since 1978.

What's new: For 2026, Flamingo Land Resort is focusing on a major refurbishment of its Lost River Ride, which will feature a new ride system and a unique motion-platform section, with a potential opening this year following testing.

Opening dates: March 21 - full park reopens for the year.

Ticket prices: Standard entry is around £45-58, but it is cheaper when booked seven days in advance or for off-peak visits. Also, keep an eye out for BOGOF offers.

Pleasurewood Hills - March 28

Pleasurewood Hills is a family theme park located in Suffolk on the east coast of England, between Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft. Set on a 59-acre site, it offers various rides, shows and attractions, including roller coasters, water rides, and entertainment for all ages, including the Pirate Ship and the Woodland Express miniature railway.

What's new: For 2026, Pleasurewood Hills, under new ownership by Premier Attractions, aim to add several new rides, with speculation pointing to standard funfair-style attractions or even a thrilling new coaster.

Opening dates: March 28 - scheduled full reopening.

Ticket prices: Booking online in advance is cheaper than gate prices, at around £19.50 compared to £27.50. Savings are also available through Tesco Clubcard codes, NSTA discounts and VIP Pass offers.

Dreamland Margate - April 2026

Dreamland is located in Margate, Kent, on the coast and features vintage rides, a roller disco, events, and, unlike many in the UK, a free-to-enter park with pay-per-ride tickets for attractions. The Big Wheel is among its best rides, offering great views of the park and beach, alongside the new Wild River log flume.

What's new: This year, expect a huge summer season packed with live music, featuring headliners like Kesha and David Gray. It is also hosting K-POP LIVE, a tribute show featuring K-pop hits, choreography and idols.

Opening dates: Exact date TBC, but expect it to be open in April for the Easter holidays.

Ticket prices: Dreamland Margate is free to enter, but rides require payment via wristbands or tokens. Mega Wristbands cost around £24.99 for unlimited rides.


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