As the 2026 theme park season in the UK draws to a close, it’s time to look into the future and discuss what’s going to open next season. Some openings are confirmed, others are rumoured, and some projects are even further out. So, here is some of what’s in store for the 2027 season and beyond.
What’s Opening in 2027?
Serpent’s Curse – Paulson Park
Opening Date – 2027
Details:
This is the UKs first & only custom-built Mack Water Coaster. Opening as an expansion of the existing Viking-themed Valgard area this season. This rollercoaster will feature a water splashdown at the end and will be a family thrill attraction overall. Alongside this, a smaller ride called Little Serpents will open as a junior attraction. We all know and love Paultons Park for their theming, so I’m sure this is another one to watch in that front.
Minecraft World & Hotel- Chessington World of Adventures
Opening Date – 2027
Details:
This is the world’s first themed area dedicated to Minecraft, with, of course, the world’s first Minecraft-themed rollercoaster as well. This area will feature interactive attractions, themed dining & merchandise. This whole land has cost a great big £50 million to build. The former Aztec Hotel will also transform into a Minecraft Hotel, with several themed rooms and a restaurant. This is certainly the biggest opening in 2027.
River Caves Reimagining – Pleasure Beach Resort:
Opening Date – Expected 2027
Details:
River Caves has been closed for a while, and the park’s owner, Amanda Thompson, recently revealed on the Pleasure Beach Podcast that the park hopes to reopen River Caves in 2027. It will feature brand-new boats, an improved ride system, brand-new scenes, classic scenes, and reimagined existing scenes. The ride opened in 1905, making it the park’s oldest ride.
Lightwater Valley 3 New Rides:
Opening Date – TBC
Details – TBC
Lightwater Valley has undergone new management and is now owned by The Mellors Group, which has confirmed 3 brand-new rides will open in 2027. What these new rides will be is unconfirmed, but it’s worth keeping an eye on.
Project Prism – Legoland Windsor:
Opening Date – TBC
Details:
Currently under construction is a replacement for a permanent building for the pre-existing 4D Cinema. Unconfirmed whether this will be a 2027 opening or beyond.
Future Projects to Watch:
Project Dojo – Legoland Windsor
Opening TBC.
Currently under construction on the former Viking River Splash rapid ride, once again ready for the Mack Family Spinning Rollercoaster. The opening date is unconfirmed. Details are also kept under wraps at the time of writing, with only the manufacturer and rollercoaster type revealed. All that’s known is this is expected to be a clone of Master of Spinjitzu from Legoland Korea. The planning proposal suggested a height of 19.7m. Speculation suggests it will be themed to the existing Ninjajo ride. With construction already underway, it is likely to open in 2028.
Project Horizon – Alton Towers Resort:
Opening Date & Future TBC:
This project has been floating around for some time now, with very little to no further movement. Planning approval exists and was confirmed to allow the project to proceed. However, there hasn’t been any progression. Details have always been kept secret, except that this was supposed to have a large show building, but what was going to be inside it was, and still is, unconfirmed. Neither has it been confirmed that this project has been cancelled nor that it is still planned to go ahead.
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Where is in your 2027 calendar to visit?
