Paultons Park Valgard Opens May 16 with First Ever Inverting Coaster
Paultons Park has confirmed its most ambitious expansion to date will open on 16 May 2026. Valgard represents a £12 million investment that signals the Hampshire theme park's intent to compete directly with industry giants.
What is Valgard?
Valgard is a fully themed world inspired by Norse mythology, marking a significant departure from Paultons' traditional family-focused attractions. The new area targets teenagers and older children, a demographic the park has previously struggled to retain.
The Headline Attraction: Drakon
The centrepiece of Valgard is Drakon, Paultons Park's first ever inverting roller coaster. Key specifications include:
- Vertical lift hill - A dramatic ascent that builds anticipation before the first drop
- Two inversions - Including a heartline roll that delivers sustained airtime
- Custom layout - Designed specifically for the park's topography and planning constraints
Drakon represents a major step up in thrill level for Paultons, which has historically focused on gentle family rides.
Additional Attractions
Valgard will also feature:
- Raven - A bobsled-style coaster that offers a different ride experience with each descent
- Vild Swing - A 12-metre high swinging attraction that provides panoramic views across the park
- Themed immersive environments - Detailed Norse-inspired architecture and landscaping throughout
Why This Matters
The Valgard investment is significant for several reasons:
Market positioning: Paultons has long been seen as a children's park, famous for Peppa Pig World. Valgard explicitly targets the 12-18 age bracket, potentially extending visit duration as families with mixed-age children find attractions for everyone.
Competitive response: The investment puts Paultons in direct competition with Alton Towers and Thorpe Park for the teenage thrill-seeker market. At £12 million, it represents the park's largest single investment.
Regional impact: Located near Romsey in Hampshire, Paultons serves the South Coast and South East markets. Valgard may draw visitors who would otherwise travel to the Midlands or Surrey for coaster experiences.
Visitor Information
Opening date: 16 May 2026
Location: Paultons Park, Romsey, Hampshire
Admission: Standard park entry (no additional charge for Valgard attractions)
Best time to visit: Weekdays outside school holidays typically offer shorter queues for new attractions
The Bigger Picture
Valgard reflects a broader trend in UK theme parks toward immersive themed lands rather than isolated thrill rides. By packaging multiple attractions within a cohesive narrative environment, Paultons is adopting strategies used successfully by Merlin Entertainment at Alton Towers and Thorpe Park.
The Norse mythology theme also aligns with broader cultural interest following popular media franchises. Whether this translates into sustained visitor interest beyond the opening season remains to be seen.
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