A new £12 million Viking-themed attraction, Valgard: Realm of the Vikings, has opened at Paultons Park in Hampshire, just in time for summer. The area features two new major thrill rides aimed at older children and teenagers.
The centrepiece is Drakon, the park's first inverting rollercoaster, which includes a vertical lift hill and two upside-down twists. Another new ride, Vild Swing, swings riders up to 12 metres in the air. The existing Cobra ride has been transformed into a bobsled adventure renamed Raven.
Valgard also introduces a Nordic-themed restaurant, Feasting Hall, complete with a life-size Viking longship, iron chandeliers and Viking shields. The menu offers burgers, couscous bowls, fried chicken, fries and ice cream with toppings. A playground called The Orchard provides slides, climbing frames and a net swing for young children.
This is Paultons Park's largest investment to date, with plans to add a water-based ride by 2027. Deputy managing director James Mancey said: 'We are thrilled to have opened the gates to Valgard today. The launch marks the start of an exciting new era for Paultons Park.'
Paultons Park, near the New Forest, has been owned by the Mancey family since 1983. With Valgard, the park now offers 80 rides and attractions across six themed worlds, including the popular Peppa Pig World.
