Paultons Park unveils £12m Viking realm with first inverting coaster

Paultons Park threw open the gates to Valgard: Realm of the Vikings on Saturday, a £12 million expansion that transforms 7.5 acres into a Norse-inspired adventure. Within hours, queues snaked toward the park’s latest attractions as parents and children alike braved the spring sunshine to experience the new world firsthand. The launch saw actress Linda Robson among the early visitors, her presence amplifying the buzz around what park bosses describe as their most ambitious project to date.

At the heart of Valgard is Drakon, the park’s first inverting rollercoaster. The ride’s 22-metre vertical lift hill and two upside-down twists deliver a rush of adrenaline as trains plunge toward a Viking-themed plunge pool below. Park deputy managing director James Mancey called the coaster a "game-changer," adding that it sets a new benchmark for thrill rides in the south of England.

Joining Drakon is Vild Swing, a pendulum ride that catapults guests 12 metres skyward in a sweeping arc before a controlled drop. The ride’s design mimics the motion of a Viking warrior’s swing—a detail that has drawn comparisons to the park’s Tornado Springs. Meanwhile, Raven offers a bobsled-style adventure through a rocky Viking village, complete with animatronic warriors and a thunderous soundtrack.

The centrepiece of Valgard is the Feasting Hall, a life-size longship that serves Viking-inspired meals. Diners are greeted by the scent of smoked meats and honey-glazed ribs, with servers dressed as shieldmaidens and warriors. The menu includes dishes like "Thor’s Hammer Pork Ribs" and "Valkyrie’s Berry Cider," priced between £12 and £22 per adult. The hall’s interior features wooden beams carved with Norse runes and a ceiling rigged with lanterns that flicker like firelight.

Valgard is the sixth themed world at Paultons Park, joining Peppa Pig World, Lost Kingdom, and Tornado Springs. Park officials say the Viking land was designed to appeal to families with children aged 8 and up, though early feedback suggests even teenagers are drawn to the thrill rides. Mancey confirmed that Valgard’s opening marks the start of a multi-year expansion plan, with two more themed lands scheduled for 2025 and 2026.

Paultons Park, located near Romsey in Hampshire, has seen visitor numbers surge 40% year-on-year since the pandemic, with over 2.3 million guests in 2024. The park’s managing director, Amanda Thompson, has repeatedly stated her commitment to "reinventing the theme park experience" through immersive storytelling. Valgard’s success could pave the way for similar expansions at other Merlin Entertainments sites across the UK.

1. Drakon’s first inversion — A 360-degree twist mid-ride delivers a moment of weightlessness as the train crosses the coaster’s apex.
2. Vild Swing’s drop — After reaching its peak, the ride’s cabin plummets at 1.2G, offering a stomach-lifting freefall sensation.
3. Raven’s finale — The bobsled coaster’s final section features a near-miss with a collapsing stone bridge, complete with pyrotechnics.

Photographs taken on opening day reveal crowds laughing as they navigate the Feasting Hall’s maze-like corridors and children clinging to their parents during Vild Swing’s first launches. One mother, Sarah Whitmore of Southampton, said her 10-year-old son "screamed the entire time on Drakon" but immediately asked to ride again. Park staff report that all three new attractions reached capacity within the first two hours of opening, prompting temporary closures to manage queues.