Viking World Valgard Opens at Paultons Park with Inverted Rollercoaster
Get ready for an epic adventure as Paultons Park in Hampshire unveils its latest immersive attraction, Valgard: Realm of the Vikings, opening to the public on Saturday, May 16. This new £12 million Viking world, set to become a neighbor to the popular Peppa Pig World, promises a thrilling experience for visitors of all ages, blending high-adrenaline rides with family-friendly entertainment.
Drakon: The Inverted Rollercoaster
The centerpiece of Valgard is Drakon, the first-ever inverted rollercoaster at Paultons Park. This groundbreaking ride features a vertical lift hill that dramatically plunges riders into a series of inversions, reaching top speeds as it intertwines with the park's existing coaster, the legendary Cobra, which has been revamped and renamed 'Raven'. Commonly found at major theme parks like Alton Towers and Thorpe Park, Drakon is designed to elevate the adrenaline levels at Paultons Park, offering a heart-pounding experience for thrill-seekers.
Family-Friendly Attractions
While Drakon caters to adventure enthusiasts, Valgard has not forgotten about younger visitors. The theme park includes the 'Vild Swing', a 12-meter-high swing with a high-art concept that is among the first of its kind in the UK, allowing little warriors to soar into battle. Additionally, a Viking-themed playground provides a safe and engaging space for children to explore. For a truly immersive experience, visitors can dine in an enchanting Nordic-themed hall, feasting like warriors in Valhalla, adding to the overall atmospheric and action-packed environment.
Future Expansion and Park Recognition
Valgard is slated for further expansion in 2027, with plans for a new water ride already in the pipeline, although specific details have yet to be released. James Mancey, deputy managing director at Paultons Park, emphasized that Valgard has been specifically designed to grow with fans, offering an immersive experience that stays true to the park's roots. Paultons Park itself has garnered significant acclaim, being named among the ten best amusement parks in the world in TripAdvisor's Traveller's Choice Awards 2025, securing the number seven spot and surpassing Drayton Manor Adventure Park, which ranked ninth.
Location and Accessibility
Paultons Park is located in Ower, within The New Forest in Hampshire, approximately a two-hour drive from South London. Visitors can reach the park by taking the M25 to Junction 12, then joining the M3 until Junction 13, where they exit for Southampton Docks/Bournemouth and merge onto the M27. The park is easily accessible from exit 2 of the M27, close to the edge of the New Forest National Park, with brown tourist signs guiding the way. For those preferring public transport, trains from Waterloo to Southampton are available, with connecting buses to the amusement park, making it a convenient destination for a day of family fun.
