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This is when the UK’s major theme parks will reopen in 2026 – UK Times

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This is when the UK’s major theme parks will reopen in 2026 – UK Times

Spring will soon be here, and UK theme parks are gearing up for the 2026 season, with ride reopenings, exciting new attractions and school-holiday dates already on families’ radars. While some parks stay open year-round at reduced capacity, others will fully reopen in time for February half-term, Easter and the summer holidays.

Whether you’re planning ahead or looking for last-minute days out, I’ve rounded up everything you need to know – including how to save up to 50 per cent on UK theme park tickets.

From high-speed rollercoasters at Alton Towers and Thorpe Park to family-friendly favourites such as Legoland Windsor, there’s no shortage of UK theme parks to choose from. In 2026, visitors can also expect brand-new Bluey and Paw Patrol attractions at CBeebies Land and Chessington, respectively. Plus, there’s a major new Viking-themed rollercoaster launching at Paultons Park.

Keep scrolling for everything you need to know before you book.

Alton Towers (home of CBeebies land)

Alton Towers and CBeebies Land are reopening on 14 March with a brand-new Bluey ride (Alton Towers/Merlin Entertainments)

Opening dates

  • February half term: Limited opening with access to Mutiny Bay, CBeebies Land and Towers Street, plus live entertainment
  • 14 March: Main park opens for the season

What’s new

Families can look forward to a brand-new Bluey ride opening in CBeebies Land this spring, bringing one of TV’s most-loved preschool characters to the park for the first time.

Alton Towers day tickets during peak periods start at £34 per person when pre-booked, saving you 50 per cent, compared with the on-the-gate price.

Visit our Alton Towers deals page for the latest offers and discount codes

Thorpe Parks is kick-starting the Easter holidays with its opening on 27 March
Thorpe Parks is kick-starting the Easter holidays with its opening on 27 March (Thorpe Park/Merlin Entertainments)

Opening dates

  • 27 March: Park reopens for the year

What’s new

Thorpe Park has released no information on new rides or attractions for 2026.

You can pre-book your Thorpe Park tickets online from £33 (usually £66) during peak opening days.

For more offers and saving tips, check out our dedicated Thorpe Park discount codes page

Legoland Windsor

Families can visit Legoland during February half-term or from 14 March
Families can visit Legoland during February half-term or from 14 March (Legoland Windsor/Merlin Entertainments)

Opening dates

  • 14-23 February: February half-term opening only
  • 14 March: Reopens for the main season

What’s new for 2026

Legoland is celebrating its 30th birthday in 2026, with special events and themed activities planned throughout the year to mark the milestone.

Legoland tickets start from £32 with advanced bookings, saving you more than half price, compared with the walk-up price.

See more helpful tips and the latest offers on our Legoland deals page

Chessington World of Adventures (home of the all-new Paw Patrol land)

Chessington is reopening on 20 March, but its zoo and Sea Life centre are open year-round
Chessington is reopening on 20 March, but its zoo and Sea Life centre are open year-round (Chessington World of Adventures/Merlin Entertainments)

Opening dates

  • Zoo and Sea Life: Open year-round, including throughout winter
  • 20 March: Full theme park reopens

What’s new for 2026

A new Paw Patrol-themed land is set to open at Chessington this spring, designed especially for preschoolers and younger visitors, with rides and attractions inspired by the popular TV series.

Tickets booked online for Chessington start from £34 for full park access, which is a 48 per cent saving compared with on-the-gate prices.

See the latest discount codes and event updates on our dedicated Chessington page

Drayton Manor (home of Thomas the Tank Engine Land)

You can enjoy access to Drayton Manor’s zoo and other selected attractions before its main opening on 14 March
You can enjoy access to Drayton Manor’s zoo and other selected attractions before its main opening on 14 March (iStock)

Opening dates

  • Soft play, train rides and zoo: 24, 25, 31 January and 1, 7, 8 February
  • February half term: Selected rides open from 14-23 February, including a K-pop takeover
  • Main theme park: Weekends from 14 March, daily opening from 1 April

What’s new for 2026

Drayton Manor is mixing things up during February half-term with a K-pop takeover, adding live performances and themed entertainment alongside selected rides.

Online prices for Drayton Manor start from £27.50 (£15 for those aged two to three), saving you nearly 40 per cent compared with the £45 on-the-door ticket price.

Paultons Park and Peppa Pig world are open daily from 25 March
Paultons Park and Peppa Pig world are open daily from 25 March (Paultons Park)

Opening dates

  • From 7 February: Open weekends (Friday to Monday), with some rides closed
  • 25 March: Full daily opening

What’s new for 2026

Paultons Park’s biggest addition for 2026 is Valgard: Realm of the Vikings, a new themed land opening in May, bringing Norse mythology to life with immersive design and a Viking-themed roller coaster.

Advanced bookings for Paultons Park start from £46.75 (usually £61.50), saving you more than 30 per cent per person.

Warwick Castle is open year-round with a full schedule of events
Warwick Castle is open year-round with a full schedule of events (Warwick Castle/Merlin Entertainments)

Opening dates

  • Open year-round, including throughout winter

What’s on

Warwick Castle’s winter programme includes birds of prey displays running until 27 March, plus a festival of archery during February half term.

Day tickets for Warwick Castle booked online start from £22 per person, as opposed to the £39 walk-up price.

For more information on what’s on and the latest deals, visit our Warwick Castle discount codes page

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