Hampshire's Paultons Park announces £12 million expansion

The Hampshire theme park, which is home to Peppa Pig World, is set to open a new Viking-themed world called Valgard – Realm of the Vikings.

The expansion will include the park's first inverting rollercoaster, Drakon, which will feature a vertical lift hill and two twists.

Valgard will also boast a new Vild Swing, which will swirl riders 12 metres in the air.

New attraction blends eerie theming with family-friendly gameplay elements (Image: Paultons Park) Paultons Park is the first UK theme park to install this swing by ART Engineering.

The park will also re-theme its popular Cobra ride into a bobsled adventure called Raven, and will add a themed restaurant and playground.

James Mancey, deputy managing director at Paultons Park, said: "We are thrilled to share our plans for our largest and boldest investment to date, and on the day that we welcomed guests into our brand-new Ghostly Manor.

"Valgard promises an immersive, atmospheric, and action-packed experience for families and has been specifically designed to grow with our fans.

"The introduction of inversions and a vertical lift hill on Drakon certainly up the adrenaline levels at Paultons Park, but staying true to our roots, we haven’t forgotten about the little ones and there is something for all of the family in our new Viking village."

The park has also opened its new £3.5 million dark ride, Ghostly Manor, which features interactive gameplay and is suitable for guests aged five and above.

The ride takes guests on a journey through the home of paranormal investigator Dr Kinley, where they must capture mischievous ghosts and spirits using a Phantom Phaser.

Mr Mancey said: "We have worked with the very best technical and theming experts in the attractions business to create Ghostly Manor.

"Our teams and partners have done a remarkable job at creating our very own haunted house, brimming with entertaining paranormal activity.

"Ghostly Manor really does look like it’s always been part of Paultons Park, and I’m sure it’s going to be an enormous hit with our guests."