Paultons Park has announced it is to invest £12m in a new Viking-themed land opening in spring 2026, which will feature the park’s first inverting roller coaster Drakon.

Valgard – Realm of the Vikings will also include the UK’s first Vild Swing ride from ART Engineering, as well as an as-yet-unnamed splash ride due for completion in 2027.

“We are thrilled to share our plans for our largest and boldest investment to date,” said deputy MD James Mancey. “As an independent, family-owned theme park, we’re incredibly proud of the investments we make to deliver the very best guest experience.”

“We’ve opened two brand-new rides in the last two years and with the build of Valgard firmly underway, we’re excited to open a further three, bigger-and-better-than-ever-before rides, between now and summer 2027.”

As well as the new roller coaster and swing ride, the existing Cobra coaster will be reopened as Raven, alongside a new themed restaurant experience and rides for younger guests.

“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 ups 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.”