Inside the UK’s only steampunk theme park set to open tomorrow with five new rides
A THEME park in the UK has revealed that visitors will have a whole new land to explore when it reopens its doors tomorrow.
The theme park is currently closed until March 29, 2024, but is already enticing its guests with news of brand new attractions.
Pleasureland, in Southport, originally opened in 1913 as a sister theme park to Blackpool Pleasure Beach.
The seaside theme park remained open until it was forced to close in 2006, but one year later it reopened under new ownership,
Over the years, several rides have been relocated to other seaside theme parks like Blackpool’s Pleasure Beach and Margate’s Dreamland.
Ahead of its reopening on Friday (March 29, 2024), the theme park has unveiled a brand-new themed land called Steampunk Bay.
Steampunk Bay will be the first Steampunk-themed land at a theme park in the UK.
A statement on the Pleasureland website read: “Steampunk Bay is the UK’s only steampunk theme park – a strange and mystifying land where Victoriana and sci-fi meet.
“Explore an immersive realm where dreams are powered by steam. If it’s steel and speed you’re after, this is the land for you.”
The Steampunk genre is inspired by Victorian-era industrialism, making it both futuristic and retro at the same time.
There are a handful of rides and attractions inside the new theme land, including The Enigma – a circular spinning ride.
Other new rides include the Ghost Train, Flying Chairs, The Ultra and Paradox.
Norman Wallis Chief Executive Officer said: “The new land we have developed is a major draw to performers and festivals and we have already got some exciting events planned for Southport later this year.
“Steampunk Bay is the UK’s only steampunk theme park – Victoriana and sci-fi meet to create an immersive realm which will bring a whole new feel to the park.”
Last year, the theme park unveiled its new Discovery Bay attraction, which was part of a £4.7million investment plan.
There were six new rides in the “retro-futuristic” land, which spanned a whopping 67,000sqft.
Other new attractions included a huge themed outdoor festival, which can hold up to 3,000 people, a 35m high Big Wheel and an 18-hole adventure golf attraction that opened in 2024.
Steampunk Bay is the UK’s only steampunk theme park
There are currently more than 30 rides at the park, including water rides Canoes and Wave Slide.
Rollercoasters include The Rocket and Odin’s Little Dragon Coaster, with classic rides including the Waltzers, Dodgems and Carousel.
The theme park tickets start from £15 per person, which includes unlimited ride access.
If you don’t fancy the rides, there is Freya’s Viking Funhouse with climbing towers and rope courses, or the on-site splash park.
You can even take in your own food to the picnic areas – although stalls throughout the park sell snacks including waffles, hot dogs, burgers, pancakes, noodles, sweets and drinks.
The seaside theme park has been praised by visitors in their online reviews.
One person said: “We visit this place every year and it never fails to entertain and impress. It improves in some way every season.”
Someone else added: “Great day out, staff really friendly, plenty of rides for all ages.”
Meanwhile, Legoland has delayed the launch of its latest rollercoaster.
Three other seaside theme parks to visit in the UK
The UK is no stranger to seaside theme parks, with plenty of others dotted across the UK.
- Adventure Island in Southend-on-Sea is free to enter, with guests paying for ride passes instead. There are 36 rides at the theme park, including the The Time Machine ride and a 38m drop tower, both of which are new for 2024.
- The Pleasure Beach in Great Yarmouth was named one of the best seaside attractions in the UK last year. The amusement park, right on the edge of Great Yarmouth South Beach, also has a brand-new ride for 2024. The Polar Express circular ride, will replace the much-loved Mulan ride.
- Margate’s Dreamland is one of the oldest theme parks in the UK, after opening in 1880. It’s home to the oldest rollercoaster in the UK, the Scenic Railway, a wooden Grade II-listed coaster that opened more than 100 years ago. While Dreamland is free to enter, park-goers must pay to go on the rides.
The launch of Minifigure Speedway has now been pushed back because of “unforeseen delays”.
And families will be hit by price hikes at some of the country’s top theme parks – with tickets becoming more expensive in school holidays.
