Top UK seaside theme park brings back much-loved ride after four years

A POPULAR water ride is returning to a theme park in the UK after being closed for four years.

The UK’s wettest water ride, Valhalla, will be reopening at Blackpool Pleasure Beach later this year.

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This spring Valhalla will be welcoming parkgoers following a £4 million refurbishment.

The popular water ride, which first opened in 2000, has been closed since 2019.

Parkgoers will be boarded onto a longboat and taken on a journey to Valhalla by a Viking named Ivàr.

On the ride, guests will be transported to the Viking afterlife where they’ll experience several elements including fire, ice, and water.

The much-loved ride will contain many of its original elements, but theme park bosses have teased some exciting new features too.

Blackpool Pleasure Beach boss, Amanda Thompson OBE, said: “We know how long fans have been waiting for us to announce the reopening of Valhalla, and we’re confident they won’t be disappointed with our reimagining of one of the country’s best-loved rides.”

“Valhalla has well and truly been given the reimagining it deserves, now boasting some exciting new features and impressive sustainability credentials to help ensure the ride is more environmentally friendly – without compromising on the sense of adventure for which it’s been known for many years.”

Technical rehearsals for the ride will begin in April, while the rest of the theme park will open on March 18 for its summer season.

As well as Valhalla, Blackpool Pleasure Beach is home to the UK’s tallest rollercoaster, the Big One, which offers high-speed drops and breathtaking views.

Those who have a head for heights can also walk up The Big One where they’ll reach 235ft.

To get to the top, adrenaline junkies must climb 420 steps to access two viewing platforms where you’ll be able to take pictures.

The seaside theme park’s wooden rollercoaster, the Big Dipper, will be celebrating its 100th birthday later this year too.

Meanwhile, younger visitors can enjoy Nickelodeon Land where youngsters can go on 12 rides and meet a whole host of characters from their favourite shows.

Here’s a look inside the UK’s biggest waterpark, Sandcastle Water Park, which is also in Blackpool.

It has 18 slides, record-breaking coasters, and plenty of other rides and attractions inside too.

Meanwhile, another theme park is also reopening next month, Dreamland in Margate will be welcoming thrill seekers from April 1.

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