New Theme Park Attractions Set to Debut in 2025 Across the UK and Europe
The year 2025 promises a thrilling resurgence for theme park enthusiasts across the UK and Europe, with a diverse range of new attractions set to debut. From interactive dark rides to dueling roller coasters and unique water flumes, there’s something for everyone, from families seeking gentle fun to adrenaline junkies craving intense thrills.
UK Additions: Ghostly Manor and the Return of a Classic
Paultons Park, renowned for its Peppa Pig World, is expanding its offerings with Ghostly Manor, an interactive dark ride replacing the existing 4D cinema. Opening on May 17, 2025, this family-friendly attraction invites guests to join ghost hunter Dr. Kinley on a mission to recapture escaped spirits, armed with "phantom phasers" to zap the spooky specters. Looking ahead, Paultons Park also hints at a Viking-themed land slated for 2026, replacing the current log flume and karting track.
Meanwhile, rumors abound at Alton Towers regarding the return of a beloved classic. A new planning application suggests the revival of Ripsaw, the iconic topspin ride that thrilled and soaked riders before its removal in 2015. The application details a new attraction in Forbidden Valley, reaching a height of 59 feet, mirroring the original Ripsaw’s dimensions. The proximity of a refurbished "Ripsaw Café" to the proposed ride’s queue line further fuels speculation. While Alton Towers remains tight-lipped, the park’s recent trend of reviving classic attractions, like the Nemesis coaster, adds weight to the rumors.
European Expansions: Wolves, Bermuda Triangles, and Dueling Coasters
Holiday Park in Germany is set to unveil a new family thrill coaster in the summer of 2025, as the centerpiece of a new Wolf-themed land. Based on a popular animated film, the coaster promises a more thrilling experience for younger riders, including a vertical spike, while still remaining family-friendly. This addition bridges the gap between the park’s existing children’s coaster and its high-thrill attractions, and is part of Holiday Park’s broader expansion plans, which also include a €40 million standalone water park.
Futuroscope, France’s science fiction-themed park, is preparing to launch its first-ever flume ride, Mission Bermuda, in 2025. Themed around the enigmatic Bermuda Triangle, this innovative attraction will combine traditional water flume elements with roller coaster dynamics, a world first. Replacing the Jardin des Énergies, Mission Bermuda will take riders on an eight-person boat journey through rocky passages, jungle environments, and an indoor cave, culminating in a dramatic 15-meter elevator lift and a splash-filled finale. This ride is part of Futuroscope’s ambitious €300 million expansion plan.
Walibi Holland in the Netherlands is doubling down on excitement with the introduction of Yoy, Europe’s first dueling single-rail coaster, slated for a 2025 opening. Pronounced "joy," this unique coaster offers two distinct tracks: a gentler family-friendly option and a more thrilling, adrenaline-pumping experience. The dueling design allows riders on the green and blue tracks to race each other, offering a novel competitive element. Walibi Holland hails Yoy as a world first, due to its unique combination of single-rail design and dueling layout. Construction is progressing rapidly, with both tracks already visible within the park.
Paultons Park’s Ghostly Manor: A Family-Friendly Spooktacular
Ghostly Manor, Paultons Park’s latest addition, is poised to become a family favorite. Replacing the outdated 4D cinema, this interactive dark ride promises an engaging and spooky, yet not overly frightening, experience. Guests will become active participants in the ghost-hunting adventure, assisting Dr. Kinley in recapturing mischievous spirits using their "phantom phasers." This interactive element adds a layer of fun and engagement, making the ride appealing to a wider audience. With its scheduled opening on May 17, 2025, Ghostly Manor is set to be a highlight of the park’s spring season.
Alton Towers’ Ripsaw Revival: A Nostalgic Thrill
The potential return of Ripsaw to Alton Towers has generated considerable buzz among theme park enthusiasts. This iconic topspin ride, known for its exhilarating flips and soaking splashdowns, was a fan favorite before its removal in 2015. The planning application’s details, including the ride’s location in Forbidden Valley and its 59-foot height, strongly suggest a Ripsaw revival. The coinciding refurbishment of the "Ripsaw Café" further strengthens the speculation. Alton Towers’ recent strategy of leveraging nostalgia by reviving classic attractions, like the Nemesis coaster, adds credibility to the rumors. A Ripsaw return would undoubtedly be a welcome addition for fans of classic thrills.
Holiday Park’s Wolf Coaster: Bridging the Thrill Gap
Holiday Park’s new Wolf-themed coaster represents a strategic move to cater to a wider range of thrill-seekers. Positioned between the park’s existing children’s coaster and its high-thrill attractions, this family-friendly coaster offers a stepped-up experience for younger riders while remaining accessible to families. The inclusion of a vertical spike adds an element of excitement, introducing younger guests to more intense coaster elements. This new coaster is just one part of Holiday Park’s ambitious expansion strategy, which also includes a substantial investment in a new water park, demonstrating the park’s commitment to diversifying its offerings and attracting a broader audience.
Futuroscope’s Mission Bermuda: A Unique Water Flume Experience
Futuroscope’s Mission Bermuda promises a groundbreaking water flume experience, unlike any other in the world. By combining traditional water flume elements with roller coaster dynamics, the park is creating a unique hybrid attraction. The Bermuda Triangle theme adds a layer of intrigue and mystery to the ride, immersing guests in a narrative-driven adventure. The combination of rocky passages, jungle environments, and indoor caves, culminating in a dramatic elevator lift and splashdown, promises a thrilling and immersive experience. As Futuroscope’s first-ever flume ride, Mission Bermuda represents a significant addition to the park’s attractions.
Walibi Holland’s Yoy: A Dueling Coaster Revolution
Yoy, Walibi Holland’s new dueling single-rail coaster, is set to redefine the coaster landscape in Europe. The innovative design, featuring two distinct tracks with varying thrill levels, allows for a unique competitive element as riders race each other. The single-rail design adds a unique dimension to the ride experience, enhancing the sensation of speed and agility. By offering both a family-friendly and a thrill-seeker track, Yoy caters to a broad audience, maximizing its appeal. Walibi Holland’s claim of Yoy being the world’s first dueling single-rail coaster reinforces its position as a leader in innovative coaster design. The rapid progress of construction suggests an exciting debut in 2025.
