Abandoned UK theme park set to reopen after huge transformation - with new rides and splash zones

Daily Mail​

06-05-2025

A much-loved attraction in the UK that closed down in 2023 is getting a brand-new lease of life - and it's set to reopen later this year as a 'creative' and 'stimulating' adventure park.
Adventure Wonderland, located right next to Bournemouth Airport, first opened in 1992 and quickly became a family favourite with its Alice in Wonderland themed rollercoasters and classic rides.
But after more than 30 years of fun, rising costs forced the park to shut its outdoor attractions in 2022, and the indoor play area followed suit the year after.
The theme park released a statement at the time, blaming 'the current trading climate' and 'steep increase in key costs across the board' for its closure.
However, it appears previously-hinted plans for a downscaled attraction have now been put into action, and the park will reopen this year after undergoing a huge transformation.
The park is set to relaunch as a smaller adventure park with attractions such as go-karting, mini golf, and a maze.
There will also also be a café and shop opening as part of the site, which will continue to support local educational groups already based there.
As most of the buildings are staying put and being repurposed instead of rebuilt, the park's remodelling is expected to be fairly quick.
While there's no confirmed opening date yet, the plan is to have the attraction up and running later in 2025.
The park took to its Instagram page in September 2024 with an update that reads: 'With the Alice in Wonderland maze at the heart, we are working on a lovely new concept with children's play areas, sensory and wildflower gardens and beautiful outdoor spaces for children and adults to enjoy quality time together.'
As reported by the Mirror, a statement from the planning application said the goal is to 'create a site which is better adapted for use by the occupants of Merritown, Discovery Village and Diverse Abilities.
'All of these tenants want to create sustainable spaces which focus on creative outdoor spaces which are stimulating environments with outdoor play, sensory gardens, water play, and utilise the existing external spaces and buildings on site.'
Originally a pick-your-own fruit farm, Adventure Wonderland expanded into a full-on theme park in the 1990s.
At its peak, it welcomed around 180,000 visitors a year, and featured notable atmosphere characters such as Alice, the White Rabbit, the Queen of Hearts and the Mad Hatter, and rides like a rollercoaster, teacups and a log flume.
In 2005, the park added 'Wild Thing' - a huge indoor play area that became a big hit with younger kids.
The site's exciting reopening comes after Chessington World of Adventures announced it will be home to the first and only Paw Patrol-themed land.
The new multi-million pound land will be Chessington's largest attraction for preschoolers.
Set across 1.4 acres, it will feature four thrilling rides - including an entry-level 'My first rollercoaster' - as well as play areas, and interactive character 'meet and greet' events.
Guests will also enjoy a dedicated food and beverage outlet and picnic space, plus a customised retail store.
The Paw Patrol land will open in spring 2026, but kids don't need to wait until then to meet their favourite pups.
Chase, Skye and Rubble will be at Chessington from this May, helping to oversee the construction of the new land.