Abandoned UK theme park to be reopened and transformed with new rides
A theme park in the UK that shuttered down in 2023 has revealed its grand plans to reopen as an adventure park.
Having first opened its doors to the public in 1992, the iconic Adventure Wonderland — situated right next to Bournemouth Airport — featured rollercoasters and rides centred around Alice in Wonderland. The theme park was initially forced to close its outdoor rides due to 'rising costs', with the indoor attractions, including the soft play area, following suit the next year.
At the time of closure, the theme park released a statement which said: "The current trading climate and steep increase in key costs across the board is not conducive to the existing theme park model."
However, 'exciting plans' for a simpler attraction were also announced during that time — and now it seems those plans have been submitted.
Adventure Wonderland is about to undergo a massive transformation as it transitions into a smaller adventure park featuring a go-karting track, mini golf, and a maze, among other attractions. The recreational site will also see a shop and café reopen, forming part of the educational facility already on the premises.
Since most of Adventure Wonderland's buildings are being repurposed and not rebuilt, patrons can expect a quick restoration process. Plans to open the new theme park are in place for later this year, however little else is known about the renovated attraction and its opening dates.
The adventure park's planning application statement says: "The aim of this proposal 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.'
Initially a pick-your-own-fruit-farm, Adventure Wonderland evolved into a full-blown theme park in the 90s, complete with its Alice in Wonderland theme based on Alice — a character presumed to be inspired by a woman who lived nearby in Lyndhurst.
In 2005 the theme park saw the addition of its first indoor area, Wild Thing, a new £1million indoor play attraction, along with the incorporation of rollercoasters. Adventure Wonderland welcomed around 180,000 people a year before it closed, and at its peak had exciting rides including a rollercoaster, tea cups, and log flume.
However, Adventure Wonderland isn't the only hot attraction in Bournemouth. Bournemouth beach was recently crowned the UK's top beach on Tripadvisor, amassing visitors by winning them over with its golden sands, vibrant beach huts, and inviting waters.
In fact, if you're up for a dip, the bays there offer some of the UK's warmest sea temperatures. The beach resort proudly offers seven miles of award-winning beaches, lined with promenades filled with fish and chip shops, arcades, ice cream parlours and a fantastic selection of bars and restaurants.
Bournemouth beach is a paradise for families, boasting a picturesque pier and designated areas packed with fun activities for children, including sandcastle competitions.
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