Latest news with #AdventureWonderland
The Independent
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Beloved south coast theme park set to reopen after nearly two years
A former UK theme park has announced plans to reopen as an adventure park, two years after closing its doors. Adventure Wonderland Theme Park in Bournemouth first opened in 1992 with Alice in Wonderland -themed rides and rollercoasters. Rising costs forced the park to shut its outdoor attractions in 2022, before the family theme park temporarily 'closed for a restructure' at the end of 2023. At the time, the park near Bournemouth Airport said: 'The current trading climate and steep increase in key costs across the board is not conducive to the existing theme park model.' A formal planning application has now been submitted to Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council to improve the existing theme park facilities. Adventure Wonderland's transformation into a smaller adventure park will feature a maze, mini-golf and a go-karting track among its attractions. Park bosses also plan to reopen the cafe and education facility, replace some former ride areas with outdoor play spaces and repurpose existing buildings. Organisations, including Diverse Abilities and Discovery Village, have operated out of the theme park since it closed two years ago. A statement from the planning application said: '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', reported the Bournemouth Echo. Adventure Wonderland initially opened as a pick-your-own fruit farm, eventually welcoming around 180,000 visitors to its tea cups, log flume and 'Wild Thing' indoor play area in the year before it closed. There is currently no confirmed reopening date, but the park announced hopes to start the 'new adventure in 2025' last September. In the 2024 update, the park shared on Facebook that the former Adventure Wonderland site was 'undergoing an exciting redevelopment '. It added: '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.'
Metro
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Much-loved UK theme park abandoned for nearly two years set to reopen
A theme park left abandoned for two years after being forced to close has revealed plans to reopen as an adventure park. Adventure Wonderland opened in Bournemouth in 1992, with rides and rollercoasters inspired by Alice in Wonderland. But the amusement park, between the coronavirus pandemic and the cost of living crisis, closed its outdoor rides in 2023. The indoor attractions, including the soft play area, followed the next year. Joining other closed-down parks like Pleasure Island in Cleethorpes and Flambards Theme Park in Helston. 'The current trading climate and steep increase in key costs across the board is not conducive to the existing theme park model,' the park said. The park, on Parley Lane in Hurn, wasn't going to be gone for good though. Organisers hinted that it might be back one year. And this year will be that year. Adventure Wonderland is set to relaunch as a smaller park with attractions such as go-karting, mini golf and a maze. Play zones, splash parks, a pedal tractor track and 'sensory gardens' will also be built. There will also be a café, shops and an 'immersive children's role-play attraction' called Discovery Village, according to the planning application seen by Metro. But the Alice in Wonderland maze will be 'at the heart' of the site, with most of the existing buildings being repurposed. Adventure Wonderland first announced the rebrand in September, with the website now saying it is 'closed for restructure'. An opening date has yet to be announced but the park hopes to welcome visitors this year. Adventure Wonderland began as a pick-your-own-fruit farm before becoming a theme park in the 1990s, welcoming 180,000 visitors a year. More Trending Children spun around in teacups, tore through the waters in the log flume and whizzed around in the rollercoasters featuring characters like Alice, the White Rabbit and the Queen of Hearts. Central to the relaunch will be supporting local charities, the planning application says. It notes it aims ''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,' it adds. Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: Ian Wright slams 'soft' Arsenal stars and makes prediction for PSG clash MORE: Huge UK theme park is scrapping entry fees – but you'll need to grab tickets fast MORE: Drayton Manor is offering free entry – you'll need to grab tickets fast
Daily Mail
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Abandoned UK theme park set to reopen after huge transformation - with new rides and splash zones
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.
Daily Mirror
25-04-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Abandoned UK theme park to be reopened and transformed with new rides
The theme park was initially forced to close its outdoor rides due to 'rising costs', but has now revealed exciting plans to reopen as an adventure park featuring a complete overhaul and transformation of the existing structures. 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.
The Irish Sun
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Abandoned English theme park to reopen as adventure attraction with rides and play zones
A UK theme park forced to close in 2023 has revealed plans to reopen as an adventure park. Adventure Wonderland opened in Bournemouth in 1992, with rides and rollercoasters based on Alice in Wonderland. 4 A closed UK theme park has revealed plans to reopen as an adventure park Credit: Planning application 4 Adventure Wonderland closed its rides back in 2023, followed by the indoor play area Credit: Planning application Right by The indoor attractions including the The theme park said at the time of the closure: "The current trading climate and steep increase in key costs across the board is not conducive to the existing theme park model." However, they also said they had "exciting plans" for a simpler attraction. Read more on play parks And the new plans that have been submitted will see the theme park become a smaller adventure This includes a new outdoor space with play zones and splash parks, as well as "sensory gardens". Rides will include a maze, go-karting track and mini golfing. A cafe and shop will reopen, which are part of the education facility on-site. Little-else is known about the new attraction although it hopes to open later this year. Most of the closed building are being repurposed, rather than rebuilt so is unlikely to take years to renovate. World's largest play structure is in the UK with 85ft tower 4 The theme park was right by Bournemouth Airport Credit: Getty The 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.' First opened as a pick your own fruit farm, Adventure Wonderland became a full theme park in the 90s. The Alice in Wonderland theme came from the main character Alice, who was thought to have been inspired by a woman who lived nearby in Lyndhurst. Along with the addition of rollercoasters, a new £1million indoor play attraction called Wild Thing opened in 2005, its first indoor area. With rides including a rollercoaster, tea cups and log flume, the park welcomed as many as 180,000 people a year before its closure. Use these tips on your next theme park trip Next time you visit a theme park, you may want to use our top tips to make the most of your adrenaline-inducing day out. Go to the back of the theme park first. Rides at the front will have the longest queues as soon as it opens. Go on water rides in the middle of the day in the summer - this will cool you off when the sun is at its hottest. Download the park's app to track which rides have the shortest queues. Visit on your birthday, as some parks give out "birthday badges" that can get you freebies. If it rains, contact the park. Depending on how much it rained, you may get a free ticket to return. In the mean time, here's everything else you need to know about a holiday to Bournemouth. We've also rounded up the weather turns. 4 The park's reopening is yet to be confirmed although is likely to be this year
