Latest news with #Europa-Park
Daily Record
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Free screening of family-friendly Grand Prix of Europe coming to Ayrshire cinema
Grand Prix of Europe tells the story of Edda, a young mouse with a big dream of becoming a racing superstar. Cinema goers are in for a free treat later this month when Escapes brings a preview screening of the highly-anticipated Grand Prix of Europe to Ayrshire. The Astoria Cinema in Ayr is set to screen the animated adventure comedy featuring an all-star cast on Tuesday, August 5 at 11am. Directed by Waldemar Fast, Grand Prix of Europe tells the story of Edda, a young mouse with a big dream of becoming a racing superstar. An international co-production between Germany and the UK, the film features Ed and Edda, the mascots of the Europa-Park theme park in Rust, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany which celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2025. Supported by the British Film Institute (BFI) and National Lottery funding, Escapes is a UK-wide programme which aims to shine a spotlight on the charm and uniqueness of independent cinema. The event brings free cinema to audiences across the UK continuing their mission to make independent film accessible to all. Preview screenings will take place on Monday, August 4 and Tuesday, August 5, before the film's official UK release on August 22. Featuring an all-star voice cast including Thomas Brodie-Sangster as Ed, Gemma Arterton as Edda, Hayley Atwell, Lenny Henry and Rob Beckett, Grand Prix of Europe is a family-friendly adventure which isn't just about speed. The Astoria is one of more than 100 cinemas nationwide that will be screening Grand Prix of Europe as part of the Escapes initiative which has seen more than 115,000 free tickets claimed since it launched last year. Tickets for Grand Prix of Europe are free and available for sign up now here.
The Independent
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
We swapped Disneyland for this German theme park – it could be Europe's best
These are great days for theme parks, at home and abroad. Universal Studios has announced plans to transform Bedfordshire, England, into a 700-acre movie fan's utopia. The original Legoland is now easier to reach with new flights from London Gatwick to Billund, Denmark. And Efteling in the Netherlands is opening its first fully-fledged hotel within the theme park this summer. In many others, you'll notice more creativity and technical wizardry, more commitment to sustainability and healthier food options, and an overwhelming focus on quality over quantity. More whizz-bang-pop, basically. But there's one European theme park — a colossus in roller coaster terms — that most Brits haven't even heard of. Europa-Park is located in Rust, Germany, almost at the triangulation point between Freiburg im Breisgau, Strasbourg and Basel, and, this year, it's celebrating its 50th birthday. Come for the anniversary on 12 July, and the gates will be open for 24 hours. Theme park newbies might scoff at the thought of going anywhere else apart from Europe's most-visited theme park — that's Disneyland Paris in Marne-la-Vallée, for the uninitiated — but enter into the spirit of post-Brexit travel and there's something for every mood in the Baden-Württemberg borderlands. If you don't fancy the Grimm Brothers' vibe of the fairy tale Germany area (which includes a flying theatre), there's France to explore with a Moulin Rouge-themed can-can coaster. Switzerland boasts a bobsled run, while in Iceland, there is a Norse saga wooden coaster. And there are 16 other areas of attractions to explore. Portugal has a water ride that winds through a Conquistador-era temple before climbing above a panorama of noodling rides and then plunging off a heart-stopping 30m drop. Croatia, the park's newest area, which opened last year, has Voltron Nevera, a steel jumble of inversions and corkscrews that takes as its premise Nikola Tesla's hair-raising electricity experiments. A mussed-up hairdo is guaranteed. You'll quickly learn the Germans are crazy about theme parks, so it's quite a shock to zoom into what feels like the ether on Silver Star, the park's tallest, longest and fastest coaster at 79 miles per hour. Afterwards, you'll want to calm down on Italy's easy-going pedal monorail or get a pint in Ireland (only German beers, but that's a bonus). Perhaps, it's also because of its manageable visitor numbers — six million compared to almost double that at Disneyland Paris — that Europa-Park is so gratifying. If the theme park's opening on 12 July 1975 brought a shot in the arm to a part of Germany bypassed by visitors, this anniversary year feels like a victory lap. Among the big news from the park's owners, the Mack family, is this summer's release of Grand Prix of Europe, the first feature-length film starring the park's two furry mascots, Edda and Ed Euromous. The Warner Bros.-backed animation features the likes of Hayley Atwell, Gemma Arterton, Lenny Henry and Rob Beckett, but the immediate tie-up inside the park is the new interactive 3D dark ride in the Gameplay Theatre. Other draws for the rest of this year are a calendar of new shows (the standout is the horsemanship of The Legend of Zorro in the Spanish amphitheatre), a new party piece parade and the creation of a sculpture avenue in the town of Rust. All of this somehow acts as a tribute — and portal — to the past half century. Accommodation-wise, meanwhile, new rooms are on offer at the Wild West-themed Silver Lake City, with dozens of period-detail cabins and caravan pitches, a gold rush-type bar and mini golf. This being Germany, a brewery will also arrive in 2026. Inevitably, given that there are themed lands dedicated to most of Europe — Liechtenstein has a themed balloon ride, Luxembourg has a restaurant where food arrives on looping rails, and Monaco will debut as the newest themed land in 2026 — you'll be wondering about the UK's place in things. The bad news is it's clumsily packaged as England (sorry, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland), but here there is plenty of low-hanging fruit for younger kids. After riding the spinning Hackney black cabs, it's an easy transition onto the top deck of a pendulum-swinging London double-decker. Among other things, there's a replica of Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, and with a carousel of shows playing throughout the park, it's the ideal place for a breather between the freneticism of dangling upside down or racing with a VR headset on. As the coaster riding ends most evenings around 6pm, most people begin to leave, but the smart move if you're not staying overnight is to grab dinner at one of the themed restaurants in one of the six surrounding themed hotels. Highlights a short walk away are inside the medieval Spanish tower Castillo Alcazar and the pizzeria overlooking Hotel Colosseo's piazza. With tiered seating, faux arches and fountains, it's a hokey version of Rome, but one delightfully free of the same summer crowds. In short, it's a rollercoaster of a ride and well worth a trip. As it was for its first visitors 50 years ago. Mike MacEacheran travelled as a guest of Visit Germany ( and Europa-Park ( How to get there Fly to Basel with Ryanair from Stansted, easyJet from Luton and Gatwick or British Airways from Heathrow. From Basel, take a train to Freiburg Hauptbahnhof, then another to Ringsheim/Europa-Park. Alternatively, fly to Zurich from London Gatwick or Luton with easyJet or London Heathrow with British Airways or Swiss Air and then take a train direct to Ringsheim. Tickets for Europa-Park cost from £44 for adults and £37 for children aged 4-11 (€52/44). Stay at Castillo Alcazar on-site, which includes breakfast and park entry. Children under 4 stay free. Stay at El Adaluz hotel on-site, which includes breakfast and park entry. Children under 4 stay free.
Scottish Sun
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
One of Europe's biggest theme parks opens new Wild West themed holiday village with wagon huts and cowboy bars
The theme park has also opened up a new pool with a swim-up bar GO WESTERN One of Europe's biggest theme parks opens new Wild West themed holiday village with wagon huts and cowboy bars A NEW cowboy themed holiday village has opened at one of Europe's biggest theme parks. Europa-Park - the second biggest theme park in Europe after Disneyland - has added another themed area called Silver Lake City, and it's all about cowboys. Advertisement 6 The new area of Europa-Park is Wild West-themed Credit: Europa-Park 6 There are wagons, tents and cabins that guests can stay in Credit: Europa-Park Inside, visitors can set up camp in the accommodation village called Tipi Town - which has 630 beds. Unlike most holiday villages, here you can sleep in a rustic wagon, or cosy log cabin, so you'll really feel like you're in the wild west. There are also colourful tipi-style tents or western-themed houses. Alternatively, you can camp in your own vehicle in the Europa-Park caravan park or sleep under the stars in your own tent. Advertisement The new accommodation can sleep from one person all the way up to 16 - if you choose to stay in one of the log cabins. It's set to get even bigger too. In 2026 there will be a new Riverside Western Lodge with 120 rooms. The huge guest house will be open for bookings from November 11, 2025. Also in 2026 will be a new brewery with its very own craft beer. Advertisement Gold Rush Golf is a mini-golf course across the site - and anyone can have a go. The challenging course has towers, slides and twelve holes to swing into. European theme park where you 'visit' Greece, Spain and Italy in a day has new roller coaster that's the world's steepest 6 There's a whole zone dedicated to the Wild West Credit: Europa-park 6 The Diner Station has train carriages that you can eat inside Credit: Europa-park There's also an adventure playground with a steam train, swimming lake and campfires. Advertisement On the village site are also four new diners. One is called the Diner Station, which is in a western themed train station. You can even enjoy delights of the buffet in specially designed carriages that have been fitted with tables. There's also the Wild Horse Bar where you can have a tipple of whiskey like a cowboy, or beer and a cocktail too. Silver Lake Saloon serves up hearty North American dishes like steak and barbecue ribs. Advertisement Finally, there's Cantina Amigo where you can order burritos, chilli and burgers. 6 The Comfort Wagon has heating, air conditioning and a flat screen TV Credit: Europa-Park Europa-Park opened a new year-round pool earlier this year, and it has a huge swim-up bar. You'll find the outdoor pool Svømmepøl in the Rulantica water world, it's 660sqm and sits inside a Nordic-style 'volcanic landscape' and is heated to 32C. Advertisement The theme park recently celebrated its 50th anniversary where it added a brand new attraction based on its mascots. The Grand Prix EDventure is the equivalent of a ghost train with an interactive gaming element. The park's mice mascots Ed and Edda will be racing, and the ride will be based on the upcoming film, 'Grand Prix of Europe', a cartoon film that stars Ed and Edda voiced by Thomas Brodie-Sangster and Gemma Arterton. One Travel Writer recently visited, he ventured through the mega theme park with 14 rollercoasters and 100 attractions. Advertisement He also added that Europa-Park should be known for its thrilling white-knuckle rides. 6 Europa-Park has opened its Wild West-themed park Credit: Europa-park
Scottish Sun
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Massive European waterpark with 14 themed lands opens new outdoor pool and 150-seat swim up bar
Plus, the first look at huge new £200million indoor waterpark opening in the UK with aquadrome and adventure zone MAKE A SPLASH Massive European waterpark with 14 themed lands opens new outdoor pool and 150-seat swim up bar A MASSIVE European waterpark has opened a new year-round outdoor pool - and it comes with a massive swim-up bar. The outdoor pool Svømmepøl is n the Rulantica water world at Europa-Park Resort in Germany. Advertisement 4 The new pool will be heated to 32C Credit: Europa Park 4 It has a Nordic-theme, included the surrounding vegetation Credit: Europa Park It measures around 660sqm and sits inside a Nordic-style 'volcanic landscape'. The 32C heated pool is in the 'Dynstrønd' area of the park and is the largest open-air pool in Rulantica to date. It also has several features including geysers, water mist and an infinity area. In addition, there is a rock cave with bubbling water loungers and a discovery tour with mascot 'Snorri' - perfect for little ones. Advertisement There is a swim-up bar called 'Svømme-Bar' too - which seats 150 guests. The pool is then surrounded by sun loungers and Nordic vegetation. Visitors can also get to the outdoor swimming area from the indoor area. Europa-Park's owner, Ronald Mack, said: "With 'Svømmepøl', we are expanding Rulantica's year-round offering with a spacious and fascinatingly designed outdoor pool that promises both relaxation and adventure. Advertisement "The numerous details and special features create an impressive bathing experience and once again set new standards in innovative water attractions," reports EAP Magazine. The pool even took an entire week to fill. Inside Universal Epic Universe with incredible thrill rides and amazing food Rulantica first opened in 2019 and in total spans 32,600sqm with 14 themed zones based on Nordic legends including Rangnakor. There are 50 slides and attractions in total, as well as a wave pool and two swim up bars. Advertisement There are a number of other experiences available at the waterpark including evening DJ sets and private relaxation booths and saunas. Rulantica is operated by Europa-Park, which sits just next door to the waterpark. There is even a free shuttle that runs between the two attractions. Tickets to enter Rulantica cost £38.50 and tickets to enter Europa-Park cost £54. Advertisement What is Europa-Park like? WRITER Lee Bell recently visited Europa-Park and has shared his thoughts. Within just one hour, I wake up in Rome, stroll through the streets of southern Spain, and whizz through Scandinavia on a rollercoaster. There are still 15 more countries to see before the day is through. But that is easily done at Europa Park — a mega theme park in Germany where different areas are designed to look just like European countries. Spanning 230 acres just outside Rust, a small unassuming town in the southwest of the country near the borders of France and Switzerland, this theme park and hotel resort is an adrenaline junkie's dream. And its theming means you can travel the continent on a whirlwind tour. The attention to detail is off the chart. The Greece area captures the feel of being in Mykonos while the Switzerland section transports you to the heart of the Alps. From the architecture to the street signs, it feels like you're really visiting these different lands. Its extravagance reminds me of a family-friendly Las Vegas, just without the casinos and flashing neon lights. Instead, it's packed with 13 rollercoasters, 100 attractions, six themed hotels, and a full-blown water park. Back in February, Europa-Park celebrated its 50th anniversary and with it, opened a new ride. Featuring the park's mice mascots Ed and Edda, the ride is a train journey with an interactive gaming element. The ride is based on the upcoming film, 'Grand Prix of Europe' - a cartoon film that stars Ed and Edda voiced by Thomas Brodie-Sangster and Gemma Arterton. Visitors can ride on 'Grand Prix EDventure' with Ed and Edda's racing crew and take a trip across Europe. Advertisement There was also a £75million indoor tropical waterpark that nearly opened in the UK. Plus, the first look at huge new £200million indoor waterpark opening in the UK with aquadrome and adventure zone. 4 The pool will be open year-round Credit: Europa Park 4 There will also be a swim-up bar, with 150 seats Credit: Europa Park
The Irish Sun
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Massive European waterpark with 14 themed lands opens new outdoor pool and 150-seat swim up bar
A MASSIVE European waterpark has opened a new year-round outdoor pool - and it comes with a massive swim-up bar. The outdoor pool Svømmepøl is n the Rulantica water world at Europa-Park Resort in Germany. 4 The new pool will be heated to 32C Credit: Europa Park 4 It has a Nordic-theme, included the surrounding vegetation Credit: Europa Park It measures around 660sqm and sits inside a Nordic-style 'volcanic landscape'. The 32C heated pool is in the 'Dynstrønd' area of the park and is the largest open-air pool in Rulantica to date. It also has several features including geysers, water mist and an infinity area. In addition, there is a rock cave with bubbling water loungers and a discovery tour with mascot 'Snorri' - perfect for little ones. Read more on waterparks There is a The pool is then surrounded by Visitors can also get to the outdoor swimming area from the indoor area. Europa-Park's owner, Ronald Mack, said: "With 'Svømmepøl', we are expanding Rulantica's year-round offering with a spacious and fascinatingly designed Most read in News Travel "The numerous details and special features create an impressive bathing experience and once again set new standards in innovative water attractions," reports The pool even took an entire week to fill. Inside Universal Epic Universe with incredible thrill rides and amazing food Rulantica first opened in 2019 and in total spans 32,600sqm with 14 themed zones based on Nordic legends including Rangnakor. There are 50 There are a number of other experiences available at the waterpark including evening DJ sets and private relaxation booths and Rulantica is operated by next door to the waterpark. There is even a free shuttle that runs between the two Tickets to enter Rulantica cost £38.50 and tickets to enter Europa-Park cost £54. What is Europa-Park like? WRITER Lee Bell recently visited Europa-Park and has shared his thoughts. Within just one hour, I wake up in Rome, stroll through the streets of southern Spain, and whizz through Scandinavia on a rollercoaster. There are still 15 more countries to see before the day is through. But that is easily done at Europa Park — a mega theme park in Germany where different areas are designed to look just like European countries. Spanning 230 acres just outside Rust, a small unassuming town in the southwest of the country near the borders of France and Switzerland, this theme park and hotel resort is an adrenaline junkie's dream. And its theming means you can travel the continent on a whirlwind tour. The attention to detail is off the chart. The Greece area captures the feel of being in Mykonos while the Switzerland section transports you to the heart of the Alps. From the architecture to the street signs, it feels like you're really visiting these different lands. Its extravagance reminds me of a family-friendly Las Vegas, just without the casinos and flashing neon lights. Instead, it's packed with 13 rollercoasters, 100 attractions, six themed hotels, and a full-blown water park. Back in February, Europa-Park celebrated its 50th anniversary and with it, opened a Featuring the park's mice mascots Ed and Edda, the ride is a train journey with an interactive gaming element. The ride is based on the upcoming film , 'Grand Prix of Europe' - a cartoon film that stars Ed and Edda voiced by Thomas Brodie-Sangster and Gemma Arterton . Visitors can ride on 'Grand Prix EDventure' with Ed and Edda's racing crew and take a trip across Europe. There was also a Plus, 4 The pool will be open year-round Credit: Europa Park 4 There will also be a swim-up bar, with 150 seats Credit: Europa Park
