Latest news with #Wallce&Gromit
The Irish Sun
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Iconic English attraction to open ‘tallest of its kind' ride in the UK
A MUCH-LOVED family attraction has unveiled plans for a brand-new £8.7million ride set to open in 2026. Blackpool's Pleasure Beach Resort is set to build a 138-foot swing which will allow riders to fly parallel to the coast. Advertisement 4 Blackpool's Pleasure Beach Resort will open a new 138-foot swing ride next year Credit: Pleasure Beach Resort 4 The ride is set to cost £8.7million to build Credit: Pleasure Beach Resort The ride will be named Aviktas and will be the 'tallest of its kind' in the UK, according to the park. The new addition will also change how the The ride will feature a giant spinning pendulum that will swing 120 degrees and seat 40 riders at a time. Riders' legs will dangle giving them the feeling of flying. Advertisement Read more on travel inspo Amanda Thompson OBE, CEO of Pleasure Beach Resort said: "This ride will be colossal, daunting, exhilarating and an incredible addition to the town." There are other swinging pendulum rides in the UK already, but For example, at Drayton Manor, the Maelstrom ride reaches around 74 feet - 64 feet shorter than Blackpool's ride will be. The ride was previously referred to as 'Project 2026' until the attraction finally released the ride's official name back in May. Advertisement Most read in News Travel Amanda added: "This is the first small tease of what we have planned; there's plenty more teasers on the way!" The Inside the 'world-first' Wallce & Gromit theme park ride The attraction is also set to become the first Members of the public are being invited to submit messages they want to be seen from space using a specially designed screen high above the planet. Advertisement The mission will be attempted in celebration of the attraction's re-imagined space-themed ride, Launch Pad, which opened earlier this year. Some visitors will be invited to Pleasure Beach to film them delivering their message whilst riding Launch Pad. And on August 11, there will be a 'mission control booth' stationed by the Launch Pad ride where guests can record their messages to space in person. 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. Blackpool was also named the Advertisement Plus, the UK's best 100 cheap stays – our pick of the top hotels, holiday parks, B&Bs and pubs from just £22 a night. 4 The attraction is also planning on sending messages into space Credit: Pleasure Beach Resort 4 The attraction was also named the best place to take bored kids this summer Credit: supplied
Scottish Sun
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Iconic English attraction to open ‘tallest of its kind' ride in the UK
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A MUCH-LOVED family attraction has unveiled plans for a brand-new £8.7million ride set to open in 2026. Blackpool's Pleasure Beach Resort is set to build a 138-foot swing which will allow riders to fly parallel to the coast. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 Blackpool's Pleasure Beach Resort will open a new 138-foot swing ride next year Credit: Pleasure Beach Resort 4 The ride is set to cost £8.7million to build Credit: Pleasure Beach Resort The ride will be named Aviktas and will be the 'tallest of its kind' in the UK, according to the park. The new addition will also change how the seaside resort's famous coastline will look, towering above the rest of the park. The ride will feature a giant spinning pendulum that will swing 120 degrees and seat 40 riders at a time. Riders' legs will dangle giving them the feeling of flying. Amanda Thompson OBE, CEO of Pleasure Beach Resort said: "This ride will be colossal, daunting, exhilarating and an incredible addition to the town." There are other swinging pendulum rides in the UK already, but Blackpool's will tower higher. For example, at Drayton Manor, the Maelstrom ride reaches around 74 feet - 64 feet shorter than Blackpool's ride will be. The ride was previously referred to as 'Project 2026' until the attraction finally released the ride's official name back in May. Amanda added: "This is the first small tease of what we have planned; there's plenty more teasers on the way!" The ride will be located on the former site of Bowl-A-Drome and will open in 2026. Inside the 'world-first' Wallce & Gromit theme park ride The attraction is also set to become the first theme park to ever broadcast from space. Members of the public are being invited to submit messages they want to be seen from space using a specially designed screen high above the planet. The mission will be attempted in celebration of the attraction's re-imagined space-themed ride, Launch Pad, which opened earlier this year. Some visitors will be invited to Pleasure Beach to film them delivering their message whilst riding Launch Pad. And on August 11, there will be a 'mission control booth' stationed by the Launch Pad ride where guests can record their messages to space in person. 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. Blackpool was also named the top place in the world to take bored kids this summer. Plus, the UK's best 100 cheap stays – our pick of the top hotels, holiday parks, B&Bs and pubs from just £22 a night. 4 The attraction is also planning on sending messages into space Credit: Pleasure Beach Resort
The Irish Sun
22-07-2025
- The Irish Sun
I visited the UK's biggest underground ‘theme park' in caves – it's twice the size of St Paul's
MY KIDS weren't impressed when I told them they would be starting their summer holidays in a damp, gloomy cave in the Welsh mountains. But imagine their faces when they discovered that this former slate mine has been transformed into a haven for thrill-seekers, filled with nets, slides, music and neon lights. 5 Bounce Below at Llechwedd is the world's first and largest underground trampoline park Credit: Catherine Lofhouse 5 I took my three sons for a day out there - and they loved it Credit: Catherine Lofhouse This vast cavern is twice the size of There's even a deep mining tour that uncovers an underground lake at 500ft below which relies on a cable railway to get back to the surface. My boys were most excited for features nets set at different levels for adventurers young and old to explore. You need to arrive about half an hour before your time slot to get checked in, but that gives you plenty of time to discover the site on the surface before you venture inside the mountain. We found a lovely little playground to limber up little legs after our long drive. And it's good to see the old mining buildings in use alongside new structures that have turned this slice of industrial heritage into a tourist attraction. Before you can get anywhere near the nets underground, you need to don a helmet so you're not bashing your bonce on low ceilings and jagged rocks on your way through the tunnels into the Most read in Family There are lockers to leave your valuables in, so your car keys aren't at risk of dropping out of your pocket and ending up at the bottom of the abyss while you bounce. The boys had an absolute blast Obviously the caves are a bit cold and damp, so you need to wear warm clothes and sensible shoes, preferably not your Sunday best. My top tip would be to let everyone else get on the nets first and wait until the entrance way is clear so you can find your feet if your balance isn't great. Inside the 'world-first' Wallce & Gromit theme park ride 5 The 'theme park' also has zip lines and crazy golf Credit: Alamy 5 The trampoline park is deep inside a cavern in North Wales Credit: zipworld My littlest lad and I were full of enthusiasm and first down the gangway, only to be bounced over by the adults getting on behind us. As he jumped up and away, I needed a bit of time sitting down before I found my sea legs. It was fun watching the boys play a game of British bulldog across one of the massive nets stretched across the cavern. The lights and music all added to the atmosphere and before we knew it, our hour was up and we were heading back along the tunnels to the mine entrance. As the temperature inside the cavern remains somewhere between six and eight degrees, it was slightly bizarre to step out into warm drizzle - not something you expect to experience in Wales. If you prefer to stay above ground, other Zip World sites in Wales, Cumbria , Manchester and London offer attractions like a toboggan ride downhill through the forest, high ropes courses and even a turn on the world's longest and tallest tunnel slide overlooking the Read more on the Irish Sun If you love adrenaline and adventure, you can't go far wrong with heading to Bounce Below to make a memorable mine visit with your family. It's the perfect first step towards some of the more extreme attractions that Zip World has to offer. 5 The trampoline park is the biggest of its kind Credit: zipworld
Scottish Sun
22-07-2025
- Scottish Sun
I visited the UK's biggest underground ‘theme park' in caves – it's twice the size of St Paul's
You can also do ziplining, crazy golf and have a go on the rope bridges DEEP DOWN I visited the UK's biggest underground 'theme park' in caves – it's twice the size of St Paul's Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) MY KIDS weren't impressed when I told them they would be starting their summer holidays in a damp, gloomy cave in the Welsh mountains. But imagine their faces when they discovered that this former slate mine has been transformed into a haven for thrill-seekers, filled with nets, slides, music and neon lights. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 Bounce Below at Llechwedd is the world's first and largest underground trampoline park Credit: Catherine Lofhouse 5 I took my three sons for a day out there - and they loved it Credit: Catherine Lofhouse Zip World Llechwedd in North Wales is a bit different from your average theme park - and not just because of its location. This vast cavern is twice the size of St Paul's Cathedral and although there are no rollercoasters, it's still crammed with exciting activities from an 18-hole underground crazy golf course and an adventure course that relies on wires, rope bridges and tightropes to a mega zipline above the quarry. There's even a deep mining tour that uncovers an underground lake at 500ft below which relies on a cable railway to get back to the surface. My boys were most excited for Bounce Below, though - a sprawling and cavernous trampoline park which features nets set at different levels for adventurers young and old to explore. You need to arrive about half an hour before your time slot to get checked in, but that gives you plenty of time to discover the site on the surface before you venture inside the mountain. We found a lovely little playground to limber up little legs after our long drive. And it's good to see the old mining buildings in use alongside new structures that have turned this slice of industrial heritage into a tourist attraction. Before you can get anywhere near the nets underground, you need to don a helmet so you're not bashing your bonce on low ceilings and jagged rocks on your way through the tunnels into the mine. There are lockers to leave your valuables in, so your car keys aren't at risk of dropping out of your pocket and ending up at the bottom of the abyss while you bounce. The boys had an absolute blast underground, exploring all the different levels of nets and the twisty slides that connect them. Obviously the caves are a bit cold and damp, so you need to wear warm clothes and sensible shoes, preferably not your Sunday best. My top tip would be to let everyone else get on the nets first and wait until the entrance way is clear so you can find your feet if your balance isn't great. Inside the 'world-first' Wallce & Gromit theme park ride 5 The 'theme park' also has zip lines and crazy golf Credit: Alamy 5 The trampoline park is deep inside a cavern in North Wales Credit: zipworld My littlest lad and I were full of enthusiasm and first down the gangway, only to be bounced over by the adults getting on behind us. As he jumped up and away, I needed a bit of time sitting down before I found my sea legs. It was fun watching the boys play a game of British bulldog across one of the massive nets stretched across the cavern. The lights and music all added to the atmosphere and before we knew it, our hour was up and we were heading back along the tunnels to the mine entrance. As the temperature inside the cavern remains somewhere between six and eight degrees, it was slightly bizarre to step out into warm drizzle - not something you expect to experience in Wales. If you prefer to stay above ground, other Zip World sites in Wales, Cumbria , Manchester and London offer attractions like a toboggan ride downhill through the forest, high ropes courses and even a turn on the world's longest and tallest tunnel slide overlooking the 2012 Olympic Park. If you love adrenaline and adventure, you can't go far wrong with heading to Bounce Below to make a memorable mine visit with your family. It's the perfect first step towards some of the more extreme attractions that Zip World has to offer.
The Irish Sun
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
‘Looks amazing' parents cry as new seafront playground with unreal view & incredible theme opens minutes from busy city
TAKE a look at the new seafront playground with an unreal view that's perfect for a family day out. Located just 13 minutes from Belfast city, the latest addition on Seapark Road in Holywood has lots for little ones to tire themselves out over this summer. Advertisement 3 The latest addition to the Seapark Road is open all year long Credit: Social Media Collect 3 The new park is located within a minute's walking distance of stunning beaches Credit: Pacemaker Press The main parkland and recreational area has a variety of activities including tennis courts, a bowling green and a putting green. And now a new upgraded playground has been installed. One local business shared its excitement about the latest addition to the Holywood area. The post captioned "AHOY! The New Playpark at Seapark is OPEN and looks AMAZING!!!", showed off the new pirate themed park. Advertisement READ MORE ON TRAVEL The company, which posts under the @offthegrid_coffee, said: "I can't wait to get my niece and sister down!" as it gave its 3,000 followers a sneak peek of the latest attraction. "Here's a sneak peek! There are even a few additional benches that have been added so you can all enjoy a coffee while watching the kids play." From slides to seats, the newest playground has many new additions to keep everyone happy this summer. With a pirate style throughout, the play park has all new types of swings, including a hanging basket, baby-safe swing, and the classic swinging style. Advertisement Most read in Travel Keeping on theme, the park features a large playboat with a built-in slide and tightrope walk. Inside the 'world-first' Wallce & Gromit theme park ride Avoid serious injuries this summer, as the ground is made of a squishy material, which is ideal for accident-prone children. And supervise your children in comfort as the area will see the addition of multiple new benches. Many parents were eager to get to the latest location this summer as one commented: "Where is it exactly?" Advertisement Others will love the latest playground all over social media calling it "amazing!" and "very cool". As popular creator The spot is best known for its panoramic views of Belfast Lough and is the starting point for the North Down Coastal Path. PHOENIX PARK And in Dublin, why not take a trip to the playground that was Advertisement Phoenix Park is one of the largest enclosed public parks in any capital city in Amenities include the popular Dublin Zoo, cafes, and its many fields, making it the perfect place for having a picnic - and there is something for everyone. Visitors can hire bikes, take Dublin Zoo is a favourite among kids of all ages, and is a great way to keep them busy during the Advertisement Also located in Phoenix Park is the perfect thing to help prolong the day while tiring out the little ones before bedtime. To the west of the Victorian Walled Garden at the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre is the universal access Opened in 2008, it has been a huge success with The playground is imaginatively themed and designed in a bright and attractive way. Advertisement It features a variety of play units, and is also accessible for children with The famous couple brought their daughter Blue Ivy to play on the swings and slides while in the country for Beyonce's concerts. One onlooker said at the time: "They were dressed down and you had to look twice to see who it was." 3 The playground is pirate themed and included new swings, slides and benches Credit: Advertisement
