During the off season at the UK theme parks, we tend to miss our favourite days out, rides, and experiences that happen around throughout the year, and in 2024 there seems to be a lot of things happening across the UK that has got us very excited. In the blog, we will be running down the TOP 10 things to look forward to at the Merlin Attractions .
It is so funny! As soon as we uploaded this blog, Merlin Attractions have released 2 more “NEW FOR 2024” activities – which I will now input into the TOP 10 list.
10. Cadbury World Chocolate Quest
Where: Cadbury World
A new ride has been announced at Cadbury World in Birmingham. I believe this is a great idea, especially with a massive new investment, it will have a good pull factor for families to visit. The new ride promises to be immersive, interactive and educational and it is full of chocolatey fun and surprises.
The ride is set to open in Spring 2024 and we are really looking forward to getting there and experiencing Cadbury World again!
9.Big Easy Boulevard
Where: Thorpe Park
A new area is being created to go next to the ‘Detonator’ where you will be dropped 100ft to a firework finale. This area will include a 4D Cinema and will allow the visits to immerse themselves in a vibrant atmosphere.
8.Ride in the Dark
Where: Alton Towers Resort
Alton Towers have announced that on selected weekends in March, visitors will be able to ride many of the resorts favourite rides in the dark until 8pm. Dates are March 16th, 23rd & 30th.
This is a great thing to do, as rides like Wicker Man is truly amazing to do in the dark!
7.Brick or Treat Halloween Event
Where: Legoland Windsor Resort
Now this isn’t a new attraction, but it is definitely something that needs to be experienced during the Halloween period in 2024. All the rides are functional (and a new ride hopefully too, see number 3 on the list), there are shows, characters and a visit to Monster Street which is great for kids that aren’t too keen on the scary trails in the other parks.
The dates for this event are the 27th September – 3rd November 2024.
6. Woodland Village
Where: Legoland Windsor Resort
A new place to stay overnight at the Legoland Resort will be available from May 2024. These lodges will allow visitors to reconnect with nature and sleep under the stars! Most of the lodges sleep between 2-5 people whilst 10 premium lodges will sleep up to 7 people. There will be an enchanted nature trail, with animals built of Lego bricks and new characters to meet also.
5.Eggsplorers Easter Event
Where: Chessington World of Adventures
The Eggsplorers Easter Event is back for its second year! A new event hosted by Chessington World of Adventures began last year, we attended with our younger nieces and thought it was a lovely event with lots to do, lots to see and obviously the rides. There are egg trails, Easter themed shows, character meets and this year there will be an extra visit to the Enchanted Hollow.
Dates for this event are, 23rd-25th March & 28th March – 14th April 2024.
4. VIP Track Walks at Alton Towers
Where: Alton Towers Resort
If you have ever been interested in getting onto the tracks of 2 of the most famous rides at Alton Towers – now you can do it with VIP Track Walks.
You get to experience a once in a lifetime 360 degree view of the resort! This can be done on either Wicker Man or Oblivion.
I think this activity is super cool and would be great for the views
3.Minifigure Speedway
Where: Legoland Windsor Resort
Opening up in Spring 2024 will be first Lego themed duelling rollercoaster. The duelling coaster will offer an exhilarating experience for the whole family! The coaster will reach speeds of up to 56km/h and will be by far the fastest coaster in the park.
Legoland has always needed more coasters for the older kids in a party and this will hopefully wet the appetites and be a great first coaster for many!
2.Nemesis Reborn!
Where: Alton Towers Resort
After being closed in 2022, the much anticipated re-tracking of Alton Towers most iconic ride is back in 2024. The track has had a huge paint job, which looks amazing and the re-tracking will make the ride even better than the original apparently!
This will be a must do for us this year, as my husband has never been on this ride and is super excited.
1. Hyperia
Where: Thorpe Park
This coaster will take the riders 236ft above the landscape at speeds of over 80mph. Hyperia will be unlike anything that’s been experienced in the UK before which will feature a world-first twist and Europe’s tallest inversion.
Will you be brave enough to try this amazing coaster?
Honourable Mentions:
Winter’s Tail
Where: Chessington World of Adventures
Merlin UK attractions are always great to visit during the Christmas period and Chessington World of Adventures is probably the best one. The effort made is so good and with the World of Jumanji being open during this period makes this a great place to visit. The Enchanted Hollow is a place to book in advance and enjoy the unique experience.
Dates for this event are 23rd-24th November, 30th November-1st December, 7th-8th December & 13th-31st December 2024.
Dragon Slayer
Where: Warwick Castle
This event / show is not new, but it is supposed to be an incredible experience (a work colleague attended last year) and one we will be planning to attend this year! We have signed up for the reminder which you can access here (https://www.warwick-castle.com/explore/events/dragon-slayer-sign-up/)
Garcia Family UK 