Abandoned UK theme park set to reopen after huge transformation - with new rides and splash zones
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.
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Scottish Sun
18 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
How toxic feud ripped Hulk Hogan's family apart & left him ‘suicidal'…from bitter ex's abuse claim to son's tragic crash
FAMED for ripping his shirts in two and his muscle-mountain physique, the late six-time WWE champion Hulk Hogan was a legendary figure in the ring. But the staged melodrama that unfolded in front of millions of wrestling fans was nothing compared to the turbulent life he led away from the TV cameras. 18 Hulk Hogan, who died on Thursday, was married to Linda for 11 years Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 18 The family landed their own MTV reality show before the split Credit: AP 18 Their glam daughter Brooke, 37, said 'I love you' during a final call with Hulk Credit: mizzhogan/Instagram Real name Terry Gene Bollea, the brawler's family life was fraught with feuds, with even his daughter Brooke, 37, admitting they were all 'very skilled at war'. For the 16 years since his multimillion-pound divorce from his first wife Linda, 65, there was a relentless onslaught of barbed blows and furious rows that have played out in the press. Thankfully, Hulk was said to have healed the rifts in his dying days before he passed away aged 71 after suffering a cardiac arrest on Thursday morning. A source told Daily Mail the thrice-wed wrestler 'had a lot of scores to settle [and] didn't want to leave anything unsaid' as his strength and health drastically declined. Hulk 'apologised' to his daughter during a final phone call, in which she told him 'I love you' according to TMZ. It's said she is 'at peace' and felt 'lucky and grateful'. And just five days ago, ex-wife Linda, who in March dubbed him a 'sex addict' and 'liar' and claimed the left the family in the 'worst mess', seemed to have made amends too. Finally their 18-year war of words seemed to be over, as she shared a throwback Instagram photo of them together, which she captioned: 'The good old days!' Few could have predicted peacekeeper would be the final role played by Hulk before his death - and now we reveal the family feud that was crazier than a WWE storyline. Chaos erupted back in 2007 when Linda announced she was divorcing Hulk over an affair with a music producer pal of his then-teenage daughter Brooke. The break-up, which followed multiple rumours of flings, put an abrupt end to their two-year Osbournes-inspired reality show, Hogans Knows Best. Meet WWE legend Hulk Hogan's stunning wife Sky Daily, who is 25 years his junior and a yoga teacher 18 Hulk with Linda, who he was married to for 11 years Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 18 Hulk with third-and-final wife Sky earlier this year Credit: Getty Linda was furious over the fling with Christiane Plante, 33, and after initially denying it, Hulk claimed it happened when the marriage was 'irrevocably broken and over'. At the time, Brooke lashed out on social media platform MySpace claimed she would 'NEVER forget the hurt they caused" before retracting it and going in to bat for her dad. 'My dad and I had a little bit of a tiff earlier this year...I was disappointed for a minute,' she told Fox News, before launching into a series of swipes at mum Linda. Chaos reached fever pitch and the fallout would tear the family in two at what was already an exceptionally difficult time for them all. 'Horror crash' For just two months before news of the divorce, their son Nick caused a horror crash after losing control of his Toyota Supra while driving at 106mph in a 70mph zone, in August 2007. Then 17, he was admitted to hospital with minor injuries. His best pal John Graziano, 22, was left in a vegetative state after breaking his skull and suffering irreparable brain damage. In court, Nick pleaded guilty to felony reckless driving in May 2008 for the collision, which saw his sportscar career off the highway and into a palm tree. He received an eight month prison sentence. Knowing their son was responsible would be heartbreaking enough but the damage was further highlighted by the mother of Graziano - then dependent on round the clock care - who said: 'I grieve the virtual loss of my son on a daily basis.' You and [inaudible] are not f***ing coming to me for help… get your ass right out of this house…Don't f***ing come back Linda Hogan TMZ reported the family would later settle out of court with the Hogans. Hulk, at the time, said his son was 'moving through life and maybe not really appreciative of things'. Perhaps insensitively, he added: 'It totally spun him in a the best thing that ever happened to him. I'm not saying it's a good thing. But it happened for a reason.' Nick, who was released after six months for good behaviour, would later admit it was 'hard to move on every day and be positive' after doing something 'so horribly devastating'. 18 Nick's Toyota Supra was a mangled mess after the crash Credit: Splash News 18 John Graziano was left with brain damage in the 2007 crash Credit: Supplied 18 Nick was jailed for after admitting reckless driving Credit: Getty 'Suicide' attempt It was a torturous time, as Hulk attested in his 2009 memoir My Life Outside The Ring, claiming he 'practically begged' a reporter not to publish the story of Nick's 2007 crash. The wrestler was suffering mentally. That year he pleaded with his wife 'please, don't file for divorce' fearing the crash plus their split would 'make us look like the Britney Spears family', according to the Daily News. Hulk also revealed that, while presenting the American remake of Gladiators, he downed a cocktail of Xanax and rum in a bid to end his life in early 2008. He claimed to have reached for a gun and put his finger on the trigger when he received a call from his concerned co-host Laila Ali, daughter of legendary boxer Muhammad. She noticed Hulk 'looking distracted at work' amid the divorce and his son's crash. In the wrestler's book, he credited her with saving his life. 18 Linda Hogan moved on with toyboy Charley Hill one month after the divorce was announced Credit: Getty 18 Hulk was a six-time WWE champion Credit: Splash Amid that turmoil in 2008, Brooke moved to Miami to escape the drama and attempt to launch her singing career as was documented in her spin-off TV show Brooke Knows Best. It was claimed Hulk spent 'probably over $3m' trying to make her a star, which may have aided in her vehement support of her famously over-protective dad. Toyboy row That was never more apparent than in the release of her scathing July 2009 song Dear Mom… just a week before the Hogan divorce was finalised. In the track, she exploded at Linda alleging she was a drug addict, which she refuted, and shared a recording of her mum kicking her out of the family home. In the lyrics, she complains: 'Get outta my way; Stressing me out; …It's all this s*** I can't take' and took swipes at her mum's toyboy lover Charley Hill, then 19 while she was 48. They started dating just a month after Linda filed for divorce from Hulk and Brooke clearly sided with her dad, labelling her mum's teen lover 'the epitome of losers'. 'Smokin' all your cares away and having a play date,' Brooke sang in one lyric, alleging drug use and mocking the romance's near 30-year age gap. It would lead to a furious clapback from Linda's lawyer, who claimed: 'Brooke is Hulk's only remaining mouthpiece and a pawn in his game of control.' My family is very skilled at war Brooke Hogan Brooke's 2009 track also featured a recorded argument where Linda said: 'You and [inaudible] are not f***ing coming to me for help… get your ass right out of this house…Don't f***ing come back.' The divorce settlement stung Hulk hard, with him losing 70 per cent of their liquid assets, their £2.23m Florida home and 40 per cent of his ongoing business takings. It would lead to further barbs between the two of them in memoirs. In 2009, Hulk accused Linda of being an abusive alcoholic, who threatened to beat their son with a wine bottle. She denied it and two years later alleged he 'tore my shirt… threw lamps… slammed doors, pounded walls' and pinned her down with 'his hands around my throat' in her 2011 book. 'I was always afraid he would kill me in one of his rages,' she wrote in Wrestling The Hulk. The claims led to him file a lawsuit, which was dismissed in 2012. 'It's just so crazy to hear…' he fired back. 'If you're going to say I'm something that I'm not to try to ruin my career and my livelihood… I have to answer her back.' Sex tape scandal Tensions further escalated when Hulk's sex tape with Heather Cole, secretly filmed by her US radio host husband Bubba the Love Sponge Clem, was published by Gawker Media. The 2012 video later resulted in a £23m payout that bankrupted the company. Three years later, a mystery source released a damning recording from it. 18 Hulk with son Nick in 2009 after his six-month prison stint Credit: Splash 18 Hulk with second with Jennifer McDaniel, who he divorced in 2021 Credit: Getty 18 Linda, now 65, launched into a bitter attack on him online in March Credit: mizzhogan/Instagram It heard Hulk engage in an expletive and racism filled rant, including multiple uses of the N-word, about his daughter's then-boyfriend. It led to his WWE contract being terminated. Shockingly Brooke defended her dad claiming he was 'an easy target' and telling People magazine: 'What he said was not right, but I know that's not who he is.' Hulk thanked her for having 'always been there for me with unconditional love' but his daughter was pulling away to 'set boundaries' and focus on 'healing and happiness'. This included not attending Hulk's marriage to Jennifer McDaniel, which lasted 11 years until 2021, nor his 2023 nuptials with Sky Daily, 46, who was 25 years his junior. 'Narcissist like dad' Despite keeping her distance, Brooke was dragged back into the drama when mum Linda, 65, posted a furious video on social media in March this year. It was littered with false claims about their relationship and saw her label Brooke 'a narcissist just like her dad' and appear to threaten to tell embarrassing stories about her past drinking. Linda's claims included not having seen her daughter in eight years and having not met her husband, which Brooke debunked by sharing a picture of them all together in 2023. The mum, whose recollections have been questioned, claimed: 'She had a huge fight with Terry (Hulk). I don't know how that reflected onto me, but she cut me out too." Hulk responded coldly and never made an effort to meet Brooke's kids TMZ Brooke hit back that her lack of contact with both parents was due to being "EXTREMELY verbally and mentally abused since childhood", claiming rows "frequently turned physical". Linda denied the claim, Hulk did not respond. 'My family is very skilled at war,' she added. 'I so badly wanted to see good in them, protect, help, and start anew - just to be disrespected again and again. "I've repeatedly held my hand out to help them, only to have them pull me into the darkness with them. I've set boundaries that were not respected… I can truly do no more. "Each individual, on their own, has given me more than enough reasons over the years to make this extremely hard and painful decision to end contact.' 18 Linda's vitriolic rant upset Brooke Credit: Supplied 18 Brooke hit back with an attack on her parents Credit: Supplied Near-death plea Prior to this public spat, the last time Brooke spoke to her dad was in 2023 when she urged him 'to slow down and enjoy life, but Hulk didn't want to hear it' according to TMZ. It was said she 'expressed deep love and concern' on the call but he didn't take kindly to her encouraging him to stop 'working so hard given his declining health'. Brooke's husband Steven Oleksy, an NHL player who she wed in 2022, reportedly 'made multiple efforts to mend the relationship' over the years to no avail. They included him reaching out after his wife nearly died while giving birth to their twins, Molly and Oliver, in January this year. 18 The family used to be the focus of reality show Hogan Knows Best 18 Brooke shared a screenshot proving the date she and her husband saw Linda in 2023 Credit: mizzhogan/Instagram 'Hulk responded coldly and never made an effort to meet Brooke's kids,' TMZ wrote. 'Our sources say he ultimately only wanted a relationship with her under his terms.' But more recently, it's claimed the frost thawed. In April, sources told the Daily Mail that Hulk was 'heartbroken' over the feud with Brooke and 'would love someday to rectify that'. They claimed he was 'looking to make up for past bad decisions', that he was ready to listen and finally wanted to 'make amends and help rather than hurt'. The change of heart came amid rumours of the 71-year-old's declining health. In May, he had an operation on his neck and earlier this month, a pal claimed: 'I don't know if we'll ever see Hogan again.' It's believed Hulk finally buried the hatchet before his death, with insiders telling TMZ that Brooke felt 'lucky and grateful' she could 'say 'I love you' during their last conversation.' They claimed he 'apologised' but 'wasn't specific for what' and added: 'She feels at peace knowing she did everything she could to protect and support him.' As for Nick, they remained 'very close' and lived near each other. And it seems even Linda made amends too, with her recent nostalgic snap. It would seem Hulk was able to repair old wounds before the final bell rang on his life - meaning his family can let the memory of this sporting giant rest in peace.
Daily Record
an hour ago
- Daily Record
Hulk Hogan's wife breaks silence on star's death and says her 'heart is in pieces'
Sky Hogan shared a heartbreaking tribute to the WWE star, who she married in 2023. Hulk Hogan's wife has broken her silence in the wake of the death of the WWE icon on Thursday. Sky Daily Hogan took to Instagram on Friday to tell followers her 'heart is in pieces' as she paid tribute to the star, who she married in 2023. Hogan - real name Terry Bollea - is reported to have suffered a cardiac arrest yesterday morning. Emergency services raced to the wrestling legend's Florida home after receiving a 911 call and are reported to have treated him at the scene before moving him to hospital. Shortly later it was announced the star had died at the age of 71. The news sent shockwaves across Hollywood and the wrestling world and fans joined famous faces to pay tribute. Sky took to Instagram to add her own heartbreaking statement, which read: "I wasn't ready for this and my heart is in pieces. "He had been dealing with some health issues, but I truly believed we would overcome them. I had so much faith in his strength. I thought we still had more time. "This loss is sudden and impossible to process. To the world, he was a legend… but to me, he was my Terry. The man I loved. My partner. My heart. "Hulk loved his fans so much and despite his growing physical discomfort, he did everything he could to show up, sign autographs, take photos, and connect with the people who supported him through it all. You meant everything to him. "He was a believer in Christ, and I take comfort knowing his soul is at peace and he's been welcomed home. "Please keep his family and all of us who loved him in your prayers as we try to navigate this new reality." Fans flocked to the comments to offer words of support to the yoga teacher, 46, as one said: "I am so sorry Sky… We are going to miss him terribly." Another said: "I'm so so sorry Sky, sending love to you and your family." And one said: "I'm so sorry for your loss, it was crystal clear how much he loved you. I wish you had more time too. Now you have an Angel watching over you." It was first reported that the star had died on Thursday afternoon following claims on TMZ he had been carried out of his house on a stretcher. Police confirmed the death after a a 911 call made at 9.51am on Thursday morning local time. First responder medics were at his home in Clearwater, Florida, by 9.56am and police arrived at 10.23am. The news of Hulk's passing was was later confirmed in a statement shared on his official Instagram page. It read: "It is with a heavy heart and deep sadness that we confirm we have lost a legend. "Our beloved Terry Bollea, known worldwide as Hulk Hogan, passed away today surrounded by his loved ones. "At this time of grief, we ask that everyone please respect the privacy of his family and friends. "May we all take solace in the wonderful memories he left behind for the millions of fans worldwide whose lives he touched for more than four decades. "He will be missed, but never forgotten." Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Earlier today we reported a medical investigation into the death of the wrestling legend has been launched by police. During a press conference on Thursday, Major Nate Burnside of the Clearwater Police Department said: "The Clearwater Police Department is conducting a medical investigation, which is standard in these types of cases. There are no signs of foul play or suspicious activity related to this call for service at this time." He also added more details about the emergency call, saying: "Just before 10 AM, Clearwater Police Department responded to a house in the 1000 block of El Dorado Avenue for a medical related call. "It was discovered at that time that Terry Bollea, also known as Hulk Hogan, was experiencing a serious medical related issue. Personnel provided medical treatment at that time and transported Mr. Bollea to Morton Plant Hospital, where he died at 11:17 AM." Shortly after the tragedy, WWE released a statement announcing the news, reading: "WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away. "One of pop culture's most recognisable figures, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s. WWE extends its condolences to Hogan's family, friends, and fans."
Daily Record
an hour ago
- Daily Record
Chip shop triggers debate after deep frying Aldi's caterpillar cake
One chippy has taken the deep-fried trend to a whole new level by battering a caterpillar cake - and the internet is divided over the unusual sweet treat A fish and chip shop has sparked fierce debate online after deep-frying a chocolate cake. Taking inspiration from Scotland's deep-fried Mars Bars, a chippy in Telford deep-fried one of Aldi's Cuthbert the Caterpillar cakes. But social media users were stunned when The Silver Fish shared the result online. The Silver Fish often experiments with popular treats, creating everything from battered cheesecake to battered spaghetti on toast. One of their latest creations caused a splash on social media. A video showcasing the battered Cuthbert the Caterpillar cake received over one million views and hundreds of comments from amazed viewers, reports the Mirror. After trying the creation, an employee said: "Wow, this looks unreal. This is insanity. It's so good." Ultimately, he rated the cake 12/10. Reacting to the post, several viewers said they wished they could try the treat themselves. For example, a fan wrote: "Couple slices of that, add a scoop of ice cream onto it, I'd happily pay like £7.50 for that." A second said: "That's disgusting but why do I want it so much." A third viewer joked: "My arteries clogged with just a yet I want a slice so bad." Another response read: "I mean, I wanna be outraged and sickened by this, but damn, I'm hungry now!" A fan added: "This looks UNREAL," and someone agreed: "That looks amazing!" Sharing more praise, a commenter said: "Need," and a food lover replied: "Looks delightful." Unfortunately, some viewers were far from impressed. A social media user joked: "Just because you can doesn't mean you should." A commenter claimed: "Nothing is safe from the chip shops." Another viewer asked: "Am I the only one devastated that Cuthbert got frazzled to death?" Someone teased: "Scotland called, they want their national dish back." A foodie added: "Sacrilege... not even a Colin... where's my pearls, they need clutching." A similar response said: "Justice for Colin." Colin fans didn't have to wait long, though. In another video, the Silver Fish battered one of Marks and Spencer's Colin the Caterpillar cakes, prompting another debate. The post said: "You asked, we delivered," which has amassed over 80,000 views. When it was time for "the moment of truth", the cake passed the taste test. "This is so good. This is nice and warm. This is exceptional. I'm going to give it a 12.1 out of ten," praised the reviewer. However, some cake fans could not be convinced. A response read: "I feel like I've witnessed a crime against humanity." Another said: "NOOOO COLIN," and someone wrote: "That looks nasty." Despite this, someone said: "Years on this earth and I have never wanted anything more than I want this." It's not the first time Colin the Caterpillar has received the chippy treatment, and based on the response from excited fans, it won't be the last time either.
