September 2025 marked an exciting moment for the UK theme park industry with the annual UK Theme Park Awards held at Wicksteed Park. The ceremony welcomed leading figures from across the country including Pleasurewood Hills’ Looping Group partners, West Midlands Safari Park. Among the 35 nominated parks, Pleasurewood Hills stood out with five nominations, recognising excellence across a range of categories.
The nominations for Pleasurewood Hills highlighted both the park’s commitment to value and innovation. The park was shortlisted for Best Value, Best Seaside Park, Best Theme Park for Thrills, Best Re-Imagined Attraction for Wipeout, and Best Integration of Technology for Guest Experience for its innovative collaboration with ride photography specialists EPT. These nominations reflect the diverse strengths of the park from thrilling rides to creative use of technology for enhancing the visitor experience.
Celebrating Industry Excellence
The awards ceremony brought together industry leaders, park operators, and media from across the UK. It offered a platform for parks to showcase their latest attractions, innovations, and initiatives. Pleasurewood Hills’ presence alongside other prominent parks demonstrated its growing influence within the UK theme park sector. The event also provided an opportunity for networking and collaboration, strengthening relationships with industry partners and peers.
Recognition for Wipeout
One of the highlights for Pleasurewood Hills was the award for Best Re-Imagined Attraction. The park’s investment in Wipeout, the UK’s last remaining Vekoma Boomerang roller coaster and a thrill ride favourite in East Anglia, earned silver. The reimagining involved a £1 million renovation including a new shark-themed Sunkid train, lap bar upgrades, and design collaboration with AirWurx. Guests have responded positively to the enhanced ride experience, praising both the visual theming and the exhilaration of the upgraded roller coaster. The silver award recognises the park’s dedication to creating a memorable and innovative attraction.
Innovative Technology for Guest Experience
Pleasurewood Hills was also acknowledged for its innovative integration of technology through its collaboration with EPT, specialists in ride photography. This nomination highlights the park’s commitment to enhancing guest experiences by offering high-quality, accessible ride photography. By combining cutting-edge photography technology with creative presentation, visitors can capture memories in a way that adds value to their visit. Although this category did not result in a win, the nomination alone reflects Pleasurewood Hills’ focus on blending technology and entertainment to improve guest satisfaction.
Industry Collaboration and Community
The awards ceremony also emphasised the importance of collaboration within the theme park industry. Pleasurewood Hills’ partnerships with other leading attractions, including West Midlands Safari Park, demonstrate a commitment to sharing expertise and best practices. These relationships help drive innovation, improve operational efficiency, and enhance guest experiences. Participation in such events also allows the park to benchmark against industry standards and maintain its position as a leading family theme park in the UK.
Guest Experience and Park Reputation
Recognition at the UK Theme Park Awards contributes to both guest perception and park reputation. Nominations and awards act as third-party endorsements that validate the park’s investment in attractions, technology, and guest services. For visitors planning a family day out, such accolades provide reassurance that Pleasurewood Hills delivers quality experiences, thrills, and value. Winning silver for Wipeout not only celebrates the park’s achievements but also encourages continued innovation and development across other attractions.
Statement from the Sales and Marketing Manager
Andrew Fuller, Sales and Marketing Manager at Pleasurewood Hills, commented on the awards success:
“Our team is incredibly proud to have received recognition at the UK Theme Park Awards. Being nominated across five categories reflects the dedication and creativity of everyone at the park. Winning silver for Best Re-Imagined Attraction for Wipeout is especially gratifying. It highlights our commitment to investing in rides that delight our guests and maintain our reputation as a leading destination for family fun and thrills.”
Fuller emphasised that the nominations and awards serve not only as a celebration of past achievements but also as motivation to continue innovating and enhancing the visitor experience at Pleasurewood Hills.
Looking Ahead
The UK Theme Park Awards provide an annual benchmark for excellence in the industry. For Pleasurewood Hills, the 2025 awards demonstrate both current success and potential for future growth. The recognition for Wipeout encourages further investment in ride upgrades and attraction development. Meanwhile, the nominations for technology integration and guest experience showcase the park’s commitment to embracing new trends and delivering modern, memorable experiences.
Participation in the awards also reinforces the park’s standing in East Anglia and across the UK. By highlighting achievements in value, thrill experiences, seaside appeal, and innovation, Pleasurewood Hills strengthens its brand and appeal to a broad audience including families, thrill-seekers, and tourists visiting the region.
A Bright Future
September 2025 was a landmark moment for Pleasurewood Hills, with five nominations and a silver award celebrating the reimagining of Wipeout. The park’s dedication to innovation, guest experience, and quality attractions was recognised alongside some of the UK’s leading theme parks. From investment in thrilling rides to creative collaborations with technology partners, Pleasurewood Hills continues to deliver experiences that delight visitors and maintain its position as a top destination in East Anglia. The recognition at Wicksteed Park confirms that the park is moving forward with both ambition and creativity, setting the stage for further achievements in the coming years.
For a full list of the categories and award winners visit the UK Theme Park Awards website.
