Cool European city with direct trains from UK to get new theme park
A NEW theme park is set to open in Rotterdam next spring, and Brit holidaymakers will be able to get there without having to board a plane.
Attractiepark Rotterdam is slated to open in March 2025, according to its owner Hennie van der Most.
The theme park was first announced back in 2012 and was expected to open two years later in 2014.
While the project has been in the works for over a decade, very little is known about the size of the theme park and the number of rides and attractions that will be on its site.
According to the website Loopings, several attractions are under construction, including a new bright green rollercoaster.
Earlier this year, a “disk’o attraction” was erected featuring a curved rail where a spinning round gondola will glide.
The nameless attraction will sit next to a 10m-high Ferris Wheel.
Other attractions are reportedly in storage, including a family-friendly rollercoaster.
There will also be an ice rink, bumper cars, a swing shop, a miniature golf course, a haunted house, a bowling alley and an escape room at the theme park.
An indoor climbing wall opened on the site of the theme park in 2023; however, the attraction closed in 2024.
The theme park’s owner, Hennie van der Most hopes to open Attractiepark Rotterdam on his 75th birthday – although many believe this won’t happen given years of delays.
It is not yet known how much tickets will cost to enter the Dutch theme park.
If the theme park does open next March, Brit holidaymakers will be able to reach the new theme park without having to fly.
This is because Eurostar runs a direct service from London St Pancras International to Rotterdam.
Three direct services run between the two cities every day, with a journey time of three hours and 30 minutes.
Sun Online Travel have found one-way tickets for £57 per person.
What else is there to do in Rotterdam?
Demolished by the Nazis in World War Two, Rotterdam has been revitalised in recent years.
The lesser-known Dutch city is crammed full of art and world-class grub, making it an ideal city-break destination.
The Cube Houses are some of the city’s most standout pieces of architecture.
Rotterdam is also home to the world’s first Floating Farm.
Located in the harbour, the first floating dairy farm in the world produces fresh products from 40 cows who live there.
Make sure to grab a bite to eat at one of the outdoor bars overlooking the Maas River.
Grab some traditional Dutch bitterballen with your drink — these deep-fried croquettes, made from stewed meat and served with mustard, are the perfect bar snack.
Head to the futuristic-looking Markthal for yet more food.
The giant food hall is packed with vendors selling grub from around the world as well as traditional local fare.
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.
Another huge theme park is also set to open in Poland.
Here’s another European theme park you might not have heard of – despite winning an award last year.