Thorpe Park is partially closing a beloved water attraction after 35 years – and, in its place, introducing a brand new ‘recharge’ zone where thrillseekers can rest.
The main area of Amity Beach – a family-friendly spot known for its fake sandy shores, fountains, paddling pool and four-lane water slide – will not reopen for 2026, the theme park has confirmed.
Opened in 1991, the seasonal attraction has long served as a popular spot for families and children to cool down during hot summer days.
However, in a social media post, the theme park announced the main beach area is being removed to make way for a ‘refuel’ zone named ‘The Launchpad.’
Fortunately, the smaller side of the beach will remain open seasonally for families to enjoy.
It wrote: ‘We’re thrilled to share a first look at the concept art for The Launchpad! As we say goodbye to Amity Beach and get ready for this next exciting chapter, we’re proud to reveal what’s coming next!
‘The Launchpad will be a recharge zone, designed for thrillseekers to rest, reset and refuel between adrenaline hits.
‘As the UK’s Most Thrilling Theme Park, we recognise how important it is to recharge between our exhilarating rides, and this space will be the perfect place to do that.’
A part of Amity Beach, a beloved outdoor attraction at Thorpe Park, will not reopen for the 2026 season
Thorpe Park announced on social media that the main beach area will be removed to make way for a ‘refuel’ zone named ‘The Launchpad’ (pictured)
On its Instagram page, Thorpe Park released first-look photos of The Launchpad, an open-plan space that features colourful rubber flooring, seating areas, shaded spots, kiosks, flower boxes and planted trees.
Amity Beach is characterised by its exhilarating Depth Charge waterslide – featuring thrilling dinghy rides – which will return for the park’s 2026 season.
Thorpe Park recently released a nostalgic collection of photos highlighting the history – and popularity – of Amity Beach, which includes visits from members of the Royal family and high-profile celebrities.
In April 1992, Princess Diana – who was known to visit the park multiple times as a ‘regular guest’ in the ’90s – was famously photographed with a young Prince Harry taking on the Depth Charge water slide.
Amity Beach also hosted themed events, such as Love Island Lates, which gave fans the opportunity to meet with cast members from the show.
Thorpe Park released a number of throwback photos highlighting Amity Beach’s history since 1991
Meanwhile, in Blackpool, a £1 million children’s attraction has closed down after just three years.
Peter Rabbit Explore and Play was a venture by Merlin Entertainments, a company which operates major theme parks across the country including Alton Towers and Thorpe Park.
The family attraction first opened back in 2022 and brought visitors into a ‘rabbit-sized world’.
It was a multi-sensory and interactive experience for little ones and their families to enjoy, based on the beloved Peter Rabbit animated TV series.
The adventure lasted 45 minutes and took visitors through a series of challenges and themed zones, all the way to the Secret Treehouse Club.
Located along the Promenade, standard entry for children aged one to 14 years old cost £9.50, and an adult ticket was priced from £4.50.
However, despite the wholesome Beatrix Potter-inspired attraction costing £1 million, it closed its doors back in November 2025 and has not reopened since, The Blackpool Gazette reports.