Fantasy Island
Sightseeing attraction | Skegness | England | United Kingdom
Amusement park on the east coast
Fantasy Island in Skegness, England, is one of the most well-known amusement parks in Britain and a popular attraction on the sunny East coast of Lincolnshire. The park is located in the small town of Ingoldmells, just a few kilometers from Skegness, and was opened in 1995. It offers a mix of exciting rides, family-friendly attractions, and a unique market experience that sets it apart from other amusement parks. Fantasy Island is particularly known for its distinctive pyramid structure in the center, which houses many indoor attractions and gives the park a distinctive look. Since its acquisition by the Mellors Group in 2016 after a period of financial difficulties, the park has seen continuous development and remains a draw for families, thrill-seekers, and day trippers.
Indoor attractions in theme parks
The history of Fantasy Island began with the vision of creating a family-oriented amusement park that takes advantage of its proximity to the coast and the tradition of British seaside resorts. Originally developed by Blue Anchor Leisure, the park opened its doors in 1993 and was officially inaugurated as a full-fledged theme park in 1995. Over the following years, it grew steadily, with the introduction of significant roller coasters like the "Millennium" in 1999, which with its three inversions and a height of 45 meters was the park's first looping coaster, and the "Jubilee Odyssey" in 2002, which with five inversions and a height of over 50 meters is one of the most spectacular rides. Despite challenges like administration in 2014, the park has recovered under new management and regularly invests in new attractions to keep the experience fresh and exciting.
Family friendly activities in Skegness
Fantasy Island is divided into two main areas: the extensive outdoor section with large rides and the covered pyramid, which also provides entertainment in bad weather. Highlights of the outdoor area include "The Odyssey," a steel roller coaster that reaches speeds of up to 68 km/h and thrills adrenaline junkies with its loops and steep drops. The "Millennium" coaster is another crowd-pleaser, with its purple track and a spectacular view over the park. Thrill rides like "The Volcano," an S&S Space Shot that catapults riders into the air, or the "Starflyer," a 70-meter tall swing carousel, also provide excitement. Family-friendly options like the "Rhombus Rocket," a powered family coaster, or the "Wild River Rapids," a water ride with rotating rafts, offer fun for all ages.
Attractions for kids in amusement parks
The pyramid in the center of the park offers a versatile indoor experience. Here, attractions like the "Magical Seaquarium," a boat ride through a fantasy underwater world with animated scenes and UV lighting, and "Harrington Flint's Island Adventures," an interactive dark ride that takes visitors on an adventure through jungles and portals, can be found. These covered areas make Fantasy Island particularly attractive as they can be enjoyed regardless of typical British rainy weather. Additionally, the pyramid houses arcades with video games, bowling alleys, and a high ropes course, rounding out the offerings.
Food and drink in amusement parks
A unique feature of Fantasy Island is the "Fantasy Island Market," which is considered Europe's largest seven-day market. This indoor and outdoor market spans a vast area and offers everything from clothing, jewelry, and toys to furniture and garden tools. With its numerous stalls and food stands, it is not only a shopping paradise but also an experience in itself, blending the traditional charm of British seaside towns with a touch of bazaar atmosphere. The market is free to access and attracts visitors who may not necessarily want to use the rides.
For families, the park offers special areas like the "Little Explorer" attractions, tailored to younger children, including gentle carousels and a soft play area. During peak season, live shows featuring popular children's characters are performed to delight the little ones. For adults and older children, there are additional thrill rides like "G-Force," a pendulum ride that was in the park until 2017, or the "AirMaxx 360," which provides thrills with fast spins. Dining options range from classic amusement park treats like cotton candy and donuts to restaurants serving Italian cuisine or ranch-inspired dishes, allowing for a break from the hustle and bustle.
Fantasy Island also hosts seasonal events. In the summer, there are fireworks displays and themed parades, while Halloween is celebrated with spooky attractions like "Journey to Hell." These events add extra allure to the park and make it attractive year-round. For those looking to stay longer, Fantasy Island offers accommodation in modern apartments or caravans, making access to the park and the nearby coast easier.
