Explore every episode of the podcast Parkcast - The UK’s Original Theme Park Podcast
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| S4 Ep32: Journey to Hell - are the reviews fair? | 23 Oct 2026 | 00:51:20 | |
Blackpool Pleasure Beach have revamped their Halloween Journey to Hell event for 2026. Your day ticket now gives you access to the park until 9pm with rides in the dark, scare zones and entertainment. The scare mazes are an upcharge and on the launch night the reviews weren't great. I chat with Adam from Attractions Daily about our own experience on the night - is it really that bad? We also hear from Stuart - Marketing Manager at the park. | |||
| S4 Ep31: Theme Parks behind the lens with Marcus Delo | 16 Oct 2026 | 00:44:15 | |
Marcus Delo is living the theme park enthusiast dream. He started his instagram account to document his park photos and got spotted by the industry. Now he takes shots and films for some of the biggest parks in the UK. We chat about how it happened, and why he thinks enthusiasts are the best people for the job in this episode. Follow Marcus on Instagram and TikTok - @Thrillriders | |||
| S4 Ep30: Fright Nights vs Halloween Horror Nights - can UK parks compete? | 09 Oct 2026 | 00:50:47 | |
Fright Nights at Thorpe Park is celebrating 25 years and I was invited along to experience it for the first ever time with Dean Stokes. Conveniently he'd just got back from HHN in Orlando - so when Universal is here, assuming they bring the event with them, have our parks really got anything to worry about? Dean thinks there's definitely things we do better..... | |||
| S4 Ep29: Let's go to the IAAPA Europe Expo 2026 | 02 Oct 2026 | 00:33:10 | |
Something a bit different this week as Parkcast comes to you from the IAAPA Expo Europe in London! This was my first visit to this hugely important event for the industry and I met lots of new and old friends along the way. In this episode I catch up with RMC, The Gravity Group, Adam Hattan, Andy Hygate and more.... | |||
| S4 Ep28: Unpicking the UK Theme Park Awards - With Ride Comparisons | 18 Sep 2026 | 00:40:30 | |
I can't tell you how many times I've been asked to get Ride Comparisons on Parkcast. As we were both nominees in the UK Theme Park Awards Content Creator category for 2026 - this seemed like the perfect time. In this episode we chat about some of the big winners, and whether the parks won the awards we thought they would. There were definitely a couple of controversial ones! I also want to say a huge thank you to everyone who nominated and voted for Parkcast in the awards this year. It means a huge amount for you to spend an hour a week with me. We may not have won this year - but Parkcast isn't going anywhere and that's only thanks to you. | |||
| S4 Ep27: IAAPA - What's it all about? With Peter van der Schans | 11 Sep 2026 | 00:50:15 | |
As theme park enthusiasts we've all probably heard of IAAPA - especially their incredible expos. But the organisation does so much work behind the scenes in the attractions industry. I'm joined by Peter van der Schans who is the Executive Director and Vice President of IAAPA ESA for this episode to chat about why IAAPA exists, what it's done for theme parks and amusement parks globally and what we can expect from the Europe Expo in London in 2026. | |||
| S4 Ep26: Mark Lofthouse - Life as a Theme Park Creative | 04 Sep 2026 | 00:51:18 | |
Mark Lofthouse from Neon Skull is my guest on Parkcast this week. He's a theme park and amusement industry veteran (he won't mind me saying that) with over 18 years experience in creative roles. We're talking about what it takes to make it in this hugely competitive industry, how far passion will get you and the challenges facing jobs like his. And we're taking a look at some of the specific project's Mark has been involved in including terrifying scare mazes and the new ride openings at Crealy this year. | |||
| S4 Ep25: Should you go to Port Aventura? | 28 Aug 2026 | 00:48:46 | |
Port Aventura is a park I've loved for over 25 years. It's home to some great rides and attractions including the incredible Shambhala. But recently it's started to get a bad rep for operations, essentially destroying some of the experience for guests. Alex Brindley joins me again this week - he's a big fan of the park and has just returned from a week there. So does his experience tell us the park is improving or getting worse, and is it one you should still be looking to visit? | |||
| S4 Ep24: What the Flipz is going on? | 21 Aug 2026 | 00:51:45 | |
Hyperia has been renamed Flipzeria as part of a new sponsorship deal and we aren't enamoured with it! In this episode we're looking at theme park sponsorships over the years - which ones have worked and which ones haven't. But also, WHY have they been success or not? We're drawing on our combined experience of negotiating commercial deals and asking, should you ever just take the money? And dare we mention Oblivion and Fanta..... | |||
| S4 Ep23: Has Phantasialand lost some of what made it special? | 31 Jul 2026 | 01:11:04 | |
Phantasialand is a theme park I've loved since my first visit. It has some absolutely world class theming and attractions and I've enjoyed all my visits there. So much so, I insisted on taking my best mate Glenn with me on my most recent trip as even though he lives in Germany, he's never been! There are still so many things I love about the park, but this trip also flagged up a few issues that I'll definitely think about before visiting again. We talk through the good and the bad in this episode! As an aside, voting for the UK Theme Park awards is open until 28th August. If you enjoyed this episode or my content generally, I'd obviously love your support in the content creator category. The website you need is ukthemeparkawards.com | |||
| S4 Ep22: Why do the UK Theme Park awards matter? With Lawrence Roots. | 24 Jul 2026 | 00:40:44 | |
Voting for the UK Theme Park awards is now open! Lawrence Roots who founded the awards joins me this week to talk about why he thought we needed them, how they've grown and what they mean to the UK theme park industry. You can vote now and you don't to vote in every category if you dont want to. I should also say I'm nominated in the content creator category - very unexpected but appreciated. You don't need to vote for me - but please make your vote count! | |||
| S4 Ep21: Lawrence Mancey on Paultons Park in 2026 | 17 Jul 2026 | 00:48:20 | |
Paultons Park is rapidly becoming an enthusiast favourite park. A string of exciting but well thought through ride installations, combined with excellent operations, attention to detail and owners who really embrace the theme park community means it's been a park we've raved about for ages. Lawrence from the park is back on Parkcast to chat about how the launch of their new area Valgard has gone, including the opening of their new Eurofighter Drakon, and the exciting plans for 2027 which will see the park open the UK's first water coaster. | |||
| S4 Ep20: James Mellors - A lifetime in attractions | 10 Jul 2026 | 00:45:00 | |
We were all a little bit worried last year that we were about to lose another theme park for good. So we were delighted to hear Lightwater Valley had been saved and bought by the Mellors Group - highly regarded showmen and owners of Fantasy Island in Ingoldmells. In this episode I'm joined by James Mellors to talk about his route to owning parks, and his big plans for the future. | |||
| S4 Ep19: Unpopular Theme Park Opinions with Glenn & Alex | 03 Jul 2026 | 00:56:29 | |
If there's one thing every theme park enthusiast has, it's opinions.... This week I'm joined again by Glenn and Alex, as we discuss some of your unpopular ones, and they share some of their own. So, do all rollercoasters have a shelf life? Is Swarm really the best coaster at Thorpe Park? And are Mad Houses actually pointless? We'll cover these and a lot more! Let me know if you agree or not.... | |||
| S4 Ep18: Blackgang Chine - How to delight visitors for over 180 years | 26 Jun 2026 | 00:53:23 | |
Blackgang Chine is the UK's oldest theme park - but how does a park on an island just off the south coast of England stay relevant and still delight guests over 180 years after opening? Laura Baxter - Head of Marketing and Dan White - General Manager join us on Parkcast this week to share some of their secrets! | |||
| S4 Ep17: The Project Horizon shelved plans | 19 Jun 2026 | 00:24:06 | |
Last week I got sent an anonymous message containing details of plans for a new rollercoaster at Alton Towers. Project Horizon has been on the minds of enthusiasts for years, with rumours constantly swirling about what it was going to involve and if it would even happen at all. One thing I've been told is that the planned attraction I was sent the info on is definitely on the cutting room floor. In this episode I talk through what I was sent and ask you, are you sad it's not happening in this form? | |||
| S4 Ep16: Josh Heywood on running Crealy Theme Park | 12 Jun 2026 | 01:03:24 | |
Most theme park fans think they could run a theme park. Josh Heywood does exactly that at Crealy Theme Park in Devon. In this episode he talks us through how he got there, some regrets and his big plans for the future. It's incredibly eye opening and Josh is an infectious breath of fresh air - so full of passion for the park and the industry as a whole. | |||
| S4 Ep15: The Mighty Aviktas - launch day chat | 05 Jun 2026 | 01:07:36 | |
The UK's newest, and in my opinion best, flat ride opened at Blackpool Pleasure Beach on May 21st. Aviktas - the huge Intamin gyroswing - has been eagerly anticipated since the ride was announced early last year. I was lucky enough to be invited to the media launch and in this episode I'm joined by my two companions at the event - Glenn Robertson aka The Notable Stranger who did the ride soundtrack and Alex Brindley who was the MC on the day. But did it live up to our expectations and what's it really like to attend a media day? This episode also features interviews with Amanda Thompson OBE and Peter van der Schans - Vice President and Executive Director IAAPA EMMEA. | |||
| S4 Ep14: The World's Best inverted coasters | 15 May 2026 | 00:55:28 | |
The last time Mark Rosenzweig was on Parkcast he caused uproar when he said he thought Nemesis at Alton Towers was overrated and that Inferno at Thorpe Park was the best inverted coaster in the UK. So this week we've got him back to talk us through his top rated inverted coasters and its a subject he knows a lot about, as he's ridden every single inverted coaster in the USA. I think his No.1 might surprise you! | |||
| S4 Ep13: Buying a Family Fun Park! | 08 May 2026 | 00:32:17 | |
It might be a pipe dream for most theme park enthusiasts, but Matt Conridge has just bought his own park - Trago Family Fun Park in Devon. In this episode we find out why he decided now was the right time to take the leap into the attractions world, how he's finding it and what his plans for the future are. You'll find Trago Family Fun Park near Newton Abbot in Devon and as Matt tells us, it's free to enter and pay to play once you're there. It would be great to show Matt some support for this new venture and hopefully we can watch the park continue to develop over time! | |||
| S4 Ep12: May - A massive month for UK Theme Parks | 01 May 2026 | 00:39:48 | |
May 2026 is a huge month for UK theme parks. With Valgard at Paultons, Aviktas at Blackpool Pleasure Beach and World of Paw Patrol at Chessington all opening, we're looking at the positive things happening in our parks, and why they're so important.... | |||
| S4 Ep11: Has Alton Towers pushed Kev too far? | 24 Apr 2026 | 00:43:16 | |
We've spoken about Alton Towers a lot on Parkcast. And through all of it Kev has always remained a loyal fan, willing to forgive any minor inconveniences because of his love of his home park, his happy place, and the park that made him love theme parks. But in 2026 something has changed for him. With staggered openings, closures and questionable decisions, have Alton Towers finally pushed him too far? Lets chat about it in this episode! | |||
| S4 Ep10: I sent my non-enthusiast friend to Europa Park! | 17 Apr 2026 | 01:07:32 | |
It's no secret that theme park enthusiasts LOVE Europa Park. We love the slick operations, the ride line up, the iood, the innovation....it's a park that really cares about guest experience. But do regular guests feel the same as we do? I sent my non-enthusiast best mate Glenn, who happens to have Europa Park as his local park, to see what he makes of it and if it lives up to my expectations. Whilst he's not a thoosie, he does write music for theme parks and you'll know him by his incredible soundtracks for rides and Hot Ice at Blackpool Pleasure Beach. You can stream all his scores on Spotify whenever you want a BPB fix at home. | |||
| S4 Ep9: UK Theme Parks from a US POV | 10 Apr 2026 | 00:56:24 | |
Our friend from the US Mark Rosenzweig is back on Parkcast this week. After his mini series on achievable US Theme Park road trips in our last series, we were asked by a listener "how does Mark think UK parks compare?". In this episode we set about answering that as Mark talks us through his experiences of visiting large UK attractions like Alton Towers and Blackpool Pleasure Beach, as well as smaller parks such as Lightwater Valley and Adventure Island. | |||
| S4 Ep8: Theme Park Enthusiast Insights | 03 Apr 2026 | 00:46:35 | |
This week we're joined by Robbie Jones, Insight Director at Katapult who are themed attraction designers based in Derby. We all know theme park fans are full of opinions and ideas, and sometimes it feels like nobody is listening! Last year Katapult commissioned a survey of Theme Park super fans, to find out what we really think, and what theme parks and attractions might be able to take away from our experiences. We discuss the results of that survey in this episode, including some of our surprising priorities! We also talk about Katapult's newest research project - where alongside Drayton Manor and the University of Birmingham, they'll be looking at how attractions can improve experiences for Neurodivergent guests. You can find out more about Katapult on their website - www.katapult.co.uk | |||
| S4 Ep7: Efteling - Why it works for us as a family | 27 Mar 2026 | 00:47:41 | |
We've just come back from another family trip to Efteling and honestly I feel like it deserved its own epiosde. Efteling is a beautifully themed park in the Netherlands and it really has something for everyone. In this episode we cover how we got there, our thoughts on our stay in the NEW Efteling Grand Hotel and how it compares to our other experiences, food, attractions and just the overall vibes. If you haven't been yet, you really need to put it on your list. And if you have, what are your favourite things about Efteling?! | |||
| S4 Ep6: How do you solve a problem like RAP? | 20 Mar 2026 | 00:53:02 | |
The Merlin Ride Access Pass system has been under the microscope this year. After a shock announcement about eligibility and a swift backtrack, we've all been left wondering where the parks take it from here. Ride Access isn't just an issue that affects Merlin parks but it is an issue that crops up again and again. This week I'm joined by Hayley Field, mum to a little boy with autism who loves theme parks, to share her experiences, and what she thinks could be be done to help everyone... | |||
| S4 Ep5: Are Merlin Passes too cheap? | 13 Mar 2026 | 00:37:58 | |
This week we're discussing something which is always going to divide opinion - are Merlin annual passes too cheap? Hear me out, there have been ongoing complaints about long queues and lack of investment, is this because too many guests rely on using super cheap Merlin Essential Passes? Have a listen and let me know your thoughts! | |||
| S4 Ep4: Supporting Smaller Parks with Coaster Dad | 27 Feb 2026 | 00:44:20 | |
The UK theme park season hasn't even begun and we've already had drama! In this episode I'm joined by Chris Milne aka Coaster Dad. We talk about his half term experiences at Alton Towers and Blackpool Pleasure Beach, and why he's on a mission in 2026 to support and visit as many UK parks as possible. You can follow Chris on YT @coaster_dad and you'll also find him on all the social platforms. | |||
| S4 Ep3: Capturing the magic with Adam Hattan | 20 Feb 2026 | 00:58:02 | |
If you're into theme parks you're bound to know Adam Hattan - he's spent years vlogging his Disney trips and sharing his life. This week he joins me on Parkcast to talk about how he went from regular guest to full-time content creator, and how he's now using that knowledge to work with parks to improve guest experiences for everyone. The good news is, you can be part of it too! He's working with Enterpex which is essentially a mystery shopper programme for theme parks - you get days out for free in return for your feedback, which hopefully helps the parks improve - win win! The link you need if you fancy signing up to take part is www.Enterpex.com | |||
| S4 Ep2: Visiting Six Flags Qiddiya City | 13 Feb 2026 | 00:37:31 | |
I've talked about Six Flags Qiddiya City quite a lot - mainly because as a recent Saudi resident, I've been so excited to see this park develop and open. This week I'm joined by my husband on the podcast for the first time ever, and we're sharing our honest takes of how we found the reality of visiting the park, and of course, riding those headline attractions. | |||
| S4 Ep1: A Universal UK Catch Up | 06 Feb 2026 | 00:47:44 | |
Parkcast is back for 2026! And we’re kicking things off chatting to our friend Lawrence from Universally Bedford. A lot has happened since we last spoke - so what have we missed and what can we expect? | |||
| S3 Ep48: Parkmaster 2025 - The Big Theme Park Quiz | 19 Dec 2025 | 01:19:40 | |
And just like that we’ve landed at our final episode of 2025! What a year it’s been, and we are celebrating in the only way we know how, a comedy quiz! Join us for Parkmaster where our two teams, each comprised of one theme park nerd and one novice, compete in a series of rounds to be crowned Parkmaster champions 2025. You can play along at home too! | |||
| S3 Ep47: Creatively innovating at Europa Park | 12 Dec 2025 | 00:51:15 | |
A special edition of Parkcast this week which we were honoured to be asked to record on location at Europa Park! There’s a reason this park is consistently voted the world’s best - with a stellar line up of rides and shows, unbelievable operations and fantastic theming. I’m joined by Marcus Earnst - a Creative Project Manager for Mack One who tells me about the tech innovations at the resort, what we might be seeing in the future and how it’s going to benefit us as guests. | |||
| S3 Ep46: From Thoosie to Ride Op (and Starlight Express?!) | 05 Dec 2025 | 01:09:41 | |
At some point in most enthusiast’s lives we’ve thought it would be fun to be a ride op for the day. In 2020, Brad Corben did exactly that when Covid 19 shut down his work in theatres and on stage. In this episode he tells us what it’s really like, shares some great enthusiast experiences and tells us why in his current role as Skate Coach for Starlight Express, his first question is always “do you like rollercoasters…..” You can find Brad on TikTok as @bradcorben, and his coaster page on Instagram is @coasterb_coasterbrad | |||
| S3 Ep45: The IAAPA Expo 2025 Wrap Up | 28 Nov 2025 | 00:50:12 | |
The IAAPA expo in Orlando is over for another year, and there’s a LOT to take in. In this episode we’re joined by expo veteran Mark Rosenzweig to take us through everything you need to know from this year’s show…. | |||
| S3 Ep44: Saved at any cost? | 21 Nov 2025 | 00:47:43 | |
Enjoying historical attractions is a huge part of being a theme park enthusiast. But does there come a point where we should lose rides we love that are getting too costly to run for the greater good? Or are they too important to go? What about when enthusiasts start taking things into their own hands (and too far?!). Andy Hine, Chairman of the Rollercoaster Club of Great Britain joins us to discuss…. | |||
| S3 Ep43: Epic USA theme park road trips: Pt 3 | 14 Nov 2025 | 00:51:06 | |
Mark Rosenzweig from 3DX Scenic joins us for our final instalment of totally doable theme park road trips in the USA. This time we are off the West Coast with itinerary ideas and parks not to miss along the way. | |||
| S3 Ep42: Video killed the Theme Park? | 07 Nov 2025 | 00:49:39 | |
Merlin CEO Fiona Eastwood said in a recent interviews that screens are their biggest competition. We’re not so sure…. In this episode we talk about what we think are the biggest issues when it comes to consumers chosing to visit a Merlin park or not. | |||
| S3 Ep41: A chat with Craig Seedhouse: Resort Director Gullivers Rother Valley | 31 Oct 2025 | 01:07:19 | |
Craig Seedhouse has spent a lifetime in themed attractions. From running the F&B at Alton Towers - including launching the Rollercoaster Restaurant, to launching The Bear Grylls Adventure and now finding himself at Gullivers Rother Valley - he’s seen a LOT. He talks candidly with us about all of it in this weeks episode - and drops a huge hint as to what we could see soon at Gullivers… | |||
| S3 Ep40: Behind the Screams: Designing Scare Mazes | 24 Oct 2025 | 00:55:53 | |
This week we’re taking you behind the SCREAMS. I’m joined by Kieran Kimberley - the former Creative Manager at Alton Towers. A stalwart of the event, Kieran was the mastermind behind iconic scare attractions like The Attic, Project 42, Compound and so many more. In this episode he tells us how the ideas get brought to life, his tips for getting the best scares and which mazes he believe went too soon….. | |||
| S3 Ep39: Theme Park Aromas | 17 Oct 2025 | 00:52:45 | |
Rotting Flesh, Musty, Attic…..Three things contribute to theme park experiences - the sights, the sounds and the SMELLS. So we are delighted that Liam from Aroma Prime agreed to join us to talk about the iconic scents we’ll find in our favourite parks. | |||
| S3 Ep38: AI & Theme Parks | 10 Oct 2025 | 00:36:08 | |
The robots are coming - but is it a bad thing? Kip Hakes joins Parkcast this week as we look at the increasing use of AI in our theme parks - the good the bad and tne downright ugly. But is it all bad news and could AI actually help us have a better day out? | |||
| S3 Ep37: Scream Parks vs Theme Parks | 03 Oct 2025 | 00:44:40 | |
It’s finally October and this month is all about spooks and scares! As our UK theme parks launch their Halloween offerings - let’s look at if they can really compete with stand alone scare atttactions. I’m joined by enthusiast and self-confessed scare obsessive Darren Judson from Judventures to chat through the events you really shouldn’t miss if you’re looking for a terrifying night out this October. | |||
| S3 Ep36: Managing Clacton Pier - with Harry Peek | 26 Sep 2025 | 01:03:55 | |
Despite being under 30, Harry Peek has a huge responsibility on his hands. As General Manager of Clacton Pier he looks after one of the most famous seaside amusement parks in the UK - and it’s so much more than that too. In this episode Harry tells us about his journey from ride sceptic to industry pro and the impact he’s making at Clacton Pier, and it’s really inspiring. Mark our words - we are going to be hearing a lot more about Harry in the future! | |||
| S3 Ep35: Touring the National Rollercoaster Museum & Archives | 19 Sep 2025 | 00:52:58 | |
In a corner of Texas, a group of dedicated theme park enthusiasts have been quietly collecting a treasure trove of amusement industry history. In this special episode, we’re joined by Mark Rosenzweig and Kris Rowberry, Directors of the National Rollercoaster Museum & Archive, who tell us about this huge project, their hopes for the future, and how we will be able to see inside it ourselves. A full video tour is available on our YouTube channel! | |||
| S3 Ep34: More Universal UK updates | 12 Sep 2025 | 00:44:52 | |
We might not have the final green light on the Universal project in the UK, but we’ve had some big news dropping over the past week. A name has been trademarked, Harry Potter could be back on the cards and there’s talk of a water supply issue throwing the whole thing off! Lawrence from Universally Bedford is back to chat through all this and more with us. | |||
| S3 Ep33: Riding every rollercoaster in the UK…?! | 05 Sep 2025 | 01:12:08 | |
After a short hiatus, Parkcast is back! And we are joined by Dean Stokes - a guy who sent ripples through the theme park enthusiast world when his mission to ride every rollercoaster in the UK got attention from mainstream tv and radio outlets. In this episode we put some controversies to bed, talk about THAT Guinness World Record, but also find out what Dean thought about parks having visited so many in quick succession. | |||
| S3 Ep32: More Iconic Theme Park Music | 15 Aug 2025 | 01:08:42 | |
The Notable Stranger aka Glenn Robertson is BACK on Parkcast. Having joined us at the start of the year to talk about his work on the Icon and Big One soundtracks, this week we’re talking about Valhalla, Launch Pad AND the huge Aviktas project for 2026. The level of detail that has gone into these scores is outstanding and any theme park fan will be fascinated to hear how Glenn created what we know and love today. | |||
| S3 Ep31: Epic USA Theme Park Road Trips Pt 2 | 08 Aug 2025 | 00:55:33 | |
In this episode we’re back with our friend Mark Rosenzweig from the USA to plan out some more totally doable theme park road trips. This time we’re looking at itineraries in the SE, Central and Texas regions and landing on some truly bucket list parks. | |||