Pleasurewood Hills Review: Rediscovering a Suffolk Family Favourite

Pleasurewood Hills Review – By Rachel Ducker

There is something rather special about returning to a place you remember from your childhood – particularly when you get to experience it all over again through the eyes of your own children.

It’s been many years since I last visited but I am so glad I gave it another go with Pleasurewood Hills in Lowestoft, Suffolk. Pleasurewood Hills has been providing days out for families since 1983 so they certainly know a thing or two.

We arrived as the gates opened and stayed until we were practically being ushered out at closing time. My children simply did not want to leave, which is probably the best review a family attraction can receive.

Making a Splash at the Water Fun Factory

The big highlight for the children was Pleasurewood Hills’ most famous attraction; log flume’s and they are the reason the attraction got so popular back in the day and it still gets a huge thrill.

The children loved the giggling water theme attraction that was both refreshing and very exciting! Each one wanted to be in the front, with my eldest narrowly missing out. With the splashes and screams, it truly felt like being in a refreshing cool water, ideal for this hot weather we’ve been having.

Don’t forget that a lot of Pleasurewood Hills attractions offer photo on capture so look for a picture with your faces pulling the silliest, scariest faces.

Meeting Woody Bear

A theme Park visit would not be complete without saying hello to Pleasurewood Hills’ Mascot: woody Bear.

Meeting ‘Woody bear and his friends’ really completed our day out and again, this is something the children will remember forever and certainly provided another photo opportunity.

New Rides and Terrifying Thrills

One of the biggest surprises was discovering the park’s newer rides.

The Red Apple Run, new for 2026, is a smaller roller coaster that gives younger riders a taste of theme-park thrills without immediately launching them into something enormous. This was just about enough for me.

We also discovered Marble Madness, which was another exciting addition to our day.

Then there was Wipeout.

We looked at it. We discussed it. We collectively decided that simply admiring it from a safe distance was enough.

Wipeout is the biggest roller coaster in East Anglia, reaching more than 130 feet and taking its riders through six inversions. Once you see it in action, you will understand why we chose not to volunteer.

I did, however, brave Barnyard Whirl, which was far more terrifying than its cheerful farmyard appearance might suggest. Never trust a ride that looks harmless from the ground.

The Best Views Across the Park

A more peaceful highlight was riding Woody’s Wheel, which gave us a wonderful view across the entire park.

Seeing all the rides and attractions from above really puts the size of Pleasurewood Hills into perspective. It was also a welcome opportunity to sit down for a few minutes, something my increasingly tired feet were very grateful for.

Don’t miss a journey on the Pleasurewood Hills Express, this wonderful attraction first made its arrival in the park back in 1984. You take a scenic gentle ride across the Pleasurewood hills grounds on a classic steam engine.

It’s brilliant in getting your bearing for the Park and understanding where all your attractions and rides are located to make the most of your time.

I would recommend taking a ride towards the beginning of the day in my humble opinion. Taking this ride gives you access and a wonderful overhead view of all the fantastic amusements, rides, shops and picnic areas of the park which puts the Park into perspective.

Rediscovering My Old Favourites

Although so much had changed, many of the attractions I remembered were still there.

It brings a huge grin to my face remembering Shiver Me Timbers (the classic Pirate Ship), my children thoroughly enjoyed this too, as does Safari, which has thankfully had been ‘upgraded in 2023, I’m sure there are some things that I remember, perhaps in name only from the children.

We also enjoyed Wavebreaker, another long-standing family favourite that delivered just the right amount of splashing and excitement.

These familiar rides gave the day an extra layer of nostalgia. One minute I was remembering visiting with friends as a teenager; the next, I was watching my children create their own Pleasurewood Hills memories.

Lunch and Food at Pleasurewood Hills

On this occasion with five children who eat non-stop we decided to bring a picnic. There were many shadey picnic spots around the park – ideal for families.

The food on site however, was reasonably priced with a variety of options available such as pizzas from Tony’s Pizzeria, burgers, hot dogs and snacks. The Galley is the best bet for some sweet items, or Novelles for Milkshakes and Waffles. 

Vegetarian, vegan and free from dietary requirements are available, but we did notice on the website that they advised to speak directly to the food service department to advise them.

The Castle Theatre Returns

Pleasurewood Hills has some added great news! The Castle theatre has reopened again after a hiatus of about ten years, with this spectacular Summer Circus spectacular!

The theatre is once again welcoming visitors for live entertainment, including the new summer circus show. Circus Hassani is performing at the park during the 2026 summer season, making it a brilliant addition to a full family day out.

So look forward to this and keep posted as to upcoming shows and performances.

Tips Before Visiting Pleasurewood Hills

Pre-book your tickets here to avoid disappointment during busy times. Pre-Download The Pleasurewood Hills official app here: it’s super easy to navigate, gives you information on attractions height limits, opening times of shows, and most importantly the live operating times on current rides which is fantastic when time is pressing.

Read height restriction notices carefully for rides for younger children or little individuals they have varied differences within each ride, so take particular notice.

Do ensure you seek handstamp to re-enter park if need be so you can go out for breaks.

And take lots of photos of those cheeky faces for some fantastic and hilarious memories.

Our Verdict

Our return to Pleasurewood Hills was nostalgic, energetic and an enormous amount of fun.

It was wonderful to revisit somewhere I had enjoyed during my teenage years and introduce my children to both the old favourites and the park’s newer attractions. They loved the rides, meeting Woody Bear and spending an entire day exploring.

We arrived when the park opened and were still there as it closed. My children would happily have stayed even longer.

I left with happy children, plenty of photographs and feet that will probably ache for several days. That, in my experience, is the sign of a very good family day out.

How to Find Pleasurewood Hills

Address: Pleasurewood Hills, Leisure Way, Lowestoft, Suffolk, NR32 5DZ

The park is situated just off the A47 between Lowestoft and Great Yarmouth. For drivers using satellite navigation, Pleasurewood Hills recommends using postcode NR32 4TZ to arrive via Leisure Way.

Lowestoft railway station is less than three miles from the park, with taxis and local bus connections available. The nearest bus stop is beside Tesco in Corton.

Telephone: 01502 586000
Email: [email protected]

The park generally opens from 10am on scheduled operating days, although closing times vary. Visitors should check the official calendar before travelling and book online in advance for the best available ticket prices.

Rachel and her family were invited to visit Pleasurewood Hills for review purposes. All experiences and opinions are her own.