Park Opens: 10am
Park Closes: 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Camelot is open from 2nd April through 5th September , on selected dates only. Please check the official web site for more details.
1988- 3 Pictures
July 2007- 57 Pictures
April 2008- 53 Pictures
June 2008- 43 Pictures
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The Rack ride has been removed from the park.
Camelot have launched a brand new web site.
2010 prices have now been added, over 15% off online bookings.
Camelot, as you have probably guessed, is based on the legend of Camelot. Camelot was a Kingdom set in Medieval Britain ruled by King Arthur and his knights of the Round Table. Keep your eyes out for Merlin too, he will perform a magic show in the castle.
Camelot put on a Jousting Tournament twice daily, at around 12:30pm and 3pm in the Avalon arena. There you will find King Arthur, Guinevere and the knights of the Round Table and even a couple of court jesters thrown in, to put on a fantastic show for the guests. Medieval Tournaments were a way the King could keep an eye on his knights, and of course, invaluable training for the knights to fight. Should Camelot be under attack, it would be the loyal and brave knights who went out there to defend the King and his Kingdom.
The knights will go through several disciplines during the show such as Jousting at the tilt, lancing of the rings, spearing the peasants head, the Quintain and of course the foot combat using swords and maces. After the show King Arthur and his knights will be on hand to chat to the guests. The show is performed by Medieval World, global specialists in Jousting Tournaments and Medieval live entertainment. The show is well worth a look, it's fast and furious all the way. Arguably the most famous loyal knight, Sir Lancelot will go head to head with the evil black knight, Mordred.
You can view the Medieval World web site here
Onto my overall view of the park. If memory serves me correctly, I would have to say Camelot was the first ever theme park my parents took me to. Around 21 years ago would have been my first trip there, when I was 6 years old. As you grow older and with Camelot seeking families and small children, it was a park I had not visited for at least 20 years until 2007. It's perfect for small children, I remember being there as a child and it really does put you into a sense of awe, you really believe that your in Medieval Britain and the legend that is Camelot.
In 2007 the park brought in Knightmare. After losing one of it's top coasters, the Tower Of Terror in 2000 and also losing The Beast in 2001, it really did become a park aimed at families and smaller children, so the thrill seekers tend to stay away. With no big adrenaline attractions to choose from numbers dwindled and the park has been rumoured to close down. With Knightmare coming to our shores from Japan and regarded a top roller coaster by enthusiasts around the world, it was time to visit Camelot again.
The park today still looks pretty much the same as it did 20 years ago, except for trees growing, paint work and a few additions and removals, the layout is identical. Although when I first saw the park it did seem a huge layout, if you have never been before then the size could surprise you. All beautifully shaped between a valley and surrounded by woodland. You won't see Knightmare until your almost stood right next to it. I was very impressed, as a kid I just remember running around at 100mph everywhere, maybe that's why the park didn't feel so big, all them years ago. Everything is themed to Medieval Britain.
The huge castle, themed buildings, stalls, ride names and the park entertainment, it's superb if I'm honest, though it's still got a lot to do to keep a thrill seeker there all day. Personally I would argue that Knightmare is worth the entrance fee alone, let alone the shows they put on. If your a family with small children, then this would be a perfect park to visit.
The staff are terrific, some of the best we have at theme parks in the UK, very friendly and helpful with a good attitude towards paying guests. Some parks fail massively on this subject. It can make or break your day, should you encounter idiots for ride crews. Camelot put on a great show, and the park has a real homely feel to it with their staff and I wish them all the best for the future.
A stones throw away from the castle gates you will find Camelot has it's very own Hotel. The Park Hall Hotel is described as an idyllic country retreat and the perfect place to wind down after a day out at the theme park. The hotel also combines the relaxation of a top Health Club & Spa and tranquility of un-spoilt woodland.
There is a choice of accommodation, the lakeside hotel or the unique hotel village. There are 140 en-suite bedrooms, all including the creature comforts of home and even a fabulous entertainment system, with a Sony PlayStation™ keypad.
You can also add a magical dimension to your Camelot break by asking to stay in a themed room. There are a few themed rooms, each containing it's own special furnishings and secret stash of sweets, great for the children and helps bring the magic to life. The hotel even has it's very own Famous Artist suites for that something different.
You can choose from a variety of bars and restaurants, from the Village Inn, with children's outdoor activity area, and Sam's American-style Diner to haute cuisine in Brookes Restaurant.
Included in your price is entry to Camelot Theme Park and Vitalia, Park Halls very own Health Club & Spa with high standard facilities.
Park hall also offers a fine selection of conference and meeting facilities, a dedicated support team, sophisticated presentation equipment, a purpose-built 10 acre team building arena and a stunning choice of entertainment in the cabaret room, an authentic Medieval Banquet Hall and The Park Plaza.
Camelot has over 25 rides and attractions to suit all needs and ages. However this web site will be dedicated to the more thrill seeking aspect of riding. I will include children's rides, but only ones that allow adults to ride too. In this day and age you will appreciate why coaster enthusiasts take a step back when it comes to children's rides.
I remind you that these reviews are my views and experiences of the ride. You may or may not agree with me. Everyone will feel and interpret things that happen to them in a theme park in different ways, I feel they are all fair reviews.
Knightmare
The biggest attraction at Camelot by far. In fact it's Camelot's biggest roller coaster ever and Prime Resorts biggest single investment at Camelot to date. I was lucky enough to be invited to the launch event for the roller coaster before the ride was officially launched to the public on Friday 27th July 2007. Camelot invited all enthusiasts to the park on this day, for a small opening ceremony and a screaming competition to see who would open the ride. Charlotte Jackson won the competition and alongside King Arthur and the knights, cut the ribbon and officially opened the ride.
Knightmare was relocated from Kobe Portopialand, Japan where it was named BMRX. You may also be unaware that there is almost an identical coaster named Jet Line in Gröna Lund, Sweden. The one in sweden has a re-profiled first drop, other than that, it's the same ride. This ride is very highly regarded among enthusiasts, and Knightmare placed 36th in the best steel coaster category in the 2007 polls.
Over ½ a mile long and costing £3 Million to build, the coaster's make is Zierer and the model is a Custom - Schwarzkopf. This ride also has a fantastic mid ride element named the 'psycho drop'. Whilst riding Knightmare you will experience 5 G's of pressure, which is quite a feat, as most coaster's only reach 3 or 4 G's, one of the reasons it's so highly regarded. Schwarzkopf's are beautifully built and you won't feel like it's 5 G's at all, but it is one of the highest G-Force coasters in the UK.
The ride can operate 3 trains, each with a capacity of 14 guests.
My Ride Review
Easily one of the best coaster's I have ridden so far. I can't stress enough how much fun the 'psycho drop' is and with no inversions, it makes the coaster family friendly too. The G-Forces may seem high but it's not as bad as you might think, so stop dreaming and start screaming.
The ride is 86ft tall and will reach speeds of up to 43mph during it's 1 minute 56 seconds circuit, again longer than most. Another really good feature of Knightmare are the helixes, they are so tight, they produce quite good lateral forces, along with the 5 G's you will pull during the 'psycho drop' portion of the ride. Normally, lateral forces are hard to come by, with the banking some roller coaster's get today, but this coaster is old school and does them brilliantly. It's not harsh on the body by any means, but you certainly know your going round tight corners at high speeds.
A unique part of Knightmare are the head choppers, the ride is full of them. It forces you to duck as you fly past support beams, just feet away from your head. I would strongly advise every rider, to keep everything inside the car at all times on this ride, well indeed any ride but seriously, you will know what I mean if you have ridden it already.
The ride quality is excellent for a 20 year old coaster, that's been moved half way around the world. It's very smooth indeed, there are a couple of jerks as it turns around and heads towards it's own structure again, but apart from that it's smooth as silk, which surprised me the time I rode it. I have loved Knightmare ever since and is the sole reason for my return visits.
Height Restriction 1.3m. The only Knightmare you will have, is if you don't ride it. Go and try it today!
The Whirlwind
Brave the storm with Camelot's family sized spinning coaster, similar to Spinball Whizzer at Alton Towers and Dragon's Fury at Chessington World of Adventures. Whilst those two coaster's are custom design layout's, Whirlwind is a traveling version of the same type of coaster and has a permanent home at Camelot. It can also be transported anywhere on the back of a lorry. Before arriving at Camelot in 2003, Whirlwind was named Cyberspace and traveled the big German fair's.
The coaster's make is Maurer Söhne and the model is an Xtended SC 2000. If you're a well traveled enthusiast, you may have come across one of these before as a few park's have this exact coaster around the world.
My Ride Review
Another nice coaster in Camelot's armory. Again, no inversions so this coaster is definitely one for the whole family to enjoy together. Each car has 4 seats and upon boarding you will have to choose which way you want to start the ride, facing forwards or backwards. Each seat will give a different ride experience, depending on how much you spin, the car weight's ratio and how that weight is distributed in the car. On the day this is a totally random process and can result in a different ride every single time.
The ride is 50ft tall, will reach speeds of up to 38mph and will last for around 1 minute 20 seconds during it's 1391' 1" circuit of twisted track. The best part of the ride, for me, was the 1st drop, quite steep and even better if you choose to face backwards.
The coaster will be free to spin after the first drop. Another highlight is the over banked corner and the s-bends during the middle of the ride. You will also hit a vertical angle of 50°. This coaster is a lot of fun and whilst it doesn't look all that impressive it rides better than it looks and greatly impressed me.
Height Restriction 1.2m. Go on, give it a whirl!
Excalibur 2
So, you think you have what it takes, to take on King Arthur's sword? The Excalibur 2 is designed by Fabrri and the model is the Evolution. Again, you may have come across one of these at your local fair, there are quite a few on the traveling circuit. This ride is probably the only ride at Camelot aimed at the thrill seeker. This ride will test the bravest knights Camelot has to offer.
My Ride Review
Not normally a ride I would go on as it spins but for the purpose of this web site and to give you a personal review, I decided to summon myself, to give it a whirl. I thoroughly enjoyed the ride, for visual impact more than anything. There's nothing quite like, staring at the ground, face first, whilst gently spinning.
During the ride you will reach heights of around 68ft. The ride arm is also capable of laying riders down. You will be laid down at some point during your ride, one way of putting it would be, sat on your back, but not for very long. You will do well to even notice this is happening during the ride.
With Camelot aimed at families, I'm strongly advised that this Evolution is on a very low setting. This means that the ride is not being run to it's full potential, for example speed and length of the ride. Probably why I liked it. I am told that if you were to ride an Evolution at your local fair, it would be a mile ahead of Excalibur 2.
Another reason the ride may be run on a low setting is to save on the cleaning bills and to save the machine from wear and tear. If a young brave heart wanted to have a go, it won't be too much trouble for them. You spend more time hanging around than spinning wildly. The restraints are re-assuring but a little claustrophobic. It's well worth a go, if your feeling brave. I'd recommend it.
Height Restriction 1.4m
The Galleon
Have you got the sea legs, to take on The Galleon? The designers are Zamperla and the model is a Swinging Galleon. Situated at the bottom of the Knight's Valley surrounded by trees, creates a great setting for a swinging ship. You feel closed in and you also get a greater sense of height, as the boat brushes the top of the trees.
My Ride Review
Everyone has come across a pirate ship sometime in their lives, they are not considered rides people are scared of really. If you want to train the body in what weightlessness or float time feels like, then this is the perfect starting point. The feeling your about to be thrown from the ride to floating back down gently to your seat is an experience not to be missed. The further back you sit, the greater the impact on your body. Hands in the air all the way for this classic. Camelot's Galleon isn't considered one of our biggest in the UK, but it's still great fun for the family.
Again, I'd recommend it. Also look out for the Junior Galleon for smaller children. You will need to be under 1.4m to ride the Junior version.
Height Restriction 1.0m
The Rack
This ride has been removed from the park.
Europe's only split level ride. The designers are Vekoma and the model is a Canyon Trip. A very rare flat ride, there are only a few in the world. You can find The Rack, right next to Knightmare, at the far end of the park, and surrounding countryside.
My Ride Review
Where to start with The Rack? Well, I found this ride to be a little confusing if I'm being honest. I'm not quite sure what the ride is supposed to do or make you feel like. Maybe being tortured on the rack? It's very bizarre, even when the car splits, you don't really feel any difference. I would ride it, should there be no queue, as it would be rude not too.
Of course, Camelot is aimed at families and younger children, so maybe the ride looks daunting to smaller brave hearts. It is fun, simply because it's a bizarre feeling your left with. I would certainly say to people go and ride it, your children will be fine. I really don't think it will scare them, especially if they have just come off Knightmare. Why the ride needs OTSR's is also beyond me.
Height Restriction 1.2m
Pendragon's Plunge
The first of two water rides at Camelot, Pendragon's Plunge is similar to the Falls Of Terror at Lightwater Valley, only without the falls and the terror, it's a three tube water slide. You will be given a choice of which slide to go down, just before you board your dinghy. This ride is also a perfect shortcut to the bottom of the Knight's Valley, should you be brave enough to take it on.
All of the slides take on slightly different twists and turns as you make your way down the 33ft of tubular slide. The ride opened in 1998 and can be found next to the castle.
My Ride Review
Definitely one for all the family, at a leisurely pace and no great drops in the ride, anyone can try Pendragon's Plunge. I've only ridden slides 1 and 2. The slides I did go on, were a lot of fun indeed. You may even get a bit wet as you take the tight turns.
All of the slides offer slightly different ride experiences, some have a little unexpected drop and in parts some are pitch black with small enclosed sections of the slide. Glide in style down the valley and don't forget to smile for the camera!
Height Restriction 1.0m. Children under 1.0m must be accompanied by an adult.
Log Flume
The second water ride at Camelot is the Log Flume, probably one of the eldest rides at the park. A classic Log Flume ride, set in a beautiful location at the entrance to the park. Again, anyone feeling brave enough can have a go on the Log Flume.
My Ride Review
Any ride that allows the family to sit together is an enjoyable ride and Camelot's Log Flume is no different.
It's a fairly simple layout, you will gently float through the channel of water and gently meander around corners, before a swift meeting with the lift hill and climb towards your final drop. As you crest the hill, prepare for a drop that's guaranteed to get you wet.
If you were paying attention, you may have noticed your photo being taken, if you were cowering and screaming like a little girl, then go and take a look in the photo booth at the exit to the ride. I recommend you ride any log flume you come across, especially if there's a group of you. There's nothing quite like laughing at your friend getting soaked, only to be drenched yourself around the next corner.
Height Restriction 1.0m. Children under 1.0m must be accompanied by an adult.
Dragon Flyer
Built in 1987 and very well known across the roller coaster enthusiast community. What makes this roller coaster famous is the way it works. It's petrol powered and needs to be driven by a member of staff! Yes, climb aboard the dragon for an amazing flight around the Knight's Valley in a very unique way. If you like the smell of petrol, then this is a perfect ride for you. To find the dragon, you must head towards The Galleon and head to the right side of it, you should pick up the signs from there.
My Ride Review
I love this ride, not only because it's unique to the coaster world, but for the layout too, you really do fly around Camelot on a dragon's back. The track is a huge oval that fly's around 30ft above all the attractions in Knight's Valley. You can see everything and with quite good speed and a few un-expected dips and corners thrown in for good measure.
If the park is quiet on your day of visit, you could go around the track 2 or more times. Dipping and diving around attractions and through woodland, this ride is another one for all the family to enjoy together. Certainly worth a ride, even if it's just to say, you have just ridden a very unique coaster.
Height Restriction 1.0m. Children under 1.0m must be accompanied by an adult.
| Ticket Type | Price On Gate | Price Online |
|---|---|---|
Adult |
£22 |
£18 |
Child (over 1 metre high) |
£22 |
£18 |
Senior Citizens |
£13.50 |
£12.50 |
Disabled persons |
£13.50 |
£12.50 |
Family Ticket (4 guests) |
£68 |
£62 |
Family Ticket (5 guests) |
£85 |
£77.50 |
Family Ticket (6 guests) |
£102 |
£93 |
Book Your Camelot Tickets Here
Children under 1 metre in height are FREE of charge.
Special rates available for groups of 12 or when booked in advance.
All these prices include unlimited rides, shows, attractions and entry to the farm (small charge for the Driving School and the Go-Karts).
Park Hall Rd
Charnock Richard
Chorley
Lancashire
PR7 5LP
Situated in a beautiful rural location at Charnock Richard, Chorley, Lancashire between Preston and Wigan.
By Car - Camelot is just a short drive from the M6 (J27) northbound, M6 (J28) southbound or the M61 (J8). Follow the brown tourism signs to Camelot and Park Hall.
By Train - Please visit The Train Line for Trains and Times
By Bus or Coach - Please visit The Travel Line for details on timetables. Or call the Travel Line on 0870 608 2608.
Avoid the traffic and plan your journey with Frixo! Frixo provides live traffic news and information across the country. Check for major disruption the night before or even get live updates on a mobile device, as you travel.
Camelot was opened in April, 1984. In 1986, the Granada Group bought Camelot. The Granada Group also owned the now defunct American Adventure and Granada Studios Tour. It was in 1998 that the current owners, Prime Resorts, took over.
The first white knuckle rides were constructed in the mid to late 1980’s:
- Dragon Flyer
- Tower Of Terror
Past Rides
Tower of Terror
The Tower of Terror was built in 1989 and became a legend at the park for the next 11 years. It made Camelot the place to visit. In 1986 the ride was sited at Ocean Beach Amusement Park in Wales, as Looping Star, before coming to Camelot.
The coaster's make is a Schwarzkopf and the model is a Silverarrow. The coaster reached heights of 60ft, speeds of up to 41mph and featured a 360° vertical loop, hidden from view in the tower.
Another unique point of Schwarzkopf roller coaster's is that they had loops and cars that did not require OTSR's, so you will be going fully upside down with only a lap bar.
During the removal of the ride in 2000, a spark from a cutting torch set the tower on fire, that hides the vertical loop from unexpecting riders.
From Camelot the ride went to Dreamland in Kent. and then onto Scotland where it currently operates at Loudoun Castle as Twist N Shout, it still does not require OTSR's. Well worth a visit to Scotland, to try it out.
If you wish to view the ride at it's current home and without the castle, visit the Rollercoaster Database - Twist N Shout Page .
The Beast
The Beast was built in 1995, nothing to write home about, but certainly worth a mention. One of the earliest coaster's I would have ridden. The coaster's make and model are sketchy at best, it's probably easier to say it is un-confirmed, than to guess. The only thing we really know, is that is was a powered, dark roller coaster.
The Beast could be found near the entrance to the park. When the ride first opened it was enclosed by a mountain which was removed in 2001. The mountain is said to have been removed for plans to extend the castle to incorporate a new indoor entertainment center. Rumours of closure scaled back the project and the mountain and ride were rebuilt and re-themed as Venom.
The Beast/Venom was removed in 2005 and is now owned by Williams Amusements, the castle has now been extended to include a children's play area and the Jousting Knight - a dodgems ride.
My memories of riding it, well as a little nipper, daunting springs to mind. The simple fact it was enclosed, you couldn't see it. All you had was the name, which you'll agree isn't exactly comforting and of course the huge mountain in front of you. It took a few visits to pluck up the courage to finally go on.
In the end it was nothing to be scared about at all. Another ride from Camelot that left me with bizarre feelings for what just happened. Again, as a little nipper, it was a lot of fun for me to ride. Today, I think I would fall asleep.
There was one interesting point though, it was kind of a figure of eight. On the final helix you would see a 'plasma ball' sort of thing in the middle, if you looked at this whilst riding, it would give the sensation of going backwards, before shooting you forwards through The Beast's mouth to safety. Cool Stuff!
Dragon Heights
This picture was taken in 1988 on one of my visits. Pink Dragon's!
Dragon Heights moved in both directions and gave a fantastic view of the park. The ride was situated near The Beast's exit.
Sir Lancelot's Leap
This picture was also taken in 1988, on one of my visits. Taken onboard from Kingdom in the Clouds, the ride your looking at should be the Helter Skelter, snake slides in the middle.
Sir Lancelot's Leap was only accessible from climbing a cargo net first. Both slides were enclosed and wrapped around each other.
Thanks to the Rollercoaster Database for some of the information and King Arthur himself for refreshing the memory with naming Dragon Heights and Sir Lancelot's Leap. Also a special thank you goes out to my friend, Pete Andrews, for his permission to use the pictures of the Tower of Terror & The Beast.
For more pictures past and present from Camelot, visit Pete's online album here.
Camelot's highest ever attendance figure throughout a season was around 500,000 in 1995. Ten years later attendance figures reached just short of 340,000. The park had been rumoured to close for a few seasons along the way, and went into receivership on the 3rd February 2009.
Camelot had four shows performed daily, which were:
- Jousting Tournament
- Merlin's Magic Show
- Merlin's School of Wizardry
- Cats of the Round Table
Camelot's park slogan is, The land of great knights, and amazing days. Camelot also have a double decker carousel, named Sir Lancelot’s Chargers.
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