UK theme park has little-known Sooty Land with four rides, live shows and ‘world-first’ store
AN award-winning theme park in Devon is home to a little-known Sooty-theme land where kids can watch live shows of their favourite TV puppet.
The Sooty Show first aired back in 1955 and follows a mischievous yellow hand puppet called Sooty.
Along with his friends Soo and Sweep, Sooty causes chaos for his human guardian Matthew.
The hit children's TV show, which was created by Harry Corbett, ran for a staggering 43 seasons.
And even though new episodes haven't aired since 1992, reruns are still being played on ITV to this day, giving way to a new generation of fans.
Fans of the yellow bear should plan a day out, or a short break, to Crealy Theme Park & Resort in Devon.
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The award-winning Devonshire theme park is home to a Sooty-themed land, which has rides, attractions and live shows.
Sooty Land opened back in 2022 and features a host of rides dedicated to the on-screen bear and his furry pals.
One of the themed rides is Sooty’s Magic Bus, which moves park-goers up and down.
There's also Sweep’s Flying Circus, Soo’s Sweet Balloon Ride and Izzy Wizzy Let’s Get Dizzy.
The outdoor rides are also accompanied by ten indoor attractions, which are housed inside the Pier.
Attractions inside the Pier include an indoor play area, carnival games and a mirror maze.
There's also a dance studio, a helter-skelter, themed beach huts with games and photo opportunities.
Live shows and daily meet-and-greets also take place.
Fans of the show can also buy merch from the world's only Sooty Store where items like puppets, stationery and lanyards can be purchased.
Meanwhile, die-hard Sooty fans can also book to stay in a Sooty Suite - a themed hotel room.
The luxury Sooty Suites are equipped with private hot tubs, Sooty-themed furnishings, a decking area, a flat screen TV and discounted entry into the theme park.
Two-night stays in the theme park for four people start from £449.
When Sooty Land first opened in 2022, Josh Haywood, general manager at Crealy Theme Park & Resort, said: "Crealy Theme Park & Resort has long prided itself on being a family attraction that caters for all generations.
"Sooty, Sweep and Soo have been entertaining children, parents and grandparents across the country for over 70 years, and so we couldn’t be more thrilled to be partnering with the gang on our new Sooty Land."
Since it opened, Sooty Land has been praised by visitors on TripAdvisor with one person writing: "We went to Crealy with the sole purpose of visiting Sooty Land, as my two young sons are big Sooty fans.
"We had a brilliant day out and Sooty Land was all we had hoped for; the best part for the boys was getting to meet Sooty."
Another person added: "The children enjoyed the driving school, Sooty Land, Dino jeeps, the shark rollercoaster and the Sooty show".
A third person commented: "The high dive show was brilliant and myself and my husband loved the nostalgia of the sooty show".
Away from Sooty Land, Crealy Theme Park & Resort in Devon is home to over 60 rides and attractions.
Other rides include Twister, Vortex, Maximus, the Flying Dutchman and a water ride called Tidal Wave.
Crealy Theme Park & Resort is open on Saturdays and Sundays in January, February and March.
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Tickets for guests over 92cm start from £14 per person, with anyone shorter than this height going free.
Crealy Theme Park & Resort is a 20-minute drive from Exeter.
Children's TV characaters at other UK theme parks
TWO other theme parks in the UK also have themed areas based on popular children's TV characters.
Paultons Park is the home of Peppa Pig World. At the theme park, visitors will find Grampy Rabbit's Sailing Club, The Queen's Flying Coach, Grandpa Pig's Little Train, and Peppa's Big Balloon in the Peppa Pig World. Kids can also enjoy play areas, as well as meet and greets with Peppa Pig and George Pig.
Set inside Alton Towers, CBeebies Land is home to several rides and attractions based on children's TV shows. This area of Alton Towers opened in 2014 and is currently home to 13 family-friendly rides. Some of which include Hey Duggee, Octonauts, Postman Pat and Peter Rabbit.