Castle Quay has announced that FunParx, a new indoor multi-activity adventure park, will open in summer 2026, bringing a major new family attraction to the heart of Banbury.
Set to open in the former Debenhams unit, FunParx will transform the space into a vibrant indoor playground for all ages covering 50,000 sq ft of exciting play and activity zones. The park will be able to welcome up to 250 visitors per hour and will create 50 new jobs in Banbury, making it a major addition to the town’s leisure and employment offer.
Visitors can expect a giant inflatable arena with ball pits, ninja-style assault courses, obstacle challenges, slide city, arcade games, inflatable sports pitches, carnival-style games and dedicated soft play zones for younger children. A bar games area with pool, air hockey and classic games will add to the experience, making FunParx a destination for teenagers, families and groups of friends alike.
FunParx co-founder and Banbury local, Matt Tofts, said: “We are so excited to be opening in Banbury. This site is going to be fantastic for everyone, and we cannot wait to welcome people in to experience all the fun.”
FunParx also plans to keep prices accessible, with a family of four ticket expected to cost around £25, making it an affordable day out for local families.
The announcement marks another milestone in Castle Quay’s transformation following a £65 million regeneration, which has seen the centre evolve from a traditional retail space into a vibrant canalside destination combining shopping, dining, entertainment and culture.
The Waterfront and Lock29 have reshaped Banbury’s social scene, with independent food traders, restaurants and outdoor terraces creating a lively hub alongside the Oxford Canal. The Light Banbury has further strengthened the leisure offer, attracting visitors from across the region with its cinema, bowling, climbing, gaming and rooftop dining.
Major national brands, including Boots, Waterstones, Superdrug, The Entertainer and F Hinds, have also recently renewed their commitment to the centre, demonstrating continued confidence in Castle Quay’s future.
Oliver Wren, Centre Director at Castle Quay, said: “2025 was a landmark year for Castle Quay, with more than two million visitors enjoying our Waterfront and The Light continuing to attract people of all ages. We’ve also seen strong confidence from our retail and leisure partners through a number of key lease renewals, which shows just how far Castle Quay has come.”
He continued, “It’s incredibly exciting to be building on that momentum in 2026, with the relocation of Banbury Library and now the fantastic news that FunParx will be joining us. Our vision is for Castle Quay to be a place where people come to spend time, not just shop and FunParx will add another brilliant reason for families and young people to visit and enjoy the town centre.”
With excellent transport links, parking, EV charging and family-friendly facilities, Castle Quay continues to grow as a full-day destination, offering residents and visitors even more reasons to spend time in Banbury.