A new indoor family adventure park called FunParx is set to open at Castle Quay in Banbury in summer 2026, bringing a large new attraction to the town centre and creating around 50 jobs, according to the shopping centre.
FunParx will open in the former Debenhams unit and will cover around 50,000 sq ft, with capacity for up to 250 visitors per hour.
Castle Quay says the new venue is designed as an all-weather destination for families, teenagers and groups, with a mix of inflatable and physical play zones, games and soft play areas for younger children.
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.”
What will be inside FunParx?
According to Castle Quay, planned attractions include:
- A giant inflatable arena with ball pits
- Ninja-style assault courses and obstacle challenges
- Slide zones
- Arcade games
- Inflatable sports pitches and carnival-style games
- Soft play zones for younger children
- A bar games area (including pool and air hockey)
How much will it cost?
FunParx says it aims to keep pricing accessible, with a family-of-four ticket expected to cost around £25. But exact ticket structure, session lengths and peak/off-peak pricing have not yet been published.
Why this matters for Banbury
Castle Quay says FunParx is the latest phase in the centre’s broader shift from retail-only to a mixed destination for shopping, food and entertainment, following a £65m regeneration.
Centre director Oliver Wren said 2025 saw more than two million visitors at the Waterfront and The Light, and that FunParx adds another reason for families and young people to spend time in the town centre.
What’s confirmed vs TBC
Confirmed
- Opening: summer 2026
- Location: former Debenhams unit, Castle Quay
- Size: 50,000 sq ft; capacity up to 250 visitors/hour
- Jobs: around 50 roles
- Price indicator: ~£25 for a family of four
- Mix: inflatables, assault courses, arcade, sports inflatables, soft play, bar games
Still to be confirmed (worth checking before you go)
- Age and height rules for specific zones
- Session lengths / peak-time booking
- Food and drink (onsite café/party catering)
- Birthday party packages
- Accessibility details (step-free routes, quiet sessions, sensory-friendly times)
- Opening hours and school holiday schedules
How to get there
Location: Castle Quay, Banbury town centre, by the Oxford Canal, off Castle Street.
Castle Quay is a walkable destination from Banbury’s central bus stops and within reach of the rail station for day visitors.
Parking: Castle Quay has town-centre parking and EV charging (Castle Quay highlights transport links and parking as part of its offer).
For exact car park tariffs and entrances, readers should check the centre website closer to opening.
