The town that turned its dead mall into a zombie theme park

In the heart of Lancashire, England, the once-thriving Camelot Theme Park had become a relic of the past after closing its gates in 2012. Left to the elements, the medieval-themed amusement park stood as a ghostly reminder of bygone days. But in 2022, the park found an unexpected resurrection, not as a traditional attraction, but as a full-blown zombie apocalypse experience.

The new life came in the form of Camelot Rises, an immersive drive-thru horror show created by Park N’ Party. Visitors stayed in their vehicles while navigating through a post-apocalyptic zone filled with undead creatures, military checkpoints, and foggy wastelands. The final stop? A massive outdoor screen showing cult horror classics to cap off the night.

The eerie vibes of the decaying park only added to the realism. Crumbling castle facades and overgrown rides now served as perfect backdrops for the undead to roam. What was once a kid-friendly escape had become a nightmare you paid to survive.

The concept struck a chord with horror lovers and urban explorers alike. But Camelot isn’t alone in this trend. In Monroeville, Pennsylvania, the Monroeville Mall has embraced its status as the filming location of George Romero’s “Dawn of the Dead” by hosting an annual Living Dead Weekend, complete with fan meet-ups and zombie walks.

Then there’s Field of Screams in Mountville, Pennsylvania, a haunted attraction built on farmland that draws over 75,000 visitors a year. Featuring hayrides, haunted houses, and twisted trails, it’s proof that the dead can still drive foot traffic.

These places are more than scare factories. They’re a clever way to reclaim forgotten spaces, give fans something unforgettable, and flip decay into demand. Where others see ruins, these towns see resurrection, powered by fog machines, makeup artists, and the undying popularity of a good scare.